The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver

Opened in 1986, The Sutton Place Hotel has a traditionally elegant design, with lots of patterned marble, rich wood furniture, gilded accents, and warm earth tones. Doormen at the entrance set the tone, while the lobby's lampshade chandeliers, white crown molding, and carpeted staircase continue the classic feel. While most guests find the decor charming, others have found it dated, and some minor wear is evident. A hallway to the left of the front desk connects the main hotel and find-dining seafood spot to La Grande Residence, the apartment-style tower with kitchen-equipped units. Rooms take on a similar design as common areas, and many offer gorgeous vistas from their floor-to-ceiling windows. Unfortunately, rooms by the elevators often have noise issues, and some maintenance issues have been reported. While the lobby is often abuzz with business travelers, and families and couples on vacation, areas such as the indoor pool and adjacent outdoor terrace are quiet. Overall, this is a good pick for a downtown property with an old-fashioned feel, particularly for cruise travelers wanting to be near the port, but travelers seeking a more modern style should look into Loden Hotel.

One of the hotel's greatest assets is its central setting in downtown Vancouver. The immediate streets are filled with restaurants and shops, and dozens more are within an easy 10-minute walk. The trendy restaurants, bars, and galleries of Gastown are about a 22-minute walk (five-minute drive), while Sunset Beach Park is a 15-minute walk in the opposite direction. Granville Island is a seven-minute drive, or roughly 25-minute walk and ferry ride. Vancouver Aquarium is about a 15-minute drive. Canada Place cruise port is a four-minute drive, while Vancouver International Airport is a 20- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic. 

The 397 rooms here are traditionally elegant, with dark-wood furniture -- including poster beds and desks with brass handles -- thick tan textured carpet, beige striped walls, patterned armchairs, and gold-framed floral artwork. The look is pretty and classic, and floor-to-ceiling windows bright the spaces during the day, as well as provide lovely city views in many. Standard amenities consist of flat-screen TVs, tables, coffeemakers, iPod dock alarms, minibars, and closets with robes, safes, ironing facilities, and umbrellas. Unfortunately, no free bottled water is provided and Wi-Fi requires a pricey daily fee. Also on the downside, rooms close to the elevators may experience noise issues throughout the day and night. Bathrooms are a highlight, decked out in marble and housing both shower stalls and separate tubs. Free toiletries, hairdryers, and electronic scales (which didn't work in our room) are also provided.

All the expected features of a luxury hotel are accounted for here, including quality dining. Open to both the street and hotel lobby, the Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar is an upscale spot serving typical breakfast fare and lunch and dinner menus heavy on seafood. The cozy Gerard Lounge is an English-style spot with a fireplace, warm wood paneling, and leather seating, serving cocktails and light bites. Room service is available 24/7, with a dedicated kids' menu. A small store also sells coffee, snacks, and sundries, plus there's a wine shop adjacent to the hotel.An indoor lap pool sits next to a hot tub, and they're in a space with a wall and ceiling of glass windows, keeping it bright in the daytime. Towels are provided here and there are a handful of cushioned loungers. Outside of here is a quiet concrete terrace with a ping-pong table, tables, and additional loungers. Vida Spa specializes in Ayurvedic treatments, but offers a range of salon and massage treatments. A small but well-equipped gym has a variety of cardio and strength-training equipment, and free weights. Meeting and event spaces are on-site. Wi-Fi and parking both require hefty daily fees, and pets are allowed for a non-refundable fee.