Vancouver offers accommodation choices ranging from the budget to the luxurious, from the historical to the ultra-modern and in quiet locations by the beach to the bustling streets of the city centre. In the centre numerous high-end leisure and business hotels can be found, and throughout the city there's a good selection of more modestly-priced bed and breakfasts, motels and hotels.

In the heart of downtown, visitors will find the city's major shops, attractions, restaurants and the larger hotel chains and landmark properties. Among the latter is the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, where Queen Elizabeth stays when she's in town. The Fairmont is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city, sporting a green copper chateau-style roof. The Crowne Plaza Hotel has stood opposite since 1927, and the heritage structure is known as the ‘Grand Old Lady of Georgia Street.'

Business travellers will find both the Hyatt Regency and the Four Seasons to be convenient locations offering all the amenities they will need during their stay, along with modern, superior guest rooms. The two hotels are also located adjacent to shopping centres.

The city's best bets for combined water and mountain views are two upscale hotels located at Canada Place. The Fairmont Waterfront has been voted the top business hotel in Canada. The Pan-Pacific is world-famous and luxuriously appointed, making it suitable for business as well as leisure stays. For a more refined property, the Sutton Place Hotel is one of the city's top choices for lavish accommodation in an elegant European style.

Centre city options for the budget-conscious include the Kingston, which is considered the best low-cost hotel in the city. In the heart of Vancouver's club and theatre district are moderately-priced choices such as the Barclay, the Days Inn Vancouver Downtown and the Parkhill.

For those visiting Vancouver to shop, the Pacific Palisades Robson Street location is a good choice. For those looking for views of Stanley Park and the mountains along North Shore, the Westin Bayshore and new Meridian on Beach are perfect choices. To be within a short walk of the park, the Buchan Hotel is a good option.

One of the best-known hotels in this part of the city is the Sylvia Hotel. Having eight ivy-covered storeys, this was the West End's first high-rise building, and the first spot to operate a cocktail bar in the city.

Just across the Lions Gate Bridge lies the green splendour of the city's North Shore. At the foot of the North Shore mountains there are several motels to choose from, such as the Canyon Court Motel and the Ramada Vancouver-Northshore. A number of bed and breakfasts are situated in forested areas. Two popular choices are the Capilano Canyon Guest House and A Lynn Canyon House Bed & Breakfast.

For inexpensive lodging in the centre, there are two youth hostels to choose from, as well as the Jolly Taxpayer Hotel, which is another popular choice with travellers on a budget.