The average hotel room in Vancouver costs $260 per night – so excuse me for not writing an article on the best cheap hotels in Vancouver until now.
If you’re looking to avoid paying what locals ironically call the paradise tax without sacrificing cleanliness and safety then we’ve got some great cheap Vancouver hotels here.
No skid row, no fumigation needs – just good beds for good people! Let’s take a look.
The Best Cheap Hotels in Vancouver: Downtown Budget Hotels for Sightseeing & Airport Options
The Barclay Hotel
☆☆1/2 | Area: West End | 1348 Robson St. | Skytrain: City Centre
This cozy heritage hotel is located along Robson Street, just steps from Vancouver’s main shopping district.
Its fantastic location places you within walking distance of a myriad of dining and nightlife options. And it happens to be situated just 1.5km from Stanley Park and 2km from English Bay Beach, offering its guests a perfect respite from urban life.
While the property is on the older side, the rooms are well-maintained and include all of the modern amenities one would expect in a downtown hotel. And the friendly service assures that it’ll become your Vancouver “home away from home”.
Perhaps most importantly, the Barclay is consistently one of the best hotel deals in downtown Vancouver on all of the major booking sites.
Top Amenities: On-site bar and restaurant, 24 hr front desk, tour desk, concierge service, business centre, laundry service
Related: Best Pet Friendly Hotels in Vancouver
Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Vancouver
☆☆½ | Area: Granville Strip | 1221 Granville St. | Skytrain: Yaletown
Naturally, most of the best hotels in Downtown Vancouver have prices to match. Thankfully, the Ramada by Wyndham is located right in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, yet still has a great price-quality ratio.
Their modern, spacious rooms are also perfect for those looking to cheaply check off major Vancouver attractions and explore the nearby Entertainment District, home to Vancouver’s best bars.
What’s more, the Ramada’s great location makes it one of our favourite hotels near the Vancouver Cruise Terminal.
All in all, if you’re looking to spend more time out than in, look no further than the Ramada.
Top Amenities: Morrissey Pub, restaurant, business facilities. free fitness passes, dry cleaning, concierge service
Book the Ramada Wyndham Vancouver
The St. Clair Hotel Hostel
☆ | Area: Gastown | 577 Richards St | Skytrain: Granville
The St. Clair is a property that tows the line between that of a hotel and a hostel; hence the name.
In addition to male and female-specific dorms, it also counts a variety of private rooms. This makes it a great option for couples, groups, or even families who are visiting Vancouver on a budget.
Visitors looking for the traditional backpacker hostel-type vibe may be a little disappointed. The St. Clair’s atmosphere definitely has more of a budget hotel feel than that of a traditional hostel.
There’s a small lounge but has little on offer in terms of activities. Consider it hostel prices without all the energy, optimal if you’re looking for a quiet stay.
Top Amenities: Dorm rooms, private rooms, lockers, laundry, baggage storage, 24 hr security, game room
Unsure where to find your budget hotel in Vancouver? Read our post on the best areas to stay in Vancouver.
Best Western Plus Sands
☆☆☆ | Area: West End | 1755 Davie St. | Skytrain: N/A
The Best Western Plus Sands is located directly above the vibrant intersection of Davie and Denman.
Not only does this provide you with a plethora of great options for dining and drinking. But it also places you right across the street from Vancouver’s best beaches and a short walk down the Vancouver Seawall from Stanley Park.
LGTBQ+ travellers in particular will feel at home. As Vancouver’s famed Davie street “gaybourhood” is just a few short blocks away.
The hotel’s fantastic waterfront views and two on-site bars will ensure you receive plenty of bang for your buck.
Top Amenities: The Park Restaurant, The Bayside Lounge, concierge services, fitness centre, sauna, laundry facilities
Book the Best Western Plus Sands
Moving onto to a ski holiday in Whistler? Check out the best hotels in Whistler.
The Victorian Hotel
☆☆☆ | Area: Gastown | 514 Homer St. | Skytrain: Granville
The historic Victoria Hotel was constructed during the Klondike gold rush in 1898, making it Vancouver’s longest-running hotel. The property definitely has the old-school charm and period antiquities to match.
The Victorian’s stunningly designed ‘Euro Rooms’ are specifically catered to value travellers looking to try something different. This means guests share bathrooms with three other rooms, though rooms with private bathrooms are also available.
As with most cheap hotels in Vancouver, you’ll usually find great deals on Priceline (link below), granting you true boutique accommodation in one of Vancouver’s most historic properties
Top Amenities: High ceilings, hardwood floors, private bathrooms (non-Euro rooms), shared bathrooms (Euro rooms), business centre, concierge service, Nespresso coffee machines, designer toiletries, custom Serta pillows, luxurious bathrobes, deep soaker tubs (deluxe rooms)
Related: Best Cheap Hotels in Victoria
The Tropicana Suite Hotel
☆☆ | Area: West End | 1361 Robson St. | Skytrain: City Centre/Burrard
The Tropicana Suite Hotel is located amongst some of the best shopping in Vancouver, near legendary Robson Street.
You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to nightlife and dining options.
Interestingly, the Tropicana is a suite-only property. All rooms have a separate bedroom and a living room anointed with a cable TV, dining area and a work desk. Options for a hide-a-bed and fully equipped kitchens are also available for families and larger groups.
The décor may feel a bit outdated, but the Tropicana lets you snag a suite in one of Vancouver’s most desired locations for just north of $100.
Top Amenities: Suites, hide-a-beds, dining area, kitchenettes, laundry facilities, car rental, sauna
Related: How Many Days Do I Need to Spend in Vancouver?
The YWCA Hotel Vancouver
☆☆☆ | Area: Stadium | 733 Beatty St. | Skytrain: Stadium-Chinatown
The YWCA Hotel is one of the best cheap Vancouver hotels – and its Stadium District location makes it a great option for visiting concertgoers and sports fans.
The surprisingly well-designed rooms have everything associated with a 3-star hotel like televisions, phones etc. However, the YWCA also offers many of the benefits of the best hostels in Vancouver, providing guests with full access to laundry and cooking facilities.
The hotel is comparable with many of the larger chains in the 3-4 star range. In fact, for a couple or group, the cost of a room will often end up being cheaper than a hostel, with a much higher level of service and cleanliness.
Top Amenities: Laundry facilities, fully stocked communal kitchens, coffee shop, fitness centre, handicapped rooms
Rosellen Suites at Stanley Park
☆☆☆ | Area: West End | 2030 Barclay St. | Skytrain: N/A
As the name implies, the Rosellen Suites are nestled beside Stanley Park in a quiet corner of Vancouver’s hip West End neighbourhood.
This tranquil setting is a great option if you’re looking for a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of downtown Vancouver – but still, be within striking distance of great dining and nightlife options.
It’s also a short stroll down Vancouver’s famed Seawall to Denman Street’s plentiful bike rental options. All the while, the amenities of this all-suite hotel will allow you to feel right at home.
Top Amenities: Spacious suites, separate living and dining areas, well-equipped kitchens, welcome basket (water/popcorn/coffee), passes to nearby fitness centre & pool, laundry facilities, concierge service
Moving on to BC’s capital city? Check out the best hotels in Victoria BC.
The Burrard
☆☆☆ | Area: DT Centre| 1100 Burrard St. | Skytrain: Burrard/City Centre
This is one of the original cheap Vancouver hotels downtown, originally opening in 1956 as a Motor Inn.
However, the old courtyard-style parking lot was recently moved underground and replaced with a lush garden oasis. The décor was then updated to a hip West Coast “mid-century modern” theme that simply oozes retro-cool.
The Burrard adds plenty of substance to its boutique style, with updated rooms fully loaded with amenities. And the property is centrally located just minutes from Davie Village, the Granville Strip, Robson Street and Yaletown.
Top Amenities: Courtyard oasis, free Brodie Cruiser bike rentals, laundry facilities, Burgoo Restaurant, Elsyian Coffee House, mini fridge, Nespresso machines, business centre
Days Inn by Wyndham Vancouver Airport
☆☆☆ | Area: YVR/Richmond | 2840 Sexsmith Rd. | Skytrain: Bridgeport
The need for affordable Vancouver hotels isn’t exclusive to tourists looking to enjoy Vancouver’s top attractions.
It also extends to Vancouver airport hotels near Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The Days Inn Vancouver Airport is a perfect budget option for those who aren’t looking to break the bank for a quick layover.
Most importantly, the hotel offers free breakfast and a free airport shuttle to make sure you catch your flight on time. But its location near Bridgeport Station also allows you to make a quick trip into Downtown Vancouver with ease.
Summer in Vancouver brings the famous Richmond Night Market which is a short walk away. Or, if you’d prefer, you can opt to roll the dice at the nearby River Rock Casino.
In all, this is one of the only cheap hotels near Vancouver airport so if you’ve got a flight, it’s an easy choice.
Top Amenities: Free airport shuttle, free breakfast, early check-in, business centre, mini-fridge
Related: Best Hostels in Whistler
Vancouver Budget Hotel Map
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How to Book Vancouver’s Best Budget Hotels
We had the choice of many booking platforms, but we chose Priceline.com because they have the greatest selection of cheap hotels in Vancouver and a Best Price Guarantee policy.
It also has one of the simplest booking mechanisms, allowing travellers to be booked in two minutes or less:
- Click the orange buttons above or head to the best budget hotels in Vancouver
- Click the blue “Select Dates” button, enter your dates, and click “Update Dates”
- You’ll be given a list of available rooms for your dates with the lowest price guarantee
- Click the green “Book” button near your preferred room
- Fill out your personal details and follow the payment instructions
- If you can find a better deal after booking – they’ll refund the difference.
Again, we’ve put thousands of hours into this website so booking using our links is greatly appreciated ?
Also, if you have any doubts we offer a free consultation service to all our readers so if you need help planning, get in touch below!
Vancouver Budget Hotel FAQ
What is a good area to stay in downtown Vancouver?
Visitors looking to be close to transit and Vancouver’s top attractions will enjoy hotels in the Central DT area (Granville Strip, Burrard Street, Robson Street, Stadium District etc.). While those who’d prefer to be closer to the beach and Stanley Park should opt for the relative peace and tranquillity of the West End.
What areas should be avoided in downtown Vancouver?
While Downtown Vancouver is generally quite safe, we would be wary of booking a hotel anywhere in the Downtown Eastside (DTES), the city’s poorest neighbourhood. The neighbouring areas of Gastown and Chinatown can also be a little on the grittier side, especially at night. So you may wish to avoid staying there as well.
However, we’ve generally avoided including any options in these areas in our list. So any property discussed above should be considered safe.
What is the average cost of a Vancouver hotel room?
Vancouver’s popularity as a tourist destination has led to an ever-increasing occupancy rate. Unfortunately, this has led to a relatively high average hotel room rate of $260 CAD, according to Tourism Vancouver. Of course, this number may fluctuate according to the season and your time of booking.
What are the best cheap hotels in Vancouver?
The Vancouver budget hotel that receives the best overall reviews is the YWCA Hotel in the Stadium District. Travellers willing to fork out a few extra dollars for a boutique experience will also enjoy the popular Burrard and Victorian Hotel. Both of these properties uniquely combine modern comforts with unique retro vibes at a reasonable cost.
How can I stay in Vancouver for cheap?
Vancouver is both an expensive city in which to live and to visit. Visiting outside the peak summer tourist season (July/August) is a good start if you’re looking to save a few bucks. But planning your trip as far ahead as possible is the best way to access cheap accommodation in Vancouver.
Lastly, we recommend booking your stay using our partners at Priceline to access a low-price guarantee on your hotel of choice.
Ready to Book a Cheap Hotel in Vancouver BC?
Hopefully I’ve managed to find you a room in one of the best budget hotels in Vancouver.
But let’s not stop here. If you’ve got any other questions about visiting Vancouver I’m here to help, be it on the Vancouver Planner Facebook page or in the comments section below.
Thanks again,
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