The Sylvia Hotel

Hotels
8.8 (1719 reviews)
1154 Gilford Street , Vancouver , ca

Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Business center
Heating
Family rooms
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Cleanliness
Comfortable rooms
Cons:
Minor cleanliness issues
Dated amenities
Limited gluten-free food options

Categories

Cleanliness
8.26
Specific sentiment from text, cleanliness was mentioned positively in most reviews, but some noted minor issues like stains.
Service
9.23
Guests frequently praised the friendly and helpful staff, indicating a strong positive sentiment in service.
Location
9.27
The hotel’s location received numerous compliments for being convenient and offering great views.
Room Quality
8.72
Room quality was generally good, though some reviews indicated dated details; overall, rooms were described as comfortable.
Amenities
8.75
Amenities were not specifically mentioned in detail, so standard expectations for this hotel tier apply.
Value for Money
8.71
Value for money was perceived as good based on positive comments about prices and overall experience.
Food and Beverage
8.26
Food quality received some positive mentions, but there were concerns regarding gluten-free options.
Overall Experience
9.23
Overall experience was described positively, with many guests expressing a desire to return.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 07:04

Property Description

Stunning Ocean Views and Convenient Location

Oceanfront Dining and Comfortable Accommodations

The Sylvia Hotel offers a unique blend of comfort and convenience with its on-site restaurant and lounge overlooking Vancouver's English Bay. Guests can enjoy delicious meals while taking in the stunning ocean views. The bright and cozy guestrooms, some with full kitchens and sofa beds, provide a comfortable stay for visitors.

Meeting Facilities and Outdoor Activities

For business travelers, the hotel offers a meeting room with hosting facilities. Additionally, guests can take advantage of the hotel's prime location by engaging in outdoor activities like cycling, walking, or rollerblading along the nearby seawall. With Stanley Park just a short walk away, guests have easy access to nature and recreation.

Book your stay at The Sylvia Hotel now to experience the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure by the ocean.

Important information:

Upon check-in photo identification and credit card are required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.

Please note, the guest's credit card will be preauthorised on the day of arrival for total room rate and tax.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: YVR

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.

  • Parking

    Public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs CAD 25 per day.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for CAD 5 per person per night when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 1 year old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    People no matter the age stay for CAD 15 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.8
Based on 1719 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.26
Service: 9.23
Location: 9.27
Room Quality: 8.72
Amenities: 8.75
Value for Money: 8.71
Food and Beverage: 8.26
Overall Experience: 9.23
P
Pamela couple us
10
Amazing location, wonderful staff, historically, beautiful, can’t go wrong! Will return for sure.
Pros:

First time to Vancouver for me. What an excellent introduction by staying at the Sylvia. Top on the list with all the staff were incredibly kind and friendly. The location was amazing. The café/restaurant/bar I think are probably one of the best places to hang out eat and drink right on the water and walk out the front door for a walk in Stanley Park. A quick walk to one of the little ferry boats that brings you to. The island. I will for sure return.

Cons:

Can’t think of a thing I didn’t like

2026-07-04 via Nuitee
K
Kristen couple us
10
Will be back yearly!
Pros:

Historic ambience and location the best!

Cons:

No hear regulation in the room?

2026-07-04 via Nuitee
J
Jon solo_traveller gb
10
2026-07-04 via Nuitee
J
Joyann solo_traveller us
10
Whenever I stay at The Sylvia, it feels like coming home.
Pros:

It’s my home away from home. The staff, the comfort, location, history… the beds and bathtubs! It’s alive and social and it’s right across from the seawall. The hotel’s history feels present (which is cool) and it attracts really interesting guests. They also allow my dog and cat, who love it as much as I do. The in-house restaurant is fun and social, with live music on weekends. Anything else is a short walk/drive away. Finally, the parking rate is fair, for a beachfront property.

Cons:

It’s not a dislike, it’s a wish. I think they’d benefit from adding ductless mini split systems, to their west facing rooms. It would reduce heat & noise. If the lights in the new lifts aren’t LED, I wish they were. It can get warm in there. I’m only mentioning this in case they ever get stuck. They’re nice & new though. This is preemptive wish.

2026-07-03 via Nuitee
K
Karen solo_traveller us
8
Overall, our day was great. There were plenty of restaurants down the street on Denman and lots of walking opportunities
Pros:

We were in a less touristy area, which we prefer in English bay.

Cons:

The rooms are a little dated

2026-07-03 via Nuitee
K
Klara solo_traveller it
3
Way too expensive, old but not looked after! So many better options in the neighborhood! Smelly!
Pros:

Position is fantastic!

Cons:

People at reception were partly rather arrogant and unfriendly. No kettle in the room but tea bags, no camomile available, when I asked for it I was given one bag with a remark that it is ‘not provided’!

2026-07-03 via Nuitee
O
Oleh couple ca
10
Pros:

Top-notch staff!

2026-07-01 via Nuitee
J
JandB_M Couples Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
10
Just like home
Pros:

Having grown up in Vancouver, staying at the Sylvia always feels like coming “home”!

2026-06-28 via Tripadvisor
P
Petek couple ca
8
Pros:

Very nice restaurant and service. The room as quite warm but comfortable enough. The location was absolutely fantastic.

Cons:

The cost of the hotel was prohibitive as it was about double what is would be in the winter months. Truly unfortunate as we love this hotel.

2026-06-28 via Nuitee
T
Tolga solo_traveller de
8
2026-06-28 via Nuitee
S
Sightsee34104295949 Family
2
Forget this place. I wish I could get my $$ back.
Pros:

How did this place get a great review? It was GROSS! I love old buildings, but this was BAD! DIRTY! WAY overpriced. It was MUSTY! Staff was so flat lined. Restaurant was dirty! I felt like I was in a boarding house.

2026-06-26 via Tripadvisor
R
Ryan solo_traveller ca
8
2026-06-25 via Nuitee
C
Christina couple us
8
2026-06-24 via Nuitee
G
garydE4545TD Couples
10
Relaxing
Pros:

Great location right on English bay close to the ferries.

2026-06-23 via Tripadvisor
J
Jacqueline solo_traveller de
7
2026-06-23 via Nuitee
A
Adam solo_traveller us
9
Pros:

Location and nice staff

Cons:

It’s quite old

2026-06-23 via Nuitee
N
Natalia solo_traveller ca
9
Pros:

Such a classy place. Enjoyed every moment!

2026-06-22 via Nuitee
W
Willem couple lu
7
Great location but should cost less than half of what I payed
Pros:

Great location. Staff was kind and helped.

Cons:

Overpriced, even by their own standards. A room booked on the night was offered for less than half the cost of a room booked in February. Maybe the world cup influence as well.

2026-06-22 via Nuitee
N
Nicola couple ca
8
Classic old hotel with great location on English Bay
Pros:

The location on English Bay is spectacular. The hotel is old but kept up. The staff were friendly and helpful. Beds are very comfortable and windows open.

Cons:

Was at times noisy in the night with people shouting on the street

2026-06-22 via Nuitee
A
April couple ca
9
2026-06-21 via Nuitee