The Sylvia Hotel

Have been staying here since the 90s and well before the renovation. My main issue has to do with animals in rooms and the staff attitudes. After the first day, I noticed I was having a strong allergic reaction, likely from cats or dogs staying in the room. When I mentioned this to the front desk, plus the fact that the room was a long way and had an injured leg - I got a mild rebuke and platitude that they’re a ‘pet friendly’ hotel and that they do “deep cleaning”. No offer of any solution, and similar when I checked out by a sanctimonious manager. The hall carpets were also filthy and old furniture was stacked in the hall. I observed the maid staff vacuuming a room too and can tell you it didn’t look like ‘deep cleaning’. This isn’t a five star experience. If you’re going to expose guests to allergens, you have a duty to post in large capital letters on your booking pages “Animals are allowed in all rooms and if you have allergies you should stay elsewhere”. Otherwise it’s a health hazard and a failure to accommodate (in this case, doubly so). I get it, it’s a cute thing to offer but you also have to consider that around 20-30% of people in the US have a pet allergy, so a balance or at least a strong health warning needs to be made. Also, for an iconic location, the bar offerings seem less than stellar. For a double gin and tonic, it tasted like water. There was no discussion of what type of gin and there’s a big difference between house and premium, plus no whisper of any guest discount or coupon or happy hour. It’s all so lackluster and parsimonious, again, not befitting an operation which should be amongst the worlds best. Unfortunately, Vancouver failed to plan for being a tourism top destination and there’s a severe shortage of reasonable hotels (and they know it), so not a lot of alternatives.

Excellent restaurant, good walking to Stanley Park & downtown Vancouver

Perfect Girl’s Escape to the Ocean, nice suite, friendly service. Early morning walks on the beach, sumptuous breakfast, live music in the lounge with cocktails. Our favourite place to stay in YVR. Looking forward to coming back soon. Thanks Rios Trios for a wonderful night of beautiful music. Dog friendly hotel that caters to guests making you feel at home.

The location is great

Fantastic location, the rooms are lovely and the staff were amazing, very welcoming. The restaurant was so good I highly recommend this hotel when visiting Vancouver! Walking distance to some great restaurants.

My husband & I have been coming to stay at the Sylvia the last few years to wind down after the holidays and celebrate our anniversary on January 3rd. It is the most enjoyable and relaxing time. Our room is comfortable and the restaurant & bar serve wonderful meals and afternoon cocktails with humour and friendly chats. The staff is wonderful. It gives us a day or two of wandering around our own city without the usual haste. Some of our friends have started to join us after we have told them how much we enjoy it.
We will look forward to seeing you all again next year!

Fantastic location! Close to the water, trails and restaurants! Very friendly, helpful staff!

Everything

Location, Restraunt and Bar and Historical vibe.

I used to come to this hotel with my family growing up, and nothing has changed - in a good way! Our room was so comfortable, the staff were great, we loved our breakfasts in the sun room, and the location was perfect for getting bikes to Stanley Park. Looking forward to our next visit.

I’ve been enjoying breakfast and lunch at the Sylvia Hotel’s lounge for many years and wanted to commend Nathaniel Carmel for the exceptional service he provides. He is an exemplary employee who consistently delivers outstanding service and deserves recognition. While the service industry should always strive for excellence, I often find that this standard is not always met. Nathaniel is truly an asset to your establishment. I always feel welcome and treated professionally with a caring attitude. Gisele

Loved the history and deco of the hotel. Staff were lovely and helpful. Onsite parking was appreciated. Rooms were very comfortable and had a great shower. Great location right near Stanley Park and the beach.

Gute Lage, toller Blick auf die English Bay vom Restaurant. Das Personal war sehr freundlich.

Spent Christmas at the Sylvia again, and it was as lovely as ever. Marvellous staff, Bayside King room with excellent view of English Bay. My dog loved being there too. We watched the brave swimmers on Christmas morning!

Always love the Sylvia. Been coming since 1975.

Love the history of this hotel. Location beside Stanley Park is excellent and close to cafes on Denman Street.