British Columbia's Hotels
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for British Columbia, Canada.
Picture the scene: arriving in a town late at night with barely a soul in sight after driving on the highway for what seems like eternity looking for a blinking "Vacancy" sign like a beacon beckoning forlorn travellers to rest their weary heads. But what if there is no room at the inn? While hotels in British Columbia number in the thousands, from budget franchises to boutique hotels, the savvier of travellers know that researching accommodation before arriving at their destination can lead to a more satisfying stay since no two hotels are built equally.
CONSIDERING THE OPTIONS
Location, Amenities & Budget
BC hotels in general have excellent amenities and vary by the standard of their accommodation. There are certain amenities guests can expect of all hotels: front desk service, private ensuite bathrooms, in-room telephones, in-room televisions, and smoke alarms/fire detectors. The competition among mid-range chains such as Best Western, Howard Johnson, Super 8, Days Inn, Econolodge and Ramada has benefited travellers with many amenities that are available for free, which isn't the case with even some of the high-end or boutique hotels. Guests can expect free high-speed Internet access, complimentary continental breakfasts, free daily newspapers and free local and long distance calls. Swimming pools, fitness rooms and business centres are also popular extras frequently available.
Generally, higher-end hotels offer less free amenities but more services. Chains such as the Marriott, Sheraton, Westin and Delta often feature superior on-site restaurants and cocktail lounges, convenient locations, conference facilities, concierge services, individual climate control, luxury bed linens and state-of-the-art fitness facilities.
Those looking for ultimate luxury will find it at five-star chains like Fairmont, Shangri La and Four Seasons. Such chains are normally located only in large cities and in BC, that means Vancouver and Victoria. Full-service spas, gourmet dining run by renowned chefs, butler service, high-end decor and a general air of elegance are expectations that can be fulfilled at these types of properties.
In any major city, visitors have the choice of staying downtown, in various neighbourhoods such as business or entertainment districts, by the airport, or just off a major highway. Hotels are typically located in well-populated areas making them easy to find and readily accessible.
Hotel Fees
In BC, visitors should expect to pay additional taxes on top of the hotel rate for stays that are under a month. Hotel Room Tax, as it is known, is eight per cent of the room charge before taxes. In addition, a Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) of five per cent is also tacked on the end.
GEOGRAPHY
West Coast
The largest concentration of hotels is located within the lower mainland where there is the greatest population. Because of its economy and scenery, the region attracts a high volume of business and leisure travellers alike. Vancouver is easily the largest centre in BC and a full range of hotels are found here. High-end hotels are located downtown, such as the Shangri La Vancouver and the new Fairmont Pacific Rim with its rooftop pool and lounge. Budget hotels are usually farther from the centre. The Best Western Exhibition Park is one such example. But with an excellent transportation system, location is hardly an issue in Vancouver.
The Greater Vancouver area is comprised by many cities, most offering budget to mid-range hotels and rates that are more wallet-friendly than those of the inner city. Look for accommodations in bedroom communities like Richmond, Chilliwack, Burnaby, Abbotsford, White Rock, Maple Ridge and Surrey.
The Islands
The province's capital, Victoria is not short of hotels to choose from. The Fairmont Empress, with its commanding presence, sits gracefully on its inner harbour throne as the city's first luxury accommodation. Since then, a profusion of hotels have sprung up along the inner harbour and downtown. Some of the most illustrious include the Laurel Point, designed by renowned architect Arthur Erickson, and the Hotel Grand Pacific. In a city where "quaint" is a quintessential, boutique hotels like Hotel Rialto and the Magnolia Hotel and Spa appear around every corner.
Nanaimo, Campbell River, Courtenay, Duncan and Sidney on Vancouver Island have popular chain hotels, from Howard Johnson to Best Western. But more abundant throughout the islands are independently owned and operated hotels that often offer unique accommodation options. While towns like Tofino are rife with resorts, budget-friendly lodging exists at private motels like the Tofino Motel. Visitors won't find chain hotels and motels within the Gulf Islands. Instead, travellers will encounter smaller hotels among inns, bed and breakfasts and vacation properties.
Thompson Okanagan
Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Kamloops and the Shuswap offer the most hotels to choose from within the Okanagan region. Amidst resorts and bed and breakfasts, chain hotels offer reliable accommodation standards in these popular destinations. In smaller communities like Naramata, the absence of large chains has made room for places like the Village Motel to thrive with its idyllic gardens, homey decor and barbeque patio.
BC Rockies
Cradled by the Rocky Mountains, one would be hard-pressed to find a hotel without a mountain view. Accommodations in this area are largely comprised of campgrounds and lodges. But hotels do exist and are a good option for those who appreciate amenities such as swimming pools and fitness rooms, for example. Griz Inn in Fernie is located mountainside and includes units that are suited with full kitchens for added convenience. Radium Hot Springs has an abundance of independent hotels and motels, many of which are laden with window boxes overflowing with flowers in the summer.
Central & Northern BC
Outside of larger centres like Fort Nelson, Terrace, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Prince George and Prince Rupert, not many chain hotels are found here. And in places where they do exist, expect economy and mid-range brands that offer casual convenience in the neck of BC where things are more low-key. The area is not as developed as other parts of the province, leaving an abundance of natural areas intact and lending to an array of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and hunting. Hotels and motels then cater to this market providing a good place to bunk for the night. The Two Rivers Lodge in Telkwa is situated on the banks of the Bulkey River offering superb fishing opportunities. Another notable hotel includes the Aspen Inn and Suites in the charming town of Smithers. It features an intimate restaurant with a wine-cellar feel, and rooms that include a family suite with a very practical kitchenette.
CONSIDERING THE OPTIONS
Location, Amenities & Budget
BC hotels in general have excellent amenities and vary by the standard of their accommodation. There are certain amenities guests can expect of all hotels: front desk service, private ensuite bathrooms, in-room telephones, in-room televisions, and smoke alarms/fire detectors. The competition among mid-range chains such as Best Western, Howard Johnson, Super 8, Days Inn, Econolodge and Ramada has benefited travellers with many amenities that are available for free, which isn't the case with even some of the high-end or boutique hotels. Guests can expect free high-speed Internet access, complimentary continental breakfasts, free daily newspapers and free local and long distance calls. Swimming pools, fitness rooms and business centres are also popular extras frequently available.
Generally, higher-end hotels offer less free amenities but more services. Chains such as the Marriott, Sheraton, Westin and Delta often feature superior on-site restaurants and cocktail lounges, convenient locations, conference facilities, concierge services, individual climate control, luxury bed linens and state-of-the-art fitness facilities.
Those looking for ultimate luxury will find it at five-star chains like Fairmont, Shangri La and Four Seasons. Such chains are normally located only in large cities and in BC, that means Vancouver and Victoria. Full-service spas, gourmet dining run by renowned chefs, butler service, high-end decor and a general air of elegance are expectations that can be fulfilled at these types of properties.
In any major city, visitors have the choice of staying downtown, in various neighbourhoods such as business or entertainment districts, by the airport, or just off a major highway. Hotels are typically located in well-populated areas making them easy to find and readily accessible.
Hotel Fees
In BC, visitors should expect to pay additional taxes on top of the hotel rate for stays that are under a month. Hotel Room Tax, as it is known, is eight per cent of the room charge before taxes. In addition, a Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) of five per cent is also tacked on the end.
GEOGRAPHY
West Coast
The largest concentration of hotels is located within the lower mainland where there is the greatest population. Because of its economy and scenery, the region attracts a high volume of business and leisure travellers alike. Vancouver is easily the largest centre in BC and a full range of hotels are found here. High-end hotels are located downtown, such as the Shangri La Vancouver and the new Fairmont Pacific Rim with its rooftop pool and lounge. Budget hotels are usually farther from the centre. The Best Western Exhibition Park is one such example. But with an excellent transportation system, location is hardly an issue in Vancouver.
The Greater Vancouver area is comprised by many cities, most offering budget to mid-range hotels and rates that are more wallet-friendly than those of the inner city. Look for accommodations in bedroom communities like Richmond, Chilliwack, Burnaby, Abbotsford, White Rock, Maple Ridge and Surrey.
The Islands
The province's capital, Victoria is not short of hotels to choose from. The Fairmont Empress, with its commanding presence, sits gracefully on its inner harbour throne as the city's first luxury accommodation. Since then, a profusion of hotels have sprung up along the inner harbour and downtown. Some of the most illustrious include the Laurel Point, designed by renowned architect Arthur Erickson, and the Hotel Grand Pacific. In a city where "quaint" is a quintessential, boutique hotels like Hotel Rialto and the Magnolia Hotel and Spa appear around every corner.
Nanaimo, Campbell River, Courtenay, Duncan and Sidney on Vancouver Island have popular chain hotels, from Howard Johnson to Best Western. But more abundant throughout the islands are independently owned and operated hotels that often offer unique accommodation options. While towns like Tofino are rife with resorts, budget-friendly lodging exists at private motels like the Tofino Motel. Visitors won't find chain hotels and motels within the Gulf Islands. Instead, travellers will encounter smaller hotels among inns, bed and breakfasts and vacation properties.
Thompson Okanagan
Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Kamloops and the Shuswap offer the most hotels to choose from within the Okanagan region. Amidst resorts and bed and breakfasts, chain hotels offer reliable accommodation standards in these popular destinations. In smaller communities like Naramata, the absence of large chains has made room for places like the Village Motel to thrive with its idyllic gardens, homey decor and barbeque patio.
BC Rockies
Cradled by the Rocky Mountains, one would be hard-pressed to find a hotel without a mountain view. Accommodations in this area are largely comprised of campgrounds and lodges. But hotels do exist and are a good option for those who appreciate amenities such as swimming pools and fitness rooms, for example. Griz Inn in Fernie is located mountainside and includes units that are suited with full kitchens for added convenience. Radium Hot Springs has an abundance of independent hotels and motels, many of which are laden with window boxes overflowing with flowers in the summer.
Central & Northern BC
Outside of larger centres like Fort Nelson, Terrace, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Prince George and Prince Rupert, not many chain hotels are found here. And in places where they do exist, expect economy and mid-range brands that offer casual convenience in the neck of BC where things are more low-key. The area is not as developed as other parts of the province, leaving an abundance of natural areas intact and lending to an array of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and hunting. Hotels and motels then cater to this market providing a good place to bunk for the night. The Two Rivers Lodge in Telkwa is situated on the banks of the Bulkey River offering superb fishing opportunities. Another notable hotel includes the Aspen Inn and Suites in the charming town of Smithers. It features an intimate restaurant with a wine-cellar feel, and rooms that include a family suite with a very practical kitchenette.
Continental Breakfast
4,000+ Worldwide Hotels
Pet-Friendly Hotel
Garden Setting
Near Sprout Lake
