Hotel Sylvia Reviews

The hotel is beautiful with history. The WiFi is okay and the rooms really outdated. But again the history is grea!

Hotel is clean and across from English Bay. The service was wonderful in this historical hotel.

The portions were perfect and the food was cooked very well.

Beautiful older hotel! Very classy! Wonderful staff! Room is spacious with spectacular views. Restaurant was very good!!

I called before booking to make sure I got a high level water view, person who took my call flat out said no to the view because of the plants being in blossom. I thought that was great advice until I arrived. Total loss on my end because any room would have still had a great view. Same guy was there when I checked in, total weirdo. Hotel needs a major remodeling and the front desk can ditch the 1920's information book. Get a computer for gosh sake. I am all for old businesses and buildings staying afloat but this place missed the mark about 20-30 years ago.

A piece of history for Vancouver. Old but classic. The staff were amazing. Would have preferred a corner room for better views but still had a lovely time. Good food too in the restaurant! Tks will be coming back.

Hidden gem. Cheap parking, free for pets, and amazing ocean views.

A spectacular place to stop and enjoy a cocktail or bottle of wine ocean side. A charming piece of Vancouver's history.

If you like Historic Buildings and great service, this is the place for you. Easy parking then walk everywhere else you need to go. If you want to relax or check the vibe. There is something for everyone located a short distance away.

Location was nice as it is near the ocean and the bus line. Rooms were kept well. The kitchen had everything we needed to cook with. The staff were nice and the price of the room was average. Our cats enjoyed the space during the stay.

Cool place... smells like 1950s! Everything seems classically preserved including the vintage elevator with it's clanging sound. Its an experience staying there. Great location too!

Love the Sylvia! Renovated about a year or so ago. Very posh and swishy. Fantastic entertainment the night we went by Bobby Bacchus, Vancouver's Crooning Sensation. We're down there once a month for cocktails and entertainment. Love the food and service, as well

What a pleasant stay great location and the hotel is old but has alot of history beautiful

A beautiful heritage hotel in one of the most iconic and scenic spots in Vancouver. Really enjoyed sitting here while enjoying the beautiful waters of English Bay. Our server was amazing. The service was really good.
The food was ok. I ordered a bun-less veggie burger but it was way overcooked unfortunately and the fries were so salty that I left most of mine (which I almost never do).

The hotel was clean and comfortable. Check-in staff were friendly and efficient. The staff serving breakfast were friendly, but disorganised and took a long time to do anything. The hotel is an old building that is showing some signs of age: loose floor tiles, poor lighting in bathrooms, however, the location is excellent.

Over looking English Bay area who could want more in Vancouver BC

We( husband and I) originally booked the hotel for 4nights but unfortunately checked in a day late. At check in we asked for a complimentary upgrade to make up the lost day since everything was already paid for and was given a bigger room with 2 queen Beds. Not much of an upgrade I think just a changed of room. This was our first disappointment.
The hotel is clearly old and dated as soon as u step in. The leaves growing on the outside of the building gives it such a picturesque look. That was the only good first impression.
As soon as you stepped in the tiny lifts you are hit with a slight unpleasant smell. Then stepped out into the corridor, level 8 the smell hits you again, this time stronger. Our room felt like the carpet and the walls had absorbed the smell. Gosh it was so unpleasant!We opened our windows to air out but pointless! The room was so grimy and dated and needed some serious renovation. They were actually renovating other rooms on level 8. Hopefully it s for the better! Things were rusty, falling out, dirty etc. photos attached for your own inspection. The bed was way too spongy! There was no air conditioning. There was a small fan and heater in the wardrobe if needed. Complimentary coffee and tea provided but no water. Point blank I would never stay there again! We didn t use the restaurant as the state of the hotel put us off, god knows what goes on in that kitchen!

Amazing location right on English Bay next to Stanley Park. Cheap considering where it is. Funky low-key apartment suites. A hotel with history and charm. Super expensive restaurant. No wi-fi in rooms, which forces you to go to the lobby and become part of the Sylvia clique. Limited parking. 10/10

Great location, very friendly staff, and huge rooms with comfy beds! We loved the live music, and the restaurant serves amazing breakfast too. Not to mention the hotel was built in 1912, so there are lots of framed old photographs, and newspaper clippings in the hotel if you re interested in Vancouver history!

Historic building, directly opposite the beach. Rooms have a classic North American style.

Reserved a table online and asked specifically for a round table for six. Two days before the reservation I went and asked in person for the round table. We didn't get the round table and one of our party did not get their lunch until we flagged down the wait staff.

The trip was great. Excellent service with kind, caring staff, amazing food, and comfortable beds. With a great view, too!

If you're feeling nostalgic and want an ideal location, this is your place, hands down. If you're looking for fresh new comfort, then maybe not. I loved walking Vancouver and coming home to the sunset over English Bay and this hotel. The views from our room were gorgeous (get a high floor, bay view). It could use a little refresh. So four stars. But there is nowhere else I will stay.

The Hotel is perfect if you like the old style from back at the 60's. It has a vintage style and if you all modern and spoiled from Hilton you may d not want to stay here. The location of the Sylvia house is great as it is very close to the beach ,diverse nightclubs , restaurants , public transport and tourist attractions. The sunset over english bay is something relaxing to experience when you have a stressful week behind you .

Stopped for a cocktail after walking the neighbouring Seawall . This place has views to die for from its front rooms . I need to go back to this iconic hotel as this was an impromptu and quick visit . They were hosting live music at 7pm in the lounge . Soft jazz was playing while I was there ...definitely need to return for some appies and live music!

This is a lovely old school hotel, loads of character. I only stayed one night I wish it could've been longer. Brilliant location, close to some pretty good food and drink spots but the Sylvia's own offerings compare favourably so you might want to stay in, chill and just soak up the atmosphere. The staff were very courteous and professional, I used to work in the hotel industry and these guys know what they're doing. I'll definitely be coming back as soon as I can.

Beautifully located on English Bay and right on Stanley Park.
The hotel can be torn down from the 1st floor upwards, very much in need of renovation, the furniture is falling apart, ugly bathroom, no insulation, cold.
Below is a beautiful pub with lovely staff.

Great location. Lovely old room looking out over English Bay. We were there for breakfast. The service was courteous and efficient. Menu was typical. Nothing special.

Great service, good food, and friendly staff. What more can you ask for.

Always enjoy Sylvia's. Last week saw four separate visits (lunch & dinner) there during a family gathering in town.

Show up without a reservation and five people, no problem, they figured it out. Pop in with seven, yet again, a smile and positive attitude.

Showing up with nine folks, and being very specific on where and how we wanted the seating, they took it in stride and made for a very enjoyable dining experience!

Restaurant is very nice will great views. Food is very good, but it is expensive and the portions are small.

Good place to meet your friend, but be careful with your orders cause it is expensive.

Met a friend here for breakfast, great view and food.. Staff were pleasant and let us chat for a long time before bringing the bill

Great Hotel with a fantastic location. The people on the front desk are very helpful and courteous.

The view at the restaurant is stunning and it's an amazing location, but unfortunately our service was really lacking tonight. We had a large group of 10 people and our server didn't take orders at the same time, it was kind of strange and confusing. He forgot one order until we asked about it and then didn't apologize or take anything off the bill. Maybe he was just having an off night or something, but there were a lot of little goof ups and I think we all begrudgingly paid the automatic 18% gratuity at the end of the night.

Great old hotel, personal and friendly staff. Location can't be beat.

Lovely gem of a hotel near Stanley Park. Old charm, but recently renovated and updated. Great spot for drinks and a meal in the lounge. Awesome views of English Bay

This Hotel was so much fun to stay in; for its Historical character and locality. The outside was beautifully covered in ivy. The bar had good cocktails; try their 1954 (signature drink). The hotel is pretty quiet, I slept well and It was Clean. The front desk was nice and helpful.
English Bay is a great place to stay, especially in the summer. Lots of activities going on and restaurants to venture to. Close to other parts of Vancity.

Lovely local gem! Lived here 10 y ars and I went for the first time. The pub side was filled with locals, know a lot of people who have it as a regular spot. Ate with friends at the restaurant. We all have varied diets (GF, vegetarian, etc.) and everyone found something and it was delicious! Good, friendly service.

Very quaint and rustic rooms that feel a bit dated, but a great location along the sea wall, walking distance to Stanley park and some great restaurants.

This is a very old hotel and you can tell. Everything has a very battered charm without looking neglected.
The history of this house is really interesting!
All in all we were satisfied.
It's expensive, of course, but with its location right on English Bay, that's not surprising either.
We had a room with two queen beds and one single bed. We only wanted a double room with 2 beds, but maybe there was nothing else.
Bathroom was clean, but of course also quite old.
The hotel restaurant is rel. noisy - breakfast was good but not sensational - and must be booked separately in the restaurant.
You have to pay extra for parking, but it is possible directly at the hotel.
Basically, you don't actually need a car in this location. There are several bus routes that will take you downtown and Gastown. Restaurants, cafes, small supermarket, beach: everything is within walking distance.
The sunset at English Bay is absolutely stunning.

Great hotel with friendly staff. Location is superb and the rooms are clean and spacious with a small but comfortable bathroom. Even lacking any prior experience with hotels in Vancouver/Canada I can recommend it.

I love this place and often meet with friends here. They don t push you to eat though I have eaten their brunch many times. Lovely views and fun singing acts at night.

Great breakfast/brunch spot!! New Reno looks great.

Rooms were huge. Food portions small and kind of expensive

Nice heritage hotel on English Bay. Little hard to get to but what place in Vancouver isn't hard to get to. Nice amenities, good breakfast.

A great place. Good food with the best view. They need to put antislip strips on the stairs leading from the restaurant outside. I slipped and fell.

Staff is very friendly. Food and service are excellent. Love the quaint and relaxed atmosphere.

Nice view - slow service in the restaurant/lounge. Both getting food/drinks and getting our bill - SLOW

We went there for breakfast where the view was great and with very friendly service.

Had business meetings downtown and decided to stay at the Sylvia again. Room was clean bed was comfortable but Sylvia really shines with its location on English Bay.Their pub and restaurant look out as well on to the bay. cost per night was significantly less than half in the downtown hotels and the number five trolly delivers you directly into the heart of the business district. Yes the room and the hotel itself is old and a bit scuffed and frayed but honestly that is indeed its appeal. If you are one of those fussy travelers ~ don t come.

Best view you'll ever enjoy in the West End - English Bay in all its glory...

Lovely hotel to stay at. Staff are friendly and helpful, the rooms are clean and the beds are comfy. Great atmosphere enhanced by the subtle jazz music meeting you as you come down the stairs.
One star deduction for the restaurant. I have dined here on several occasions and was disappointed every time. Unless it s snowing a blizzard, I d suggest walking up to Denman and finding food at one of the many eateries in the area.

It has little mouses in the rooms. And the service to solve the problem was really bad!!

Very old hotel, location is good but is not worth it

Great old hotel, awesome staff in the restaurant. Favorite place for brunch on a weekday. Very relaxed, even when it's busy it's not noisy. Easy to have a conversation with freinds. Well worth the 45km drive

Brilliant, very traditional hotel with a certain gentility. Loved it
Staff are very friendly and helpful.

Never stayed here but had a drink in the bar. Good ocean views, quiet and chill.

Old hotel with tons of character, rooms were modern and staff was super friendly!

One of my favourite islands of calm in a messy world.

The service and alcohol was excellent. I was irritated there was no food past 11pm. Kitchen can be closed but snacks would be simple to provide (pretzels, nuts, olives, popcorn).

It's a beautiful old building. Very vintage. Used to be apartments so we had our own little kitchenette. Rooms are old fashioned but the beds are very comfortable. But the highlight is the location. We hired the bikes and cycled through Stanley park to the aquarium. And the other highlight is the dining room. Big picture windows with views out onto the water. The waiter there is delightful . He engaged with our teenage boys in witty banter, and the service was impeccable and they even had a band playing. Delicious fish and chips. And good parking.

This is not a fancy five star hotel... it's an incredibly well-preserved, charming, friendly mid-range historic hotel in a fantastic location. Our family just loves staying there! We actually found out about it originally through the children's books about the hotel. Staying there, we love walking English Bay and popping over to the Aquarium. It's a short walk to breakfast cafes and tapas for supper. Spacious, clean rooms and great service. We love it! I just stayed with some girlfriends there on a concert trip and they want to bring their families now too.

Recently upgraded dining room and lounge. Great place, great service, and a great patio.

Heritage building, rooms are kept well and clean. No fancy key cards here, get to use the old key system. Don't lose your key!

Excellent food. Not a huge selection on the menu but what they have tastes great!

This as a historic hotel (formerly an apartment building) in a fun area of Vancouver. Great access to English Bay Beach and Stanley Park. Just a 20 minute walk to downtown. Give it a try!

Super friendly service, good food, reasonable prices and great views. Definitely want to make this place a regular when venturing downtown Vancouver.

Old, historic hotel on English Bay. Worth it for the history, view, and location!

My favorite hotel in Vancouver - charming, unique and full of character. The staff are always friendly and the location is perfect, right on sunset beach and a few minutes' walk to the aquabus over to Granville island. Also, the price is extremely reasonable for downtown.

Great views, Excellent food, comfortable surroundings, Great service!!!

Absolutely unacceptable. They are breaking all COVID protocols. The staff after the emergency announcement refused to wear mask or respect the 6 foot rule. I literally had my food coughed on. They also use covid as an excuse not to provide guests with clean towels or garbage bags. We all know that housekeeper shouldn't enter the room, but for a 2 week stay they should provide clean towels every day or other day by dropping it off in front of the rooms. Not even a toilet brush. If you want us to clean our own rooms, please give us the tools. Also the rooms dont have fridges. When asked, they said fridges are limited and we should request. Blamed us? Even 2 star highway motels have fridges.
Water is cold only.

Just like I remembered in the 70s. Same people as well.

Had breakfast here, lovely service by all staff at a beautiful spot. We were served by Rey C who was super friendly and helpful. Will come again thanks!

Best hotel deal in all of Vancouver in my opinion. I'm reluctantly reviewing it though because I don't want to in any way contribute to it's prices going up or it becoming too popular to get a booking.

We've stayed multiple times, most recently in September, a corner suite. The full kitchen worked out well because many restaurants were closed or had limited seating because of covid19 so we cooked and ate take-out in our room. The couch I believe is a pull-out, it's not the most comfortable, you sink in on either end more than I would like.
I love the small lobby, it's a bit like being in someone's living room. While it's not quiet except in the evenings, it's interesting listening to the accents of the guests. Sounds like a lot of Brits stay here. The exterior of the building is beautiful, it's stone with vines that show beautiful colours in the fall. It's literally just across the street from the beach too. Our room overlooked the beach, part of the view was directly into the leafy trees, we did get people noises coming from the beach late into the evening but that was with the windows open and it wasn't a big deal. The best view of the beach is from the bedroom because the living room is oriented to Gilford Street but there is a small window directly overlooking the beach from that room.

Great piece of Vancouver History, and still a great hotel today. Reasonably cheap for the city and a steal for the area & view. The Bar is great, but the restaurant is only okay, except for their excellent breakfast, which is excellent. Everything has a fun, vintage touch including elevators with actual dials and physical keys on a tag for the rooms. A true (not so) hidden gem!