The Westin Grand, Vancouver

From the street, the Westin's building has a two-tone facade, half stonework, half undulating glass, but one hundred percent corporate high-rise. Inside, the lobby is marked by tricolored marble in white, black, and tan with dark-wood columns and panels, a recessed ceiling, and a minimalist chandelier. A pair of dark-wood front desks in front of a gold-and-gray checkerboard wall adds to the upscale chain atmosphere. But seating is limited to a few barrel chairs and a settee, and the space is a bit too buttoned up to invite true lounging. The Westin Grand is a popular pick for business travelers thanks to its up-to-date meeting facilities and its proximity to Vancouver's Financial District, a five-minute walk away. But topnotch amenities like an outdoor pool and a central location make the Westin a vacation-friendly option, too. 

The hotel's Robson Street address makes exploring Vancouver easy, with the city's best shopping just a few blocks away. Visitors can also walk eight minutes to trendy Yaletown, packed with cafes and bars, and top sights are also a stroll away, like the Vancouver Art Gallery (six minutes away) or the Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Center (10 minutes away). Business travelers can reach Vancouver's Financial District in five minutes on foot. Vancouver International Airport is a 22-minute drive away, without traffic.

The all-suite Westin gives guests space to spread out, with rooms that include work desks and kitchenettes stocked with cookware, a convection microwave oven, and a dishwasher; most rooms have separate sitting areas as well. A neutral color scheme of crisp white bedding, blonde-wood furniture, tan curtains, and soft gray wall-to-wall carpeting keeps things tasteful, if a little generic. Large windows provide plenty of light and striking views of the city and the North Shore Mountains. Coffeemakers, irons, minibars, safes, and flat-screen TVs are standard. Bathrooms are outfitted with granite counters, toiletries, and hairdryers; most have deep soaking tubs and separate showers, but some have shower/tub combos. For guests who like to wake up and break a sweat, the Westin offers a "Workout Suite" equipped with a treadmill, stationary bike, dumbbells, fitness DVDs, resistance bands, and stability balls.

For travelers in town for work, the Westin gives ample conference space with 5,000-plus-feet available for meetings. But the 24-hour business center is rather small with just two desks, and it's located in a windowless room. Fitness fanatics can make use of the 24/7 gym, which includes cardio and weight machines, balance balls, free weights, and a heated outdoor saltwater pool and sauna on the third floor, while Hidden Tasting Bar & Social Lounge scores points with foodies thanks to breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus of regional favorites. (Breakfast isn't included in most room rates.) Guests can pack their pooch for no additional charge, with dogs receiving a free Westin Heavenly Dog Bed and food bowl with mat for use during their visit.