Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA

With floor upon floor of enormous windows, the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel could easily be mistaken for an office building. A circle drive with a colorful glass ceiling and valet parking makes for a cheery, convenient arrival for the mix of business travelers and tourists who stay here. The wide and open lobby has white couches on a teal rug and has a businesslike feel. The on-site restaurant, Prestons, has an entrance from the sidewalk and outdoor seating. Small pets are allowed for a fee.

The hotel is on a busy street within two blocks of the Seawall, a jogging and cycling path that lines Vancouver’s waterfront. Stanley Park is less than a five-minute drive away. There’s shopping and restaurants on Robson Street, which is within a few minutes' walk. Both the Vancouver Convention Centre and the Vancouver Art Gallery can be reached in a 10-minute walk. The Vancouver International Airport is less than 35 minutes away by car or public transportation.

The floor-to-ceiling windows may be the best feature of the rooms at the Coast Coal Harbour, and some of the rooms on higher floors have stunning harbor views. Rooms are basic, with grey, white, and brown color schemes, carpeted floors, subtly patterned wallpaper, and limited decor. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, and coffee and tea machines. Some also have balconies. The Hospitality Suite has a kitchenette and separate living and ding areas. The hotel’s attention to sustainability includes separate bins for recycling and compost. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and eco-friendly refillable soap, shampoo, and lotion dispensers as well as travel-sized toiletries for guests to take home.

The fitness center is large and houses an impressive selection of modern equipment, including benches, free weights, treadmills, and resistance machines. There's an outdoor courtyard with a heated pool and a whirlpool hot tub. The hotel has a hair and nail salon and a small business center with two computers and a printer; meeting rooms are also available.

The on-site bar and restaurant, Prestons, serves beautifully presented takes on Canadian comfort food. Prestons has retro-inspired red chairs and a huge, modern cityscape in red and black. There's also a long natural wood table situated paralel to the windows from which diners can watch the activity on the street.