The Burrard

From the outside, The Burrard is certainly eye-catching. The motel-style building was built in 1956, and the current owners have added a funky, vintage-style neon sign and three life-size paintings of young women decked out in high-fashion wardrobes. The lobby has some cool details, such as Andy Warhol and Marilyn Monroe prints, that add color to the space. There are gold and silver ottomans, a wooden bench topped with lots of decorative pillows, and a circular glass coffee table. Wire art hangs over the bench, and a retro glass bulb chandelier looms overhead. The adjacent Container Cafe, with local art hanging on the walls, white molded chairs, and a gray color palette, wouldn't look out of place in Brooklyn. There's a take-out window and sidewalk seating. An inner courtyard includes a water fountain and lush foliage, which acts as a shield between the busy street and the surrounding tall buildings. Most of the guests seem to be couples and young adult travelers, though kids are welcome too.

Part of The Burrard's appeal is its prime location in downtown Vancouver, just a block away from Davie Street, which is known for its plethora of restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. Granville is also within walking distance, with more shops and pubs. There's a bus stop directly in front of the hotel (on-site parking comes with a fee). Note that there is a hospital directly across the street from The Burrard, and past guests have complained about regular siren noise.

The 72 rooms at The Burrard strive for the look and feel of those at a high-end boutique hotel, but they come up a bit smaller and simpler. Rooms are situated motel-style around an interior courtyard. Each has gray industrial carpeting, and is painted white with accents in a bold hue of blue or yellow. Beds get high marks for luxe sheets and supportive mattresses. Great extras include Nespresso machines, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with HD channels, and mini-fridges stocked with free water. Vintage-style postcards show sexy photos of swimming suit-clad men and women. White bathrooms consist of shower/tub combinations and small single sinks. Toiletries -- shampoo and conditioner -- are attached to the wall in large dispenser bottles, and hairdryers come standard as well. Note that there isn't any air-conditioning, and past guests have complained about noise from the interior courtyard and hospital across the street.

A retrofit of its 1956 original structure, The Burrard didn't have a lot of room to add extra features when it was updated. The highlight of the property is the Container Cafe, a hipster coffee shop selling pastries, small meals, and specialty coffees. It also has a bar and hosts a happy hour. There are wooden tables indoors or sidewalk tables for outdoor seating. A furnished interior courtyard provides a fun spot to hang out. Brooklyn Cruiser bike rentals are a fun, free perk. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Pets are allowed (for a fee), but the hotel spoils them with dog beds and treats.