The hype
Families and runners love the location and pool, but value-seekers often feel the rooms are overpriced for their age.
The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver
$150-300/ night
Book this if You want a resort-style pool and instant access to the Seawall without leaving the city.
Why People Love It
- The outdoor heated pool is arguably the best in the city
- Direct access to the Seawall and Stanley Park for running/biking
- Pet-friendly with zero fees (a rarity in Vancouver)
Quick Take: It's a bustling 1960s convention hotel that relies heavily on its killer location and pool to distract you from the dated hallways.
Reviewed by @sunshinetherapytravelco: I missed my flight and ended up here—best mistake ever. The harbor view from my bed and that heated pool at night completely saved my trip. It felt like a total reset.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the view and the pool; the rooms themselves are standard Westin fare that feel a bit 'corporate generic'.
- You start your day with a 10k run along the water
- You're traveling with a dog (no pet fee!)
- You want a pool scene that feels like a vacation
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some guests report missed spots in older corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly sparkling, but isolated recent reports of mold in grout and bugs in one specific review (Dec 2025) are concerning.
- Maintenance: The property is older (60s/70s) so expect some wear and tear in hallways and elevators.
- Linens & towels: Standard Westin quality—crisp, white, and generally fresh.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like Westin's 'White Tea' scent; pool deck occasionally smells of seaplane fuel.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Harbour Air seaplanes taking off/landing (daytime only)
- Hallway noise from large groups/conferences
- HVAC units in older rooms can be rattly
Before you book
Good to know
- There is NO resort fee, which is a huge plus for this level of amenities.
- Parking is expensive (~$50 CAD/night); consider the public lot across the street if you don't need in/out privileges.
- The outdoor pool is heated and open year-round, even in winter.
What to pack
- Running shoes (the Seawall is literally right there)
- Swimsuit (for the year-round heated outdoor pool)
- Earplugs (if you plan to nap during the day while seaplanes are flying)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Tower Rooms (high floors) for the best unobstructed views
- Harbor View rooms (worth the upgrade cost over City View)
- Lanai Suites for ground-floor patio access (good for pets)
Rooms to avoid
- City View rooms on low floors (you get street noise without the scenery)
- Rooms near the elevator banks (high foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a high-floor room in the Tower facing the marina/Stanley Park. If possible, please avoid rooms directly adjacent to the elevator bank.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool actually open in winter?
Yes, the outdoor pool is heated to ~82°F (28°C) year-round, and there's an indoor pool too.
How bad is the seaplane noise?
It's loud (65-90 dB) during the day. It stops at dusk, so night sleep isn't affected, but daytime naps might be.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no. The buffet at H2 Kitchen is ~$35 CAD per person, but it's extensive and high quality.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! It's one of the most pet-friendly hotels in Vancouver with NO pet fee. Weight limit is officially 40lbs, but often flexible.
Is there a resort fee?
No mandatory resort fee, which saves you ~$30-50/night compared to similar properties.
How far is the cruise terminal?
It's about a 15-20 minute scenic walk along the Seawall or a 5-minute taxi ride.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Rent the complimentary BikeWESTIN bikes for a 2-hour ride around Stanley Park (first come, first served).
- ✨
Walk 5 minutes west to 'Cardero's' for dinner—it's a local favorite right on the water.
- ✨
The 'Winterlust' outdoor domes at H Tasting Lounge are magical but require booking weeks in advance.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Tower' building (1970s) and 'Main' building (1960s) feel different; Tower rooms generally have better views.
💡You can smell the aviation fuel from the seaplanes on the pool deck when the wind blows the wrong way.
💡The 'resort' feel disappears a bit when a 500-person conference lets out into the lobby.
💡Howard Hughes lived in the penthouse here for 6 months in the 70s—ask the concierge for the story.
💡The indoor pool is often much quieter than the outdoor one if you just want to swim laps.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver is located and what's nearby.