Westin Bayshore Vancouver

Don’t get me wrong this is a lovely hotel with great staff. The problem is that it’s primary client base is either people starting or finishing a cruise or conference guests. Cruise ships come and go almost daily which means that the lobby is always crowded with groups coming or going. There are 2 bars which play very loud music so there is nowhere to go for a quiet drink The pools (indoor and outdoor) were always very busy. Some consideration should be given to quiet (child fee) hours in the pool Be aware the hotel takes ( without asking) 28% of the booking cost to cover “incidentals”. There is no water in the rooms apparently as part of a “green” policy. What you get instead are plastic cups wrapped in plastic. Go figure! Oh and did I mention the huge gas fire outside which serves no purpose other than to burn gas! Finally somewhere to put clothes in the room would be helpful. One small hanging rail in the bathroom and 2 tiny drawers The hotel needs a major refurbishment! Read less

My wife and I stayed for 3 nights in room 501. From the airport we travelled by Sky Train to Central Vancouver City and then a 15-20 minute walk. There was a flat weekend fare (1 zone), otherwise a 2 zone ticket is required. Check in was quick and efficient. The room comprised a bedroom, sitting area (lounge) and bathroom. BEDROOM Comfortable bed, TV, drawers, chair and footrest, bedside tables. The only lighting was 2 bedside lamps. There was access to the balcony from the bedroom. The view was disappointing over a concrete roof and a high Westin Tower block. There were 2 chairs on the balcony but it was too cold and unappealing to sit on. SITTING AREA TV, fridge, safe, drawers containing bedding, sofa bed, 2 chairs, desk, coffee table, 2 small tables, single cup coffee maker. The view was over a swimming pool and marina, but one had to stand to see it. The position of the tv and sofa needed to be reversed as all one could see from the sofa were other hotel bedrooms in the International Suite and lower levels. There was no central light, but 3 lamps gave muted lighting. BATHROOM Basin, WC, bath and walk in shower with a central, overhead spray. So, if not wishing to wash one’s hair, one had to stand to the side. The water was hot and plentiful. Toiletries were in large dispensers. There was a hanging rail for clothes, which we thought odd as these are usually in bedrooms. Good lighting. On arrival, I found the safe would not unlock and 2/3 plug sockets for the coffee maker only worked by juggling the power plug so it was partially sticking out. I called reception and maintenance staff arrived very promptly. The safe’s batteries needed replacing and the plugs were referred to an electrician. The room maids were very friendly. Replenishment of tea/coffee was variable. BREAKFAST I had pre-paid for buffet breakfast. On check in, I was given a card. It is a strange system. I checked in at breakfast reception, had to wait to be shown to a table and the card was placed in a holder above the jams. I had to sign a “bill” which automatically included a service charge of 18% so no tip was necessary though the server always left that line uncrossed. This was due to a non-buffet menu also being available. There was a wide selection of cooked and uncooked food, and especially enjoyable were the omelettes cooked to order. It was surprisingly busy at 7am on a Sunday, which was when it supposedly opened. It was obvious some people had been there before 7am. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS I was delighted to find, opposite the Vida Spa, a deposit/take book library. I had left a paperback as rubbish, but the maid had not taken it so I gladly put it in the library, Perhaps the maids are unaware of this? The hotel should do more to advertise this facility. Stanley Park is in easy walking distance. Robson St, about 5 minute walk, has Safeway, World Foods Market and BC Liquor Store. There was a barber where I had a haircut for $14. Dogs were often seen in the hotel. I heard one barking in the room opposite, The BC Connector coach, booked in advance, picks up from the hotel to go to Victoria, Vancouver Island. CONCLUSION We had a very comfortable stay, enjoyed breakfasts but were really disappointed with the balcony, the views and furniture arrangements in the sitting area which resulted in unappealing views. As I had paid more for this room, I thought it poor value. All the staff we encountered were polite and helpful. Read less

Sadly this hotel has seen better days. We stayed in a corner room that had a great view but was too noisy. Maintenance admitted they knew about the problem but it doesn’t seem to stop them renting it. The room is sparse and extremely ungenerous with supplies. We booked a 6 day stay it felt more like an overnight only hotel. No water in the room minimal toiletries not even a shower cap! It is also very noisy in the common areas especially with large numbers of cruise ship passengers. Breakfasts are also bare minimum not what I would expect for a “premium “ 4 star. Great location and views but as part of the Bonvoy group it doesn’t make me want to rush to use them again. As a personal bete noi they claim green credentials like no water in rooms but cover everything with single use plastic! Read less

Well, I think this property was nice about 10-15 years ago.. the location is awesome however. The Bad 20 min wait for breakfast. We were in the tower complex which had ONE working elevator. NO ONE informed us of that until we asked after waiting for upwards of 6-8 mins. No M club No bottled water in room Coffee maker was just not what you expect from a Westin. Courtyard area had 1 working fire pit. Employee came out and tried to light the second one and could not get it to work. They said propane would be delivered the next day and it wasn’t. One of the fire pits didn’t even have a tank in it. We literally saw a rodent of some kind go into the bushes while sitting out side The good The employees were very helpful with early luggage drop off and the bar staff was friendly. The food was good at both restaurants. I just can’t recommend as I think there are nicer hotels for the money. Read less