Westin Bayshore Vancouver

Stunning location but guest service could be better, a lot better! Beautiful hotel, we had 2 corner suites, views were absolutely stunning. Hotel very clean. Dinner in restaurant was good Beautiful pool area, great snack service at pool. Cons. Only one working elevator for the entire hotel throughout our stay. Even the service elevator was broken. Signs that they were waiting on a part to fix it. Extremely inconvenient. We had requested and been told we would be assigned rooms next to eachother. They were near but not next door. I would insist upon this as we had loud neighbours who had other people to their room at 1am, laughing loudly and generally being obnoxious. Despite check in being 4pm, we didn't get our second room until 5pm. They told us it would be ready 'no later than 4'. My husband had to go down to reception THREE times to get the keys. We were told on one occasion someone was on their way up. It never materialised. My husband is a gold elite (almost platinum) member. He is loyal to the brand. They didnt seem concerned at this lack of service. We were a whole hour waiting with our kids who were desperate to go to the pool. No apology or gesture was offered despite me conveying to guest services how unhappy we were. Breakfast. We were told by reception that Breakfast was anytime from 6.30 to 11. We arrived at 9am to be told there was a 20 minute wait. We said we tried to book and were told we couldn't. The girl seemed to take pleasure in telling us we had to wait. We were called after about 5 minutes so I feel they were just trying to make it seem like an exclusive experience. When we were shown to out table I counted 4 empty & fully set tables of 4 all in immediate vicinity so not sure what was going on here! Give breakfast a miss. It was absolutely disgusting. Worst Breakfast we had in 2 weeks in Canada and the most expensive. The bacon was friend prosciutto. The butter tasted like cream cheese. Girl doing eggs didnt know how to do poached eggs. Virtually no kids offering. Staff Extremely slow to clear tables. We had to clear ourselves which they didnt like but we had no alternative. I cant emphasise how poor the Breakfast was. It looked nice but nothing tasted nice. The hotel is beautiful but they need to install sound proofing between rooms and major improvements in guest services. No one asked on check out how our stay was. Breakfast absolutely horrible. Would stay again only if rooms immediately next door to each other, elevator fixed and eat out for breakfast! Read less

Bayshore has two buildings, one each side of the outdoor pool. It also has an indoor pool. One of two restaurants closes for dinner Monday and Tuesday so limited choice on those days and must book for both if you have a schedule. Bedroom was average size with Juliette balcony. No clock, empty minibar, large tv on wall opposite bed, tv/coffee facilities BUT must ask for 'creamer' for tea. Bathroom had large shower cubicle and toiletries. Oddly, the small open-fronted wardrobe was in the bathroom. Annoying MUSAK everywhere. Read less

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