Short Stays in Downtown Vancouver: Why Century Plaza Is Your Perfect City Base

December 4, 2025

When you only have a night or two in Vancouver, every hour matters. Whether you are visiting for a business meeting, a weekend getaway, a concert or event, or a short medical visit at St. Paul’s Hospital, choosing the right short stay hotel in Vancouver can turn a quick trip into a relaxed and memorable experience.

Located in the heart of downtown, Century Plaza Hotel combines comfort, value, and vibrance. Guests enjoy spacious studios and suites along with a bunch of amenities and a central address next to St. Paul’s Hospital and a few blocks from Robson, Granville, and Davie Street. 

If you are planning a short stay in Vancouver, here is how to make the most of it and why Century Plaza is an ideal home base.

Why Do Short Stays Need the Right Hotel?

Short visits are different from long holidays. You have less time, tighter schedules, and usually a specific purpose. Many guests stay one to three nights for:

  • Business meetings or conferences
  • Medical appointments or procedures
  • Weekend city breaks
  • Concerts, theatre shows, or sporting events
  • Visiting friends or family
  • Stopovers on longer trips

A good short stay hotel in downtown Vancouver should offer:

  • Fast, straightforward check-in and check-out
  • A central, walkable location
  • Rooms with enough space to relax properly
  • Useful amenities that save time
  • Flexible options for different types of stays

Century Plaza Hotel is designed with all of these needs in mind.

Central Downtown Location: Close to What Matters

When your stay is short, location becomes one of the most important features.

Century Plaza is a downtown hotel on Burrard Street, right next to St. Paul’s Hospital and only a few blocks from the Robson Shopping District, Granville Entertainment District, and Davie Street. Walking to the Vancouver Convention Centre takes about 15 minutes, and transit bus stops are right outside the hotel, with Burrard Station about a 10 minute walk away.

From this central location, guests can quickly reach:

  • Robson Street shops and restaurants
  • Granville nightlife and entertainment
  • Davie Village cafes and local dining
  • The Vancouver Art Gallery and city centre
  • Canada Place and the waterfront
  • Stanley Park and the seawall with a short drive or transit ride

This walkable, transit friendly setting means you spend more time experiencing Vancouver and less time worrying about how to get around.

Read Also: What are the Best Places to Visit in Vancouver, BC?

Spacious Studios and Suites for Short Stays

One of Century Plaza’s key advantages over many downtown hotels is how much space you get in each room type.

1. Studio Rooms

Studio suites are about 400 square feet and offer roomy living spaces at an exceptional value. Some studios are available with full kitchens on request. These are ideal for solo travellers, couples, and business guests who want comfort, space, and a convenient downtown address. 

2. One Bedroom Suites

One Bedroom Suites are approximately 650 square feet and provide a separate bedroom and living area. Guests can choose between a King bed or two Twin beds. This layout works particularly well for families, friends travelling together, or anyone who wants more room to spread out during a short stay. 

3. Premium Executive Suites

Premium Executive Suites are larger again, at around 750 square feet, with a separate living room and bedroom for added privacy and comfort. Even if you are in Vancouver for only a night or two, this spacious suite is all you need to feel calm and comfortable rather than cramped.

Kitchens and Kitchenettes: Extra Flexibility for Short Visits

Many rooms at Century Plaza feature kitchenettes or full kitchens.

For short stay guests, this brings several benefits:

  • Prepare a quick breakfast before early meetings or appointments
  • Keep drinks, snacks, and simple meals on hand
  • Store medication and special dietary items properly
  • Cook light meals during medical stays or when you prefer to dine in

You still have easy access to restaurants, cafes, and room service, but having a kitchen or kitchenette gives you flexibility and control over how you eat during your stay.

Amenities That Help You Make the Most of Your Time

When your trip is short, you want everything you need in one place. Century Plaza offers several on-site amenities that make a quick visit feel complete:

  • Indoor pool and steam room for relaxation after a busy day in the city
  • 24 hour fitness centre with cardio and strength equipment
  • C|Prime, a modern Italian steak and wine restaurant on site
  • Beyond Coffee, serving Illy coffee and light food options
  • A Salon, an on-site salon for hair and styling services

These amenities mean you can work, relax, dine, and refresh without needing to leave the hotel if you do not want to.

Read Also: Best Restaurants in Vancouver that you must Try

Short Medical Stays Next to St. Paul’s Hospital

Many guests choose Century Plaza because of its close connection to St. Paul’s Hospital. The hotel is the building right next to St. Paul’s, making it one of the most convenient options in Vancouver for short medical stays. 

Century Plaza is a strong choice for:

  • Patients coming in for tests, specialist appointments, or surgery
  • Family members and caregivers who want to stay nearby
  • Short recovery periods where comfort and quiet are important

The hotel offers discounted medical rates for patients and their families who need to stay near St. Paul’s Hospital or Vancouver General Hospital, along with options for monthly stays, subject to availability. 

For medical visitors, features like:

  • Suites with kitchenettes or full kitchens
  • Spacious living areas for resting or accommodating a companion
  • An indoor pool and steam room for gentle relaxation help create a more comfortable environment during what can often be a stressful time.
Read Also: Visitor's Guide to Public Transit in Vancouver

Business and Event Travel: Efficient and Comfortable

Century Plaza also works very well for business and event focused short stays.

Guests on business trips benefit from:

  • A central downtown location close to office towers and corporate hubs
  • Free high speed WiFi throughout the hotel
  • Suites with living areas that can double as informal workspaces
  • Convenient access to the Vancouver Convention Centre, roughly a 15 minute walk away

Those attending concerts, theatre performances, or sporting events appreciate being able to:

  • Arrive, check in, and freshen up in a spacious suite
  • Walk or take a short ride to venues across downtown
  • Return afterwards to a quiet, comfortable room without a long commute

For both business and leisure stays, Century Plaza offers a balance of location, comfort, and value that suits one to three night visits.

How to Make the Most of a Short Stay at Century Plaza?

A few simple steps can help you get the very best from your time in Vancouver:

  • Book directly with the hotel to explore exclusive rates, including medical, seniors, and CAA or AAA discounts, as well as other special offers.
  • Let the reservation team know the purpose of your visit, for example medical, business, or leisure, so they can recommend the best room type and rate.
  • Request a suite with a kitchenette or full kitchen if that would make your stay more comfortable.
  • Ask about early check-in or late check-out if your travel schedule is tight. Early arrival may be available at an additional cost, and both options depend on availability.
  • Use the hotel’s neighbourhood information and suggestions to plan a short but efficient itinerary around downtown Vancouver.

Frequently Asked Questions About Short Stays at Century Plaza

1. What is considered a short stay at Century Plaza Hotel?

Most guests consider a short stay to be between one and three nights, although the hotel can also accommodate longer monthly stays, especially for medical reasons, subject to availability.

2. Is Century Plaza suitable for medical stays near St. Paul’s Hospital?

Yes. Century Plaza is located right next to St. Paul’s Hospital and offers discounted medical rates for patients and families who need to stay nearby. The hotel also has options for monthly medical stays and a caring staff focused on comfort and convenience. 

3. Do many rooms have kitchenettes or full kitchens?

Many of the studio and suite categories at Century Plaza include kitchenettes or full kitchens. If this is important for your stay, you can request it at the time of booking.

4. Is Century Plaza a good choice for business travellers on short trips?

Yes. The hotel offers spacious suites, high speed WiFi, a central downtown location, easy access to transit, and proximity to the Vancouver Convention Centre and downtown offices. These features make it a strong option for one or two night business stays.

5. How walkable is the area around Century Plaza?

The hotel is in a very walkable part of downtown Vancouver. Guests are within walking distance of St. Paul’s Hospital, Robson Street, Granville Entertainment District, Davie Street, and major transit connections. 

6. Are there special rates or perks for booking directly?

Century Plaza offers a range of exclusive rates, including seniors, CAA or AAA, medical, and First Nations rates, as well as government rates on request. The hotel notes that there are always perks for booking a room directly. 

Plan Your Next Short Stay in Vancouver at Century Plaza

Short trips do not need to feel rushed or complicated. With the right short stay hotel in downtown Vancouver, even one or two nights can feel comfortable, efficient, and memorable.

Century Plaza Hotel offers:

  • A prime downtown location next to St. Paul’s Hospital
  • Spacious studios, one bedroom suites, and premium suites
  • Kitchenettes and full kitchens in many rooms
  • An indoor pool, steam room, fitness centre, on-site restaurant, coffee shop, and salon
  • Medical rates and extended stay options for guests who need to be near hospital care

Whether you are visiting for medical appointments, business, events, or a quick city break, Century Plaza is designed to feel like your home away from home in Vancouver.

Contact us to book your short stay today!

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