Why is Century Plaza the Best Hotel in Downtown Vancouver?
Travelling Vancouver Downtown can feel like a lot in the best way and sometimes in the exhausting way. One minute you are taking in ocean views and glass towers, and the next you are thinking about bags, weather, and where to eat. That is why choosing the right hotel matters. A good hotel should make the city feel easier, not harder.
That is where Century Plaza Hotel stands out, with more than 2,000 positive reviews on Google and a location that simply works. Residing in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, it is a top pick whether you are here for a weekend, a longer visit, a work trip, or a medical stay next door at St. Paul’s Hospital.
Testimonial from Peter Sidler
“Great location, clean rooms and friendly service. Yes we will stay here again. Very central and best location for St Paul’s Hospital.”
What makes Century Plaza Hotel in Vancouver feel easier than most downtown hotels?
A lot of hotels in downtown Vancouver are in great locations, but day to day comfort is where people feel the difference. Century Plaza is built around convenience. You are not trying to squeeze your whole trip into a tight room and you are not forced to leave the building every time you need coffee, dinner, or a quick reset.
You can keep your routine going with an indoor pool and steam room, a 24 hour fitness centre, and a guest amenity room that includes laundry and a place to sit and get things done.
Do you want a downtown Vancouver hotel that actually feels spacious?
This is one of the biggest reasons people choose Century Plaza. The rooms are suites, not tiny boxes.
Studio rooms are about 400 square feet, with full kitchens available on request. One bedroom suites are about 650 square feet, giving you a separate space to relax. Premium executive suites are about 750 square feet, which is a strong option for business trips or longer stays. The executive penthouse suite is on the 30th floor, with views of English Bay and the North Shore Mountains.
If you are traveling with family, staying for work, or you simply want room to breathe, that extra space matters. It is the difference between feeling like you are surviving the trip and feeling like you can actually settle in.
Is Century Plaza good for families?
Yes, and it is mostly because suites make family travel smoother. When everyone is in one small room, you end up stepping over bags, whispering at bedtime, and constantly trying to keep things tidy. Suite style rooms change that. You have more space, more comfort, and more flexibility.
If you are staying with kids or extended family, the option for a kitchen can also be a real relief. It makes snacks, quick breakfasts, and simpler meals feel easy, especially on busy days.
Did you Know? Downtown Vancouver is surprisingly family friendly. Within a short walk you can find beaches, parks, and scenic paths, which is one reason families love staying in the West End area.
Is it good for longer stays or work trips?
Century Plaza fits longer stays better than many downtown hotels because it supports real routines. You are not living out of a tiny room. You have more space to work, reset, and recharge.
The guest amenity room is useful for laundry and quick errands, the fitness centre is open 24 hours, and having food and coffee on site reduces the amount of planning you need to do when your days are busy.
If you are traveling for work, the suite layout also helps because you can separate “work mode” from “rest mode,” which is hard to do in a smaller standard room.
Note: If you are staying 28 nights or longer, there is a nice bonus: taxes drop to 5 percent GST instead of the higher short stay hotel tax rate.
Is it quiet?
For a downtown hotel, Century Plaza generally feels calmer than you might expect. It is in an area that does not revolve around nightlife, and many guests choose it specifically because they want a more restful stay while still being central.
If you are sensitive to noise, a simple tip that helps anywhere downtown is to request a higher floor if available.
Why is Century Plaza the Perfect Pick for your Medical Stay in Vancouver?
If you are coming to Vancouver for medical appointments in St. Paul’s Hospital or to support someone you care about, location is not a nice bonus. That is the whole point.
Century Plaza is nearest to St. Paul’s Hospital, so you can keep travel time simple and keep your days calmer. Not only the proximity, but the hotel offers special rates for your medical stays while booking directly at Century Plaza.
A Testimonial from Dipin Bawa
“We were staying due to a family medical issue, which was a very stressful time for us. The team always took care of all of our needs and made us feel like we were at home.”
What is the medical rate and who is it meant for?
The medical rate is designed for guests traveling for medical reasons, including patients and families who need to stay near St Paul’s Hospital. The medical rate covers the room only.
We do not ask for any documentation, discount is offered in good faith. Due to the nature of travel, we offer flexibility with change of dates or last-minute cancellation.
Note: Bookings need to be made directly at the hotel. The last-minute changes or cancellation are not offered to bookings made by 3rd party sites like online travel agencies.
The medical rate is not fixed. It varies by season, demand, availability, and dates. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours prior to arrival, otherwise a night’s room and taxes may apply. Monthly stays and longer term options are available by calling the hotel directly.
Note: Kindly note that additional services like parking, breakfast and other amenities are not included in the medical rates. However, our reservations team can offer flexibility and offer discounts or offer packages to meet guest needs. This can be arranged by our in-house reservations, just give us a call.
What amenities do you get that make travel easier?
Century Plaza has a strong mix of comfort and practical amenities that actually get used.
The indoor pool and steam room are open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The fitness centre is open 24 hours with equipment for cardio and strength training. The guest amenity room is open 24 hours with coin operated washers and dryers, plus coffee and tea, a computer station, and an ice machine.
Want great food without leaving the hotel? Get A Reservation at C|Prime
C|Prime is the best Italian steakhouse restaurant in Downtown Vancouver located in the hotel known for its exquisite dining experience. Guests can dine in or order room service for a quiet night in.
Note: If you are planning something special, there is an option to host catering events and buyouts through C|Prime.
For coffee and quick bites, Beyond Coffee is located on site. It offers specialty coffee, paninis, sandwiches, desserts, and house made gelato. It is especially convenient on busy mornings when you want something good without planning a café stop.
What is nearby? Downtown Vancouver landmarks and walk times from Century Plaza
One of the best parts of staying at Century Plaza Hotel is how much of downtown Vancouver you can explore on foot. You do not need to plan routes or rely on taxis. You can simply step outside and go.
Here are some of the most popular nearby places, with realistic walking times most guests experience.
- St. Paul’s Hospital
It is about a 2 minute walk from the hotel which is why Century Plaza is such a strong choice for medical stays.
- Robson Street
This is one of Vancouver’s main shopping and dining streets and is around 5 minutes walking from the hotel. It is great for casual browsing and people watching.
- English Bay
The beach is highly recommended for travelers and it is just 10 to 12 minutes on foot from Century Plaza. It is a perfect spot for sunset walks, beach views, and a relaxed coastal vibe right in the city.
- Stanley Park
Depending on where you enter from, the park is 18 to 20 minutes walking from the hotel. You can rent a bike or enjoy the walking part of the seawall and then head back at your own pace.
- Canada Place
Another must visit spot in Vancouver is approximately 25 minutes on foot from the hotel. It is the home to cruise terminals, waterfront views, and easy connections to attractions.
- Coal Harbour
After 20 minutes walking from the hotel, you can experience the quieter waterfront area with marina views and scenic paths.
Did you Know?
Stanley Park is bigger than New York’s Central Park, and the seawall is one of the most iconic walking and biking routes in the city. Even locals treat it like their go to “clear your head” spot.
Is parking easy?
For downtown Vancouver, yes. Century Plaza’s gated parking lot is adjacent to the building, you can access it with your room key, and in and out privileges make it much easier if you are driving to Richmond, North Vancouver, or doing a day trip.
Self parking is available for $30 per car per night plus taxes. The street entrance is from Comox Street.
TIP: If you are planning on bringing your car check with the hotel if they have any deals with free parking offers. Packages include The Bed and Breakfast package, Stay and Dine package, Pick your Perk package offer free parking.
Parking Perks of Staying at Century Plaza
- Arriving early in the morning? No problem. You can park your car at no additional cost and we can store your bags while you enjoy the city or grab a latte.
- Leaving later in the afternoon on the day of check out? We can hold your bags at the desk and your parking is good till 6pm on the day of check out.
Pet policy and accessibility
Pet policies and accessibility options can change, so the most accurate approach is to confirm directly with the hotel before booking. If you are traveling with a pet or need an accessible room, calling ahead helps the team match you with the best option.
What exclusive rates can guests access when booking directly?
Century Plaza offers exclusive rates and hotel deals for guests who book directly, including:
- Extended stay rates for stays of one week or longer.
- Senior and member discounts including CAA and AAA style memberships.
- Medical stays near St. Paul’s Hospital with discounted rates subject to availability.
What should Century Plaza guests know about check in check out?
Check in is 3:00 PM and check out is 11:00 AM. If you arrive early, you can store bags and you may still be able to access parking while your room is getting ready. If you need luggage storage, the hotel can help, and there is also an overnight baggage storage option.
Ready to stay at Century Plaza in downtown Vancouver?
If you are looking for a hotel in downtown Vancouver that offers spacious suites, practical amenities, on site dining, and is nearby St. Paul’s Hospital, Century Plaza is a reliable choice.
It is especially well suited for families, longer stays, work trips, and medical visits. To check availability or explore exclusive rates, book directly through the Century Plaza or call the hotel for longer stay or medical rate inquiries at 1800-663-1818.