Reviews Barclay Hotel Vancouver

Hotel review of the Barclay Hotel in Vancouver
Jun 19, 2009
I booked this hotel because of the reasonable rates, for a stay of one week in May. I and a friend rented a Deluxe Twin room. In our case it meant that in addition to the usually hotel room, bed, two night tables, lamp, phone, clock radio, desk, chair, fridge, armoire containing a TV, with remote, as well as three clothes drawers, there was a second room. This second room was the inner room so there was no window to the outdoors. There was a nine paneled window (minus the glass) between the two rooms. Both rooms had doors which closed off the hallway. There was a clothes closet, with a door, in the hall way and the bathroom, which had a window, was off the hallway.

We were at the back of the hotel so that the bedroom window looked unto the court yard and the bathroom window looked out unto the alley. We had no issues with noise and slept soundly.

The hotel is old and worn but is was clean. The linens were scent free, a plus for me since I have asthma. No harsh chemicals were used in the cleaning of the bathroom or the rooms. There was no shortage hot water. All the staff were polite and helpful at all times.

There was a true mixture of hotel guests with ages ranging from children under ten to those who have been senior citizens for a few years. I personally met people from North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

I have been to Vancouver more than forty times so I was well aware of the excellent location of the Barclay Hotel. The location allows one to walk to major shopping, Stanley Park, English Bay, numerous restaurants, bars, night clubs and the Skytrain. If you are not a big walker you can get public transit within one block of the hotel.

I have travelled, literally ,around the world and have stayed in hotels that should have been burnt to the ground to one of the top ten hotels in the world (at the time). I really wonder about the travel experience of some of the people who write poor reviews of this hotel. They must be inexperienced in travel, do not understand rating systems, live with high expectations or are people who are just naturally negative, because this hotel is a good deal.

Personally my only complaint is that the computer in the lobby was out of order too much. I suppose I could complain a bit about the bed not being smooth, but then neither are those of friends and family whom I visit. Those who have trouble with stairs should avoid this hotel unless they can be assured that they will have a room on the first floor; however, they must keep in mind that you mush walk up a half flight of stairs from the street level to reach the lobby. The rooms are not spacious, but you are not paying spacious prices. My travelling friend was not happy with the lack of a parking lot near the hotel, which is not the hotel's fault. Yet, she was pleased enough with the hotel that she booked the same unit for another week after I had to leave.

This hotel is a good deal and I will be staying there again.

Hotel review of the Barclay Hotel in Vancouver
May 2009
Centrally located in West End, near Davie, Denman and Stanley Park. City Centre is walkable and nearby, but the Robson bus is right outside. Good pricing and nice rooms, with a big dresser for longer stays.

Main Street, Commercial/Broadway and W. 4th are cooler streets to stay on, but the familiar sometimes is best.

Great bar in the basement with a colorful cast of characters!

Hotel review of the Barclay Hotel in Vancouver
Feb 7, 2009
Hotel had a great location and price which is why we booked it. We had low expectations and it was nice that they had a TV in the room. The rooms were old and quite small.
I would stay here again, but after checking the prices from the other close by hotels.

Hotel review of the Barclay Hotel in Vancouver
Feb 3, 2009
While this hotel might not be for everyone, there is nothing wrong with it! The decor is dated and yes, there is no elevator and the television is small. But when you are paying $40 a night in the best part of town, you shouldn't expect 4 star luxury! It was impeccably clean, the bed was very comfortable, and the shower pressure and temp was perfect. And while the decor is dated, I wouldn't say that it is depressing. It just sort of looks like your grandmother decorated the place. The staff was very polite and helpful. I will agree with the person that said to avoid the "continental breakfast," as it is about $5.95 and really just carbs (muffins, toaster waffles, etc.). You get a better deal from Starbucks or a fast food chain.

As a traveller, I'm pretty laid back. As long as the place is clean and I can sleep in the bed, I'm pretty happy. If you're looking for one of the better deals in Vancouver, this place is it. If you're looking for luxury, go somewhere else.


Hotel review of the Barclay Hotel in Vancouver
Jan 27, 2009
As the suites at the Barclay contain two double beds, I thought it would be a good idea for our party (two couples) to book one for an overnight stay, as they are very cheap. I didn't anticipate that both double beds would be in the same room !! The other room which was huge, contained some extremely odd wooden furniture, a small TV and the biggest fireplace I've ever seen - just the ticket when it's 80 degrees outside. Anyway if you can see beyond the extremely individual room arrangements, there didn't seem to be much wrong with the Barclay. The rooms were clean enough, everything in the bathroom seemed to work and the buffet breakfast in the bar downstairs was cheap and cheerful.
Another interesting point about the hotel is its position, right in the middle of the Robson Street nightlife. Having just flown in from London on a very hot night, we had to have the windows open and we went to bed at 9 pm. We then woke up at approx. 1 am to what sounded like a football crowd down below in the bar. This noise went on until about 2 am when everybody but the odd drunk wandered off.
All in all, quite one of the most quirky hotels I've ever stayed in - certainly an experience !