15 January 2012
My wife and I stayed there for a little "stay-cation". A fantastic view
of English Bay greeted us in the morning when I went out to Delany's for
our coffee. The hotel is very pet friendly and all staff who encountered
our two Labradors offered them cookies and gave them some love. A nice,
quiet bar downstairs is ideal for having a couple of cocktails at the
end of the evening. We will return in the future!
Guest Review of the Sylvia Hotel in Vancouver
13 January 2012
My wife, her parents and I stayed in two rooms at the Sylvia over
Christmas 2011. The hotel is right across the street from English Bay,
giving many rooms a view of one of the most scenic spots in Vancouver.
Stanley Park, plus many good shops and restaurants are very close, and
downtown can be reached by a very short bus or taxi ride, or even a
pleasant walk through the West End's residential streets. The nine-story
pre-WWI hotel is a Vancouver landmark, its vine-covered brick walls
giving it the comfy look of an old dowager. I've stayed at the Sylvia
many times over the last few decades (!), but was surprised this time at
how good the rooms looked. They seem to have been spruced up with new
furniture and paint, but without clashing with the building's style.
Without going into too much detail, we made some heavy demands of the
catering staff during one of their busiest times, and they amazed us
with their kindness, thoroughness and efficiency. The hotel staff seem
like one big family, and the decorations throughout the lobby and
restaurant made the place seem even more homey.
During our stay, we overheard a guest complaining rudely to the front
desk that his room was not as large as one he had on a previous stay,
and he demanded a larger room. The desk clerk quietly and professionally
filled the man's request, despite the fact the hotel was likely full. It
reminded us to take with a grain of salt any negative reviews we see for
properties that seem to get generally good reviews. Some people are
harder to please or simply have a bad day - these things should not be
allowed to damage a good hotel's reputation.
The Sylvia is a friendly older hotel with loads of character and in a
superb location. They do a great job at looking after their guests, and
the rooms are clean, comfortable, and well appointed. And it's
surprisingly quiet from adjoining rooms and the street. If this kind of
property tickles your fancy, you will love the Sylvia.
Guest Review of the Sylvia Hotel in Vancouver
29 December 2011
We've stayed at the Sylvia for at least 20 years and usually I ask for a
room away from the elevators which are old and very noisy. When I booked
for this Christmas (I booked last February), I forgot to ask to be
distanced from the elevators and so our stay was somewhat spoiled by the
constant noise of the elevator mechanicals - I felt I was on a tramp
steamer headed for a past time Singapore and my partner felt he had
spent 4 days with a washer going 24 hours each day. The hotel apparently
keeps no records of past request of the guest. Of course, the staff in
the lounge and restaurant were and always are, terrific. Perhaps the
front desk ought to alert guests about the excessive noise of the rather
elderly elevators.
Guest Review of the Sylvia Hotel in Vancouver
22 December 2011
If in real estate it is location, location, location, what I want in a
hotel is location, service, room quality. I have recommended this hotel
for years because when I lived in Vancouver my parents always stayed
there when visiting me (I had a teensy apartment, not a bad daughter)
and I saw their rooms. The rooms they had always were lovely, a bit
quirky compared to a chain hotel in a positive way, and comfy, clean,
spacious, and with windows that open to your view of English Bay. They
would not have stayed anywhere else.
I was back in Vancouver recently and of course stayed at the Sylvia. I
booked very late and got a bit of an unusual room. Mostly it was fine -
like being able to open the windows and have the ocean breeze flutter
the ivy around the window, but the bathroom was barely okay, and frankly
a bit strange and smelly.
Still, anytime I go back to Vancouver, I would stay there with no
question - even in the room I had this time. If it was fully booked I
would have serious issues finding something even close to what I like -
there is nothing else like the Sylvia. Love the location (location,
location), great people, and the homely/homey feeling.
I have never eaten at the hotel, but the great thing about staying here
is you are in walking distance to some of the really good, off the
beaten track Vancouver restaurants, including some of the best hole in
the wall treasures for Sushi (Shima) and proper, full-on French dinners
(The Chef and Carpenter), and gelato (Mondo Gelato - nothing but the
hazelnut for me), as well as institutions like the Raincity Grill. Or
just go to one of the many coffee places, grab a coffee and pastry, and
sit on the beach or wander around the seawall or Stanley Park.
Still love it.
Guest Review of the Sylvia Hotel in Vancouver
17 December 2011
On the fringe of the urban core this is classic and classy Vancouver
heritage hotel. Stunning views, cosy pub, good dining room. Close to
ocean-side walks and the walkers' pathway through Stanley Park. A quick
walk to Lions Gate Bridge and the downtown area through side by side
ethnic restaurants. A unique experience in an urban location!
Guest Review of the Sylvia Hotel in Vancouver
17 December 2011
Nice old-fashioned but clean hotel, without that lingering cigarette
smoke odor so many old/historic hotels are plagued with. Great value at
a very reasonable price, and lots of far-batter restaurants within just
a couple of blocks. Staff was fantastic.
Guest Review of the Sylvia Hotel in Vancouver
14 December 2011
My partner and I have been staying at the Sylvia for over thirty years.
We've always loved the friendly staff, clean rooms, and fantastic
location. Thirty years ago budget was as issue, and we were happy to
find such a great hotel at a moderate price. Thirty years later I'm
earning a lot more money and could well afford a "luxury" hotel
downtown, but you know what--we still stay at the Sylvia. I love getting
up in the morning, having coffee, and walking on the beach which is
right across the street from the hotel. The staff is so friendly and
accommodating whether it be storing our bicycles, handling luggage, or
offering help. The hotel may not be for everyone because of its age and
lack of some modern "comforts" , but I'm always very comfortable there
and sleep like a baby.
Guest Review of the Sylvia Hotel in Vancouver
23 November 2011
Stayed at the Sylvia numerous times over a couple or three decades and
two words come to mind: Authenticity and tradition. While thoroughly
modern in its amenities, you are quickly reminded that generations have
stayed here. But there is no kitch sentimentality in the decor, no
quaint shabbiness. The place is very well run. Some of the rooms are
huge. The views of the bay stunning. Slip down on the terrace and
people-watch the waterfront promenade and, enjoying a gin and tonic,
pretend you are Graham Green thinking up his next novel. In winter,
after a walk in Stanley Park in the blustery weather, snuggle in the bar
for a hot cup of clam chowder or hot buttered rum. Stay in for dinner,
the menu is elegant without being pretentious; and the wait staff is
discrete but attentive. In other words, it makes my stay in Vancouver
that much more enjoyable. |
