Where to stay in Vancouver BC: Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites

Vancouver, BC may be one of the best cities to tour with kids. It’s full of outdoor experiences active kids crave–biking, beaches, parks and suspension bridges–while retaining the sophistication parents enjoy and seek to introduce to their children. And all within a stone’s throw of the action (but please don’t throw stones) is the Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites Hotel.

view from Coast Plaza suite

Located in Vancouver’s vibrant West End neighborhood just three blocks from English Bay and beaches in one direction and five blocks from the entrance to Stanley Park in the other, the Coast Plaza is largely a suite hotel, which means that families will enjoy plenty of room and a full kitchen in affordable units. According to Vancouver bloggers I asked, the Coast Plaza’s perfect layout for families used to be something of a local secret. (The hotel was traditionally known as a business hotel.) I’d say the word is out, because we encountered many families enjoying the hotel during our July 2012 visit.

coast plaza

coast plaza

During our two night visit in a 1-bedroom suite, we used the kitchen to prepare all our breakfasts in-room, as well as pack our lunches for each day on-the-go, which means we saved a bundle on dining out. (We could have easily made dinner in our rooms as well; there’s a nice Safeway down the street and a beautiful produce market right on the block.) Garage parking is on-site, and includes unlimited in-and-out privileges. Because we were so close to the attractions we wanted to see, however, we kept the car parked most of our visit. The one exception: we took it out for a trip outside the city center to Capilano Bridge and Grouse Mountain.

coast plaza

The only metro Vancouver area the hotel is really too far from is Canada Place: we walked, but it took us the better part of an hour and was tough on little feet. If you decide to head that direction (and you should), ask the concierge (on-site) for the Coast Plaza shuttle schedule. This complimentary shuttle runs to Canada Place and elsewhere in the city several times a day, but we were told we needed to reserve a spot 24 hours ahead. If you don’t plan that far out, a taxi to Canada Place from the hotel is approximately $12 Canadian.

indoor pool coast plaza

Date last visited:

July 2012

Distance from the interstate:

Just a few blocks from BC-99.

Room and hotel amenities:

In-suite, families can expect to find full fridges, ovens, dishwashers, and all the dinnerware, cups, utensils, and cooking pots and pans you might need. The bathroom in our one-bedroom suite was spacious and included both a tub and shower, and the beds were deliciously soft. Even the pull-out couch was comfortable. There are TVs in both the living room area and bedroom, and a coffee maker for the morning (with coffee, creamer, and sugar provided).

The Coast Plaza offers free wifi (a huge plus) and a full fitness club. Kids will love the heated indoor pool and hot tub. A restaurant is located on-site (hotel guests receive a discount) and there’s a full room service menu. Upon check-in, guests receive a ‘cookies and milk card’ from room service, which they can redeem for complimentary chocolate chip cookies and milk for everyone in their party. Honestly, the hotel has all the amenities families could ask for.

Compared to other Vancouver hotels I’ve enjoyed, the Coast Plaza is older and showing its wear, but what it lacks in cosmetics, it more than makes up for in amenities and perks for families. If your plans include plenty of time in Stanley Park and English Bay, it’s the clear choice.

English Bay

Room rates:

At the time of our visit, rates started at a very affordable (for city rates!) $199 for a standard room, and approximately $299 for a one-bedroom suite. Rates vary by season and date.

Directions:

The Coast Plaza is located at 1763 Comox. From BC-99, take W. Georgia to Denman, then turn left onto Comox.

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I enjoyed a stay at the Coast Plaza at no charge, for the purpose of review. While we appreciate the opportunity to experience what they offer, this compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

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