Best Western Plus Sands

This hotel offers a prime location, serving as a gateway to English Bay and Stanley Park, making it an ideal choice for sightseers and those seeking scenic walks. While the exterior may appear dated, the interior has undergone renovations, providing a generally clean and comfortable stay. Guests frequently commend the friendly and helpful staff for their attentive service. The hotel is well-suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway with potential ocean views, and its spacious rooms can accommodate families. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor to potentially mitigate street noise, and be prepared for the possibility of a lively surrounding area.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides convenient in-room amenities such as refrigerators, microwaves, and Nespresso coffee machines, along with free Wi-Fi to keep guests connected. However, the elevators are a frequent point of concern, often described as old, slow, and occasionally out of service, with some guests noting unpleasant odors. The televisions in rooms are sometimes reported to have limited channels or functionality issues. While there is a small gym, some guests have experienced problems with the equipment. The lobby is noted as being small and can sometimes be noisy. The hotel is also in the process of installing golf simulators, which may add to future recreational options.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean, with many praising the comfortable beds that ensure a restful night's sleep. However, while rooms have been renovated, some aspects of the decor are described as dated or tired. A significant and recurring concern for some guests is the presence of pests, including mice and ants, which severely impacts their comfort and overall hygiene perception. Noise levels are a common complaint, stemming from the street, the attached bar, or other guests, with many noting thin walls and old, single-pane windows. Issues with temperature control are also reported, as air conditioning units can be noisy, old, or ineffective, and some bathrooms lack proper exhaust fans, leading to dampness.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel features an attached pub and restaurant that many guests find highly convenient. The food quality is generally praised as very good, with many highlighting delicious meals and a variety of options available for both dinner and breakfast. Breakfast is often described as excellent, though some guests note that it starts later in the morning or may have limited healthy choices if not included in their room rate. The pub offers a lively atmosphere, sometimes featuring live music, which can be enjoyable for some but contribute to noise for others. However, a few guests have reported concerning sightings of pests within the pub area.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's excellent location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, placing guests just steps away from English Bay and the scenic Stanley Park seawall. This prime spot offers convenient walking access to numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions in downtown Vancouver. A bus stop directly outside the hotel provides easy access to public transportation for exploring wider areas of the city. While parking is available on-site, it is frequently described as expensive and can be challenging to navigate, particularly for larger vehicles, with some guests reporting security concerns or minor vehicle damage. The lively surrounding area provides abundant dining and entertainment but can also contribute to street noise at night.

Staff & Service
Guests frequently commend the friendly and helpful staff, who are often described as attentive, professional, and accommodating. Many appreciate the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to assist with various requests, such as early check-ins or room changes. The housekeeping staff generally receives positive feedback for maintaining clean rooms, though some guests have reported instances of missed service or missing items. While staff are often praised for their efforts in resolving issues, some reviews indicate unhelpful or dismissive responses, particularly concerning the significant pest issues or room availability. The hotel is also noted for its pet-friendly service, with staff being welcoming towards guests traveling with animals.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, welcoming guests with animals. However, a significant and recurring concern for some guests is the persistent issue of pests, including mice and ants, which has led to highly negative experiences despite staff awareness. Guests should also be aware of ongoing renovations and potential construction noise that may impact their stay. Some reports mention unpleasant odors like smoke or urine in common areas, particularly in the elevators. While the hotel promotes eco-conscious initiatives, such as offering incentives for declining daily housekeeping, some guests have noted that in-room safes are not provided and breakfast is not always included in all rates.