Vancouver is home to western Canada's largest gay population. Many of the city's businesses cater to gays and lesbians and it is common to see gay couples holding hands in the downtown area. Commercial Drive and the West End, predominantly gay neighborhoods, are full of hotels that are affiliated with TAG (Travel Alternatives Group), GLBA (Gay and Lesbian Business Association) and IGLTA (International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association).
The Best Western Sands by the Sea Hotel is just across the road from the English Bay and Stanley Park. Guests can dine and relax at the hotel's restaurant, Checkers Bar and Grill, and gaze into the fireplace or at large screen TVs placed throughout the sports bar. Other amenities include free local calling and high-speed Internet access. All rooms are non-smoking and range $110 to $130 CAD, as of January 2011. The Best Western Sands Hotel is a current member of GLBA and IGLTA.
The Blue Horizon has 214 guest rooms that range from $115 to $189 CAD per night, as of January 2011. Rooms are spacious but some guests find them slightly outdated. Business guests can rent The Summit, a suite of conference rooms that accommodate 10 to 100 people. All accommodations at Blue Horizon are non-smoking and amenities include a fitness center, indoor heated lap pool, whirlpool and sauna. Guests staying at the Blue Horizon are in walking distance to Nelson Park and Harbour Green Park. Blue Horizon is TAG accredited.
Taking its name from the mystical utopian paradise, Shangri-La fuses contemporary Asian themes throughout its rooms, restaurant and health spa, Chi. The hotel's luxury rooms range from $259 to $299 CAD per night, as of January 2011, with various packages available for special occasions. Shangri-La is Vancouver's tallest building, offering superior views on higher levels. Both Robson Square and the Vancouver Art Gallery are within a few blocks of the hotel. Shangri-La is TAG accredited.
Those looking for a quieter retreat in Vancouver might consider the Executive Hotel Vintage Park as the hotel is situated about 20 minutes from Stanley Park and the buzz of the downtown area. The Executive Hotel Vintage Park is a smaller hotel closest to Yaletown and Granville Island. Amenities include a fitness room, outdoor jacuzzi and 24-hour room service. Rooms range from $119 to $159 CAD, as of January 2011 and the hotel is TAG accredited.
