Surrounded by mountains, the Pacific Ocean, famous parks, and a contemporary urban sprawl, The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver is great for business or leisure
Rarely do we find a city that compliments the privilege of mountainous and oceanic scenery as tactfully as Vancouver, Canada. Regularly voted one of the best cities in the world, Vancouver was unforgettably good to us. Being a port city, Vancouver has a diverse and energetic personality that we synced with effortlessly.
Our first base for exploring Vancouver was The Westin Bayshore, located minutes from the heart of the city. During our two-night stay at The Westin, we got the best of city life with a relaxing touch of nature. Our days were filled with biking around the 1,000-acre Stanley Park (an absolute must) and walking along the marina. With vistas of the Pacific Ocean or the snow-capped peaks at every turn, the abundant beauty of Vancouver constantly amazed us.
Waterfront Hospitality and Style
The Westin Bayshore sits on Vancouver’s gleaming coastline, speckled with sailboats and buoys. In juxtaposition of the nautical views, the hotel looks out on the nature of Stanley Park and sparkling lights of the city center. The Westin might have one of the best views we’ve seen in Vancouver. Its location offers the perfect fusion of urban and natural atmospheres. Vancouver is a perfect city for those who want it all.
Inside the hotel, the design is comforting and sophisticated. Light wood panels cover the walls and ceiling spaces in a style that warmed me like a woodsy cabin. Black and white marble flooring kept the color palette simple and suggestive of professionalism. Natural lighting is a constant through the hotel, accentuating the views that are promised outside of every windowpane.
Overall the design is conducive to business travelers and large groups. The hotel lobby is massive with plenty of couches, nooks, chairs, and tables. In total, it has 71,000’ square feet of meeting space for up to 1,500 people — it’s an ideal venue for business gatherings or large events. Even though The Westin Bayshore seems like a business hotel, there is plenty to do for leisure travelers. This hotel makes a great base for exploring the many activities in the city or the expanse of Stanley Park.
What to do at The Westin Bayshore
There are so many things to do in Vancouver, and The Westin Bayshore puts you in close proximity to all of them. The hotel rents out bikes, and given the many bike routes sprawling Vancouver, biking is an amazing way to get around. We spent our days biking around Stanley Park. Its 1,000-acre area is easy to bike through and every path is lined with gorgeous scenery.
The Westin connects you to a handful of other fun ways to experience the city. You can sign up for excursions like whale watching and seaplane adventures or head to Granville Island for shopping and dining destinations. If the season is right, take a day trip to indulge in your favorite snow sport. If none of these activities sound appealing to you, there are still more options in Vancouver! The coastal city also has its fair share of art and history museums to fill you in on the region’s culture and past.
“We spent our days biking around Stanley Park. Its 1,000-acre area is easy to bike through and every path is lined with gorgeous scenery.”
Room With a View
During our stay at The Westin Bayshore, we stayed in a Deluxe Harbor View Room. It was a simple and efficient accommodation that met our expectations for comfort. Our favorite part about the room was easily the views of Stanley Park and the Coal harbor from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Plus, what’s not to love about the Heavenly Beds at The Westin? If you’re a fan of The Westin brand, you know what I mean when I say our bed was comfy!
Dining at The Westin
We were thrilled by the food and dining outlets at The Westin Bayshore — there was an option for every mood. For breakfast we were offered an impressive buffet or a healthy and hearty a la carte menu. I ordered an egg white omelet and seasonal fruit while Chris got an assortment of granola or a corn beef hash. They even had fresh, healthy juices! The hotel made it so easy to start our day on the right note.
For dinner or lunch, or just a great meal on the harbor, we recommend Seawall Bar and Grill. We had lunch outside and sipped on local craft beers and inventive cocktails. The restaurant has a “Crafted by Westin” menu featuring innovative cocktails like Seeing Red: a spicy mix of El Jimador Blanco Tequila, chili vodka, lime, agave, and watermelon juice. Their cocktail menu is almost as spectacular as the views! To compliment the drinks, we munched on a delicious quinoa wild salmon salad and roasted duck breast. All around, the experience at Seawall Bar and Grill really hit the spot!
A Well-Rounded Experience of Vancouver
In our opinion, the best experience of Vancouver is one that takes advantage of the diverse surroundings. Staying at The Westin Bayshore is exactly that! At this hotel, the Pacific Ocean, towering peaks, Stanley Park, and Vancouver’s metropolis surround you. Not only does the hotel put you at the doorstep of endless activities, staying in The Westin Bayshore is an exceptional experience in and of itself.
“The Westin Bayshore makes a great base for exploring the many activities in downtown Vancouver or the vast expanse of Stanley Park.”
For more information about The Westin Bayshore, visit their website: