If you’ve a retro chic aesthetic, then you had better book it to The Burrard. Originally opening as Burrard Motor Inn in 1956, this storied and infamous downtown Vancouver motel was entirely refitted and upgraded in 2011 into a funky, kitschy, comfortable and colourful mid-century modernist motel, redubbed The Burrard. Keeping all the 50s cool but streaming current amenities, the cozy rooms are kitted out with Nespresso machines, cushy beds (with choice of pillow size), HDTV flat screens and free high speed WiFi. Nothing at all retro about that.
Standard motel fixtures, like a washer and dryer, are available for guest use, as is a fleet of cruiser bikes. The exterior entrance guestrooms form the perimeter of what has to be downtown Vancouver’s coolest outdoor courtyard, featuring towering palm trees (yes, in Vancouver), ping pong, florescent-hued lounge furniture and a fire pit.
Container Coffee sits just off the lobby, pouring Matchstick and Elysian coffee roasters and offering up paninis and locally sourced snacks during the day, and happy hour drink specials into the evening.
If you’re made it past the palm trees, the best part about the property is the value for location. When you consider the location in the heart of the city, plus the friendly staff, campy colorful photography and skillfully compiled retro atmosphere, it’s a pretty fantastic value—year-round. Web-savvy and current, keep an eye on The Burrard website for hotel specials and community events. Like the cool kids do.
Follow on Facebook: The Burrard
Track on Twitter: @theburrard
