What makes a particular hotel the ideal place to stay in a city? For me there are 5 criteria: (1) proximity to public transportation; (2) fun, lively neighborhood where locals shop and eat out, plus a walkable, livable physical environment; (3) interior decor; (4) excellent service; and (5) quiet, comfortable rooms. The Opus Hotel scores high on all points.

It is located in the trendy Yaletown district in downtown Vancouver, a heritage preservation zone of refurbished warehouses and brick buildings that have been filled with Thai and Japanese restaurants, boutiques, spas, furniture shops, cafes and bars. The neighborhood is young and vibrant, and is within walking distance to Vancouver’s  main shopping district (Robson Street). The bike and pedestrian paths that run along the water (False Creek inlet) are only two blocks away. You can rent bikes from the hotel or a bike rental shop down the street, and cycle along the waterfront, with its intimate marinas and parks, through Concord Pacific Place, one of the best new master-planned communities I have ever seen, ultimately making your way to Stanley Park (an easy two hour ride).

The Opus itself is an old restored brick building with a gorgeous lobby and bar, and a French bistro called Elixir. The rooms are spacious, modern and comfortable, with large, well-lit bathrooms.

I was a bit worried about the noise given that the hotel is in the middle of a district that does not go to bed till past midnight, but the rooms are extremely well insulated from the outside noise.

Right next door is an excellent Thai restaurant called Simply Thai; down the street is an oyster bar called Rodney’s, and one block away is the Blue Water Cafe which serves excellent sushi and other seafood dishes. It’s difficult to choose from among the various restaurants that dot the neighborhood, but the staff at the Opus are very helpful and knowledgeable about where to eat, which areas to explore and more.

Finally, getting to and from Vancouver airport is a breeze. The Yaletown-Roundhouse station of the Canada Line (metro railway service) is across the hotel and it takes only 20 minutes to get to the airport. There are many trains every hour. You can also use the Canada Line to get to other parts of Vancouver (e.g. the Waterfront).

In summary, if you are considering a short holiday or business trip to Vancouver, you should definitely stay at the Opus. Room rates range from CAD$250 (standard rooms) to CAD$450 (for the suites) and they have special deals, too.

The Opus Hotel
322 Davie Street
Yaletown
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6B 5Z6
+1 604 642 6787
Email the hotel to inquire about a booking.

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Check out Mapplr’s favorite restaurants in Vancouver and view the Google map below.

View Mapplr Vancouver Restaurants and Hotels in a larger map

Vancouver is well-known for the variety of ethnic restaurants and the quality of its seafood. In the last decade, immigrants from Asia and young innovative chefs have raised the standard of cooking in the city. There are enough restaurants to choose from, but here are my favorites.

Vij’s Restaurant
1480 11th Avenue West
Vancouver, BC
Canada
+1 604 736 6664
www.vijs.ca
Exquisite Indian food

Bin 941
941 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada
+1 604 683 1246
www.bin941.com
Funky large tapas

West Restaurant
2881 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada
+1 604 738 8938
www.westrestaurant.com
High-end French cuisine

Kintaro Ramen
788 Denman Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada
+1 604 682 7568
Awesome ramen noodle house

Gyoza King
1508 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada
+1 604 669 8278
www.jpcanada.com

Guu
838 Thurlow Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada
+1 604 685 8817
www.guu-izakaya.com

Hapa Izakaya
1479 Robson Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada
+1 604 689 4272
www.hapaizakaya.com

Sushi Bar Wabi Sabi
4422 West 10th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
Canada
+1 604 222 8188‎

Chambar Restaurant
562 Beatty Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada
+1 604 879 7119
www.chambar.com
Belgian food and beers; great cocktails

Boneta
1 Cordova Street West
Vancouver, BC
Canada
+1 604 684 1844
www.boneta.ca
Phenomenal cocktails; ambiance: young and hip

Steamworks Brewing Co
375 Water Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada
+1 604 689 2739
www.steamworks.com
Great beer, skip the food

Rodney’s Oyster House
405-1228 Hamilton Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada
+1 604 609 0080
www.rodneysoysterhouse.com
Fabulous oysters

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Here is a Google map of Mapplr’s favorite bars and restaurants in Vancouver:

View Larger Map