Exchange Hotel, Vancouver

Location 

Among the skyscrapers of the Financial District, within walking distance of the waterfront. This is the commercial centre of the city, and there are some cool places to be scouted out. Head south for the best access to the outdoors (rent bikes and cycle Stanley Park and the nearby coast) or east for Chinatown and other great dining and drinking experiences.

Accommodation

Rooms come in a range of configurations among Deluxe and Superior categories, with an entry-level Boutique Queen Studio, and a number of club rooms and suites. All follow the same design scheme but there are three different artist-designed back walls - some have a bright cherry blossom-style print on black. Colours are otherwise neutral, with stylish muted gold lighting, and open hanging space.

Space and comfort levels are high; Superior King rooms have a marble-topped kitchen sink area with hot drink facilities and a fridge;  Marble bathrooms have walk-in showers and a full range of L’Occitane toiletries. Robes and slippers come as standard. 

Dining

The hotel's new restaurant Hydra offers Mediterranean small and sharing plates (think grilled whole fish and roasted meats, plus a raw bar in a light, bright setting. Alternatively, walk a few minutes round the corner to the hotel’s sister restaurant Le Soleil, which is home to the longstanding Copper Chimney Indian restaurant. Including classic dishes such as butter chicken. The thalis are a good way of trying as much as possible. Vegetarians have plenty to choose from, with several paneer options, creamy channa masala and more.

A small breakfast buffet is served until 9.30am either off the lobby or in a room on the fifth floor, featuring a spread of pastries, granola and yogurt pots, fruit, juices, and coffee from a machine. Vancouver has great brunch and lunch options, so this is a good way to kill hunger pangs first thing while still saving room for later.