Hotel Review: Smithe House, Vancouver in Canada

Megan Lawton checks in to this stylish aparthotel in the hip waterfront area of Yaletown.

As one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations, famed for its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Vancouver isn’t short of accommodation options, with many world-class hotels. For something more practical but equally stylish, we found Smithe House to be a perfect base.

Hotel

Smithe House features 37 fully furnished apartments, ranging from studios to two-bedroom layouts

The space makes you feel at home from the moment you step inside its sleek lobby. This aparthotel, nestled on Smithe Street in a happening corner of Yaletown, is just a block from Vancouver’s seawall. Its 37 fully furnished apartments range from studios to two-bedroom layouts, each with a full kitchen, living area, bedroom, bathroom and washer drier. You unpack once and settle in – giving you everything you need for a stress-free stay.

With practicality at its heart, it’s perhaps unsurprising that within a couple of days we felt as if we had a feel for really living in the city – a feeling that can lack in more traditional accommodation. Our would-be test-run of Vancouver life extended to discovering some incredible local coffee shops and eateries in the local area.

The aparthotel prides itself on being ‘no contact’. Their digital key system means no front-desk queues, or check in. Instead, it’s all done by an app, which holds information on the quicks of the rooms, but also a guest guide that highlights nearby cafés, restaurants and things to do. If you run out of teabags or coffee, it’s easy to resolve. There is a well-stocked storage room which is accessible with a code, in case you need to re stock.

So that guests can tailor their experience as much as possible, the app even allows you to choose your preferred blend of coffee before arrival. There’s no stress if you change your mind during your stay, a new preference is just a text away, as are services like housekeeping and fresh towels.

Apartments

Despite being in the heart of downtown, Smithe House is tucked away enough that a peaceful night’s sleep is guaranteed

In the apartments, flawless design and luxury combines with simple and homely décor. Polished wood floors, neutral textiles and full-height windows let daylight pour in. In-suite kitchens are equipped with full-size appliances, so you can cook as much or as little as you like, with cupboards boasting everything from rice cookers to graters and baking equipment. The cupboards were stocked with coffee beans and the bathroom provided with toiletries too.

Despite being in the heart of downtown, Smithe House is tucked away enough that a peaceful night’s sleep is guaranteed. The building’s sound-insulated windows and blackout curtains means the bustle of city life can be easily shut out, which is crucial after a long flight. A giant enveloping bed with crisp white sheets was there to welcome us in and two large smart TVs (one in the bedroom and one in the lounge), meant we could kick back and watch exactly what we both wanted, just like at home.

For business travellers, in-suite workspaces and high-speed Wi-Fi make it easy to work remotely. There’s a small fitness centre with ample equipment in the building, and every time I dropped in, I had it to myself, which was always a treat.

The apartments are spacious enough to stay for a week, or a few months. Storage closets swallow luggage and off-season gear – useful in a city that is so close to the slopes. There’s adjustable lighting, USB-enabled bedside lamps, doubling up as chargers. Each element feels like it adds to the convenience of a stay here.

In terms of pricing, it’s fair to say it’s higher than a typical hotel room but undercuts many serviced-apartment options with similar space. For that premium, you get real cooking facilities, a living area that isn’t just a chair in a corner, and the feeling you’re in a private home rather than a chain.

To do

Smithe House is just a short walk from Vancouver’s waterfront parks. Image credit: Bigstock/Dasyall

If you’d rather get your steps outside, Smithe House is just a short walk from Vancouver’s long winding seawall, ferries that take you to Granville Island and False Creek’s waterfront parks. It’s also in a brilliant location to try out some of Yaletown’s cafés and restaurants. Need groceries or a quick coffee? A grocery store and several coffee shops are right around the corner. For the best coffee in the area, try Rocanini Coffee Roasters. For deli food items, Urban Fare always delivered.

In a nutshell

In a city of high-rise condos and cookie-cutter hotels, Smithe House stands out for flexibility and thoughtful design. It suits anyone who wants the privacy and comfort of home without losing the perks of a hotel. Whether you’re here for work, play or a little of both, Smithe House delivers a seamless stay in the heart of Vancouver.

Factbox

Address: 225 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1E7
Phone: (778) 404-3303
Website: smithehouse.com

Hotel photography courtesy of Smithe House.

 

Original source: Luxury Lifestyle Magazine

Read original article here.