Review: Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver

While attending multiple events in different parts of the city, I was in need of centrally located accommodation. After a great impression during a previous stay, the Metropolitan Hotel was the perfect option for me, staying in Downtown Vancouver. 

Booking & Check-in

On Marriott’s website, booking the Metropolitan Hotel doesn’t appear as one of their sub-brands nor as part of any of the hotel collections. However, upon receiving the booking confirmation email, I noticed that the reservation was under the Renaissance Hotels branding.

Although I booked using an industry rate, the Metropolitan Hotel is typically one of the lower-priced Marriott Bonvoy properties in Downtown Vancouver. Though rates are still $300 or more per night during the cruise season. Similar properties in the core of Downtown are priced around $50-$100 on the pricier nights.

At check in, the reception area felt a little vintage, with a compartmentalized reception area compared to most modern Marriott Bonvoy properties with more open concept check-in counters.

The front desk agent recognized me from frequent stays at a different property that I used for mattress runs towards Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status. He provided me with a welcome sheet with all the amenities and things to do in the area around the property, as well as mentioning that I was eligible for a complimentary continental breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant thanks to my Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite Bonvoy Status. He also approved my request for a 4 PM late check-out. 

On a related note, be sure to check out our Miles Ahead podcast, where we share our shortcuts to achieving Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status faster as well as the benefits beyond Marriott Bonvoy!

The hotel has a different feel compared to other Renaissance properties, which made sense since the property used to be part of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group before rebranding to the Metropolitan Hotel.

After this Vancouver property disbanded from the Metropolitan Hotels chain, it joined the Marriott Bonvoy network and operates as a Renaissance under the surface of the Metropolitan branding (a bit confusing, I know)

Location

Whether you’re on a business trip or visiting for fun, the hotel’s close proximity to attractions and activities makes it more appealing than some of the other Marriott Bonvoy properties in the Downtown area. 

Located in the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown, the Metropolitan Hotel is very close to transit and major shopping districts. Pacific Centre is located right across the street with most major Canadian clothing and lifestyle retailers and Robson Street is less than a 10-minute walk away. Major attractions like Canada Place, Gastown, and Harbour Centre are all within a 15-minute walk from the hotel. 

Taxis and Rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft have good access to the drop-off area at the curb on Howe Street. Usually, the road isn’t gridlocked, so catching a ride is quite seamless.

Getting to the hotel from the airport is only a 25-minute Canada Line train ride away, including the walk from the station. Other transit services like SkyTrain are only a couple of blocks away, with buses nearby as well, like reaching the ferries to Vancouver Island at Horseshoe Bay.

Seabus is also within a 15-minute walk, which can connect you to buses to other major attractions like Capilano Suspension Bridge or Grouse Mountain.

Parking

The entrance for parking is located right next to the lobby, with an hourly rate of $10 and a daily rate of $48. Valet service is available for $55 daily between 7 AM and 10 PM, though the hotel website mentions that access to vehicles can still be made after the posted hours.

Room – King Guest Room

The entryway into the room is a little cramped, but the bathroom and the bedroom feel a bit larger than the standard guest room. Included with all rooms is a balcony, not large enough to fit more than a couple of people, but still enough room to take a peek at the surrounding downtown streets. 

As mentioned earlier, the hotel used to be a Mandarin Oriental property, so the decor feels a little more boutique than what you might expect at a Renaissance property with a few unique touches like the Downtown Vancouver map pillow on the bed.

The closet is decently sized, with the safe and laundry or ironing equipment located inside.

If you choose to take the laundry tote bag, $5 will be charged.

Adjacent to the closet and luggage storage area, you can find the coffee maker and mini fridge.

There is a small working area and TV, though the table is only large enough for the laptop. Additionally, there is a lack of charging outlets near the desk, so I would recommend bringing a wall adapter with multiple charging ports if you plan to bring a few electronics.

The TV is neither large nor the latest in technology, so don’t expect any high-quality resolution for shows and movies.

The location of the hotel limits the balcony view quite a bit. Unless you are assigned a room on the west side of the property, your view will be of Howe Street below or office and residential buildings surrounding the property. 

During Friday and weekend nights, traffic and buses are rerouted to Howe Street right below the hotel, so noises from traffic and pedestrians might be louder than usual for the lower floors.

The bathroom includes both a full-sized tub and a walk-in shower. 

Something I haven’t seen in a while is a phone next to the toilet, which does accentuate the hotel’s convenience for everything.

Restaurants 

Diva – Marriott Platinum Elite Complimentary Breakfast

The hotel’s primary restaurant, Diva, was quiet when I joined for breakfast. Since this property is technically a Renaissance Hotel, the complimentary breakfast comes in lieu of the hotel not having a lounge.

There are also various breakfast and weekend brunch offers in case you don’t have access to free breakfast as a status benefit.

Instead of opting for the free continental selections, I chose to upgrade my meal for just $7 to one of the main entrees. I picked the Shakshuka, which was very flavourful but also spicy (but keep in mind my spice tolerance is quite low). Juice, coffee, and tea were complimentary.

You can check out the full Diva menu here:

Facilities

Fitness Center

The fitness center is small compared to most other Marriott Bonvoy properties, so the variety is limited. If you had more than two people, the space would feel cramped. However, additional equipment can be accessed in the indoor pool area through a door at the far end of the room. 

Access to the fitness center is available 24/7.

Pool

In contrast to the gym, the indoor pool area is much larger. You can also find a few other workout machines and some yoga balls in here. There’s a small lounge area with outdoor furniture next to the pool (not pictured, on the left). The pool is open between 7 AM and 10 PM.

Although there are no spa facilities, there is a sauna inside the changerooms.

Conclusion

Exclaiming convenience, the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver provides a great stay for hotel guests visiting the city. Although the hotel is a bit older, the property has many amenities and the service is wonderful. Moreover, the property has a vintage theme to it, reflecting its character and history under other brands. As a point of reference, I’ve stayed at the Renaissance Seattle Hotel, which felt older and more generic than this property. 

Overall, the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver is a great stay for anyone who values convenience as part of their hotel criteria.