Review: Vancouver’s West End Guest House

 

The phrase “welcome home” really fits the bill at this cozy and friendly B&B.  The West End Guest House is fittingly located in Vancouver’s West End, a mostly residential area in between the glass tower lined downtown and the lush, huge, green Stanley Park.   Lovingly restored and run by Evan and Ron for the last twenty years, this is unequivocally the best B&B I’ve ever stayed in.   Now, granted, I don’t stay in too many, but there was just so much attention to detail here and little touches that won me over as soon as I stepped inside and was warmly greeted like an old friend.   They know how to do it right here and make you feel ‘at home’ from the start.

The house was originally built in 1906 entirely of cedar.   There are interesting bits of history scattered around the house about its and Evan’s family background.

The owner, Evan, says, “It isn’t a museum, but every once in awhile I find out something new about the first occupants, the Edwards Family or something else about early Vancouver.  It is because of this connection with the history of a relatively young city that is most meaningful to me.”

It was also nice to see that each Victorian-inspired room, still has modern touches like iPod players, flat screen TVs, fresh, clean designs, and even a furry stuffed animal to cuddle up to if you get lonely.

The Bed Part

No, this is not a chic, modern, IKEA-like place.  And the Victorian style is not something I’d have in my own home, but it is perfect here and matches the house itself to a tee.  There are Victorian wall coverings, and wingback chairs, but I did not feel it was stuffy or a dusty, old place.  It was still airy and immaculate.

There are a handful of rooms.  I stayed in their smallest, most affordable room, which they aptly call the ‘cozy double.’  It was small, but perfect for me and its tiny size didn’t bother me at all.  My room had super comfy bedding with wonderfully soft sheets, plush pillows, and a feather bed on top of the mattress.   I loved how the bed was wedged in between two walls making it even cozier.  But, if I were any taller, I don’t think it would work.   I do sleep with my arm under my pillow reaching upward, and this was difficult since it would just hit the wall and I couldn’t slide down in the bed further because then my feet hit the other wall.  No a huge deal to me, but if you are more than 5’8”, this may be an issue for you.   Easy fix…just don’t stay in this room if you don’t like cozy or you don’t come in the short variety like me.

 

The Breakfast Part

Every morning breakfast is served at the communal dining table.  And every breakfast was different.  And I was there for five of them.  From an egg scramble with smoked salmon and dill to a vegetable crepe to a poached egg and ham frittata, breakfast did not disappoint.  Plus each meal came with OJ, coffee, and a lovely smoothie made with fresh berries.  Not only was it a delicious and healthy breakfast each morning, it was the perfect way to chat with other guests at the big, wooden dining table.

“I used to work in a hotel and the dining room seemed like such a lonely place for single people.   I love that the environment I have created is supportive to the social aspect of travel,” says Evan of the convivial aspect here that comes at the communal table.

 

It’s the little things

When I checked in, I noticed one little light bulb (in a 3-bulb fan light) was out in my room.  I never said a thing.  The next morning, I happened to look up and it had already been replaced. Boom.  I never asked and it was done.  Nice.  Nothing goes unnoticed here.

My bathroom was stocked with little soaps, creams, q-tips and all manner of things you would need.

I was welcomed with a handwritten card and a little homemade treat…little did I know this first ‘treat’ was just one of many more to come.

For example, a freshly baked plate of cookies or other assorted baked goods welcomed me and other guests at the door every night.  I think this might have been better than staying at grandma’s house!  And, like the times I did stay at grandma’s, I may have put on a few pounds here.  It was hard to pass that plate each night and not grab one.  Yum.

On the main floor, there is a guest pantry with a constant selection of baked goods, coffee, tea, soft drinks available at any time. They also have a tiny fridge you can use for your own leftovers and the like.

Pros:

• Super Clean
• Amazing attention to detail
• Comfy bedding and sheets
• iPod dock/charger with speakers
• Back balcony & cute landscaped garden below
• Communal breakfast
• Cookies!
• Boots the cat
• Bikes to use
• Free computer in lobby and Free wifi throughout
• Friendly and welcoming, yet relaxed and not in-your-face

Cons

• “Cozy Double” bed a tight fit
• Shower head range—the shower in the cozy double is also small.  The shower head itself can’t be angled any lower than it is so you have to kind of stand in a corner to get the full effect of the water stream.
• If you want to be totally smack dab in the heart of the city, this is not for you. But it is just a brisk 10-15 minute walk to the center.

Cost

Their rates for two run from $210 to $260.  The “cozy double” room I stayed in is $145 for one person.

“The biggest thing for me is playing a part in my guest’s special adventure.  I like to think that somehow I can make it better for them and I always feel complimented that people believe in me enough to book here and put their trust in me.”

You can put your trust in me as well, as I do highly recommend the WEGH. Click here for more info or to make a reservation. And if you do stay there, tell Evan (and Boots!) hello for me.

 

Disclosure:  My stay was provided by the West End Guest House, but, as always, the views and photos here are my own.