The EXchange Hotel Vancouver is the newest development and addition to the Executive Hotels & Resorts chain in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. The trendy district is home to arts, entertainment and sports venues. The historic building also neighbours the world-famous Stanley Park and popular districts of Gastown, Chinatown and Strathcona.
The facts
Traveller: Samantha Rowntree
Room: 307 – Deluxe King
Address: 475 Howe St Vancouver, BC V6C 2B3
Date: June 2023
Best for: A pre-cruise stay in the middle of Vancouver
The EXchange Hotel Vancouver
The hotel features 204 rooms across 10 room styles. Embracing its rich history, the hotel has retained the shell of the Old Stock Exchange building which first opened in 1929. While maintaining the historic architecture the restoration concept designed by Harry Gugger Studio with Iredale Group Architecture conserves the best of the old structure while bringing in the 21st century, with high standards of sustainability, energy conservation and concierge service.
First impressions
Going through the self-push revolving doors, you’re taken back to the feel of the former Exchange Building. The foyer has golden finishes, grand marble floors and high detailed ceilings. The concierge is quick to take my bags and usher me to level 2 where the reservations team shows me to the Deluxe King Room.
Deluxe King at EXchange Hotel Vancouver
My Deluxe King Room boasts natural through re-designed triple pane windows, herringbone floors and feature wallpaper. Its boutique size is perfect for the two nights I am staying, with a work desk, TV, marble finishes and heated floor in the bathroom. The bathroom features marble walk-in showers, backlit mirrors, L’Occitane en Provence products and those delightful heated floors.
Top suite
The Blue Chip Suite is 500m2 of modern luxury. It is the urban chic crown jewel suite with a surrounding stone garden patio to remove you from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver. Equipped with a record player and records, wet bar, mini-fridge, coffee maker and Crave tablets for entertainment and services. The room features floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light, herringbone pattern wooden floors, heated flooring in the bathroom along with a marble walk-in shower, and freestanding pedestal tub.
Dining at Hydra Vancouver
Located on the atrium level of the hotel, Hydra Vancouver overlooks the EXchange Tower lobby below. The sunlight spot offers traditional Greek food for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well has happy hour daily from 3-6pm.
I wish I could take home…
The heated tiles in the bathroom, I think it’s time to rip up the bathroom floor at home.
Stepping out
The hotel is located in the Downtown District of Vancouver. A 10-minute walk takes me to the ‘Luxury Zone’ on Alberni St (near Burrard St) which houses the likes of Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Jimmy Choo and much more.
Vancouver also has the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. The 28 kilometre seaside bike and walking track through Stanley Park. The trail extends from the Vancouver Convention Centre to Spanish Banks Park.
Vancouver is a foodie’s dream destination. With local fresh produce and a booming multicultural population resulting in a unique cuisine. Two must trys are Five Sails and L’Abattoir Restaurant which are both a short walk from the hotel.
Staying in
EXchange Hotel Vancouver has a fitness center open from 6am to 8pm daily, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, coffee maker and robes to set up for a cozy night in.
Green thumbs up?
The EXchange Hotel is Vancouver’s first LEED™ Platinum Heritage Conversion. The initiatives span over all their suites, which results into a 85% reduction of CO2 emissions and 50% reduction in energy usage compared to non-LEED designed buildings. Initiatives include, geothermal renewable energy systems, heating and cooling, energy-saving shower heads, storm water retention, electric vehicle charging stations and solar thermal panels.
As a city Vancouver is really hitting some green goals. Although they only hit 8 out of 18 targets in their Greenest City 2020 Action Plan they’ve made significant progress in each of 10 goal areas which includes all new builds to include LEED standards.
Room for improvement
Although my stay at the EXchange Hotel was lavish, the lack of a mini-bar featuring fine wines and snacks was missed. What’s a holiday without popping a bottle when you first arrive?
Final verdict
The hotel is perfect for business trips and pre- or post-cruise adventures. It is just a few short minutes walk from the cruise terminal and the business district of Vancouver. It’s a private stay with little interruptions from the team.
Where to find EXchange Hotel Vancouver
EXchange Hotel Vancouver is at 475 Howe St Vancouver, BC. Star Limousine organises transfers from the airport to the EXchange Hotel which is approximately a 30-minute drive.
