I visited the Sylvia for the first time back in the early 80's and loved then and love it still. I guess the best part is because it hasn't change all that much (this could be also be considered a bad thing); it hasn't become a trendy "boutique" hotel, nor is it a generic chain. It's a class of its... more

We are a family of three that stayed in one of the 2 bedroom suites (one queen and one single). *Room: Good size, decor is pretty spartan, but nice and tidy. Our room seemed nicer in real life than it looks on the website. It was very nice to have the separate bedroom. Keep in mind that this is an... more

We didn't expect much, and therefore got more than we expected. Two queen-sized beds allowed us to keep our luggage on one; and sleep on the other. The location was the best, with walks to Robson and Denmore a snap. The food choices on Denmore could have kept us entertained for weeks. Best bonus? Your own fully equipped kitchen. The... more

We just chose the Sylvia for a 30 year reunion of friends from California, London and Chicago. The staff could not have been more helpful with the pre-arrival arrangements (which kept changing). When we first arrived I was worried about the hotel I had chosen: the corridors seemed poorly lit and the decor old and faded. You need to stay... more

The Sylvia has a fantastic location. That is about all that is fantastic about it, though. It is highly overrated, and the rates are way too high for what is offered there- not much. The rooms have big windows and natural light but are also small and cramped, and are furnished much like an about-to-be-closed roadside motel would be. The... more

Don't be fooled by the elegant and clean decor of the restaurant and bar, or the cosy reception area and helpful staff. Once you get to your room you will find outdated, shabby decor, dis-functional room layouts and some serious doubts about whether to stay or not. Get over them. The Sylvia hotel is one of those hotels you would... more

The Sylvia is either to your taste or not. Glitzy it's not. The decor is distinctly anti-modern and rooms and hallways exude a well worn comfort. But the rooms are also large and bright, the housekeeping just fine, the views can be excellent, and the location, on the fringe of downtown but nestled up against English Bay, fabulous. The lobby... more

It's clear from some reviews in the past few months that the Sylvia was going through some tough times as this old hotel remodeled the lobby--several reviews express frustration and anger with the noise, rudeness of staff, inconvenience, and shoddiness of the rooms. I read these reviews just weeks before my stay at the Sylvia, and I was braced for... more

The Sylvia is not for everyone. Only those who want a perfect location, amazing views, mellow atmosphere, friendly staff and a comfortable room at a great price. It is not posh, plush or first class. It's a bit worn around the edges but feels more loved and cozy than tattered. Sort of like your grandmother's old house from the 40's... more