This was our second stay at the Sands. The first time we were in one of the rooms that has not yet been renovated. This time, we stayed on the top floor (with balcony and great view), which was certainly an improvement over the previous room we stayed in.
While the room didn't exactly knock our socks off, the parts that were really nice included the upgraded bedding, the fridge, and the upgraded sink area. What is still not working in this room is the outdated pink toilet and tub areas. Even adding one of those curved curtain rods and a better shower head (mounted higher) would be a step up. In sum, the upgraded rooms are definately better....but not sure if they would warrant a big increase in price (so check the difference).
The view from our room was quite lovely and the proximity to the beach is amazing.....also, lots of good food choices nearby.
Above all, the staff made us feel important, and that's what we look for in a great hotel. The top knotch service makes up for the minor imperfections in the room.
If we want or need to stay in the English Bay area again, we will definately be considering the Sands.

I really enjoyed my stay at this hotel over the Thanksgiving weekend. The front desk staff were very professional, helpful, courteous, and pleasant. The king bed in the room was super! Except for my bed at home, I have not slept on such a comfortable bed. The only niggling little thing about the room is that the bathroom is very small.

The location of this hotel is great -- near the water and city transit buses stop close to the entrance.

I will definitely stay here again.

I absolutely LOVED my time at Best Western. The front desk staff were so friendly and courteous. I was upgraded to a better room and it had an awesome view of the ocean. The rooms were recently renovated and beautiful! The hotel is very close to the ocean and tonnes of places to eat. Ill definitely go back.

Recently had 3 individual stays at this hotel travelling between the Rockies & Vancouver Island. The staff were very nice and helpful - as all Canadians are.

Going into the lift was a timewarp back to the 70's.
Room was clean, but bathroom badly needed refurbishing. Good venue if you don't spend much time in your room and want to be near beach and Stanley park.

The restaurants around the corner facing the sea were tops fro eating!