Reviews Sandman Suites On Davie

Guest Review of the Sandman Suites On Davie Vancouver
Nov 8, 2009
Stayed at this hotel for 3 nights while on a solo trip to Vancouver and was a little nervous after reading some of the reviews. Upon arrival there and checking it out, the fears were put to rest . Check in went smoothly and I was able to check in early as my flight arrived in Vancouver at 1pm and was at the hotel by 2pm. Front desk staff was helpful and informative, offering maps and suggestions of nearby restaurants if needed. Others have commented on the slow elevators-there are three-and all worked quickly and efficiently-never had to wait more that a couple of minutes at any time of the day. There is a Moxies and Spa on site, however, I chose to not to go to either.

ROOM:
I booked a Penthouse Studio, which is top (24th) floor. It had a great view, balcony overlooking the city and part of the ocean in the background. The suite had a jaccuzi tub in the main area along with the most comfortable queen sized pillow top bed, a full kitchen (sink, fridge, dishwasher, sink), and then bathroom with a jetted stand-alone shower. There were more than enough towels, bathrobes, and bath amenities. There was also a flat screen TV which you could view from either the bed, kitchen area, or while in the jaccuzi tub. The only thing that the other suites have that this studio doesn't was the washer/dryer, which wasn't a big issue for me but may be for some.

LOCATION:
The hotel itself is located in Davie Village on Davie Street, which, yes, is a predominately gay/lesbian area of Vancouver with several gay clubs and a few sex stores nearby, however, that being said, it also has numerous great restaurants, grocery stores, and is only about a 20 minute walk to areas like Robson Street or the city centre area one way and about a 30 minute walk to either Granville or Stanley Park the other directions.
It is about a $25 cab ride from the airport or you can now take the Sky Train directly from the airport to nearby Burrard or Granville Stations and then either walk or cab the rest of the way to be more cost effective.

Overall, I would recommend this hotel this hotel to anyone and it will likely be where I stay in future trips to Vancouver! Of course I can't comment on any of the other rooms in the hotel, but as far as cleanliness and hospitality that I observed, I had no complaints.

Guest Review of the Sandman Suites On Davie Vancouver
Nov 1, 2009
I stayed at the sandman suites with my partner for 2 weeks in early October. I would say that for the money this was a good hotel.

We arrived at the hotel and initially had to be change rooms due to a noisy generator on an adjoining roof. After this we were moved to 4th floor which was ideal as it was only a short trip in the lifts.

Hotel has good facilities, pool, fitness suite and steam room. Any queries we had reception dealt with swiftly.

There was only one thing I would highlight to consider if thinking about staying here:
1/ lower down in the hotel, floors 4-7 there is a buzzing sound that originates from the bottom of the lifts. This noise disappears when your travel higher up in the lifts. This was not really a problem for me as I sleep through anything but it did wake my girlfriend a few times. If you can request higher up in the building then I would do so.

Overall excellent value for money. Location good, situated within 'gay davie village' but this never posed any problems for us.

Guest Review of the Sandman Suites On Davie Vancouver
Oct 14, 2009
The location is excellent. It's right in the middle of a hip, alternative, charming neighborhood with lots of cool, little shops and places to eat. There are also nightlife spots (and parents should be advised there are some adult entertainment places right nearby, but they aren't particularly obtrusive--my kids never noticed them, especially since they aren't visible if you enter/exit the hotel through the parking garage). The staff at the hotel were all very friendly. The elevators were a little slow (one was out of order), but that is hardly a complaint. Overall, this place really rocked! It's a fun place at a great price. We stayed on the sea-view side of the hotel, and the view was amazing! Just looking out the balcony was a highlight of the trip. The hotel is just a few blocks from the beautiful English Bay and splendors of Stanley Park.

Guest Review of the Sandman Suites On Davie Vancouver
Oct 10, 2009
We stayed in the penthouse Jacuzzi suite and had mixed feelings about it. To begin, it was very small with a disproportionate amount of space given to the Jacuzzi. Consequently no couch or soft chairs. The suite was a bit shop worn but clean. Unlike other standard suites there was no washer or drier. Ask for ocean view if possible. The location was excellent with approximately 25 restaurants in a 3 block stretch on Davie St. Stephos (Greek) and Bin 941 (tapas) were outstanding. Kam's Singapore restaurant was also an incredible value. The hotel staff was very accommodating and helpful. Couldn't have been better. We would stay here again but in a cheaper standard suite.

Guest Review of the Sandman Suites On Davie Vancouver
Sept 29, 2009
The hotel staff is very friendly and were interested in the activities we had planned for our stay. They were very knowledgeable and helpful in offering suggestions. The centerpiece of our penthouse suite was a Jacuzzi tub which at first seemed odd being in the center of the room but was much appreciated after hours spent walking. The Jacuzzi suite did not have a small sofa which would've been nice but we made do with the sitting chairs. I would recommend this hotel for its great service and location.

Guest Review of the Sandman Suites On Davie Vancouver
Sep 11, 2009
The hotel is overall a 3.5 star I would say. We stayed at the suite with the kitchenette, got a last minute deal and paid about $100/night.

No real complaints. Its clean, spacious, bedroom is more private, and GREAT location. There's a mart down the street where we got some snacks and drinks for the kitchenette. It was very safe to walk around the neighborhood, plenty of people out walking so you don't feel uncomfortable.

I know some people prefer to be in downtown proper but I enjoyed the fact that we were away from everything just a bit. We did get a rental car (Vancouver is very easy to drive around if you are used to driving in California) so we had no issues getting anywhere if we needed to. But we ended up walking around every night the 3 days we were there. Even though not in downtown proper we had plenty of exploring to do and had no issues finding restaurants and stores to browse.

Its only 10 min drive to everything. It was the better/somewhat more modern/cleaner version of a business suite in a great location.
 

Guest Review of the Sandman Suites On Davie Vancouver
Aug 10, 2009
Stayed here for 1 night with friends. Front desk seemed overwhelmed at check-in and the lobby was unpleasantly warm. Our room was not ready well after 4 p.m. -- we came back about 30 minutes later. The "suites" are on the small side but with large balconies and a full kitchen. No blackout shades so sunlight may wake those who are sensitive to light. Bed linens were average (although beds are comfortable). There was mold in the shower grout. The entire hotel has been remodeled but looks tired and worn. The pool, steam room, and fitness room are still nice to use, but towels often need replenishing and the men's room needs to be monitored more closely for cleanliness. This hotel continues to do well by virtue of its location and great views from the rooms. It won't get a glowing review from me until the service is improved.

Guest Review of the Sandman Suites On Davie Vancouver
Aug 4, 2009
Let me say this. Davie st is right smack in the middle of the Gay district of a proud Vancouver. Gay, Lesbian, Straight, A-Sexual...go for it, this is definitely a great place to hang out.

Vancouver is an amazing city, where the harbour hangs with the parks, and mountains form a post card back drop. In the old days, Kodak would have made a fortune selling you film, its cities like this where you give thanks for digital technology.

Sightseeing - a cycle through stanley park is a must - you can walk 10 mins from the hotel and pay about 5 bucks an hour. stop for a local lager in the centre of the park to quench a sweaty thirst. Also take the ferry, more like something you'd see in a child's bath, over to Granville island...the foods not great if eating there, though local produce in the summer market is stunning. Its a small city so you can just walk every where.

The Sandman Suites on Davie was clearly an older hotel, though they have give it a good lick (of paint) and is in good nick. The lobby is funky and in keeping with the environs, the rooms are spacious and all have a balcony, fridge and washing machine. There is A/C though its pretty noisy. If feeling rough, take advantage of the steam room and pool area, its pretty handy.

The location is excellent. There is so much happening on the doorstep, great people watching and all the convenient shops you'd need .

The service was exceptional, especially from the front office manager Eugene. 5 stars to him.

Downsides were very slow lifts (sometimes waiting to descent for 10 mins) and there were never enough staff at check in or out.

If you're going for a drive around BC and returning to Vancouver, they'll happily store your excess luggage for no fee. and the internet is free (albeit a little slow) if you have your own laptop.

If you die before seeing Vancouver, well thats just a shame. Its worth every effort to travel there!


Guest Review of the Sandman Suites On Davie Vancouver
Jul 30, 2009
This was the last hotel we stayed in after a fortnight travelling from LA to Vancouver and it was one of our favorites.

We arrived about lunchtime and, because our rooms weren't ready the fantastic Eugene on reception upgraded us - we ended up with great sea-view rooms, perfect for watching the sunset.

We enjoyed having the pool and fitness centre on the third floor and the Sandman's location, on a trendy street just ten minutes from English Bay was ideal. Thanks, again, to Eugene, we hired some bikes and had a great time in Stanley Park, just a little further up.

Didn't witness any of homelessness or pan-handling in the neighborhood - in fact, after Portland and Seattle, it made a nice change not to be accosted for money on every corner.

Would definitely stay here again.
 

Guest Review of the Sandman Suites On Davie Vancouver
Jul 11, 2009
We booked the hotel based mainly on the reviews , the price and the services (kitchenette, washing machine in the room).

I would agree with all the positive reviews:
- excellent view (at least from 16th floor)
- good location (walking distance to Stanley Park, English Bay, Granville Island, etc.) and buses run nearby
- Supermarkets and other groceries within 50m from the hotel
- VERY friendly and helpful staff at the reception
- The room was well equipped (modern kitchen and washing machine) and clean.
- lots of good restaurants within 200m
- the surrounding area is a very pleasant with small houses and a relaxed atmosphere.

The street life is a bit noisy in the night but so is the aircon in the bedroom, so the outside notice shouldn't bother one too much. I would certainly stay here again if I travelled to Vancouver once more.