For a world-class city that gets more than its share of backpack and flashpack travelers Vancouver has a surprising dearth of interesting budget accommodations. Yeah, there’s the big party-oriented youth hostel, but it’s nothing especially remarkable save for an excellent central location. Choice Hotels has seven properties in the greater Vancouver area that provide good value but there’s nothing particularly memorable about a stay in any of them.

After some sleuthing Spot Cool Stuff managed to find three lodgings that were both high in character and low in price. Each has something superlative about it. And each has a name that fits what it is:

The Urban Hideaway Guesthouse

A hideaway indeed. Those seeking the stereotype of a party-oriented youth hostel atmosphere should look elsewhere. This guesthouse, located within a 19th-century townhouse that somehow survived downtown Vancouver’s modernization, is quiet and peaceful. And elegant too, though not in an aloof way—the staff is almost overly friendly and the communal (and complimentary) breakfasts provide a wonderful venue for meeting other travelers.

The Hideaway’s master bedroom, with it’s bay windows and kind-sized bed, is the most sought after room here. Spot Cool Stuff, though, prefers the huge skylight-lit Loft Suite—all the rooms have sinks but the Loft Suite is the only one with a private bathroom. The “basic” rooms have several homey touches such as hanging plants and comfy down quilts.

In short, the Urban Hideaway Guesthouse has—by a considerably margin—the best high-value cool accommodations in the whole of Vancouver.

Location: Very much downtown, 1 1/2 blocks from the Granville SKYTRAIN Station

Rates: Private rooms from C$35 to C$45 per person

Room price includes: Breakfast, bicycle use, access to DVD & book library, wi-fi internet

Special features: Excellent downtown location, laid-back atmosphere, plant-filled rooftop hangout

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Little Retreat Bed & Breakfast

Little indeed. This “retreat” is essentially an ordinary family house on a semi-suburban street 10 km (6 miles) east of central Vancouver. The B&B has only two guest rooms; both are are rather spartan and share a bathroom. There’s a common living room with a TV and a dining room that’s typical of a Canadian home. Altogether, the experience of staying at the Little Retreat is like staying with friends of friends.

Except, these friends of friends can cook exceptionally well. Breakfasts at the Little Retreat are fabulous. So much so that you can think of the Little Retreat as a place where you get a free room with your breakfast rather than vice-versa.

Obviously, this B&B is not the place to stay if you are looking for “the scene.” It isn’t the most convenient if you are relying on public transport either. It is, however, great if you have a car. The neighborhood is safe and on-street parking is free.

Location: Capitol Hill, a 30-minute bus ride from downtown

Rates: C$40ish to 60ish per person, 2 night min stay required

Room price includes: Breakfast, ‘net access via communal computer, parking

Special features: Especially good breakfast, home-like atmosphere

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Aberdeen Mansion

A mansion indeed. The Aberdeen is a large 1905 Heritage house filled with antique furniture (and, in some places, with a musty antique smell). Inside the mansion are five suites, though in the case of the small and somewhat dilapidated “Tipperary” unit the suite designation is a bit of a misnomer. You’ll be happier staying in the large “Belmont” with its ornate fireplace or in the “Newcastle” with its bay window views. The Aberdeen Mansion’s innkeeper, we feel obligated to point out, is a bit . . . we’re not sure of the word. She’s not unfriendly, exactly. More like passive-aggressive surly. Her accommodations, however, are quirky and inexpensive—two qualities Spot Cool Stuff finds hard to resist.

Location: Two blocks from Commercial Drive in “Little Italy”

Rates: Starting around C$80 for a double room

Rate includes:: Internet access via communal computer, local calls, parking

Special feature: Antique furnishings, in-room equipped kitchenettes, several suites have a fireplace

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The Belmont Suite

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