I stayed at the Granville Island Hotel after its opening in 1983. The 85-room hotel was a shining star on Vancouver's accommodations scene, and the only hotel on Granville Island. Although it's still the lone hotel, the luster diminished over the years, with ownership and management changing hands. It had become somewhat a tired property, and didn't seem quite sure what it wanted to be.
Fortunately, the Granville Island Hotel is back on track, and my recent stay during Dine Out Vancouver was most pleasant. Gone is the cheesy, Vegas feel -- the newly renovated hotel is fresh and airy with simple decor, and such welcome amenities as complimentary bottled water, free WiFi and a morning newspaper at the door -- along with in-room coffee makers and bathrobes.
Upon checking in at the hotel after arriving in Vancouver via Amtrak Cascades, I enjoyed a simple lunch at the hotel's Dockside Restaurant. With its expansive windows overlooking False Creek and the towering glass buildings of downtown, it's an inviting space. I had a lovely light lunch of Dockside Crab & Shrimp Cakes and a glass of BC's Lake Breeze Pinot Blanc. My only surprise was when I requested bread, the waiter brought a large basket of fresh artisan breads. Tasty, yes, but I was taken aback by the $5 charge on my bill -- a heads up from the waiter about the charge upon ordering would be a nice touch. Later that evening, I enjoyed the lounge with its fireplace and cozy couches and creative cocktail menu. During warmer weather, the outdoor patio is one of Vancouver's more popular spots, complete with settle-in seating and fireplaces. Also onsite is the Dockside Brewery, featuring a variety of classic and signature beers.
I love waking up on an island, and Granville is a good one. The Public Market is a quick stroll from the hotel, and watching the market wake up as deliveries are made and vendors set up is a fun morning activity, coffee in hand. The market is open 9-7 daily. A new dining option on the island is Edible Canada at the Market, located across from the market. This full-service bistro focuses on BC and Canadian food and drink and features casual dining and an open-kitchen space. The bistro serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. They also have a take-out window, artisan food store and even plug-ins to recharge electric vehicles. If you traveled to Vancouver by train, take the Aqua Bus or False Creek Ferries to Yaletown and other spots in downtown Vancouver.
Dine Out Vancouver - Six restaurants on Granville Island are part of Dine out Vancouver, which runs Jan. 20-Feb. 5, 2012. They include Dockside Restaurant, Bridges Restaurant, The Keg, The Sandbar, WHET and Edible Canada at the Market.
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