I stayed at the Sands in late June. First of all, the best thing about the Sands is the location. It's a block from English Bay and an easy walk to Stanley Park. Many of the fun activities (walking, biking, kayaking) in Vancouver couldn't be closer. Also, the neighborhood has a wide assortment of cafes and restaurants that should appeal to everyone. Now the downside of staying at the Sands. The property isn't aging well. The rooms need serious work. I encountered numerous problems in my room (i.e. the bathroom fan didn't work, the water in the shower alternated between very hot and very cold, the knob for the air conditioner came off in my hand.) Clearly, the management has done very little to keep up the place, and it shows. But for the location, I would give the Sands two stars. The rooms are just not in good shape. If you're not prepared to rough it a bit with worn rooms, the Sands isn't the place for you. On the other hand, if you're willing to put up with an older facility that needs some work, the location can't be beat.

I had a wonderful stay at this hotel. I was visiting in order to race the Triathlon World Championships, so comfort was very important. Eddie gave me a great rate and Mr. Grant made sure I had oatmeal for breakfast on race day. All of the staff were so very helpful.
The rooms were clean and quiet (except for the construction across the street). And my room had a partial ocean view. The hotel is right in center of all of the beach activities.
I would definitely stay here again and recommend this property to others.
Thank you.

June 6th.'08.
Rosemont.PA.USA

My friend and I have just spent a few days at Best Western Sands Hotel on Davie Street in Vancouver.B.C.
We were very impressed with the friendly and efficient service from the moment we arrived.
Our room was clean and well appointed,with a balcony overlooking the beach at English Bay.
The restaurant was exceptional and the staff were cheerful and very helpful.
We will certainly use the Sands Hotel on all future visits to
Vancouver's fair city We thoroughly recommend it.

Eileen Cahill/Tove Sorensen

Guests from May20th -May 23rd 2008.

I stayed here to attend Institute of Industrial Engineers conference in the Westin Bayside hotel (15-20 minutes walk away, and more expensive). Overall experience very good. Room large, clean, comfortable bed, quiet (I was on 3rd floor overlooking parking lot, I never did bother to wheedle for room with nicer view, since I was hardly in room except to eat or sleep). Notwithstanding other reviews, I did not feel bathroom was too small. Since room has small refrigerator, I was able to save money by buying food at nearby supermarket on Denman Street. Therefore, I did not try the hotel restaurant. Free access to internet in lobby (and with a printer, so I could print my boarding pass night before flying out). Certainly not a luxury hotel, but good value for money with no noticeable defects or downside. Desk service always excellent, attentive, friendly, and helpful. To get here from airport, take 424 bus to airport spur station, 98 bus north into town, get off at Davie Street stop, and take #6 bus west to Denman (when driver told me "Everyone off; route ends here," I was 30 feet from hotel lobby door). Bus fare $3.75. Walking distance to seaside with lovely view, post office, markets, Stanley Park, Vancouver Art Gallery, and Roedde House Museum.