Sandman Suites On Davie

Not quite sure why there’s so many negative reviews. Stayed for 5 nights and didn’t have any problems at all. The staff was very polite. The rooms were clean. I never had to wait a long time for the elevators to arrive. I loved that I was able to sit out on the balcony and watch the people. The only tip I have is the shower. You have to take the bathtub plug totally out of the tub or the water won’t drain as you shower. Had a problem with that the first day but once I removed the plug it drained just fine. When I go back to Vancouver I know that I will stay here again.

Worse hotel ever. First off all they didn’t give us room we booked and the room they give was so terrible we can’t even shut the bathroom door. Their customer was terrible especially the night shift manager. Worse experience ever, I would never ever staying at this hotel again.

This place was MEH. Like I said, great location on Davie Street which is very similar to the Castro in SF. Lot’s of bars, coffee shops, Gay friendly for sure! amazing restaurants, and in close proximity (walking distance) to Robson Street for epic shopping.
Do be warned that the «hold» that they place on your credit card during your stay (standard with any hotel) is very high considering the quality of this place. $ 300 for a couple of days. Make sure you have the money for this pending transaction and do know it will take several days for this pending charge to be released.
Anyways, in regards to the infamous elevator situation — it was pretty OK for us. I think maybe only 1 time we had to wait almost 10 minutes for it to reach our floor. Most times it was there at a normal speed for us. They have made a lot of progress with this and I can tell you first-​hand it looks like they’re about finished there.
The room: It was pretty gross. Very outdated. Tile floors unclean. Cigarette burn in the bedding. My bigger concern was bed bugs but indeed the bed was clean with exception of the burn — I slept quite comfortably too. I opened the dishwasher and it was filled with water and dead gnats. Same plumbing issue with the shower. stand in there for about 2 minutes and your ankles were COVERED with the water! I almost went out and bought some drain-​o to try and make it better but I didn’t want to damage their pipes because I can only assume they have a lot of work to do on those after the elevator renovations. But seriously, that was disgusting — at least it meant only taking a literal 2 minute shower. Very small bathroom — only one person can fit in there as the door open is literally a ruler’s length from the toilet… not the most comfortable. Fire alarm went off while we were there. A lot of confusion — no verbal instruction from the hallway speakers for about 15 minutes. A lot of us went out to balcony looking above and below each other like huh? Firetrucks came too. I opened my door and a cleaning woman was right outside. She was on Facebook and I asked her if we should leave and she just shrugged. Also, the staff at the front desk were not welcoming whatsoever. Not mean, but not thrilled to welcome in their guests. Now I can see why.
In a nutshell: If you’re like me and want a «OK» place to stay on a budget and legitimately only plan on being at this hotel to come back and sleep, this may work for you. If you get sent to Vancouver on business and this is the hotel your employer arranged for you, please beg them for somewhere else because you will be very unhappy with your stay.

When researching hotels, I looked at a number of them downtown. We wanted to stay close to the seawall and not on Robson, and Davie is a great location due to the eateries and shops close by. There’s a 24 hours Shoppers Drug Mart almost across the street if needed.
We booked online and booked one of the few jacuzzi rooms. Since I had read about the slow elevators, I called before booking asking of the renovations would be done and they said hopefully by the end of April which would be the time we would arrive. I chanced it and booked it.
We arrived shortly before 4 and told we were on the 24^th floor. Two elevators were working and it didn’t take too long for one to arrive. I like the extra security of needing the room card to press the floor. We didn’t see a 24 but a PH so we pressed that one. The room was just steps from the elevators and one morning it was noisy from the loud talkers in the hall waiting for the elevator. We did have to wait for them but not as long as some other guests that I spoke with. Yes, one seemed possessed with opening at every floor as it made its way down. I even got off that elevator and walked down the stairs in the same amount of time it took the elevator to reach the lobby.
The jacuzzi isn’t large and more like a spacious one person or just enough for 2 people. It’s seated just under the small TV and the switch for the jets is located on the wall so you have to turn them on before getting into the tub. The shower in the bathroom has nozzles for jets to come out but not more than a spit comes out of them.
The kitchen had a full size fridge, smaller dishwasher, stove, microwave, coffee maker, kettle, dishes, and cutlery. There was also a small kitchen table with 2 chairs. The balcony had a great view towards Burrard Bridge and also the city view. The free wi-​fi was reliable most of the time but not on the balcony. The bed was comfortable for a good night’s sleep.
The location is great. It’s about a 10 minute walk to the seawall and also about 45 minutes to Granville Island. There’s parking in the back of the hotel for visitors too. There’s a taxi stop right in front of the hotel so convenient if needed.
Once they get the elevator situation sorted out, it will be much better. The staff are also hit or miss with their friendliness and service.

Sandman Suites is located in the gay part of town, and if you’re okay with that, it is actually a very convenient location within 15 minutes walk of Stanley Park, and Granville (where the night scene is).
Everyone seems to be complaining about the slow elevators, and yes, it was truly terrible. Worse, I happened to stay here while 2 of the 3 elevators were down for upgrades/​maintenance, which made for a lot of walking down stairs.
The suite style rooms are not super modern, but they are well furnished, with most supplies you would have at home. Washer/​dryer, pots, pans, glasses, utensils, coffee maker, even a washing machine. They were missing detergent though (laundry and dish), which was quite the omission as far as convenience goes.

2 stars b/​c you know the hotel wasn’t bad itself. The location is perfectly ideal. Smack dab in the middle of Davie St. with rainbows surrounded everything it’s a very very hip and happening street.
The rooms were clean and the shower/​tub was good. It’s a hotel of suites so everyroom has, besides the beds and bathroom, a full kitchen and fridge and living room like area. The kitchen is stocked with the essentials, pots, pans, forks, knives, plates, coffee pot etc. which was awesome b/​c we saved money by cooking a few breakfasts.
Also — every room has a washer/​dryer combo in their room — a definite plus.
but 2 stars b/​c of many things:
1 — ONLY 1 elevator of 3 worked and that was usually a gamble if it would take 5 minutes or 25 minutes to get you where you wanted to go
2 — the maid threw my clothes i had on the bed into the closet floor. Granted the bed wasn’t made before that — but the clothes didn’t need to be thrown on the floor like that.
Free Wifi slows down a lot to less than a crawl but then again thats anywhere you go that has free Wifi.
Even still with the 2 star rating it wasn’t bad all-​things considered.

Slooooow elevators. My wife and I were on the 24^th floor and we had to call down to the front desk to have them send an elevator up whenever we wanted to go down to the lobby. The elevator wouldn’t come up on its own if we pressed the button from our floor. Even after calling them, it would still take a long time. One night it took over fifteen minutes. That same night we walked down the street to Donair Dude, stood in line to order some food, waited for said food, received said food, and walked back to the hotel in less time than we had waited for the elevator to take us down in the first place. I could have rappelled down the side of the building with bedsheets in less time. (The trip back up wouldn’t have been quite as easy with that method though. Especially if you’re holding donairs.)
The location of the hotel is great — lots of restaurants and coffee shops nearby and English Bay is a short walk away. It’s a culturally diverse area and the nearby neighbourhoods such as Gastown and Yaletown are trendy and historic.
Our room had a full kitchen, a jacuzzi, and a coffee maker (which the housekeeping staff remembered to clean sometimes). Unfortunately it didn’t have a washer/​dryer which most of the suites do but you can’t have everything, I guess. The balcony had an awesome view of the city’s north-​east. I wasn’t impressed with the bird shit that covered much of the balcony but apparently the hotel staff are because it was never cleaned off in the course of the week that we stayed there. The hotel wifi is spotty at times but it’s not the worst I’ve ever seen.
Okay, the weirdest part of our room? There’s a window to see into the bathroom. Who in the hell needs to see what somebody is doing in the can? I assume it’s there so you can see the TV while you’re on the toilet (you can’t hear it though) but it also gives everyone else in your room the distinction of seeing you do your business. Sure, they don’t have to look, but it’s still strange.
Speaking of the TV, it’s way too small for that room. I think it’s a 32-​inch when ideally a 50-​inch or bigger would be more ideal for that space. It was like watching a drive-​in movie from a helicopter.
The housekeeping wasn’t bad but the attention to detail was a little lacking. As I said, sometimes the coffee maker was cleaned and sometimes it wasn’t. I noticed a pungent, stale smell coming from it early in our stay and it was because an old, damp filter was still in the machine. Gross. There was one morning that we had the Do Not Disturb sign on our door but housekeeping still tried to barge their way in anyway. It’s a good thing we also had the deadbolt set because we would have been joined for breakfast by the cleaning staff. She didn’t even do a courtesy knock — she just opened the door (or tried to). She didn’t even call out the customary «Housekeeping!» To top it off, she didn’t even have the courtesy to pull the door closed again, she just left it open ajar, resting on the deadbolt. That was about as subtle as yelling, «Get out — I’m cleaning now!»
Sandman is good for location and the desk service is friendly. It can get loud outside with emergency vehicles and general street noise but that will happen at any of the hotels in the downtown area. Because of the elevator situation I wouldn’t recommend staying in one of the higher floors unless you absolutely need a view or own a jet pack.

I stayed here last weekend with my other half and our 5yo. I had booked the room 2 days before our stay for under $ 94USD for a Sunday night stay.
We got to the hotel and were a little confused as to where to enter as there was no lobby driveway at the main entrance on Davie. So we decided to turn the corner and we found there was an entry at the back with parking.
We checked in at about 5pm so there was no big line. The front desk agent was efficient. We asked about parking ($ 18CAD I think it was) and she said that they have underground parking which was safer. So the underground parking is a few yards down from the back hotel entry. It is gated and requires a guest room key to access. So that was definitely a plus. But be warned that the parking garage and spaces are really tight. Good luck parking your giant SUV.
We went to our room on the 14^th floor and were amazed by the view of the city. The balcony was a real treat. The suite was pretty much a small apartment which had the basic amenities; full kitchen, washer dryer combo, dishwasher, utensils, pots and pans, etc.
The bedroom was small and my other half had to side step to get to the other side of the bed. The bathroom was even tinier. I think there is like an inch gap between tub and toilet. Bring your own hair dryer if you have long and thick hair like I do. The dryer in the hotel does not emit enough heat.
The carpet was grimy. We told our son to keep his shoes on. The sofa bed was not the best but what hotel sofa bed is really comfy?
The elevators were undergoing maintenance. My other half got stuck with other guests and the elevator was going up and down to the 15^th floor back to the 14^th floor.
At one point, we were waiting for the elevator for 10 minutes and my other half decided he would take the stairs. I waited for the elevator. He was in the lobby for minutes before I got there.
We checked out at 10am the following day. The parking fee was waived due to the elevator issues.
Honestly, it’s an older hotel and they’re trying to make renovations and upgrades to update it. And better they’re doing it during off season than in the summer. We might be back in hopes that the hotel will be updated.
2.5 to 3 stars for view, location, secured parking, full suite amenities, front desk staff waiving parking fee.

1– homeless people sleeping in the hallway
2– elevators always get stuck with people in them at floor 14 – 15 (for 10−20m) all the time, they plan to fix them in july or so they say. its February
3– the cleanest of the place is a questionable, everything is still sticky, they don’t clean well.
4– fire alarm ran by the drunk people to annoy us and we ended up in the streets at night.
5– next day cops came and arrested someone for not wanting to leave (getting evicted)
Enjoy the experience !

The only good thing I have to say about this hotel is the location, centric to most touristic places. Besides that nothing good to say. At least my room was ok at most, the dryer didn’t work, it took up to 4 hours to fully dry a small load.
Elevators didn’t work even close to what you would expect at minimum. Waiting time on average was 10 minutes (not made up, actually measured) we even waited once over 15 minutes and decided to go down the stairs… Nothing to die for but 17 floors two or three times a day is not something you should be doing in a hotel.
Besides all that the front desk staff was nothing to be proud of, rude and not costumer friendly is not something you would expect… There was only one guy who did a good job on the night shift, to bad I can’t remember his name
It’s important to say they are actually working on upgrading the elevators but sure aren’t taking care on making the once «functioning» do at least a decent job
Wouldn’t stay here again

It is a rare thing that a hotel can make you feel like a true local in a bustling city. This hotel was one of the many factors of this vacation that made it a truly amazing experience. It’s beautiful views and spacious rooms give you the feeling of staying in someone’s high rise apartment.
Not only are the hotel’s rooms lovely but it’s location is to. The hotel is located in the center of Davie village and is surrounded by a plethora of unique interesting shops and diverse international restaurants. The hotel’s full kitchen allows you to take advantage of this. My family and I spent countless meals in our hotel room with wine, cheese, fresh bread, and pastries all from shops just a few steps from the hotel’s door.
I would defiantly recommend this hotel though I do have to warn you about it’s one major flaw. The hotels elevators are extremely slow to the point of aggravation. Even worse the elevators are constantly under repair due to a constant issue of trying to keep them going. These elevators are on their last leg and cause more than little frustrations.
Still the charms of the this hotel out-​way it’s flaws and I would highly recommend it to anyone passing through Vancouver.

The price is adjusted for the age and condition of the hotel. Don’t pay more than $ 150 CAD. Elevators take forever. The full kitchen and washer are nice. Go in with low expectations and you won’t be too disappointed

I have stayed here twice, and will probably stay here again! It is a great location.
The line at the front desk to check in/​out is quite slow. The second time that I stayed there, the room was not ready when we arrived (6pm) so we waited for about half an hour. He gave us complimentary parking for the inconvenience, and a cheaper rate on the room!
I have stayed in a room with one bedroom and a pull out couch, and I have also stayed in the penthouse. Both rooms were very nice. I love the jacuzzi tub in the penthouse suite.
I think that the balconies could use a fresh paint job. The elevators are also quite small and very slow. But once you get to your room the stay is quite nice!

Great location, easy to walk to a ton of stuff nearby.
Points removed for:
–Slow elevators. I know it’s 24 floors, and we were on 23, but come on.
–When we arrived, after having been up for quite a lot of hours and lugging our luggage back from the ferry, the room was a total mess. I went back downstairs and told them and they were very apologetic and gave us a new room and some giftcards to their restaurant, Moxies (peach bellini there is DELICIOUS but not very strong). Later someone dropped by to apologize again and give us some complimentary water bottles.
–Pool is outdoors. Boooo!
–We went to their spa asking about getting massages the next day (on a Thursday night, around 4pm), and the girl said she’d take down our numbers to see if anyone was able to come in the next day and call us. Never heard from her.
–no chairs or little tables on the balcony. It looked like the top floor had them– why couldn’t all the balconies have cheap furniture?
The location is great– Davie Street was a lot of fun. The staff was always courteous and helpful. It was easy to book a cab with them, and the front desk guys at 4am on May 11^th were super nice and managed to get an even earlier cab for us. They also had good taste in playlists.
The suite itself is pretty small, but it was clean and the view was amazing. The beds (queen and pull out sofabed) were very comfortable, and overall it was spacious and accommodated enough to be a good longer-​term stay option (we were only there four nights). The balcony view was AWESOME.

They managed to lose my reservation, twice. The front desk refused to call a cab for me

While this is a great, convenient location in Davie Village within the downtown area, the customer service at this hotel has become the absolute worst. I was a repeat guest here for many, many years with variable stays throughout just about any time of the year. Last September, my best friend and I each booked a room at an exceptional rate of $ 139 several weeks before our arrival. A week before our stay, he was contacted and told that our reservation was «lost» and by some miracle, found after the hotel was booked. We were INFORMED we would be relocated to their airport location for our stay. A little research on my part revealed the going rate for rooms at this point was now in the $ 270+ a night range at similar hotels in the area. My guess is they overbooked the hotel and decided to «ship off» guests with reservations with lower nightly rates. They made no effort to accommodate us at another downtown hotel and actually told my best friend it wasn’t their problem. This is a scandalous way of doing business and really comes down to catering to their own greed rather than repeat guests like my best friend and myself that have stayed here for over 10 years. I will never EVER recommend this property to friends ever again. There are plenty of other chain hotels in the area that are similar in price and amenities that are much more customer service friendly.

Clean large rooms, great value, good service, and awesome location make this place a winner. I stayed here for 10 days and it was perfect. The kitchen was well equipped and there was even a washer and drier to do laundry. It was much nicer than all the other budget extended stay suite hotels I’ve stayed in.

If you are planning a trip to Vancouver and want to be able to walk to just about anything in the downtown area this is the place for you. My husband and I just returned yesterday from our 7 day trip to Vancouver and are itching to get back already.
The rooms are a nice size, we stayed in the city view suite. I don’t believe there is a poor view from any room as the city is truly amazing from all angles.
Davie is the «Gay» part of Vancouver for those that don’t seek out this area for that very reason. Not that it matters in the slightest, everyone was great!
My only «cons» pertaining to the Davie:
— Not sure if it was just me but the lobby staff was not nearly as friendly as the house keeping staff, the transit link drivers on anyone else we spoke with for that matter. They were very short and a bit cold, specifically a lady with blonde hair, but being from the states I am not sure why I expected anyone to be super nice. (Justin was cool & Rosie is AWESOME!)
— Elevators — Slow, that is all I can say. Not so slow to where you contemplate taking the stairs but just slow enough for you to make a comment out loud about it at the exact moment the elevator arrives and the doors open.
Room furniture — We would have given anything for one more couch/​recliner type chair in the living room area. My husband and I are tiny people but that couch was tinier. But I can honestly say we may have set on it 3 times in 7 days.
Other than those three cons, our stay in Vancouver was awesome. Even all the rain and cold weather couldn’t stop us.

If you are visiting Vancouver, BC and want to be in the middle of everything (restaurants, cafes, shops, bars/​lounges, grocery stores) then you should stay at Sandman Suites.
Sandman Suites is conveniently located on Davie Street and Davie Street is a happening place. Sandman Suites have kitchens so you have the options of eating out or buying food at Save-​On/​cooking your own food. Great if you are on a budget.
FYI Coffee addicts: Starbucks is two doors down. YES! No need to shelp very far to get our morning hits.
Front desk staff were welcoming, friendly, and very helpful.
Its very easy to travel around Vancouver. There are #6 and #32 buses that run on Davie Street. Bus #32 will take you to Pacific Central Station (Amtrak and Greyhound). Both #6 and #32 will take you to the English Bay. Very nice waterfront view. Then you can walk to Stanley Park from there.
#6 bus will take you to Granville Street — the major shopping area. You will find Sears, Zara, Sephora, Aldo Shoes, Starbuck’s, etc…
#32 bus will take you to Vancouver Chinatown. You can walk around and grab some dim-​sum.
This part of Vancouver reminds me of NYC. Very convenient and accessible to shops, restaurants, and cafes via buses or by walking.
Cheers!

This was my first visit to the Sandman Suites on Davie. In my experience with these chains, they get either be hit or miss, this one I would definitely consider a hit.
The good:
Front Desk manager Justin was really nice and super helpful. My room actually wasn’t ready when I checked it and rather than make me wait, I think he upgraded me.
The suites are bigger than most the apartments I’ve been in and around Vancouver so that is definitely plus. I was lucky enough to get an ocean-​view room, which makes for an amazing view of the sunset… on a sunny day, which I never got.
The suites were great. They really were like mini-​apartments, with a full kitchen, big comfy beds and a decent sized bathroom.
BIG patios. Very spacious and depending on where you are, you can get some great really people watching in!
The bad:
The elevators are PAINFULLY slow and really small. That is a bad combination that usually resulted squeezing yourself into the elevator like a sardine.
The doors seem to be made of paper, because you can hear EVERYTHING coming from the rooms on your floor. But not the walls, just the doors. At one point I thought I let my baby scream for hours, but then I realized I didn’t have a baby and that it was infact my neighbor. Imagine my relief.