Briarrose Inn

Wonderful gem of a B&B. Convenient to downtown Vancouver. Beautifully decorated throughout! We’ve stayed here twice and look forward to return visits! Sallie and Ted are gracious hosts, very accommodating!

Wanted to like this place, especially since it is the only B & B in Vancouver (not sure why).
As others have mentioned, Ted’s breakfasts are wonderful. They are very well prepared, lots of flavor and variety.
What seems lacking is some of the attention to detail found in other B & B s. It is somewhat unusual not to have some way to get coffee/​tea in the morning prior to going to breakfast. There is a landing between the bedrooms that would be a great place for coffee service, but not to be had. In addition, we’re used to some sort of «treat» in the evening Nothing special is necessary, but it is nice to have cookies, or brownies, nuts or something like that. Again, not here.
Scheduling was a bit odd. Reservations had been confirmed for two people with names, but when we got there they were only expecting one of us and then had the one name wrong.
The other issues we had were with the room. Note that the Hemingway is actually a pretty small room and the bathroom is tiny. The bed is pretty firm, I think it is a memory foam. Not a bad mattress, but not comfortable for us side sleepers. No spare roll of toilet paper. We ran out the second night and had to use Kleenex. The shower toiletries consist of a bottle of VO5 and a Suave body wash, you apparently need to bring your own hair conditioner.
Finally, there was mold (a significant amount of it) in the folds of the shower curtain that was very visible when taking a shower. This was mentioned (politely and in private) to the host as breakfast. He responded appropriately, apologized and said it would be taken care of. Unfortunately, it was not taken care of as the mold was still there that evening.
With a little more attention to detail this would be a great little bed and breakfast.

Beautiful stay in great little Vancouver spot outside Portland. Very comfy bed for good nights sleep followed by an outstanding breakfast. Owners really love what they do and it shows. LOTS of work done in this historic house. Loved the candlelight breakfast with flowers from the garden on same China by mom had when I was growing up. Like staying with a favorite aunt or grandmother’s house.

I just left Briar Rose yesterday and was sad to leave. I used to live in Vancouver so had seen this Victorian two-​story house with the beautiful little yard (and small, free parking area) and wanted to stay when I moved and needed a hotel. Briar Rose is about the same price per night as the Comfort Inn. I did end up staying there when I moved (BRI was all booked up) and was entirely underwhelmed. CI is very close to the I-​5 and is in a location that doesn’t feel very comfortable as a place to walk around at night. Unlike BRI, it’s several blocks away from the shops/​restaurants of Main St. and Downtown. CI also doesn’t offer in their room rate home-​cooked breakfast to order, either. Ted did the cooking while I stayed 5 days and it was fantastic every day: frittata, waffles, soufflé, etc. (not all at once, of course!). I was warmly welcomed and assisted with my luggage when I arrived. I agree with Lindy: the ear plugs are there for a reason. Yes, trains rolling through Vancouver at night has been a part of that town for probably 100 years and isn’t likely to stop soon. For me, the noise wasn’t very loud and with earplugs I didn’t hear a thing. I loved the room I stayed in. I stayed in the French Toile room — which does have it’s own bathroom (I believe the Hemingway room next to it does, too but the other two rooms share a bathroom with a claw-​foot tub). The Toile room had ENORMOUS closet space. It also had a TV/​DVD which I didn’t use and a lovely vanity which I did use as a desk. There was also a table for that purpose, but I just preferred the vanity. I think the most important thing for me was that although I felt totally welcome to interact with Ted and Sally — like when they might be having coffee with another guest in their beautiful living room — I never felt the slightest bit obligated to interact. The next time I find myself needing to visit Vancouver (I have family near there so this is nearly inevitable), I will not hesitate to stay here again.

When you go to Grandma’s house, you expect certain things, and that’s what you get at the Briar Rose Inn. Friendly, caring, clean accommodations. We, unlike Sara, were greeted by the husband, I’m thinking Tom, or Ted, but forgettable, sorry Tom/​Ted, you made me carry my bag, almost all the way up the two sets of stairs, and that, was not really excellent service. And unlike Sara, we had Sally make us breakfast cause Tom/​Ted went to play golf… but no worries, while cooking is not her ‘forte” as put by Sally herself… the breakfast was good… not excellent… but Grandma good.
The rooms are comfortable… although ours felt a bit «crowded» like we have this, so we should put it somewhere and so let’s put it right here in front of the fireplace… good idea. And our request for ice came; a teacup with ice in it… OK…I only wanted to cool my drink…
The trains start at 4:00 a.m. but to the credit of the Inn, this is NOT their fault and the other motels/​hotels (2 I think, total) are closer to the tracks than are they, so… if you are in Vancouver… you will have a train, or 6, coming though between 4 and 6…7…8 in the morning. But if in Vancouver; I choose the Briar Rose Inn… it’s just like staying with family.
And to their absolute credit… my husband left a pair of shorts there, and they sent them to us… no bill… no «how are you going to pay»…sent them to us. just like family.
LindySez: Sally gives you the ear plugs for a reason, use them.

Our stay here was great all the way through. We called and made a reservation with less than a weeks notice. We arrived late Friday night and were escorted to our room by Sally, one of the owners. We stayed in the Hemingway room, decorated with animal prints and a jungle motif. The room has its own clean, elegantly decorated bathroom. It was also equipped with black out shades, an alarm clock, a television, ceiling fan, magazines and bottled water. The bed and room were very cozy and comfortable. The floors were squeaky, as is expected in an older house, so watch your step at night!
We were served breakfast in the dining room at the time of our choosing. And what a breakfast! One of the owners (I think his name is Doug?) was our cook & server. We had such a spread: coffee, juice, yogurt/​fruit/​granola parfait, eggs, bacon, and french toast (made from a croissant)! It was truly decadent.
Unfortunately we did not have time to linger in the lovely living area or the gorgeous garden. Maybe another time.
Our stay cost a mere $ 85 (+ tax), which I consider a deal compared to a nice hotel. This place offers all the service and comfort, along with a personal touch.