Expert reviews
“The 18 small but elegantly designed rooms at this sparkling First Nations art hotel include the captivating Forest Spirits Suite, with floor-to-ceiling birch branches, and the sleek Longhouse Suite, with its illuminated metalwork frieze.”
“For travelers looking for a unique experience you can’t find at the typical run-of-the-mill chain hotel, Skwàchays Lodge (pronounced skwatch-eyes) is a must visit. Everything about this property, from the Aboriginal art to the rooftop sweat lodge, is a nod to the First Nations heritage—something you won’t find at any other hotel in the Vancouver area.”
“This well-priced hotel reflects the artistic heritage of the Pacific Northwest. High above the front door, a 40-foot totem pole and striking carvings identify this First Nations’ project; the lobby gallery displays Aboriginal art; and all of the bedrooms are decorated by well-known tribal artists.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Friendly staff
- Free Wifi
- Great breakfast
All you need to know
In June 2012, VNHS inaugurated three initiatives: Skwachàys Lodge, the Urban Aboriginal Fair-Trade Gallery, and the Artists in Residence Program. The formerly dilapidated Pender Hotel was revamped from a nearly four-story SRO hotel into a distinctive Indigenous social enterprise.
This unique blend of a boutique hotel and street-level art gallery promotes on-site housing and studio space for 24 Indigenous artists.
This Vancouver hotel, themed around Aboriginal culture, provides complimentary Wi-Fi access. Each guest room is outfitted with a refrigerator. Both Rogers Arena and BC Place can be reached within a brisk ten-minute walk.
Every guest room at Skwachàys Lodge is equipped with cable TV. Additional amenities include tea and coffee-making facilities, alongside free local telephone calls for guests’ convenience.
Skwachàys Vancouver stands out with its unique décor that includes a towering 40-foot totem pole. An on-site gift shop and art gallery showcasing Indigenous artwork add to the unique charm.
The Stadium-Chinatown Skytrain station and Chinatown itself are both a mere five-minute stroll away.
Hotel deals & lowest price guarantee
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Location
Recent guest reviews
11 October 2023
I would definitely stay here again.
The art, breakfast and staff were amazing. The sauna was perfect. Love that it’s Indigenous owned.
Location was a bit out of the way but that’s why it was good value.
10 October 2023
Great stay , great rooms , great people.
Not my first time at the lodge and I’ve enjoyed my stay every time. The rooms are clean and the decor is awesome. The rooftop sauna. is a great place to relax . To either start your day or finish it off. A big thank you to Rick , our host, for all that he does. It’s wouldn’t be the same without him , he makes you feel right at home.
Downside is the homeless, but such is the streets of Vancouver theses days.
10 October 2023
A wonderful bannock breakfast with natural yogurt and homemade breads warms one’s heart after a quick trip through Vanco
The central location
Only 4 TV channels
10 October 2023
Great accommodation, not so great location.
Staff, facilities & cleanliness was great. Breakfast was also quite nice.
Location. It's very near the safe injecting site so there was a lot of drug users sat on all the streets surrounding the property which made it feel. Quite unsafe when you left.
5 October 2023
Not as bad as I imagined, so it's still okay!
Many reviews mentioned a significant presence of homeless people outside (there tends to be an issue with homelessness near E Hastings Street and Chinatown). So, I was quite nervous before arriving. Upon my arrival, I did see several homeless on the same street, some visibly struggling with substance abuse. However, they didn't pose a threat, as they were minding their own business. So, I wasn't overly concerned. (so i didnt leave this comment in Cons area) The interior design is quite cute, and It's within a 15-minute walking distance from Gastown and Chinatown, making it very convenient (has a lot of options to dine out). Even though i didnt get to checkout the facilities here but the hotel has sauna is kinda nice! The bed is very comfortable. We didn't have a chance to eat breakfast here so can't tell you if its good or bad.
The only two issue we encountered was that : 1. The water pressure from the shower head is low, def need to fix that! 2. Air conditioning would automatically turn on, and no matter how we tried to turn it off, we couldn't. We had to resort to cutting off the main power ourselves.
1 October 2023
Fabulous
Rick was amazing, so great with my grand daughter and myself, went above and beyond, beautiful room, enjoyed the sauna and breakfast was amazing!
No parking
28 September 2023
excellant stay
Unique rooms, very individualistic
na
25 September 2023
Probably will not stay again.
Security of having a fob and a room key. The breakfast was nice and lovely to have a latte brewed with fresh coffee beans.
The 5 blocks leading up to the accommodation on foot down West Pender - not clean and with homeless people. For a single older woman with a suitcase from the Skytrain on an early Friday evening was intimidating.
23 September 2023
Wonderful, eclectic spot. Loved out stay.
We had a wonderful stay. The staff are so nice and helpful. Breakfast was basic but quite good. The artwork throughout the lodge is amazing. Beds were quite comfortable. The upstairs sauna was a perfect way to end the day. We will definitely stay there again when in Vancouver. The area around the hotel does have a lot of homeless, but not threatening. Hotel is on the edge of Chinatown and Gastown.
Our aircon wasn’t working properly, but luckily the night was cool enough to sleep.
23 September 2023
I read the reviews about the location after booking and admittedly was a bit concerned, but after checking in and droppi
This is a fantastic boutique hotel with an amazing concept behind it! We enjoyed our stay very much and would return again. The art in the gallery and decor in the rooms was beautiful. We also took advantage of the smudge room and sauna.
There are very minor details that could be handled better: the AC unit is not typical of the hotel industry nor are there screens on the windows, BUT they do open which is not usual of most hotels, a pleasant surprise to get fresh air
22 September 2023
Lodge itself is unique and interesting. Don't stay here if street people frighten you.
Interesting decor, exceptional staff support. Easy walking distance to Chinatown.
The neighborhood is sketchy.--drug users present on the street at all hours, day and night.
22 September 2023
Pleasant
It was conveniently located for a course that I was doing and close to good transit options. The decor was really interesting and it was great to be able to make a tea in the middle of the afternoon. Room was hot but luckily there was a fan provided that helped significantly.
It's expensive for where you are- it's right on the edge of sketchier parts of Vancouver so be aware when going out at night. We arrived before check in time, and there was a message saying they'd stepped away and to call a number - called it 3x and no answer. Eventually found a different number on booking (still no answer but then someone came to let us in) - all in all, it was probably 10 min or less but it's not an area of town where you want to be just standing on the street. I've heard that breakfast was nice but did not see it as it's only available 8-10 and my course started at 8. Information in room still says that the sauna and rooftop are closed so I didn't try checking it out.
16 September 2023
it was quaint and comfortable
location near Gastown
Couldn't check in until 4pm. No ice available.
15 September 2023
Pleasant
The kind of hotel that should be supported. Amazing indigenous Canadian deco, and art gallery on reception floor. Great service and comfortable room.
Nothing about the hotel, unfortunately location wise it is close to the East Downtown area, so some issues on the streets outside. Fine for my solo stay, but I wouldn't bring the family.
14 September 2023
Very good
We didn’t love the location
12 September 2023
Our stay was comfortable though area felt just a little dodgy
Very cmfortable beds. Quiet Artistic flair to decoration. Art gallery. Unique property. Adequate breakfast.
Extremely dusty room. Location felt a little dodgy. Expensive.
5 September 2023
Great hotel but be area aware.
Great cultural hotel showing art and supporting art. Late check in but very helpful gentleman assured us as we had not booked parking. Good buffet style breakfast.
The hotel is right on the edge of a seedy part of town. Whilst not bothered by anyone it was not pleasant walking too and from the hotel and I certainly wouldn’t want any of my family witnessing it.
4 September 2023
Very good
Comfort and concept first class. Staff very accommodating.
The immediate locality has a very noticeable street drug problem. We did not experience any violence as the druggies were almost zombie like in their stupor. However not at all a welcoming environment.
3 September 2023
Pleasant
Bannock for breakfast ! Beds were nice
Outside area- and from window. Could not have blinds open. Room was accidentally left open after housekeeping, we also did it .. need to
3 September 2023
Beautiful hotel and indigenous gallery
Beautiful rooms.
Breakfast was good but minimal.
1 September 2023
home away from home
the staff were helpful, rooms delightful and breakfast hearty.
the immediate neighbourhood was a little seedy, but everyone minded their own and were no threat.
27 August 2023
Lovely hotel in poor location
Room good with lovely decor and spotlessly clean.
It was on the edge of a poor area. There were a lot of homeless people hanging around the doorway next door clearly drugtakers or/ and mentally ill. It was intimidating although no one threatened us I would not have been happy to stay there if I was a sole traveler.
27 August 2023
Pleasant
Friendly people
Location
21 August 2023
Great place in a gritty, happening neighbourhood.
Loved the ethos of Skwachays. Staff very friendly and helpful. Enjoyed communal spaces and meeting other guests. And loved vibe of the neighbourhood.
Nothing.
21 August 2023
A unique, artistically-immersive boutique hotel experience and good value for money. We'll be back!
We stayed 4 nights and got to know the day and night staff, who were so welcoming and friendly. The ambiance and décor of the hotel and rooms was artistic and reflected the indigenous art and traditions the are the foundations of this boutique hotel and art gallery. The rooms were impeccably clean. The breakfast was included and was light, with homemade yogurts, bannock and a couple of sweet loaves. Overall, this was the casual and meaningful experience we were hoping for.
The hotel was conveniently located on the edge of Gastown and only a 10-15 min walking distance from Canada Place. Be mindful that the hotel is close to an non-touristic part of town that you would not want to explore in the evenings. That said, we will stay there again when we go back to Vancouver.
21 August 2023
Nice hotel, with value for money.
Breakfast was available, a bit challenging for my daughter who has nut allergies. Room was nicely decorated and very functional. Nice Gallery and supportive staff
Location is close to district with many homeless people, and associated challenges. Easily avoidable but certain areas not recommended.
20 August 2023
Skwachàys Lodge embodies purpose through a committment to quality hospitality and the arts
We loved staying at Skwachàys Lodge. To start, the ethos of the hotel fully aligned with our personal values. We are artists and creatives, and deeply admire, respect and support Indigenous culture. It was so refreshing to be in a space amongst like minded people, surrounded by art and a mission to empower and inspire others. The room was just the right size for a couple - we stayed in the Tlingit Hat suite, which was well-appointed and clean. The robes were cozy and the bed super comfy. The breakfast was quality, tasty, and enough to get the day going - would appreciate more GF/non-dairy options. Coffee machine in main dining area was a bonus for that afternoon pick-me-up. Staff are super kind, helpful and attentive. We had an issue with our front door one day and Nobu assisted us to resolve this quickly (thanks, Nobu!). We thoroughly enjoyed the balcony and 6th floor patio overlooking the neighbourhood. We purchased some art from the gallery and look forward to displaying it at home with pride. Location is solid if you're taking public transportation (10 minutes to subway station, accessible via multiple bus routes, and walkable to all main attractions).
18 August 2023
Beware if you have a car.
Love supporting local artists. Roo.s were clean and unique
Do not come here if you have a car! Staff has to open the gate to a very small parking garage in the back alley. There were homeless people actively doing drugs in the ally and we felt very unsafe to we returned our car a day early. They still charged us $75 for one night, where we did not feel as if we could take our car in and out without fear. Staff is friendly but don't seem to know what they are doing. Breakfast was supposed to be at 8 but all doors were closed. You have to call a security guard after hours, but he was nowhere to be found.
15 August 2023
Great place on a not so great block.
The hotel is beautiful. It even has rooftop access and it was a lovely place to sit and work on my computer. There is security on site most of the night and they are very kind. Breakfast was lovely and it was in a nice community space. The shop had gifts that were unique and support local artists. China town, a mall, the touristy street, Canada place (cruise ships), and great restaurants all in walking distance.
The area the hotel is in has a lot of transitional housing, so anytime I walked outside, and I mean right next store, in front of the parking lot, I witnessed a lot of drug use and some nudity. The hotel has security and they keep right in front of the entrance/shop clear, but it will be a challenging conversation with children if you stay there.
12 August 2023
Fab!
Amazing staff - kind, helpful, going above and beyond! Beautifully designed room, very comfortable. Central location.
10 August 2023
I hope they can be saved
The staff was very helpful. The breakfasts satisfying. The gallery was full of beautiful art. The facility seemed very secure. We were able to walk to most of the places we came to see in Vancouver.
Unfortunately, the lodge is located in a part of the City that is inundated with homeless individuals. They roam the street where the lodge is both day and night. We paid a good amount of money for our room for four days and, although no one bothered us, it was very depressing to attempt to leave or come back to the lodge and have to pass by drugged out individuals. The City should do something to help that Lodge.
8 August 2023
Very good
The hotel had an interesting native American vibe.
The area the hotel was in wasn't the best but I had no problems there.
1 August 2023
A good base to explore Vancouver
Charming atmosphere located walking distance to the Canada convention Centre and the walk along the sea front.
Very to homeless area of Vancouver - that said we weren’t approached at all just sad to see people who were in a bad place.
31 July 2023
Pleasant
Local artist design
Location!
31 July 2023
Boutique hotel with welcoming atmosphere and fine First-Nation art
The decor was exceptional, with beautiful artwork from the First Nation artists (in residence) throughout the hotel, and an art gallery on the main floor. The hotel exuded an interesting and welcoming atmosphere.
In principle, the location is excellent, right at the entry to Chinatown and two blocks from Gastown. Unfortunately, this area is home to many homeless and drug addicts, which forces passers-by to confront this distasteful side of big-city life. I should specify, however, that we were never confronted with panhandling or aggressions.
31 July 2023
The hotel has everything you could ask for but just not in the most ideal location
The room was spacious well furnished and clean
Not their fault but the homeless and druggies living on the streets on and around the location
26 July 2023
The location was close to the train station. The indigenous peoples’s art was fascinating.
Did not have the breakfast. The art was interesting.
25 July 2023
The hotel itself is good but the location is not.
Original and artistic, helpful staff.
The location is not ideal, the area is run down, dirty and many drug users and homeless people around. I would not stay there with kids or as a solo traveller.
18 July 2023
Very nice
Very unique atmosphere
Close by to a lot of homeless people surrounding the entire block
16 July 2023
Nice hotel but in a difficult neighbourhood, unfortunately
Nicely designed and loved that some of what we paid went to a good cause. Lovely gallery too. Friendly. Loved the bannock for breakfast
Neighbourhood is a little upsetting as this is an area where homeless people and addicts gather. Didn't feel threatened just saddened
13 July 2023
Overpriced for location
Reception, breakfast, room,
Position. Next to rough sleepers.
13 July 2023
Cool concept - keep up the good work!
The concept of Skwachays Lodge is really cool, the rooms are unique and the gallery offers some interesting pieces. Staff and also the other guests were nice and we enjoyed our stay!
The neighbourhood is pretty strange and it takes a little time to get used to it.
11 July 2023
A well situated hotel for getting to all the main attractions. Great to learn more about the culture
Learning about the culture of the First Nations as well has tasting bannock bread, which is given at all meetings. The artwork all round the interior of the building was beautiful as was the waterfall in the sauna area.
Unfortunately the gaslight area has a lot of homeless and vulnerable people on the streets which can be rather off putting although we were not hassled by any of them. There appears to be a big drug problem in Vancouver of which we were unaware of before out trip.
3 July 2023
Great hotel in a not-so-great location.
Lovely boutique hotel and friendly staff. Very unique room decoration and nice spacious accommodation.
The only minor downside is the character of the immediate vicinity. It’s a 10 minute walk to nicer parts of the city, but you have to go through rather depressing streets to get there.
26 June 2023
Central but rough area. Close to downtown, gastown and attractions. Grest staff at hotel!
Simple but ok.
Location. Too rough area.
24 June 2023
Cannot recommend due to its location
The Lodge itself was fine and staff very helpful.
Unfortunately, it is located in an area full of homeless, alcohol and drug effected people, the worste we have experienced worldwide. A total disgrace to a generally fine city.
24 June 2023
Pleasant
Good breakfast (for American breakfast) with only few, but delicious options.
Neighborhood (also right in front of the hotel) is full with homeless people and drug addicts. Wouldn‘t recommend women without company being there at night. Overall quite pricy (we paid around 650 CAD for two nights for one room).
18 June 2023
Enjoyed it and found it very convenient, would recommend to friends.
It was clean, comfortable and beautifully decorated. The staff were friendly and helpful. It was conveniently located near to a station, buses and Gastown's bars and restaurants. Only a 20 minute walk to central Vancouver. Loved the gallery on the ground floor! Breakfast was great.
The breakfast room was a little cramped and it would have been better if the breakfast bar was located against a wall rather than in the middle of the room, making it hard to navigate when busy and with cups and plates in your hands (not ideal for the older traveller). The area it is located in is ideal for travelling around Vancouver but is spoiled by the presence of lots of homeless people, drunks and drug users. Hastings St nearby is truly awful and I would not feel safe in this area if I was on my own. Hopefully the area will get cleaned up more as Gas Town's improvements continue.
11 June 2023
Comfortable hotel in an uncomfortable area.
Our room was clean, spacious and quiet. Artwork was a plus. Bed was comfortable and the shower was hot!
The number of homeless people in the streets surrounding the hotel was quite confronting, although we had no incidents. Not the fault of the hotel. They are the victim.
Hotel facilities
Services
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Shared lounge/TV area
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Temporary art galleries
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
General
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
Accessibility
- - Wheelchair accessible
- - Toilet with grab rails
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available
Reception services
- - Invoice provided
13 October 2023
Okay, Nice artwork. But very close to Chinatown, which is so run down and not safe to walk.