Unbelievable Vancouver Views: Hotel BLU's Secret Revealed!

Hotel BLU Vancouver (BC) Canada

Unbelievable Vancouver Views: Hotel BLU's Secret Revealed!

Unbelievable Vancouver Views: Hotel BLU's Secret Revealed! (Or, My Weekend of High-Altitude Bliss and a Slightly Overenthusiastic Massage)

Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your average hotel review. This is my post-stay brain dump after a weekend at Hotel BLU in Vancouver. And let me tell you, it was… an experience. Let's just say, I’m still trying to scrub the memory of that “anti-viral cleaning product” smell out of my nostrils. (More on that later.)

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• Title: Hotel BLU Vancouver Review: Views, Spa, & Honest Thoughts! (Unbelievable Views! Hotel BLU Hotel Review)
• Keywords: Hotel BLU, Vancouver, Review, Views, Spa, Sauna, Pool, Accessibility, Restaurant, Fitness Center, Luxury, Weekend Getaway, COVID-19 Safety, Hotel Experience, Vancouver Hotels
• Description: Honest and detailed review of Hotel BLU in Vancouver. Highlights include breathtaking views, the spa experience, and a rundown of amenities like the restaurants, fitness center, and accessibility features while addressing the covid-19 safety measures.

First Impressions & the Quest for the Accessible Entrance (Accessibility & Getting Around):

Right off the bat, let's talk about getting in. I appreciate a good view (and Hotel BLU promises them!), but first impressions are key. Finding the accessible entrance felt a bit like a treasure hunt with a slightly impatient bellhop glancing at his watch. The hotel does have it, mind you, but the signage wasn't exactly screaming "HEY, WHEELCHAIR USERS, COME THIS WAY!" A bit of a fumble there, but hey, eventually, we got in, which is what matters. The elevator (Elevator) was thankfully easy to find and get to our room.

The Room: Above It All (Available in all rooms):

My room was, as promised, high. We're talking "clouds-are-within-reach" high. The views (Pool with view)… well, they were stunning. Seriously, jaw-dropping. You could see the entire city sprawled out before you, and the water shimmering in the distance. I spent a solid hour just staring out the window that opens, getting lost in the mesmerizing beauty of Vancouver. The good stuff: a very comfy extra long bed, fluffy bathrobes, nice linens, reliable Wi-Fi, and a decent sized desk for some work. Yes, there was Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and yeah, the Internet access - wireless. The things that make me go hmmm: Air conditioning, absolutely essential, but it sounded like a jet engine at times. Blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in, but they were a nightmare to figure out in the morning. And the room had a smoke detector, but I think I’d felt safer if there was a way to tell if the bathroom exhaust fan was functional.

Cleanliness and Safety: The Smell of Sanitization (Cleanliness and safety):

Okay, this is where things get… fragrant. Hotel BLU takes its COVID-19 precautions seriously. Think: Anti-viral cleaning products on everything. My first step into the room was greeted by a scent that could either be described as "hospital sterile" or "chemical warfare." The rooms sanitized between stays are definitely in effect, but the aroma lingered. They had hand sanitizers everywhere, and staff wore masks and did their best to keep their distance. The staff trained in safety protocol which was nice, and there was daily disinfection in common areas. I'm all for being safe, but maybe dial down the fumes a notch, eh? The room sanitization opt-out was a good option, but too late for me. The hot water linen and laundry washing and the daily housekeeping were a very nice touch.

Food, Glorious Food (Dining, drinking, and snacking):

The hotel had a few dining options, which, after those aromas, was more than welcome.

• The Breakfast [buffet]! The Breakfast service was decent, though I'm not a big fan of the buffet in restaurant. It had your typical Western breakfast suspects: eggs, bacon, pastries, and a waffle station that consistently churned out slightly pale and undercooked treats. Coffee/tea in restaurant options were plentiful. There was one day, I actually ordered breakfast in room. Sadly, it arrived cold. No surprise there.
• the Restaurant: It had International cuisine in restaurant, which was okay. It was the kind of place where a "salad" is an over-dressed pile of leafy greens – I’m not sure if it’s the type of experience I looked for. But there was desserts in restaurant which was kind of nice.
• Poolside bar: The poolside bar was very nice. You could get drinks while enjoying the swimming pool [outdoor] and soak up the sun. There was a nice Happy hour.

They also had a coffee shop, the snack bar and had room service [24-hour].

Spa Day: When Relaxation Becomes Over-Enthusiasm (Ways to Relax & Spa):

Alright, let's talk about the spa. This was a major selling point for me. The pool with view (Swimming pool [outdoor]) was pretty amazing. The sauna, steamroom, and spa/sauna, were all fine.

But… the massage. Oh, the massage. The massage.

I opted for the "Ultimate Relaxation Package," which, in hindsight, was probably a misnomer. The therapist was… zealous. Let's just say she was very enthusiastic about the Body scrub and the Body wrap. She attacked my muscles with the energy of a thousand suns. I swear, I'm pretty sure she was trying to rearrange my internal organs. I wanted to relax, not be professionally tenderized. I mean, the Massage was good, but it was almost TOO good. I'm still sore, and the image of her gleeful face is forever etched into my memory. The Foot bath was a welcome change.

Other Amenities & Random Thoughts (Services and conveniences, Things to do):

• Fitness center: The fitness center was smaller than expected, but adequate, but I didn't have the energy to go after the marathon massage.
• Business facilities: The hotel did have Business facilities. I've heard they have Audio-visual equipment for special events and Meeting/banquet facilities, but I did not try them.
• The car park [free of charge] was a definite plus, as was the ease of check-in/out [express].
• There were a few things missing. No pets allowed, no babysitting service, no smoking area.
• The gift/souvenir shop sold some overpriced trinkets, but I did manage to snag a postcard to prove I was there.
• The staff was generally friendly and accommodating.
• They do have a concierge, a doorman, a luggage storage.
• And here's another plus, there was car park [on-site].

The Verdict (Overall Review):

Hotel BLU is a hotel of contradictions. The views are truly breathtaking. The spa is a bit of a gamble, and the sanitization is a little too thorough. The service is generally good, and the amenities are plentiful. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But would I stay there again? Maybe. If I could request a gentler masseuse and less aggressive cleaning products. And perhaps a little less enthusiasm for the "Ultimate Relaxation" part of the experience. Overall, the experience was a memorable one.

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Hotel BLU Vancouver (BC) Canada

Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your meticulously-planned, Instagram-perfect travel itinerary. This is me, trying to wrestle my brain into a somewhat coherent roadmap for a trip to Hotel BLU in Vancouver, BC. Let's see if we can pull this off… deep breath.

Hotel BLU Vancouver: A Week of Questionable Decisions and (Hopefully) Good Coffee

Day 1: Arrival and the Great Coffee Quest (AKA, Am I Really Here?)

• 9:00 AM: Grumble, grumble… Wake up in… well, not in Vancouver. Still at home, battling the lingering remnants of jetlag (that's what I'm blaming, anyway). The joy of travel planning is a real slog, especially when you’re still in pajamas.
• 11:00 AM: Flight to Vancouver! Praying the airline doesn't lose my luggage this time. Last trip? Nightmare. (Cue flashbacks of a lost suitcase and a week spent wearing a questionable collection of borrowed clothes. Note to self: Pack emergency undies in carry-on).
• 1:00 PM: Arrive at YVR (Vancouver International Airport). Okay, gotta move fast. I mean, I think I remembered where to get my car.
• 2:00 PM: Check into Hotel BLU. The lobby looks… stylish. Okay, I approve. But where’s the coffee situation? This is crucial. Hotel coffee can make or break a vacation. Pray for good coffee. Lord, give me good coffee.
• 2:30 PM: Unpack. Or, attempt to unpack. Mostly, I'll be staring at the suitcase, wondering if I'll ever actually wear half the clothes I brought. (I always overpack. Always.)
• 3:00 PM -3:30 PM: Coffee reconnaissance mission! Scouring the hotel for the best caffeinated beverage. I'm seriously considering asking random strangers, "Excuse me, know where the good coffee is? My whole trip depends on it."
• 4:00 PM: Okay, the coffee situation is… acceptable. I found a tiny cafe. (A little pricy, though…)
• 5:00 PM: Wander around the hotel, check out the views from my room, and generally try to get my bearings. Vancouver's a beautiful city, but man, it's gonna take a few days to get used to the mountains and the ocean everywhere. Wow.
• 7:00 PM: Dinner at a random spot near the hotel. I'm too tired to be adventurous, so I'm hoping for something relatively affordable. Maybe some pasta. Or burgers. Let's see what shows up.
• 8:00 PM: Crash in bed. Hope this trip is not a disaster.

Day 2: Stanley Park, Seawalls, and the Eternal Struggle of Trying to Look Like a Functional Human

• 8:00 AM: Okay, time to attack this day. Decent coffee. (Praise be!). Breakfast at the hotel. Pretty good, actually.
• 9:00 AM: Head to Stanley Park. Everyone says it's magical. I'm prepared to be impressed.
• 9:30 AM: Attempt to rent a bike. This could be a comedy gold, since I'm a klutz by nature.
• 9:30-10:30 AM: Cycle the Seawall (slowly). This is where I'll try to look like someone who knows how to ride a bike. Wish me luck; the odds are not excellent.
• 10:30 AM: Stop for photos. This is my chance to feel like a tourist. (Cue embarrassing posing and failed attempts to capture the perfect Instagram shot).
• 11:30 AM: Picnic lunch in Stanley Park. (Pre-packed, because cooking is not an option). Sun, sea breeze, and the vague feeling that I should've brought a hat…
• 1:00 PM: More exploring in Stanley Park. Totem poles, trails, and the ever-present temptation to pet a squirrel (probably not a good idea).
• 3:00 PM: Relax at Second Beach (if it's sunny), or hide from the rain (because, Vancouver).
• 5:00 PM: Shower and get ready for dinner. (The battle for looking presentable continues).
• 7:00 PM: Dinner at a seafood restaurant. I'm going to try some local oysters, because… well, when in Vancouver, right?
• 9:00 PM: Back to Hotel BLU. Maybe watch some TV, or maybe just pass out. Exhaustion has a way of creeping up on you when you're living the "dream."

Day 3: Granville Island, Market Mayhem, and the Crushing Reality of Souvenir Shopping

• 9:00 AM: Coffee, then off to Granville Island.
• 10:00 AM: Wander through Granville Island Market. This is where the real chaos begins. Fresh produce, artisanal bread, and the overwhelming urge to buy everything. I want all the things.
• 11:00 AM: Sampling cheese, bread, and other delights. My taste buds are in heaven, but my wallet is silently weeping.
• 12:00 PM: Lunch at the market. I might have to get a little bit of everything.
• 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Souvenir shopping. The endless struggle of finding something unique, affordable, and that someone will actually want. (I'm thinking a "I survived Vancouver" t-shirt, or a maple syrup shaped… something).
• 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Listen to street performers. Maybe get my caricature drawn. Prepare for my ego to be brutally shattered.
• 4:00 PM: Ferry back to the city. (Maybe I'm getting the hang of this tourist thing).
• 6:00 PM: Dinner in a different neighborhood. Exploring new places.
• 8:00 PM: Drinks at a rooftop bar. Enjoying the city views.
• 9:30 PM: Back to Hotel BLU, ready to sleep.

Day 4: Gastown, Gastropub, and the Unexpected Joy of a Bad Hair Day

• 10:00 AM: Coffee & breakfast.
• 11:00 AM: Explore Gastown, Vancouver's historic district. Cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, and the infamous steam clock. (I'm intrigued by the clock. And prepared to fight the crowds to get a picture).
• 12:00 PM: Walk around the city to see other things.
• 1:00 PM: Lunch at a Gastropub. Something comforting, like fish and chips or a burger to fix all your problems.
• 2:00 PM: Decide to do something.
• 3:00 PM: Go shopping.
• 5:00 PM: Maybe some yoga or meditation at the hotel.
• 7:00 PM: Dinner at my favorite restaurant.
• 8:00 PM: Watch a movie.

Day 5:

• 9:00 AM: Coffee and breakfast.
• 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM: Go somewhere.

Day 6:

• 9:00 AM: Coffee and breakfast.
• 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM: Go somewhere.
• 7:00 PM: Dinner at the best restaurant, by far.
• 8:00 PM: Watch a movie.

Day 7: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Goodbye

• 8:00 AM: Wake up, realize I'm leaving today. The week went by way too fast.
• 8:30 AM: Last coffee in Vancouver. Savor it.
• 9:00 AM: Breakfast and slow packing.
• 10:00 AM: Check out of Hotel BLU.
• 11:00 AM: A final stroll or a quick shopping spree…
• 12:00 PM: Head to the airport.
• 1:00 PM: Flight home.
• 6:00 PM: Back home again. Already planning my next trip.

Notes:

• This schedule is subject to change. My mood, the weather, and the availability of good coffee will all play a significant role.
• I'm terrible at sticking to a plan, so this itinerary is more of a suggestion than a rigid schedule.
• Enjoy the journey. Embrace the chaos. And remember, a little spontaneity (and plenty of coffee) goes a long way.
• Oh, and buy the emergency undies. Just in case.

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Hotel BLU Vancouver (BC) Canada```html

Unbelievable Vancouver Views: Hotel BLU's Secret Revealed! (Probably Not So Secret Anymore, Honestly...)

Okay, spill the beans! What's this "secret" view everyone's raving about?

Alright, alright, fine! The "secret" is... well, it's the view. From *some* of the rooms at Hotel BLU. Mainly the higher floors, facing... you know, *that* direction. You get the city skyline, the water sparkling like a thousand tiny diamonds (when the sun cooperates, which let's be real, is maybe 30% of the time in Vancouver). And the freaking mountains! Those majestic, green giants. Seriously, I’ve seen pictures that look photoshopped, they’re so unreal. I almost choked on my coffee the first time I saw it. Almost. (The coffee at BLU’s not half bad actually, even if the "secret" might be a bit overhyped). And, *ahem*, I may have, potentially, *accidentally* booked a room with that view myself... more on that later. Don't judge.

Are ALL the rooms at Hotel BLU blessed with this panoramic splendor? 'Cause, like, my budget's screaming...

NOPE. Absolutely not. Don't go thinking you're getting a freebie. Most rooms? Probably facing a brick wall or another hotel. Or, worse, the parking lot. I've heard whispers of rooms that see a dumpster. Look, you gotta pay the hefty premium for the "view rooms." Which, frankly, are probably worth it if you're a sucker for a good view, like me. But be prepared to shell out. And call ahead, seriously. Don't just blindly book online and expect a postcard-perfect vista. You’ll be cursing your life choices otherwise. Speaking from experience.

So, what's the *best* time to experience this visual feast? Sunrise? Sunset? Or just... whenever?

Okay, truth time. The absolute *best* time? When the sun is doing its thing. Duh. But seriously, sunrise is magical. The city wakes up, the sky explodes with colour... it’s enough to make you almost, *almost* enjoy getting up early. Sunset is predictably stunning. Remember when I said I booked a room? Yeah, I timed it for sunset. Champagne, a half-eaten pizza (judge me all you like), and that view… it was borderline religious. I even shed a tear (okay, maybe multiple). Even on cloudy days, the view can be spectacular, with the mountains looming like something out of a fantasy novel. But honestly, go for sunset. It's worth it.

Hotel BLU... is it actually *good* besides the view? Or are they coasting on location?

Okay, here’s the unvarnished truth. The hotel itself is… fine. Not mind-blowing. It's clean, the staff are generally pleasant, and the beds are comfy enough. It’s definitely *not* the Ritz. But the location is pretty sweet. Near everything. And, let’s be real, you're paying for the view. Don't expect Michelin-star dining or a pool that looks like a tropical paradise. The gym is tiny, I almost fell over trying to use one of those ancient treadmills. But hey, after a few hours admiring that vista, I felt like a champion of life anyway. So, call it a trade-off.

Tell me about your room! This is the juicy stuff I want! What was it like actually *being* in one of those view rooms?

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're getting the full, unfiltered experience. It was... well, lemme tell you. I booked the room a month in advance. Obsessively checked the weather forecast (a complete fool's errand, as Vancouver weather is about as predictable as a toddler on a sugar rush). Finally arrived. Got my key. Heart pounding. Walked in. And... BAM. *There* it was. The view. The city stretched out like a glittering carpet. The water was a shimmering sheet of blue. The mountains… the mountains were so close I felt like I could touch them. I actually stood there, mouth agape, for a good five minutes. No hyperbole. Five minutes of pure, unadulterated "wow." I may have even started whispering "Oh my god, oh my god" under my breath. (Again, don’t judge. I get emotional about stuff). I took a million photos (which, let’s be clear, *don’t* do it justice). Then, I did the most predictable thing imaginable: ordered room service. Champagne and pizza. Don't ask. It just *felt right*. The sunset was even more spectacular than I imagined. The colours shifted, the light played on the buildings, and I just... I just felt incredibly lucky. Stupid, cheesy, cliché lucky. But it was real. That hour or so, sitting there, with that view? It’s a memory I'll treasure. Even the slightly-stale pizza couldn't ruin it. Though, the next morning, the coffee I got from downstairs wasn't as good. And I did hit my toe on the leg of the bed. But the view? Worth. Every. Penny.

Any tips for maximizing the view-room experience? Anything I should know *before* I go?

Okay, listen up. Here's the gospel according to me, your friendly neighbourhood Vancouver view enthusiast: * **Book. Early.** Seriously. They sell out those rooms faster than free pizza. * **Specify "high floor, view room."** Be *very* specific. Don't assume anything. Over-communicate! * **Bring binoculars.** (I didn't, and regretted it. You can see so much more detail!) Alternatively, if you're planning a trip with a partner, make sure you have binoculars on hand - you'll be grateful. * **Pack snacks and drinks.** Because room service is expensive. And the best views are enjoyed with something delicious in hand... and by delicious, I mean *whatever* you find enjoyable in the moment. * **Forget the hotel gym.** Just... walk around the city. You'll get a better workout AND better views. Honestly, the gym situation doesn’t warrant consideration. * **Be prepared to be wow-ed… and a little bit disappointed by the regular hotel stuff.** Manage your expectations. * **Most importantly... just enjoy it.** Seriously. Shut off the phone, the laptop, the *world*, and just soak it in. You deserve it. I have a feeling even a bad day with this view would be better than a thousand good days without it. Now excuse me, I'm off to check flight prices…

Anything else I should be aware of? Any downsides?

Alright, let’s be real. The downsides? Well, besides the priceJet Set Hotels

Hotel BLU Vancouver (BC) Canada

Hotel BLU Vancouver (BC) Canada

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