I can’t decide: do I want to be surrounded by contemporary northwest coast art or prestigious works from all over the world? No, I’m not redecorating my place or picking out a gallery to visit, but choosing my hotel room in Vancouver.

A Gallery Hotel

I end up choosing the international artwork scene. At the Listel Hotel, you choose between three types of mini galleries to be surrounded by in your guest room:

• The Museum Floor, which has Northwest Coast art from the Museum of Anthropology (and is about as B.C. as you can get)
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• Then there’s the Gallery Floor, with original and limited edition contemporary work curated by the local Buschlen Mowatt Galleries
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• Finally, the Artist Series Suites, one-bedrooms with artist or design movement themes. (How about the colourful fruit of Bernard Gantner or a quaint French provincial setting?)
   

I’m told there are about 250 pieces in total by over 30 artists. Yet, there are also less expensive rooms on the second floor that are more “standard hotel room,” which is funny because the floor is called the Standard Floor. Go figure.

Amenities Galore

As I was checking in, I was told about the dreaded facility fee. It’s a 3.5% charge that allows guests free wireless internet, local calls, three hours of long distance within North America, and fax and photocopying services. Hmm, I wasn’t sure about this; I’m a little touchy about add on fees (hey, aren’t you?).

It turns out I took full advantage of the services and was happy to check out and not pay for all the little things I had used. Fortunately for me, I was dating a guy who lived across the country, so a long call to him was much appreciated (brownie points!).

I also checked a few emails off my to do list and booked a ticket to an upcoming show. That pesky 3.5% actually saved me money.

Robson Street

There’s not much to say about Robson Street that hasn’t already been said. Arguably Vancouver’s most popular shopping stroll, it’s almost always packed with people and cars.

The Listel is down on the west end of the street where the scene is much calmer and is packed with more sushi joints than crowds of people. It’s also a 10-minute walk away from the entrance to Stanley Park, which is sort of like being at the centre of the universe (well, Vancouver’s universe, anyway).

Rates average about $175 - $320 CDN in the high season.