A travel writer friend recommended the Sylvia Hotel. We loved our stay there. Our room, the hotel staff, and the restaurant were great. The location on English Bay Beach can't be beat, and Stanley Park, Canadaa Place, Chinatown, and Gastown are close by.
We walked around the area checking out restaurant options (of which there are plenty), but we returned to the hotel for both breakfast and dinner as the food was excellent, the wait staff was wonderful, and the prices were no higher than those of other venues within walking distance. But just as important, people watching and the beach view from the outdoor seating area were great fun.