Blue Horizon Hotel -- too good to be true?
 

I've found the Blue Horizon website and it really looks nice, but I'm amazed at summer rates of $169 Canadian a night. Why so cheap compared to hotels that don't look as nice? Am I missing something here?

Forgive me from straying from the idea of the one week rental I did previously. We are now traveling with friends and will only have two nights in Vancouver. The Wedgewood is high on the list (we stayed there before) but for $100 less a night???

I haven't been inside the Blue Horizon but I've walked past it; it looks pleasant enough, but the Wedgewood is in a class by itself as far as I'm concerned. I can understand why there would be such a difference in price range - not because there's anything wrong with the Blue Horizon, but rather because the Wedgewood is such an extraordinary place.

Tripadvisor.;)

Actually, I realize that the Wedgewood is in a class by itself, not complaining about the difference in price. Oddly enough I see in the AAA tour book Wedgewood lists their summer rates as starting at $400, but they quoted me $269 for an executive king on the phone for July dates. I'm thinking maybe we should grab it! On the other hand, I'm thinking our friends might be more impressed with the views at the Blue Horizon than the luxury of the Wedgewood. Decisions, decisions.

I guess I'm really asking how "moderate" is the Blue Horizon. A search gives me generalities like "if not looking for luxury". What does that mean? Tacky furniture, stained carpet? We don't care about room service, spa treatments, and that sort of thing at all.

Hello Patrick,

As I write this message to you, I can see the Blue Horizon from the window of my flat.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the Blue Horizon. One reason for the lower rate may simply be that it's a huge hotel and so can offer "bulk volume" rates, so to speak.

Yes, the views from there are good, assuming that you have a north or west-facing room (east would probably be all right too...though south would be rather dull).

My choice would be the Wedgewood, however. As others say, it's in a class on its own. I want to emphasize that the Blue Horizon is just fine, but rather characterless (apart from the views from the upper floors). The Wedgewood has beautiful interiors, a wonderful restaurant and so on. If atmosphere means anything to you, go with the Wedgewood. (My husband is indifferent to the sort of hotels we stay in, and could happily stay anywhere, but I'm heavily into atmosphere and character).

There are several public viewpoints in downtown Vancouver from which you can get much the same view as you get from the Blue Horizon. Take the elevator to the top of Harbour Centre, for example, or eat in the revolving restaurant at the top of the Empire Landmark hotel (the neon sign from which illuminates my living room every night...what a pain). Or just walk around the cruise ship docking areas at Canada Place.

Hope this helps. Let us know what you decide.

Gee, your place sounds lovely, Vorkuta, and must have great views. Got a couple of spare rooms? LOL

OK, I'll leave this up to the friends.

>>>>>>OK, I'll leave this up to the friends.<<<<<<

Earth to Patrick. Tripadvisor has several good reviews of the Blue Horizon, but a couple of bad ones too. I think it would be prudent to read them.

I have stayed at Blue Horizon (Sept. 2003) and there is nothing wrong with our room. In fact it was probably one of the most spectacular that we have ever stayed in. Big. Great view. Balcony. Well kept. It is a big hotel and I had no feeling of "getting to know" any of the staff that one sometimes gets in smaller establishments, but who really cares about that. The location is great.