Fodor's Expert Review Corkscrew Inn

Name: Corkscrew Inn
Address: 2735 West 2nd Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6K 1K2, Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Telephone: 604-733–7276;877-737–7276
Price range: $$

2735 West 2nd Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6K 1K2, Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada See on Map Fodor's Choice

Deanna deBara

If you're a fan of unique hotel experiences, you'll definitely want to check out The Corkscrew Inn. This bed and breakfast, housed in a restored 1912 Craftsman near the beach in Kitsilano, is an homage to the corkscrew, with a small museum showcasing corkscrews throughout the years and a stained-glass corkscrew window in every room. It might sound gimmicky, but the gorgeous antique furnishings and top-notch service keep the property from feeling too kitschy or over-the-top.

room

Each of the 5 rooms at The Corkscrew Inn has it's own theme and decor (with a corkscrew window to match), but all rooms feature queen feather beds, armchairs, writing desks, antique wine glasses, and—you guessed it—a corkscrew.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The Inn has a no-shoes-indoors policy, so be prepared to swap your sneakers for slippers.

bathroom

All rooms have their own private bathroom with a shower, soaking tub (two of which are 6-footers), and comfy robes.

lobby

There's no lobby at this B&B, but The Corkscrew Inn is home to a wine museum “dedicated to devices used to remove a cork from a bottle,” which is only open to guests. You'll also find stained glass artistry throughout the home, including full doors and windows.

If the weather's nice, enjoy your glass of wine on the front porch and see if you can spot the resident hummingbirds.

dining

A large breakfast is served every day, which includes homemade preserves, fresh bread, croissants, scones, or muffins, fresh juices, coffee from fair trade beans, hot chocolate, and assorted tea. There are also hot items that rotate daily, like frittatas made with local wild or lemon ricotta pancakes served with rosemary ham.

drinking

The Corkscrew Inn provides the wine glasses, but you'll need to provide the wine.

LOCATION

Getting Around

If you bring a car, you'll have to find street parking (it's free). Otherwise, hop on the bus (there are 7 bus routes that stop just 2 blocks away from the hotel) to get elsewhere in the city.

Restaurants

The Oakwood Canadian Bistro (4-minute walk) is a gorgeous place for brunch, with a large fireplace and wood panel walls. Tru the cinnamon bun French Toast and follow it up with a boozy coffee shake. For a more unique culinary adventure, head to Dark Table (4-minute walk), a dine-in-the-dark experience that aims to amplify your other senses. Chefs cook a custom meal at your table (although you won't be able to see it!) and can accommodate any dietary restrictions.

Bars

Choose from an impressive cocktail menu (including over a dozen classics) at Corduroy (20-minute walk) For an after-dinner treat, head to Carlos O' Bryan's Neighborhood Pub (7-minute drive) and choose from one of more than 10 Irish coffee cocktails. Or, get in more of a party mood with dozens and dozens of shooters and cocktails of all flavors.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The Corkscrew Inn is quirky without being over the top and offers everything you'd want out of a B&B experience—comfort, hospitality, and a cozy vibe that will make you feel right at home.