THEN & NOW
/EDITOR’S NOTE: Regular readers will remember that we have written about the West End’s beloved Sylvia Hotel several times in the past, but we figured that there’s room for one more take on memories of this landmark in our archives. Enjoy!
THE SYLVIA HOTEL
History, Mystery and Heritage
by Michelle Livingstone
(click images to enlarge)
Picture a cold, stormy evening in one of Vancouver's prettiest areas: the West End. Sail boats are long gone to bed, and mighty tankers take their place to loom on the horizon, their heavy loads resting on the mighty waters of English Bay and beyond…
The venerable sylvia hotel, circa 1960.
Where oh where would be a good cosy spot to sip a frothy mug of heated happiness, or a stiff drink to warm the cockles of your heart? Nothing too noisy, just perhaps the ambience of a live music artist, or the gentle buzz of intriguing conversations. Add to this maybe some history, some old world flair, some mystery and I give you, ladies and gentlemen, The Sylvia Hotel.
Home to the most divine box ivy on the north and west sides of the building in the summer months, this historic hotel started life on May 3 of 1913 as the Sylvia Court Apartments, a 70-room block, which was the tallest building in Vancouver at the time, built by Booker, Campbell and Whipple Construction Company for a Mr. Goldstein, who had a daughter named Sylvia.
It was home to affluent tenants who had the good fortune to have their very own dumb waiter in each apartment. But, by 1936, following the Depression, times became hard and the block was reimagined as an apartment hotel, and with the onset of WWII, it was again turned over to rooms for the merchant marines in the area.
Today’s Sylvia, wreathed in ivy.
Following the war, the permanent residents finally shuffled off into that great hotel in the sky or, less dramatically moved on to another spot, making way for The Sylvia to become the hotel we now know. This was firmed up in 1954, when a medieval themed Tilting Room opened as Vancouver's first cocktail lounge, holding court with the likes of Errol Flynn and Malcolm Lowry.
Talking of Mr. Flynn, there is a now debunked story that he died there in 1959, though we now know that he died in a friend’s apartment on Burnaby Street after a night of partying at the Sylvia. Yet some still claim that the hotel is haunted, possibly by the old swashbuckler himself — and others, if this young man from Albuquerque, New Mexico’s experience is to be believed, and depending on whether you have a need to recreate the film 1408, you might want to keep away from room 604.
TRIP ADVISOR
Review of The Sylvia Hotel / July 14, 2011
THE HOTEL IS HAUNTED!
My 11 year old son freaked out when we arrived. He said "Mom! why did you book such an old hotel, you know it's haunted!" Turns out he was right. We stayed in room 604 which has a seperate room with a twin bed which I slept in to get some peace and quiet. Someone sat on me twice, then tried to lie down. It was annoying, since I was not able to get back to sleep. I asked the early morning agent about anything being reported, He did say he's been poked while brushing his teeth in the restroom, but no one is around.
Date of stay: July 2011
Annnywayyyyyy, ahem, if you are thinking of staying, and don’t let the above stop you, I can heartily recommend the English Bay Suite. Hubby treated me to a night there for an anniversary two years ago, and we made it through the night.
MOVING ON TO FOOD AND DRINKS …
The entrance is on gilford, just around the corner off beach avenue.
Everyone has their favorite drink, and mine, when at the Sylvia is a cocktail, and 1954 ($13 / $16) made with Citron vodka, Chambord, raspberries, blueberries, lemon juice, & soda. It’s absolutely delicious. There's a good selection of wine, red, white, rosé and sparkling too, if you fancy something with bubbles. And if a cup of ‘hug’’ is what you’re craving, I strongly recommend the hot chocolate, with perhaps a splash of something to give it a kick. Alternatively a frothy cappuccino is always welcome and there’s an option for oat or almond milk instead of dairy.
Feeling peckish? How about a little House Focaccia ($9) made with rosemary, olive tapenade, balsamic reduction, or if a nice warm soup is more the ticket, there's Sylvia’s Seafood Chowder ($14), made with fresh seafood, and served with grilled focaccia. Of course no bay view restaurant would be replete without Crab Cakes ($23), served with a sweet chili aioli and artisan greens.
For larger appetites, the Moroccan Stew ($19) beckons for a sumptuous vegetarian dish made from seasonal vegetables, chickpeas, lentils, served with mint raita and naan. Or perhaps a delicious Chicken Pot Pie ($21), with a creamy velouté, carrots, corn, celery, green peas, onion, and a delicious puffed pastry topping. And, of course, The Sylvia Burger ($21), a juicy beef patty, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickle, red relish, mayo, fries. You can even sub for a vegetarian patty and gluten free bun, if you prefer.
If you happen to get there early enough they also have a Late Riser Brunch ($19) — two eggs, choice of bacon, pork or turkey sausage, fries, and toast — served until 2 p.m., which is nice for folks who are more vampiric and prefer the morning in bed. But if you are looking for a brunch spot, this place really hits a home run too.
EVERY SEAT IN THE SYLVIA’S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE OFFERS A GREAT VIEW OF ENGLISH BAY, BUT NONE MORE SO THAN THE SMALL PATIO.
They also serve a smaller bar menu with favorites such as Crab Cakes ($23) and Cajun Dusted Calamari ($20). The fancy bistro side and the laid back lounge area both feature fabulous views of the water.
And let’s not forget Happy Hour, which is weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (not including holidays) when you can enjoy specials on appetizers, beer, and wine.
Finally, there’s Sunday night Jazz & Prime Rib - I think that speaks for itself! But the live music doesn't end there, it also plays on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
The manager, Gaetan Bottier has been overseeing the running of this establishment since 2019, having previously been the hotel manager at Le Soleil and food and beverage manager at the Wedgewood Hotel.
The service is impeccable, with hardly any waiting time for a good seat at either of the eating spaces. The wait staff are fun and knowledgeable. And don’t forget to ask if anyone has seen Mr. Flynn lately!
With its outstanding views and an old world charm, the Sylvia really checks all the boxes, and we should be reminded how lucky we are to have this beautiful building in our neighbourhood, as, with thanks to the City of Vancouver, it was designated heritage in 1975. So may it continue making memories for many more travellers and locals alike.
The Sylvia Hotel
1154 Gilford
877.681.9321
Website
