THE LODEN

Where • 1177 Melville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia

More info • theloden.com; 1-877-225-6336

As we approached the Loden Hotel, our cabdriver told us it was where the celebs stayed when they came to Vancouver. Oh, great, I thought, what am I doing there, kids and ratty luggage in tow. I shouldn't have worried: Like most of Vancouver, the Loden was laid back, and the staff made me — and my kids — feel at home. They even left chocolate and a fresh carafe of water by our bedside at night.

The setup • Located in Coal Harbor, one of downtown Vancouver's swankiest neighborhoods and next to the great shopping in Robson, the Loden is a perfect location if you are looking to walk to many of your destinations. The hotel also offers a first-class restaurant, a high-tech workout room and a spa. Even packages for pets are offered.

The rooms • The rooms were not huge but decorated in a modern style with marble bathrooms and sliding doors that separated the vanity from the bedroom and a two-way mirror in between. Floor-to-ceiling curved windows offer views of a courtyard with a small brook and multi-story buildings nearby.

How much • In July, rooms run $275 for the king room, which we had, to $509 for a one-bedroom suite.