Carey Centre on UBC campus

Carey Centre on UBC campus Overview

First Impressions

Walking into Carey Centre on UBC campus, you immediately get that academic retreat vibe — it’s clean, purposeful, and honestly refreshing after dealing with typical downtown Vancouver hotel chaos. This three-star spot sits right in the heart of the University of British Columbia campus, which means you’re trading city hustle for tree-lined walkways and that oddly calming university atmosphere. I mean, there’s something nice about waking up somewhere that feels more like a thoughtful study retreat than just another place to crash.

Campus Location Perks

Here’s what I didn’t expect — being on campus actually works really well, especially if you’re exploring Vancouver with someone special (couples apparently love it here, rating the location 8.3). You’re about 20 minutes from downtown by transit, but you get to experience this whole different side of the city. The campus itself is gorgeous, with trails leading down to the water and some seriously impressive gardens. Plus, there’s parking right at the hotel, which honestly saves you a fortune compared to downtown rates — and anyone who’s tried to park in Vancouver knows that’s no small thing.

The Room Experience

The room setup is straightforward but comfortable — think modern dorm meets boutique hotel. Everything’s clean and functional, with decent Wi-Fi (important if you’re actually trying to get work done) and windows that actually open, which you don’t always get in city hotels. The beds are solid, and there’s enough space to spread out without feeling cramped. It’s not fancy by any means, but it’s got this calm, uncluttered feel that actually helps you sleep better than some more elaborate places I’ve stayed.

Food and Campus Life

Breakfast here is American-style — nothing too fancy, but it gets the job done with familiar options that’ll fuel whatever you’ve got planned for the day. What’s actually cool is that you’re surrounded by campus dining options too, from casual cafés to the student union building with surprisingly decent food courts. The whole area has this relaxed energy during the day, with students biking around and people reading under trees — it’s like getting a mini university experience without the homework stress.

Why Guests Love It

Look, this isn’t going to be your typical Vancouver hotel experience, and that’s exactly why it works. You get legitimate value for money, easy access to both campus attractions and the broader city, and this unexpectedly peaceful setting that couples especially seem to appreciate. The 7.4 rating makes sense — it’s not trying to be something it’s not, but it delivers on what matters: clean accommodations, good location, and that rare thing in Vancouver hospitality — actual parking that doesn’t cost more than your restaurant bill. If you want to experience Vancouver from a different angle while saving some cash, this place actually nails it.

Carey Centre on UBC campus Accommodations

Reviews of Carey Centre on UBC campus

• Gunasinghe from Sri Lanka (8/10)

  Breakfast is very good and location also Excellent.

• Cherie from New Zealand (7/10)

  Free breakfast

• Aekana from Canada (6/10)

  breakfast hours seemed very limited

• Christine from Australia (6/10)

  The room was clean and comfortable. Access was via a pin code that you received via email. Food was available in the student cafeteria, which was basic but ok. Laundry facilities were available. The location was very quiet so we had a good night's sleep for the 2 nights we stayed there.

• Fiona from Canada (6/10)

• Bruce from Canada (8/10)

  staff were very nice and helpful price was excellent overall I say it was a nice place to get some rest.

• Mary-lou from Canada (8/10)

  The location and availability of parking were good. We felt safe. The staff was friendly and helpful. Our room was comfortable but the pillows were like sleeping on a ball! Also more hangers would be helpful when more than one person is in the room. Otherwise it was great!

• Jewel from Canada (6/10)

  The location

• Jennifer from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Quite spacious accommodation on UBC campus with several bus routes into the city. Walking distance to park, beaches, botanical gardens and Museum of Anthropology. Reception staff helpful. Quiet hours overnight which suited us. Felt like a safe area when walking round late evening.

• Mark from United Kingdom (7/10)

  Good value, and location out of town offset by closeness to museum of anthropology and walls down the coast. Friendly college staff too. 20-40 minute ride to the airport is convenient too.

Facilities