Bee & Thistle Guest House

Lynn and Michael went out of their way to assist us with our vacation in Vancouver, BC. The room was outstanding and the breakfast was that of a 5 star resturant. This is definitely a hidden gem.

Lynn and Michael run an excellent B&B - definitely the best that we have stayed in anywhere in the world. Every detail from the clever keyless entry to the front door of the imposing old house, through the exquisitely presented and tasting breakfasts to the beautiful yet functional decor of the rooms has clearly been carefully pondered and the most appealing option selected for the benefit of guests. Add to this a genuine friendly welcome and helpful atmosphere (we were chauffeured to the railway station when we left), and the location in a central suburb full of cool bars and restaurants, and you have the perfect place to stay in Vancouver.

We were extremely comfortable at the Bee and Thistle and the hosts were very helpful with local information and recommendations.

This was a wonderful B & B in a very tastefully restored Victorian Mansion and we spent 5 nights there. The hosts Lynn and Michael welcomed us with open arms and we immediately felt at home. From the awesome breakfasts all freshly prepared and beautifully presented, to the homemade delights waiting for us upon our return from sightseeing each day their attention to detail made this a very special B & B experience indeed. Always willing to provide help with information on Vancouver and the surroundings we found Lynn and Michael to be an absolute delight; and would not hesitate to recommend this B & B to anyone wishing to spend time in Vancouver.

We've traveled a lot and stayed in many, many B and Bs but this experience was fantastic. The warmth of the host and hostess was beyond accomodating. The suite was adorable, with just the right about of ambience and the food was not only yummy, the presentation was a feast for the eyes. We would recommend it to everyone!

Fabulous stay at Bee and Thistle B&B. Hosts were excellent and nothing too much trouble.

I just had the most wonderful stay at the Bee and Thistle. It was cozy, beautiful, warm, and the breakfasts divine. It is by far the best place I've stayed in a long time and I'd go back in a second. Lynn and Michael were so hospitable and the care they took with me was unmatched. Homemade cookies on my pillow, luxurious bedding, foot scrub, flowers, fireplaces, and the best food I've had for breakfast anywhere! If you're headed to Vancouver, this is the place to stay. The price is fine and a couple of blocks' walk to Commercial brings you to lots of cool shops and eateries. (Lynn and Michael are reviewing those restaurants themselves for their guests!) Risa Garcia of LA

My wife and I just spent our anniversary weekend at the Bee & Thistle and could not have been happier. Our hosts Lynn and Michael were fantastic, and while Lynn may claim she is not a professional chef don't let her humility deceive you, she prepared some of the most fantastic breakfasts I have ever had. In fact both days that we stayed I ended up skipping lunch due to the size (and wonderful taste!) of the breakfasts. On our last day of our stay we got to spend a minute chatting with Lynn and Michael and it was wonderful meeting them, everything about our stay was wonderful and I can't wait for an opportunity to go back.

My wife and I stayed at the Bee and Thistle during a recent trip to Vancouver, and we recommend this B&B very, very highly. The accommodation is outstanding, in a beautifully renovated home just east of Commercial Drive. In renovating the house, they have made great decisions, such as increasing the sound-proofing between rooms, and decorating the bedrooms and bathrooms with both antique and modern touches. Our hosts, Lynn and Michael, were exceptionally courteous, and although we were not able to join them for breakfast, they provided a basket of fruit, homemade granola, and baked goods in our room. This is the most pleasant B&B experience we have ever had, and we will join them again on our next trip to Vancouver.

My husband and I flew to Vancouver last weekend for the Grey cup. We stays three nights at this bed and breakfast. It was the perfct location to walk to restaurants and stores and a short sk train to down town. We had the Molly room , it had a comfy queen bed , a desk , chair, table, fireplace and a mini fridge. Our bathroom was like a magazine it even had heard floors. Now getting to the breakfast he food was so delicious and had cure presentation. I will definatelt be going back to his b and b when we are back in Vancouver, it's a must!!

Lynn and Michael were very nice to us, even before we arrived. The B&B was beautiful, in a great location for exploring Vancouver and was more than we could have wished for. We're looking forward to going back again. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a place to stay.

I stayed while I was taking a workshop. The location was perfect for all my needs. Being walking distance to shops and restaurants made the whole thing a breeze, plus walking distance to my course! How could it be better.

We stayed with Lynn and Michael at the end of Sept 2011. The level of luxury and attention to detail throughout the whole property was outstanding. The breakfasts were more like a feast and had everyone taking photos of them they looked so beautiful and too good to eat. Michael went out of his way twice to pick us up and drop us off in town, which was very much appreciated. We could not fault your hospitality and would highly recommend a stay with you. Thank you both again.

Where do I begin, everything about this B&B is just wonderful, the title says it all ! We stayed here for 4 days and returned for another night at the end of our trip. For us this B&B was just perfect, excellent local restaurants a short stroll away and great access into Vancouver, just hop on the bus No 20 at the bottom of the road! A quite location with all links on your doorstep. Thank you so much for such a great stay, Sheryll and Nigel

Lynn and Michael are wonderful, willing to do just about anything for you. We stayed in Ivy's Room and it was extremely comfortable. We had our own private area on the balcony to enjoy our wine at night. The bed was wonderful. The house is just a short walk from Commercial Drive (better known as just "the drive"), a wonderland of ethnic restaurants. It's away from downtown, but you'll never feel the need to venture downtown to more expensive dining choices there. (We especially recommend the Tunisian French food at the Carthage Cafe and the Italian fare at Marcello's Pizzeria, a misnomer because it's way more than just pizza). And then there's breakfast at the B&T. Now we've had superb breakfasts at B&B's all around the world, but Lynn's presentations go a step beyond in flavor and presentation - they are magical. Just totally forget about having lunch as you won't be ready to eat again until dinner. Parking is on the street, but that was no problem at all. Stay here! You won't regret it.

A Great stay but with the Pound weak against the Canadian Dollar this was at the high end of our holiday budget. Michael and Lynn were excellent hosts who took time to make sure you had all you needed. The breakfast set you up for the whole day. At the end of our stay Michael, even very kindly, drove us with our luggage to collect our hire car so we could begin our tour of BC. Thoroughly recommend this venue, East Vancouver is nice area to base yourself for visiting the city with good/easy public transport routes into the city centre.

Lynn and Michael did wonders with their home. Their great hospitality makes you fill as if its your own home. The food Lynn makes every morning is great for its taste and for its appearance.The location is good with restaurants and bus round the corner.It is an outstanding place.

We stayed at the Bee & Thistle just last weekend (Sept. 22-25th) in the Lion's Den. The views from the room were great of Vancouver, the size was perfect, and the experience relaxing. The entire B&B is very tastefully decorated, the hosts wonderful, and the breakfasts were the best I have had at a B&B (and at most restaurants). We have stayed at many B&Bs over many continents and countries, and I would have to say that the Bee & Thistle was one of the bests. Thank you Michael and Lynn! We will be coming back again soon.

My husband and I travel a lot. We don't always stay in B&Bs, but we wish we could have a Bee & Thistle everywhere we roam. The location is convenient to public transportation and to a street filled with many restaurants and shops. The rooms in the Bee & Thistle are beautiful, the linens are luxurious, the breakfasts exquisite, the cookies in our room each night (and in the cookie jar all the time) were fresh-baked each day, and the innkeepers made us feel like family. They helped us do our laundry in their machines, made reservations for us, let us use their phone free of charge, and provided bus tickets. We stayed for 4 nights. When we left, we couldn't wait to return - so we did, 10 days later. It felt like coming home - only better. When we finally left, my husband commented that he really wished we lived closer so we could spend more time with Lynn and Michael.

This was out first trip to Canada and our first B&B experience on this trip. We've previously stayed in B&B's when we've travelled to the UK and the Bee & Thistle ranks with the best we've stayed at. Its not easy getting the balance right but Lynn and Michael have it down pat! The room was very comfortable with brilliant views of the Vancouver surrounds. The location in East Vancouver was great with plenty of local colour and places to eat. Lynns attention to detail at breakfast was exceptional. Michael ran the front of the house for her while she cooked. The combination of interesting people at breakfast, good food and Michaels chat was a great way to start the day. We didnt really have too much planned and relied on Michaels suggestions for what to see on a first time visit to Vancouver. It was a great day and his itienerary suggestiosn were spot on. When we go back we will certainly stay at the B&T!

I chose this B&B as a treat for my husband and I at the end of an action packed trip to Canada with our boys. It didn't disappoint with exceptionally beautiful rooms and the most kind, generous and attentive hosts in Lynn and Michael. The breakfasts are works of art and delicious but a simpler/lighter option for kids and calorie conscious adults might be worth considering! That said Lynn did go out of her way to accomodate our differing likes and dislikes. If we return to Vancouver the Bee and Thistle would definitely be our first choice.

Lynn and Michael were great hosts. Their B & B is located close to Commercial Drive which contains numerous restaurants and other delightful stores. A yoga studio is mere blocks away.

What makes this B&B so wonderful is the dedication of Lynn and Michael. They are very special people. It is impossible not to feel at home. Food is delicious, the house is extremely clean, not to mention small details, such as delicious house made cookies in your room every night... complimentary beverages and snacks in the frigobar also in your room....you can also use their laundry when it is not at work.This was an important item for us since we were already travelling for 6 weeks!

We stayed here for four nights for our 1-year wedding anniversary. Lynn and Michael are fantastic, friendly people, the breakfasts were delicious and beautiful, and the location is great. The bed was incredibly comfortable and the room had a lot of amenities, including a stocked (free) fridge and a laptop for our use. My only (mild) complaint is that the bathroom in the Molly room is a little tight for my 6'1", 200lb self. But we had a great time and would definitely stay here again if we make it back to Vancouver.

Beautiful, comfortable rooms. Convenient to public transportation. GREAT breakfasts.

The Bee & Thistle was one of the best B&Bs we have ever stayed in! The inn was immaculate, and the breakfast was 5-stars and abundant. Lynn and Michael were the consumate hosts and went out of their way to make us feel at home. The B&B was only a few minutes from town by bus, and the bus stop was only 2 minutes from the B&B. This is the only B&B to consider in Vancouver, but with only 4 rooms, you'd better book early!

We loved staying at Bee and Thistle We spent 5 nights in July 2011 and we stayed in "Ivy's room". We arrived with pretty high expectations, given the reviews we had read about it. Yet, our experience went far above them. We found our room beautiful, functional, warm, and very generous: coffee machine, hot chocolate and several teas available, as well as a fridge with beverages, biscuits, raincoats and umbrellas. Also, a balcony with flowers and a view to the trees and gardens nearby and mountains in the horizon. We felt our needs were met there much better than at any 5 star hotel we have every stayed. Its location is superb, at a lovely residential area, with very easy access to downtown and nice restaurants, cafes and stores nearby. Breakfast was totally amazing, hard to describe with words: the most delicious dishes (yes several of them) The couple who runs this place were both incredibly friendly, dedicated and generous It was our first visit to Vancouver and we would not hesitate to stay here in our future ones.

You will send your friends once you experience this B & B. Very friendly, amazing breakfasts, very helpful staff/owners.

Lynn and Michael are great hosts, very personable and responsive; whenever we needed help, they were always available. Rooms were very nice with lots of extra touches. Breakfasts were fabulous feasts--for the eyes, the palate and the stomach! Thanks for a delightful stay.

Beautiful, delicious breakfasts, comfortable room, helpful hosts, and easy access to public transport: these things made our stay in Vancouver a wonderful treat.

Stayed in the Ivy Room for three nights after an Alaskan Cruise. Room was spotless with lots of little items that showed attention to detail, ex. umbrellas/rain ponchos in closet, net book with free internet access, alarm clock with iPod charger, freshly-baked cookies each day, snacks and sodas in fridge, fresh milk for tea and coffee, a book with menus for local restaurants plus reviews by the inn owners and prior guests reviews, free phone service (to land line) to 40+ countries, extra cookies in the jar in the dining room. Lynn and Michael were very gracious hosts and nothing was a bother to them. They helped us plan itineraries etc., made suggestions for dinner locally, etc. Breakfasts were both beautifully presented and delicious. We were asked at the time of reservation about food preferences, etc. The inn is about a 20 minute bus ride out of downtown Vancouver. The bus stops at the bottom on Parker Street or it's about a 10 min walk to the Sky Train (Michael has tickets). Public transport is wonderful or it's about a $14 cab fare from Canada Place where the cruise ships dock, $35 to airport. What we liked most of all was being in a neighborhood with interesting restaurants and the ability to chat with the other guests at breakfast. Much more fun than staying in an anonymous downtown hotel. Highly recommended.

When you have such caring, thoughtful hosts and a room beautifully prepared for you, you feel so welcome and at home, even though we actually live on the other side of the world! I certainly recommend the Bee and Thistle and an extra highlight is the wonderful breakfasts so beautifully presented.

Thank you Lynn and Michael, we had a fantastic stay in your guest house. We couldn't imagine a better first impression of Canada!!! Your breakfast is fabulous!

We spent three nights at the Bee and Thistle in June, 2011. We were charmed the moment we saw the outside of the 1908 lovingly restored three-story house, and Michael and Lynn's welcome only solidified this feeling. We were led into the cozy living room where deep chairs invited us to relax after our travels. While the housekeeper completed cleaning our room (the Ivy), Michael showed us around the B&B, including the room on the third floor. He explained how he and Lynn lovingly restored the old house, taking up the hardwood floor and relaying it upstairs, choosing paint and tile to highlight the wide mouldings and the new fixtures in the bathrooms. The big fireplaces were lovely although it was too warm to light ours. The balcony off the second level is a wonderful gathering place for guests in the afternoon where you can view the mountains to the north. Our room had every amenity imaginable: a laptop computer for our personal use (wifi included), plush bedding on the deep and comfortable bed, towels I wanted to take home with me, and even a hairdryer with a duffuser (for curly tops like me). And then, when we awoke from a remarkably deep slumber, there was a three-course breakfast awaiting us each morning. Lynn is a gourmet chef and makes everything from scrathc. Just a few of the things we had: carrot muffin with cream cheese frosting, orange frappe, scones, apple pancakes, and jam (also homemade). What a feast. Forget about eating lunch while you are staying there. Lynn and Michael make tickets to local venues and transportation available as well. My husband and I have stayed at numerous B&Bs but never had an experience quite like the one at the Bee and Thistle.

Well, the breakfasts were without a doubt, the best we have ever had at any B & B we have stayed over the past 30 years of stayed at great ben and breakfasts in the US and Canada. We loved the Bee & Thistle; public transportation was convenient, the innkeepers are warm and friendly and very helpful for interesting trips and events for you to visit in and around Vancouver. we want to return to a great city and a fabulous B & B!

For our first trip to Vancouver, we used the internet to find a suitable bed and breakfast. We heard some wonderful comments about the Bee and Thistle Bed Guest House and decided to give it a try. It exceeded all of our expectations. Lynn and Michael have given great thought and attention preparing a haven for travelers. Every detail is considered and put in place. The rooms are attractive, exceptionally clean, and provided with everything possible to make the stay warm and welcomed. There are exceptionally comfortable beds, a personal computer, flat screen television, robes, umbrellas, rain ponchos, refrigerator with free drinks and snacks, coffee/tea maker, gas fireplace, balcony with comfortable seating, toiletries, heated tiles in the bathroom, plenty of hot water, etc. For breakfast Lynn provides creative delights, with outstanding details and presentation. Homemade morning frappes, fresh baked scones and muffins, fruit dishes are just the beginning. Full gourmet breakfasts follow. The added detains include fresh flowers and herbs, pressed butter, lovely dishes and tableware, etc. On top of that is a good location to connect by public transportation with any part of the city, and a good walk to many key areas. Finally, homemade cookies with an endless cookie jar. If you want to be pleased and pampered, this is the B and B for you.

The location is a little out of town but actually we preferred this as its in the cool Commercial Drive area with lots of great places to eat. Our hosts were wonderfully welcoming, the extra touches like daily cookies and notes were so thoughtful. Dont eat too much at dinner - Lynn's breakfasts are something else and will set you up for most of the day - dont worry you can always take away a few bits in a daily doggy-bag!

My wife and I spent 4 nights here and it was very relaxed and pleasant. Lynn and Michael are great hosts and the food was out of this world. The cookies on the bed each morning were an extra bonus. It is very convenient to neighborhood restaurants and a bus trip downtown was easy to do.

We stayed at the Bee & Thistle in June 2011. It was everything we expected, and often more. The breakfasts are really imaginatively created, and Lynn and Michael are really friendly and helpful. Good location, too with very good bus and skytrain links. Highly recommended!

We always stay in B&B but this one overruled our expectations. Very nice rooms in a bohemien neighbourhood , very quiet and a 15 minute bus ride brings you to Vanouver or by skytrain. Lynn and Michael, the owners are very kind and helpfull and their breakfasts were incredible delicious and a very lovely presentation. Like in Europe in a Michelin star restaurant!

The Bee and Thistle is easily one of the best B&B's we have stayed at, Michael and Lynn the perfect hosts and pretty much could not have done any more to make our stay a fantastic one! The signature breakfasts, produced by Lynn are just fantastic, so much so we took a number of photos to show our kids!!

The Bee and Thistle guest house is a wonderful getaway that is difficult to be matched. In fact, my wife and I are a bit afraid we'll never stay at a place as memorable and nice as The Bee and Thistle. The house, rooms, breakfast, snacks and owners are amazing! Lynn and Michael, the owners, sincerely care about their guests - which was one of the premier highlights my wife and I took away from this guest house.

Great, super clean BandB in quiet area near downtown Vancouver. Close to bus stop and Skytrain station is a 15 min walk. We stayed in the Lion's Loft and had so much space to spread out. Full and nicely equipt kitchen. The use of the in-room netbook and wi-fi was a real plus.

We stayed for three nights in the Ivy room when we visited Vancouver. We have read the reviews about this place and in particular the breadfast cooked by Lynn, but we were still surprised when the breadfast was served to us. Lynn's breadfast is the best and most sophisticaed that we have ever had in any place. We checked out in early morning to take the train to Seattle. Michael was kind enough to offer us a free ride to the train station. While we decline his offer but still feel greatly grateful for his readiness to help. Because we leave too early to enjoy the breakfast, Lynn packed us a huge (and almost equally delicious) breakfast. We really enjoyed our stay with them.

Wonderful Bed & Breakfast. The breakfast each morning was innovative and delicious. Mike & Lynn are wonderful hosts and cater to any special needs. We definitely would recommend this B&B to any family or friends.

I found this place while searching online for a cute place to stay during part of our honeymoon in Vancouver. I read some great reviews, looked through the website and photos, and decided it would be wonderful. We arrived in Vancouver a little early, but our room was ready and Lynn gave us a warm welcome. Our room was even more comfortable than pictures depicted. We stayed in Ivy's room and had a king size bed, a flat screen tv, and even a little netbook with wifi in case we wanted to get online. Lynn and Michael knew we were celebrating our honeymoon as well as my birthday, and had a nice handwritten note for us with a bottle of local wine. There were also freshly baked cookies waiting for us along with a very comprehensive folder of places to eat and visit in the area. The guest house is in a very convenient location. We were able to walk to many bars and restaurants on the drive. Such great places nearby! The breakfasts here are to die for. They are absolutely amazing, delicious, beautiful, and the list of adjectives goes on and on! If I lived in Vancouver, I think I would choose to stay here at least once a month to indulge in their gourmet breakfasts. I really can't say enough great things about this place. I will recommend it to everyone looking for a nice and affordable lodging option in Vancouver. I can't wait to go back and visit again!

Michael and Lynn were friendly and exceedingly helpful. The location is maybe a little off the tourist track, but is well-situated. The Bee & Thistle is near Commercial Drive, long stretch of restaurants and shops that cater to locals. We ate very good take-out pizza at a little shop here, watched hockey in the pubs (and had a fine dinner), and enjoyed local life. The bed is maybe the most comfortable I've slept in outside of home. Excellent.

I booked with this B&B mainly because of its proximity to my daughter's apartment. I was travelling from Ontario. Little did I know that I'd be treated like an old friend from the moment I walked through the doors. The room was beautifully decorated and the bathroom was like stepping into a spa. Not one detail had been overlooked, from the comfortable bed and linens, to the amenities in the bathroom, beautiful towels, coffee and tea selections, cookies left in our room each afternoon, and even a fridge with lots of snack possibilities! The innkeepers even invited our daughter to join us for breakfast one morning! Both she and I were thrilled and honoured by this gesture. I was lucky enough to stay at this B&B for 6 nights. The breakfasts were indescribable! Never have I enjoyed the morning meal so much nor had so much anticipation about its presentation! My camera wasn't the only one who came down to breakfast. We will be visiting our daughter again and won't hesitate to stay with Lynn and Michael again. They are a warm and friendly couple providing an amazing place to stay.

The best B&B that we've stayed at. Great rooms, comfortable beds, very clean and in a fun location with lots of small, local restaurants and coffee houses. Stayed 4 nights and had 4 amazing breakfasts with interesting and fun hosts. Will definitely go back.

We had a wonderful stay at Bee & Thistle. The room was elegant, clean and comfortable with a great mattress. The innkeepers, Lynn and Michael, are warm and friendly people and went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable. The breakfasts are generous and tasty and each afternoon brings a new and tasty cookie. What a treat!

Beautiful room, delicious food, gracious hosts. We had a lovely stay. Highly recommended.

[Resource Id: innkeeperresponse, Set: reviews]
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review for us! We very much enjoyed having you stay with us and hope you will be back very soon.

- Lynn & Michael (innkeeper)

In Vancouver for a wedding, we had the option of a slightly cheaper group rate room at a top downtown hotel. Choosing Bee & Thistle put us further out from the city center. We rented a car at the airport, so this didn't stop us. Are we glad we chose the Bee & Thistle. It is in a lovely and fun neighborhood, with Trout Lake a short run away and Commercial Drive right around the corner. The house is very nicely redone - everything feels fresh and new, and looks great. And yet the rooms and the living room are very cozy. But the best thing is the hosts. You are in very good hands. We stayed for 4 nights, wish we could have stayed longer, will stay their again when we are back in Vancouver, and have recommended the B&T to friends.

[Resource Id: innkeeperresponse, Set: reviews]
We just discovered that we have reviews on bedandbreakfast.com, so we do apologize for not responding sooner. We're so happy that you enjoyed your stay with us! We hope you will be back very soon!

- Lynn & Michael (innkeeper)

Lynn and Michael went out of their way to ensure that our trip to Vancouver was a success. They went above and beyond what we expected, and even sent us off with breakfast "to go" when one of our party was unable to make it to breakfast. Bee & Thistle comes highly, highly recommended!

[Resource Id: innkeeperresponse, Set: reviews]
We apologize for not responding sooner, but only recently discovered that we have reviews on bedandbreakfast.com. Thank you so much for your kind review! We are looking forward to your return visit, which we hope will be very soon!

- Lynn & Michael (Innkeepers)