When it comes to choosing a Tofino hotel for your next West Coast getaway, most travelers picture cedar-clad cabins, wellness retreats, or beach-view resorts with clean, minimalist aesthetics. But Hotel Zed Tofino is not here to blend in. It’s loud, it’s weird, and it proudly wears its queerness on its vintage-styled sleeve. It isn’t just where you sleep—it’s where you stay.

This Tofino hotel skips the traditional and replaces it with retro-chic chaos in the best possible way. Think sequin disco walls, a path through the forest leading to a serene inlet deck, and a Volkswagen van sculpted entirely from driftwood. Hotel Zed is a rebel wrapped in neon, and its goal is to make you stay in, tune out, and fall in love with the property—and maybe your travel companion, too.

For queer couples, solo travelers, and friend groups looking for a destination that feels like a curated fever dream, Hotel Zed Tofino delivers. With a sunken living room lounge, a licensed restaurant with flame-fired dishes, vintage arcade games, and bikes ready to roll, this hotel isn’t just somewhere to sleep—it’s the whole damn vacation.

Designed to Be Different

From the moment you arrive at Hotel Zed, you know this isn’t your average Tofino hotel. There’s always a bold, classic vehicle parked right out front, dressed up in Zed-branded realness. The entrance is paved, polished, and framed by signage that proudly declares its quirky, unfiltered identity.

Step inside and you’ll find a blast from the past—a lobby layered in color, wood tones, and unexpected design elements. No sterile greyscale decor here. The sunken living room is a licensed lounge with plush seating, swag lights, and a fireplace that invites you to cozy up with your cocktail after a day in the salty air. You won’t find lava lamps, but you will find retro furnishings and clever throwbacks that scream personality.

The space is purposefully playful and delightfully unpolished in a way that says, “Take your shoes off, stay awhile.” From the custom-built driftwood VW van to the rainbow-friendly signage and visible LGBTQ staff and allies, Hotel Zed doesn’t just welcome you—it celebrates you.

The Ultimate Staycation Setup

What really sets this Tofino hotel apart is that you could check in and never leave—and still have an unforgettable trip. The ping pong table, located in the breezeway along the covered multi-colored pathway, is the perfect place for spontaneous tournaments. Just across the way, the vintage arcade is filled with retro video games that practically dare you not to get competitive.

Need a break from the action? Grab one of the board games from the lobby and settle into the lounge. Or head out back to the on-site spa for a little pampering between disco breaks and beach walks. Yes, there’s a real mini disco with mirrored disco balls, colored lights, and a sequin wall that screams for an impromptu dance-off or thirst trap photo shoot.

Outside, seating areas are scattered throughout the back garden space, ideal for an afternoon catch-up with your crew or a solo cocktail with a good book. And if you’re feeling adventurous, grab one of the Zed-branded bikes and cruise the nearby pedestrian path—you’ll be in downtown Tofino in under 5 minutes by car, 10 minutes by bike, or roughly 50 minutes on foot.

Coffee, Cocktails, and Flame-Fired Feasts

The heart of the hotel is ROAR, a full-service restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner right from the hotel lobby. This is not your average hotel diner. ROAR is known for cooking over live fire, bringing out deep, rich flavors in its seasonal, locally sourced dishes. It’s a dining experience that’s as bold as the hotel itself.

Start your day with a coffee or breakfast sandwich, then swing back for seafood and signature cocktails later in the day. The open-concept layout of ROAR makes it a great hangout spot even if you’re not hungry—and the lounge just steps away gives guests a comfy, licensed space to sip and socialize.

For dessert? Skip the imagined s’mores and treat yourself to the rich, perfectly torched Crème Brûlée. It’s a menu must.

Hidden Corners and Chill Zones

Behind the hotel, there’s a wooden pathway that winds through a quiet patch of rainforest and ends at a small deck overlooking the inlet. It’s here you’ll find Adirondack chairs perfect for watching the sunrise with a coffee or taking in the salty breeze during golden hour.

It’s one of those unexpected little moments that adds to the whole vibe—nature meets nostalgia, a moment of peace between all the curated chaos of the hotel’s interiors. It’s also a great place to take some downtime or share a quiet conversation before the next disco session or dinner reservation.

Just a seven-minute walk from the hotel, Chesterman’s Beach awaits. Ideal for surfing, ocean dips, beach strolls, or setting up a picnic while watching the sun sink into the Pacific, it’s the perfect complement to your Zed stay.

Queer All Year: Hotel Zed Hosts Tofino Pride

Hotel Zed isn’t just queer-welcoming—it’s queer-organized. The property proudly hosts Tofino Pride, an annual celebration of LGBTQ community, joy, and visibility on the wild West Coast. It’s a homegrown Pride with a grassroots vibe, wrapped in rainbows, and infused with love.

Throughout the year, the hotel’s commitment to inclusion is more than a sticker. From the Progressive Pride decals on the front doors to its visibly queer staff, Hotel Zed Tofino is a safe space built for everyone, especially LGBTQ travelers looking for that rare combination of camp, comfort, and coastal charm.

Plan Your Trip

Ready to book your stay? Hotel Zed Tofino offers online reservations with flexible room options and availability for couples, solo guests, and small groups. It’s a great destination any time of year, but make sure to plan early if you want to attend Tofino Pride.

For more travel ideas and planning tips for the area, check out Tourism Tofino. From hiking trails and surf spots to dining and cultural events, they’ve got everything you need to make the most of your trip.

Tell Us What You Think

Have you stayed at Hotel Zed Tofino? Planning your first visit and looking for a Tofino hotel? Drop your thoughts, tips, and favorite retro memories in the comments. We’d love to hear what made your stay unforgettable—or what you’re most excited to try!