Vancouver answers from a Vancouverite

[Tweedy]

Originally Posted by Mocha'shuman

does anyone have a recommendation on a nice not overly expensive place for breakfast that is unique to Vancouver?
Fern [24 sleeps ]

Besides the recommendation you've already received, I would also suggest Moose's Down Under for breakfast. Click here for a link to their webpage and breakfast menu. They are below street level.

There is also Sciue. Click here for a link to their webpage. They are located in the same block as Moose's.

Of course, there is always Tim Horton's which is also on Pender Street (1/2 block from Sciue).

[lurvecruise]

Originally Posted by scottbee

Vancouver City Centre is the closest station
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=sherat...entre&t=m&z=16

thank you very much for info scottbee

[CanWeGoYet?]

3rd time I've tried to post on this cheap netbook I'm using - i hope this time I don't lose the message. I just wanted to thank all of you for the kind and helpful advice I've received over the past year planning my cruise.
Just got into Vancouver last night, found a cab right away. At the BW 10 minutes after getting off the train! This place has been just fine, we have something of view, it's clean & in good repair, microwave & fridge in the room. Can't imagine why so many complaints about homeless milling about. Unless it's recently changed, I've only seen a few & this is after walking around a bit last night & today. This is nothing compared to Seattle!
So the cruise is nearly here & I'll be on board the Spirit this time tomorrow. Thanks again to all for helping me plan my trip!

[Tweedy]

Originally Posted by CanWeGoYet?

Can't imagine why so many complaints about homeless milling about. Unless it's recently changed, I've only seen a few & this is after walking around a bit last night & today. This is nothing compared to Seattle!
So the cruise is nearly here & I'll be on board the Spirit this time tomorrow. Thanks again to all for helping me plan my trip!

Unfortunately, the homeless usually show up once the cruise ships start rolling in.

Enjoy your cruise. Glad it has dried out for you a little this afternoon. Hopefully the drying trend will continue right through sailaway tomorrow.

[scottbee]

Originally Posted by Tweedy

Besides the recommendation you've already received, I would also suggest Moose's Down Under for breakfast. Click here for a link to their webpage and breakfast menu. They are below street level.

There is also Sciue. Click here for a link to their webpage. They are located in the same block as Moose's.

Of course, there is always Tim Horton's which is also on Pender Street (1/2 block from Sciue).

I'll second the opinion for Moose's. Great service, home cooking, with an Aussie twist.

[aohkay]

Originally Posted by CanWeGoYet?

Can't imagine why so many complaints about homeless milling about. Unless it's recently changed, I've only seen a few & this is after walking around a bit last night & today. This is nothing compared to Seattle!

Trust me, the homeless are here. I visited Seattle last month and thought your d/w area was SO much cleaner than our d/t. I love Seattle!

Have a great cruise!

[Urban trekker]

Yes there are a good number of homeless or street people in the downtown core - I live there and see them everyday - there are also a number of social housing buildings in the same core and often the residents of these buildings - mostly mentally challenged will be walking or lolling around the sidewalks and are often mistaken for homeless. While an eyesore they are more of a nuisance than a threat.

can we go yet - if you are staying at the Best Western on Drake and eat at the White Spot let us know of what you think of the food etc. I eat there at least twice a week.

Cheers

Dennis

[CanWeGoYet?]

Yes, I am sure they are here. But I was expecting a huge crowd to get through when coming or going from the hotel. When my folks & I would have dinner at a Japanese restaurant in pioneer square, it would involve walking through a group of 10 to 15 huddled right outside the door when leaving the restaurant. Mainly harmless, just inebriated & asking for cash. Any violence tends to target other street people.

We just had a late lunch at the white spot. Service was good, I had chicken currry (not the heart healthy one) but on black pearl pilaf instead of jasmine rice. They were nice enough to substitute the pilaf for me. It was fine, but I don't know why it won some sort of award like was noted on the menu. My son had the legendary burger with everything on it. He thought it was good.
We might have breakfast there tomorrow, not sure if we will try to get to chinatown tonight.

[Happy ks]

OK, did a search for L'Hermitage hotel and this thread comes up. I'm not willing to scroll through 177 pages to find any opinions.

Does anyone have experience with this hotel? How is the location? We have reserved the hotel for a decent AAA rate.

[Putterdude]

I have been in the hotel but never stayed overnight. It is a very nice boutique hotel, good reviews however I have always thought its location just a little out of the swim of things. That said the location is certainly safe and I am certain that you will enjoy the hotel.

[Urban trekker]

It is a newer hotel built as part of a condo project - has retail and grocery stores adjacent - it is located just off of vibrant Robson street - no shortage of restaurant and eateries - it's a short taxi ride to the pier and well serviced by transit.

Cheers

Dennis

[Happy ks]

Thank you!

I've read reviews online, but nothing from locals. When we return I'll come back and give my opinion on the hotel. Won't be for a while, though.

[CaliforniaAC]

I did scroll down, but didn't find this question:

Can we use US dollars to buy a skytrain ticket? We are planning on using it to get from The Sutton Place Hotel to YVR.

As a newbie, I have to ask... anything important we should know about skytrain or YVR that's well known by local folks, but not out of towners?

Thank you Dennis-

AC

[Putterdude]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaAC

I did scroll down, but didn't find this question:

Can we use US dollars to buy a skytrain ticket? We are planning on using it to get from The Sutton Place Hotel to YVR.

As a newbie, I have to ask... anything important we should know about skytrain or YVR that's well known by local folks, but not out of towners?

Thank you Dennis-

AC

No, transit is one of the very few things in Vancouver that requires Canadian funds, however the fare machines do accept credit cards and most ATM cards.

[cruising1117]

Does anyone have an opinion on the Empire Landmark on Robson Street? I stayed there many years ago and liked the location but I wasn't sure if it would be a good choice at this time.

[Putterdude]

Originally Posted by cruising1117

Does anyone have an opinion on the Empire Landmark on Robson Street? I stayed there many years ago and liked the location but I wasn't sure if it would be a good choice at this time.

Well the location hasn't changed and like many hotel in Vancouver its rooms were freshened up for the 2012 Winter Olympics so if you were happy with it then I am sure that you will be happy this time. If anything Robson St. becomes more vibrant every year.

[cruising1117]

Thank you for your reply. Is there a hotel at a comparable price (or less) that you would recommend instead?

[Putterdude]

Good question, not knowing when you are here I plugged in a mid July date and saw their rack rate is $169 which is not a bad rate for that date. Hotwire currently has a 4* for $142 which after there booking fee would put it at about the same price point...but would improve you by at least a full*. I haven't checked their rates but I would likely choose the Blue Horizon over the Landmark.

[cruising1117]

Thanks so much for your suggestion. I'll check out the Blue Horizon! I appreciate your replies.

[movingimages]

Originally Posted by Putterdude

No, transit is one of the very few things in Vancouver that requires Canadian funds, however the fare machines do accept credit cards and most ATM cards.

Opinions on whether we should bring some Canadian currency?
We'll be in Victoria for one day (cruise ship port) and staying in Vancouver 2 nights, departing from airport for return to U.S. Will need to use transportation.