Vancouver answers from a Vancouverite (part 2)

[Putterdude]

I generally agree with the advice that martincath has provided however if you want to save the $40 you do have the option of taking your luggage to either the Pan Pacific Hotel which forms part of Canada Place or the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel which is right across the street from Canada Place and give the bell desk a nice tip to hold your luggage in their lockup until you are ready to head for your airport hotel. I have recently stayed at the Weston at the Wall Centre and Pacific Gateway Hotel both of which I can recommend but neither are convenient to the Canada Line and neither are you going get for under $200 /night. Lesser priced hotels would include Accent Inn and the Best Western Abercorn. All the aforementioned hotels have airport shuttles. So you could take the Canada Line to YVR station then pick up the shuttle back to the hotel your choose. I have no idea what your date in Vancouver is but I just checked Hotwire and for a mid-July date you can get a 4* and a 4.5* hotel for about $130, plus tax and booking fee...with those star ratings you probably can't do better.

[Kamloops50]

I generally agree with the advice that martincath has provided however if you want to save the $40 you do have the option of taking your luggage to either the Pan Pacific Hotel which forms part of Canada Place or the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel which is right across the street from Canada Place and give the bell desk a nice tip to hold your luggage in their lockup until you are ready to head for your airport hotel. I have recently stayed at the Weston at the Wall Centre and Pacific Gateway Hotel both of which I can recommend but neither are convenient to the Canada Line and neither are you going get for under $200 /night. Lesser priced hotels would include Accent Inn and the Best Western Abercorn. All the aforementioned hotels have airport shuttles. So you could take the Canada Line to YVR station then pick up the shuttle back to the hotel your choose. I have no idea what your date in Vancouver is but I just checked Hotwire and for a mid-July date you can get a 4* and a 4.5* hotel for about $130, plus tax and booking fee...with those star ratings you probably can't do better.

 

River Rock Casino and Hotel is tight beside the Canada Line. They also have a shuttle to YVR in the morning.

 

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[Putterdude]

River Rock Casino and Hotel is tight beside the Canada Line. They also have a shuttle to YVR in the morning.

 

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July rack rates at the River Rock range from $180to $240 /n.

 

Sent from my iPad.

[xlxo]

But basically you've hit the nail on the head - offering an up-front tip to bell staff at Pan Pacific, Fairmont Waterfront right by Canada Place is probably the most convenient way to have your bags looked after if you want to stay downtown all day.

 

But there is another, even more convenient way to deal with them if you're going to stay at YVR - ask Priority Baggage to send them to YVR for you. $40 for up to 4 bags, $10 per extra bag, and you can collect them at their YVR storage area until late at night (at least 11pm).

 

The real advantage to this is that you can take Skytrain without any luggage worries and save a lot on getting to your hotel - all the hotels near YVR offer a free shuttle, so you will only have to pay $2.75pp to get to YVR for your bags, then jump on the hotel shuttle.

 

There are no UNsafe hotels near the airport - pick whichever gives you the best rate/points if all you need is a bed for the night. All the major chains, from Days Inn to Sheraton, are available - personally I like Hamptons and the one by YVR is close and well-reviewed on Tripadvisor, Expedia etc.

Another plug for my fav Richmond value hotel with convenient Canada Line station across the street for a 20 minute ride downtown...

http://www.expedia.ca/Vancouver-Hotels-Radisson-Hotel-Vancouver-Airport.h14039.Hotel-Information

 

Keep in mind... Vancouver is a compact city and the airport is just 30 minutes from downtown... even less time for early morning flights. Another suggestion is get a downtown hotel to drop off your luggage. Go sightseeing, go to bed. Then grab a cab to the airport. In the early morning with light traffic, I think you are saving just 15 minutes by staying in Richmond instead of the downtown sightseeing attractions. Some popular CC Robson value hotels include... Empire Landmark, Blue Horizon, and the Hampton Inn downtown.

http://www.expedia.ca/Vancouver-Hotels-Empire-Landmark-Hotel.h26034.Hotel-Information

http://www.expedia.ca/Vancouver-Hotels-Hampton-Inn-And-Suites-By-Hilton.h448306.Hotel-Information

 

I got a little sticker shock when I punched in a test July date... here's a hotel closer to my budget by the border...

http://www.expedia.ca/Vancouver-Hotels-Coast-Vancouver-Airport-Hotel.h40702.Hotel-Information

Edited June 14, 2015 by xlxo

[xlxo]

go to Granville Island - spend a few hours there and then go to an early dinner at the Peaceful Restaurant. How should we best get from one place to another and does this sound like a feasible plan? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

From GI direct to Peaceful there are a couple of bus options, but I would recommend the 50 again as it takes you up the very steep hill - the 84 involves you getting off at the bottom.

 

Back to the hotel, Skytrain is hands-down the best way.

 

 

Taxis are plentiful on GI, it's a very popular spot

Some thoughts....

• There is more than one Peaceful location near downtown. The one suggested by martincath is the preferred one at Broadway 'n Cambie. There is an older location on Davie.... It's called "New Peace" now, but it's not part of the chain.
  
• Early dinner around 5pm is preferred at Peaceful. The restaurant can have long waits by dinner time.
  
• Love the cumin lamb noodle!
  
• one of the restaurant secret is fresh pasta made in the kitchen. I prefer "dragged", but some like the chunkier shaved and cut noodles.
  
• http://www.peacefulrestaurant.com/menu.aspx
  

CH0FOwYZnrU

[5soccer9]

Transportation from hotel to airport. There will be four of us with a lot of luggage. Better to take two taxis to airport or get a shuttle service? If shuttle service can you recommend one? Thank you.

[Putterdude]

Four people with lots of luggage will fit very nicely in a mini-van cab which makes up about 17% of Vancouver taxi fleet. You may have to wait an extra few minutes for one but is the same cost a car taxi. You haven't identified what hotel you are staying at but if you are staying downtown then figure about $35. If you are staying out at an airport hotel, then likely they will offer a free shuttle.

[5soccer9]

Four people with lots of luggage will fit very nicely in a mini-van cab which makes up about 17% of Vancouver taxi fleet. You may have to wait an extra few minutes for one but is the same cost a car taxi. You haven't identified what hotel you are staying at but if you are staying downtown then figure about $35. If you are staying out at an airport hotel, then likely they will offer a free shuttle.

 

Yes we are staying at a hotel downtown. Thanks for the information. I assume if we called for a taxi we would just tell them what we need. Thanks again.

[Putterdude]

Yes we are staying at a hotel downtown. Thanks for the information. I assume if we called for a taxi we would just tell them what we need. Thanks again.

 

You could look or ask if there is a cab line at your hotel. If there isn't then I would just ask the bell desk to order a cab for you and that they specify a van-cab, unless there is something unusual going on you may have to wait 10 mins or so for one. We always get one as Dudette travels with a wheelchair...she doesn't need the HC feature but we need the space afforded by a mini-van for the folded chair.

[Anyislandwilldo]

Excellent replies everyone. I thank you for taking the time to reply.

[jaspercat]

One place that is fairly close to your hotel and along the Seawall - just before the Westin Bayshore is Cardero's - myself and some cruising friends from San Francisco have been there twice and really enjoyed ourselves.

 

There is also Cactus Club and Tap and Barrell at Jack Poole Plaza - which is the site of the Olympic Cauldron - any easy stroll from your hotel.

 

The other locals will be along with their recommendations - also let us know what type of food you like.

 

Cheers!

 

Dennis

 

Saturday they were not using the ramp. All taxis dropped in front of the Terminal. Access to the terminal was along the side of the pier where the Canada walk is and extended back quite a distance. Three ships in port, no access from the hotel to the terminal lineup. Into a holding room, assigned a group number and the down the steep stairs to the lower level, no elevator in sight. Those requiring assistance boarding where taken to another area when their group was called. Embarkation was over 2 hours plus. All ships processed together thru security and then separated. Cruising status with ships did not come into play until after Security. One good thing was with slow embarkation luggage was in our cabin on arrival.

 

Apologize for the delay in commenting since my cruise.

 

First off, Thank You Dennis for the suggestion of Cardero's. I went there for late lunch/early dinner after trekking (walking) through Stanley Park. A lot more walking than I intended when I got on the Stanley Park Causeway and realized I couldn't turn around! Map I had was great in showing where some of the paths went so walked all the way to the bridge:D.

 

Embarkation at Canada Place: I left the hotel around 10 or so a bit of traffic but got to the pier (down and off-loaded taxi) by 10:30. Dropped bags off and saw them hiked onto a conveyor (at that point I had no idea if I'd see them again!). Into the terminal, sailed through the first security checkpoint, but OMG what happened next was crazy.

 

No one helping / explaining where to go and the process. Lines blocked getting to the kiosks to scan your passport, photo, and get that slip of paper (what does that accomplish???). Slips had an X on them or they didn't, but no one told you if no X you could skip the huge line. I was fortunate, I was on-board about 90 minutes from curb -- the family I was surprising arrived at the pier about 11:15 or so -- it was 2:30 when they got onboard.

 

We were delayed muster to 5 and were about an hour delayed leaving due to people still trying to get through the terminal. This wasn't Royal's first time in Vancouver, but it was the Jewels. I totally understand being delayed for custom inspection of the ship --- but that wasn't the issue at all.

 

Just total chaos inside the terminal. Think I'd prefer the chaos outside.:)

[pklein9747]

We had a wonderful time in Vancouver after our Grand Princess Alaska Cruise. The city is probably one of the prettiest we have even been to. It is so clean and people are so friendly!

 

We stayed at the Times Square Suites Hotel in the West End and it was perfect. Very clean, full kitchen, had a washer/dryer right in the unit (especially nice after 2 weeks in Alaska!) and the staff were exceptional. Lots of restaurants nearby along with bicycle shops to travel around Stanley Park. We easily walked to the marinas along the waterfront and to English Bay in the other direction. Took the False Creek ferries to Granville Island and all around False Creek. Also within easy walking distance of the free shuttle to Capilano. Had a great time there!

 

Thanks to all in this forum who answered all our questions and gave us a guidance as to what to see and when. While we loved Alaska, I would move to Vancouver in a heartbeat :)

[SDJen]

Quick question (only because we have them so bad this year and I'm not used to it!).

 

Are Mosquitos an issue in vancouver? If it matters, we are there early August.

 

Thanks

[Putterdude]

Quick question (only because we have them so bad this year and I'm not used to it!).

 

Are Mosquitos an issue in vancouver? If it matters, we are there early August.

 

Thanks

 

Short answer is NO, in most of Vancouver. However if you were heading for the deep wooded parts of Stanley Park or perhaps the Capilano Suspension Bridge or Grouse Mtn....maybe but they are not normally a problem. If the critters find you particularly attractive then it may not hurt to bring along a few repellent wipes or a small spray bottle of repellent. Your local Walmart in their sporting goods department likely carries at least 2 brands of DEET repellent in a small pump bottle for about $5....just don't be licking your fingers after applying it.:D

[martincath]

Basically what PD said. We don't even have bug mesh on our windows and I only recall seeing one mosquito in four years inside the house.

 

After dark they do come out even near Stanley Park though, not just inside it - I was bitten enough to leave early the first time we went to a movie down at 2nd beach and did not think to take bug spray with me; the small pond at Athlete's Village also has a few bitey bugs around at night in the summer; I've never had a problem anywhere else around town, there's not much standing water.

[Kamloops50]

My Dad's place used to mosquitos after the sun went down. He lived in a private residence.

 

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[Kamloops50]

My Dad's place used to mosquitos after the sun went down. He lived in a private residence.

 

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Meant .My Dad's place had mosquitos after he sun went down.

 

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[xlxo]

While we loved Alaska, I would move to Vancouver in a heartbeat :)

Do research neighborhoods, income, taxes, and housing prices before commiting.

 

[YOUTUBE]yqn0seUyPDg[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE]Ht2nlPP-QKQ[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE]WDcf7bWzdDs[/YOUTUBE]

 

http://www.crackshackormansion.com/

Edited June 17, 2015 by xlxo

[xlxo]

Short answer is NO, in most of Vancouver. However if you were heading for the deep wooded parts of Stanley Park or perhaps the Capilano Suspension Bridge or Grouse Mtn....

I also find them active towards sunset. Just got a souvenior last night.

[SDJen]

Thanks to everyone for all of your help on this thread. I am packing bug spray for Alaska anyways so I will make sure to throw it in my tote when we are out in the evening in Vancouver also.

[xlxo]

Do they allow bug spray on planes? Is this a compressed gas canister?

[Putterdude]

The repellent I recommended is about 2 oz, in a pump spray bottle well within what TSA allows.

[Kamloops50]

If they still are made mosquito repellant wipes are good.

 

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[hawk/hornfan]

I have booked a limo (sedan) with them which requires me to pre-pay, which I am ok with, for our Sept cruise. However after reading reviews on trip advisor I am worried. Tails of extra charges, poorly maintained vehicles, and bad attitudes. Are only the people with bad experiences reviewing. Also, unless we pay $50cdn for a meet & greet it is still 1st come 1st serve. And I am on vacation and NOT riding in a Prius (besides I loathe Toyotas) hence the limo.

[Putterdude]

I have no idea who you have booked with but Aerocar has the contract for limo service from YVR. There is no need to reserve, they have lots of limos waiting at the curb at YVR as you exit the terminal. The also have a flat rate. Here is a link for your convenience:

 

http://www.yvr.ca/en/getting-to-from-yvr/hired-sedans-limousines.aspx