Vancouver Info if needed

[tallcva3344]

It's definitely a convenient hotel to stay in and on the newer side. The majority of the hotels in downtown Vancouver do not have free shuttle service to the airport. The hotel is only a couple of stops (5 min ride) from the airport on the Canada Line. There is a walkway to the hotel from the train. The waterfront station from the Bridgeport station is approximately 20 minutes. The Bridgeport station can be busy during the weekdays during rush hour but commuter traffic is lighter after 9am.

 

Are you saying that from the airport I take the Canada Line and it goes to the River Rock Casino Resort? That would be great if it is not a problem putting luggage on and off the train. I am confused about the use of trains. Can I take a tran from the hotel to Canada Place?

[Putterdude]

I work across the street from the Days Inn.

 

 

You are a Tweedy come lately, when I first started to work in 1964 it was in the building next door to the Day's Inn in the old Canada Trust building (it was new then) and then in 1967 I moved across the street to the Yorkshire Trust building. Oh, in those days the Day's Inn was the Abbotsford Hotel....which was really an excuse for a beer parlour.:D

[Putterdude]

Are you saying that from the airport I take the Canada Line and it goes to the River Rock Casino Resort? That would be great if it is not a problem putting luggage on and off the train. I am confused about the use of trains. Can I take a tran from the hotel to Canada Place?

 

Yes you can take the Canada Line to the River Rock and the cars were designed to handle luggage so that is not a problem. The same line from the same station will take you to Waterfront Station which is about a 3 block walk from Canada Place.

[tallcva3344]

If you're looking at the Raddison on Number 3 Road in Richmond, then yes the skytrain station (essentially across the street) will take you straight downtown to 3 blocks from Canada Place. $3.75/ea (2.50 weekends). The stations have elevators, and are easy roll on roll off trains for your luggage. Get out at Waterfront Station, and use the elevator on the platform (don't go down the tunnel into Waterfront itself) to exit onto W.Hasting street, and it's a short 3 block (slightly downhill) walk from there.

 

Thanks Harry

[Tweedy]

Are you saying that from the airport I take the Canada Line and it goes to the River Rock Casino Resort? That would be great if it is not a problem putting luggage on and off the train. I am confused about the use of trains. Can I take a tran from the hotel to Canada Place?

 

Putterdude beat me too it. Yes and yes to your questions. :) One thing I would like to mention is to pull your luggage off the train, not push. I've seen so many people try and push their luggage off. That doesn't work so well but pulling does.

[tallcva3344]

Yes you can take the Canada Line to the River Rock and the cars were designed to handle luggage so that is not a problem. The same line from the same station will take you to Waterfront Station which is about a 3 block walk from Canada Place.

 

Is there a simple way of entering the port. DO you just go into the hotel and are directed from there or is there a cruise entrance. I noticed on Google earth a lot of taxi's in line that look like they go down under the hotel. My wife is saying why are we walking, but three blocks is about like walking up and down the ship.

[martincath]

Is there a simple way of entering the port. DO you just go into the hotel and are directed from there or is there a cruise entrance. I noticed on Google earth a lot of taxi's in line that look like they go down under the hotel. My wife is saying why are we walking, but three blocks is about like walking up and down the ship.

Yes - you already spotted it. As Howe turns tight left and becomes Canada Place head down the ramp. It looks like you're walking down into the parking garage, but there is a little sign on the sidewalk railings with a picture of a ship (and if in doubt, ask one of the guys directing traffic - there are always at least a couple of them).

 

Here's a Google Streetview image of the ramp... if the image doesn't show and it goes to a regular googlemap for you, just zoom in or drag the little streetview yellow man onto the corner where Howe/Canada Place merge.

 

The temporary blue fencing is no longer there, but that's the side of the ramp you want to walk down.

Edited July 4, 2012 by martincath

[Kartgv]

First of all, many thanks to all of you who have so patiently provided so much information for all of us who plan to visit Vancouver! This will be our 3rd visit to a city we've come to love. On one of our September pre-cruise days, we're doing the round trip Whistler train trip. Since the train leaves from the No. Vancouver station, the trip includes pick-up and drop-off at a number of hotels, unfortunately not ours (Westin Bayshore - staying using points, so the price is right!). It looks like the Pacific Rim is the closest pick-up point for us, maybe half a mile? We'll have no trouble walking there for the morning pick-up, but we would be dropped off there at 7:30pm after a full day of touring, so we're not so sure about the walk back. Other than the fact that we might be too tired to attempt the walk, are there any issues with walking in that area at night? We've even thought about just getting a cab from the No. Vancouver station on the return trip; any ideas on what that might cost?

[Cruising_Razorback_Fan]

We are arriving in Vancover on Aug 24 at approx 7:15 PM via airport and we have reservations for the night at Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown. Our cruise is on Princess and lives August 25th. Any suggestions for site seeing on the morning of 8/25 or should we just skit it. Also, can someone tell me where to shop nearby to get Diet Cokes to take on the boat.

 

Thanks!

[Putterdude]

First of all, many thanks to all of you who have so patiently provided so much information for all of us who plan to visit Vancouver! This will be our 3rd visit to a city we've come to love. On one of our September pre-cruise days, we're doing the round trip Whistler train trip. Since the train leaves from the No. Vancouver station, the trip includes pick-up and drop-off at a number of hotels, unfortunately not ours (Westin Bayshore - staying using points, so the price is right!). It looks like the Pacific Rim is the closest pick-up point for us, maybe half a mile? We'll have no trouble walking there for the morning pick-up, but we would be dropped off there at 7:30pm after a full day of touring, so we're not so sure about the walk back. Other than the fact that we might be too tired to attempt the walk, are there any issues with walking in that area at night? We've even thought about just getting a cab from the No. Vancouver station on the return trip; any ideas on what that might cost?

 

A cab fare from the Pacific Rim to the Bayshore would be about $10 and from the North Vancouver train station to the Bayshore about $30. The walk back from the Pacific Rim will be perfectly safe and if you walk along the seawall it will be very enjoyable and you will have lots of company even 7:30 pm.

[Putterdude]

We are arriving in Vancover on Aug 24 at approx 7:15 PM via airport and we have reservations for the night at Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown. Our cruise is on Princess and lives August 25th. Any suggestions for site seeing on the morning of 8/25 or should we just skit it. Also, can someone tell me where to shop nearby to get Diet Cokes to take on the boat.

 

Thanks!

 

There is an Urban Fare market just a little more than a block west of the Marriott at 305 Bute St. for you Diet Coke.

Touring in the morning, a lot of cruisers like the tour offered by Land Sea Tours where they pick you and your luggage up at your hotel, conduct the tour and drop you off at the Canada Place cruise terminal in time for your cruise. Otherwise you could take a walk into Stanley Park or go east past Canada Place, the Winter Olympic cauldron and into historic Gastown.

http://www.vancouvertours.com/pre-cruise-vancouver-city-tour

[Tweedy]

Here is the link to Urban Fare: http://www.urbanfare.com/store/coal-harbour

[BCCI Cruiser]

A cab fare from the Pacific Rim to the Bayshore would be about $10 and from the North Vancouver train station to the Bayshore about $30. The walk back from the Pacific Rim will be perfectly safe and if you walk along the seawall it will be very enjoyable and you will have lots of company even 7:30 pm.

 

 

Question.......I have three options for hotels. Sutton Placae Hotel, Renaissance Harborside or The Hotel at Terminal City Club. I need help from a local. Which hotel would be most convenient and best option for a two night visit after a cruise? Thank you for your advice.

[westcoasttech]

Question.......I have three options for hotels. Sutton Placae Hotel, Renaissance Harborside or The Hotel at Terminal City Club. I need help from a local. Which hotel would be most convenient and best option for a two night visit after a cruise? Thank you for your advice.

 

The Renaissance and Terminal City are nearer the water and Canada Place - just a couple of blocks away. Sutton Place is about 6-7 blocks directly up Burrard from Canada Place. I've stayed at Sutton Place and the Renaissance. Although Sutton Place is usually listed as a 5-star, it is an older building and, to me, had an "old-fashioned" vibe to it, and I always seemed to end up in a room with noisy water pipes, where I could hear water gurgling through the night - maybe I was just unlucky. Sutton Place would be the one nearest Robson Street and various shopping areas.

 

Renaissance had been recently refurbished, but came off as a "high 3-star, almost 4-star" type of hotel. If you get something on the waterside you will have a spectacular view of the water and, probably, Stanley Park and the cruise ships, too. Some of the rooms have balconies too which could be an added plus, as you will be there a couple of days. Of the three, it's the one nearest Stanley Park, in fact just off the seawall. (I think it has a "revolving" restaurant on the roof level, but have not tried it.) Never stayed at Terminal City, but it is only a few years old and the most modern of the three, and I would guess if you get a room on a higher floor on the waterside of the building, you would probably get a view across the water. It is really convenient for various transit options, just a block from Waterfront Station for skytrain and seabus (ferry to North Van), and just across the road from a food court (there's one underneath the area in front of Canada Place), for quick and cheap meal options.

 

Depends what you like in a hotel as to which one is best. For me, it's hard to beat the views from the Renaissance (as long as you book a waterview room), but I also love the newer hotels, so Terminal City would be good too... All three are "walkable" from Canada Place, but Sutton Place would be a longer walk uphill. Renaissance is about 3-4 blocks away, turn right on leaving Canada Place, slightly uphill for a block or two (watch out for construction blocking the sidewalk at Hastings and Burrard, walk along Cardero instead). Terminal City, walk straight ahead from Canada Place 2 blocks and then one block to the right on Hastings.

Edited July 11, 2012 by westcoasttech
Add directions.

[Putterdude]

Question.......I have three options for hotels. Sutton Placae Hotel, Renaissance Harborside or The Hotel at Terminal City Club. I need help from a local. Which hotel would be most convenient and best option for a two night visit after a cruise? Thank you for your advice.

 

The Renaissance was refurbished for the 2010 Winter Olympics and is very nice as are most Renaissance properties. Sutton Place is a great hotel but a full 8 blocks or so from Canada Place it get a 5* rating because of the "Residence" suites that are there, otherwise its high 3* to 4* its plus is its location relative to Robson St. with all its shops and restaurants. I have always like the Tower at the Terminal City Club and of your choices I would go for it as it gives you proximity to Canada Place and Gastown...and I have always enjoyed the food at the Club.:)

[BCCI Cruiser]

Thank you so much for the information. At this time, I have all three booked, but now is decision time. Sutton Place is the lest expensive, but the reviews and the location concern me. I will take your comments into consideration and make a decision. The rooms keep going up in price or disappearing. I guess I have waited a little late. We leave for Anchorage next Tuesday. We will be in ancouver on 8/3-5. Must have something going on that weekend or maybe the cruise ships have everything booked. Thanks again.

[disneykins]

Any opinions on the Sheraton Wall Centre for 2 nights pre-cruise? Is there a water view? Convenient to bus for Stanley Park?

 

Thanks,

Tony

[Putterdude]

Any opinions on the Sheraton Wall Centre for 2 nights pre-cruise? Is there a water view? Convenient to bus for Stanley Park?

 

 

There is nothing wrong with the Sheraton, it a little further south on Burrard St. than the Sutton Place, about 10 blocks from Canada Place. It sits on one of the highest points of land in the downtown core so if you get a higher north facing room you will have some excellent views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore mountains. About the only complaint that has been registered re the hotel is its proximity to St. Paul's hospital and the ambulance sirens....but welcome downtown anywhere. As for a bus to Stanley Park, catch a #44 northbound bus on Burrard St. and transfer to a #19 westbound bus at Pender St.....just tell the bus operator what you are doing and they will be happy to help you. There is no longer a transit shuttle around the park, for that you will need to rely on the Vancouver Trolley's $10 Stanley Park HOHO shuttle or the horse drawn carriage ride.

http://www.vancouvertrolley.com/tour/stanley-park-shuttle

http://www.stanleyparktours.com/

[Tweedy]

We will be in Vancouver on 8/3-5. Must have something going on that weekend or maybe the cruise ships have everything booked. Thanks again.

 

That weekend you mention is the BC Day long weekend. I also believe the fireworks are happening that Saturday night in English Bay.

[Kartgv]

...About the only complaint that has been registered re the hotel is its proximity to St. Paul's hospital and the ambulance sirens.......

 

Have to relate the story of our last stay in Vancouver, at the Sheraton Wall Centre. As you mention, it's a very nice hotel and we enjoyed it, but it isn't near the water and our only view was of adjacent buildings. We never heard any sirens in our room. There's a very nice restaurant in the hotel complex, right on the corner across from the hospital, with large windows looking out onto the street. As we enjoyed our meal, a man strolled down the sidewalk and patiently waited on the corner for the light to change before crossing the street.....wearing nothing but a hospital gown open all the way down the back. Our waiter arrived at about that point and commented "At least this one is wearing a gown, occasionally there's one wearing even less!".

Edited July 12, 2012 by Kartgv

[Putterdude]

Thanks for the great story, it was likely someone heading out for a cigarette....I'm serious, I go to a Starbucks that is in a shopping centre across the street from our local hospital several mornings a week and often there are several patients from from the hospital, sometimes even attached to IVs, in the parking lot of the shopping centre having a cigarette.:eek:

[westcoasttech]

Any opinions on the Sheraton Wall Centre for 2 nights pre-cruise? Is there a water view? Convenient to bus for Stanley Park?

 

Thanks,

Tony

 

Re Sheraton Wall Centre: Likes - modern furnishings, room at an angle (so not the normal "shoe box"), it had two walls of floor to ceiling windows, with some small windows that opened (something I really appreciate) and a good restaurant (also there's a Denny's on Davie - 5 - 10 mins walk - if you're watching the $$). Walkable to Sunset Beach on False Creek and the little ferries that will take you over to Granville Island. My only minor dislike was some traffic noise coming from Burrard, but I was on a lower floor (so might be better on a higher level), and I had the windows open!

[Urban trekker]

First - the 7-11 across from St Paul's gets many of the hospital's day patients as would be expected for a very large inner city hospital.

 

Second - We will be in Vancouver on 8/3-5 - yes cruise ships, long holiday weekend, fireworks and Pride are all on that weekend and the downtown will be bustling with us locals, subrubanites, tourists etc.

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[tallcva3344]

Here is the link to Urban Fare: http://www.urbanfare.com/store/coal-harbour

 

Just booked the River Rock Casino for 8/9 before the Mel sails. We got a pretty good deal that included breakfast. It was $123 plus tax for a total of $141. I know I will take the Train downtown around 10:30am. When I get off the train at Waterfront Station is there a store that I can buy two nice bottles of wine? $20 H

[Putterdude]

Just booked the River Rock Casino for 8/9 before the Mel sails. We got a pretty good deal that included breakfast. It was $123 plus tax for a total of $141. I know I will take the Train downtown around 10:30am. When I get off the train at Waterfront Station is there a store that I can buy two nice bottles of wine? $20 H

 

Come out of Waterfront Station onto Cordova St., look to the left and across the street and within 1/2 block you will see a BC Liquor Store which will serve up a decent bottle of wine for $20....the same CA wine in the States will run you abut $7 or $8 but we pay a huge sin tax in BC:eek:. Check out some of our BC wines, many at that price point are very good. If you tell a sales associate what you are looking for they will be happy to offer some advice.:)