Vancouver answers from a Vancouverite

[msunrullieone]

Hi, we are booked in the Hampton Inn Vancouver Airport/Richmond. Is there anything nearby to do there? After a long flight, I know my husband won't feel like doing much exploring, but I would!

[vickie_bernie]

Last night hubby and I played tourist in the city -- actually we went to see Cirque Du Soleil and decided to make an evening of it. We booked the Pacific Palasides on Robson.

 

Now this hotel is renowed for the celebrities that use to stay there in the 70s and 80s. It is rated a four star. We paid a good price thru Price line, but the normal price is $225 - $350 a night.

 

Staff were great, actually gave us an upgrade to basically a one bedroom on the 19th floor.

 

Bedding was heavenly and I loved the toilitries. But unfortunately that is about the only things I liked.

 

This is an old hotel that has been renovated but not fully renovated. Still has old/slow moving elevators, small lobby. All the windows in the hotel are old and single pane, which caused us to hear all the noise coming from the bustling Robson street, even with the windows closed tight.

 

All electrical switches and light switches are old and often the switches were installed backwards, like press down to turn light on? Tub/facet/tile all original. Doors to bathroom/bedroom and closet all original. Closet door was so old and warped and was very difficult to close. Cabinets in the small kitchen area were original but painted and lots of chips. There are only horizontal blinds on the windows no drapes, so we were woken at dawn because of the sun streaming in. AC only in main living area, not in bedroom. Note parking is $25/night.

 

Overall I thought the hotel was okay, but would definately rate it a 3 star, and would not pay what I did again. Location is great and can't be beat. Views were of tons of apartment buildings which surround you, and very interesting sights night and day. :eek:

[Putterdude]

Out in Richmond there is the preserved fishing village of Steveston but the issue in my mind would be how to get you there without having a car. You could go by transit I supose and here is a link but otherwise it is shopping centres I am afraid. www.translink.bc.ca/

[msunrullieone]

Out in Richmond there is the preserved fishing village of Steveston but the issue in my mind would be how to get you there without having a car. You could go by transit I supose and here is a link but otherwise it is shopping centres I am afraid. www.translink.bc.ca/

 

We are flying into Seattle, and then taking a bus to Vancouver. Our ship leaves the next day, so we essentially have afternoon/evening in Vancouver. Where would you suggest as a place to stay near the cruise terminal? (My DH just goes for Hampton Inns wherever we go, but I'm sure there has got to be some other recommended places.) I'm looking for someplace decent, not extravagant. Thanks!

[Putterdude]

We are flying into Seattle, and then taking a bus to Vancouver. Our ship leaves the next day, so we essentially have afternoon/evening in Vancouver. Where would you suggest as a place to stay near the cruise terminal? (My DH just goes for Hampton Inns wherever we go, but I'm sure there has got to be some other recommended places.) I'm looking for someplace decent, not extravagant. Thanks!

 

Why don't you try the Hampton Inn Downtown Vancouver. People speak very highly of it and it is in a very good location. I don't think they have a shuttle from the airport but they do have one from the hotel to the cruise terminal plus offer the normal complimentary hot breakfast. It is on Robson St. in a quiet area, you can walk to Yaletown which is kind of a Soho neighbourhood filled with trendy shops and restaurants. There is transit on Robson. You can walk to the great shopping district which is just west of the hotel, as well to the Hudsons Bay Department Store, Pacific Centre which is a large urban regional shopping centre, Gastown, and Canada Place. You can also walk one block to Georgia St. and take a bus to Stanley Park and hop on the free shuttle bus that goes around the park. You cab fare from the airport will be about $35 or you can take the Airporter shuttle for $13.75 pp.

Other hotels in this area are: The Weston Grand, The Georgian Court, The Rosedale, and the Sandman Inn on W. Georgia St. You may also care to try the Hyatt Regency on Burrard St. where there have been some reported rates in the $160 range.

If none of this works then come on back and we will come up with some other ideas for you.

http://www.yvrairporter.com/

[judynorth]

We are flying into Seattle, and then taking a bus to Vancouver. Our ship leaves the next day, so we essentially have afternoon/evening in Vancouver. Where would you suggest as a place to stay near the cruise terminal? (My DH just goes for Hampton Inns wherever we go, but I'm sure there has got to be some other recommended places.) I'm looking for someplace decent, not extravagant. Thanks!

 

We stayed at the Best Western Downtown and were very pleased. It was significantly cheaper than hotels closer to Canada Place. The staff were very helpful, the beds were comfortable, and everything was fresh and clean. It isn't fancy but the room was nicer than most in its class. We were on the top floor with a great view of the city and English Bay. When we booked the hotel we didn't realize that the free downtown shuttle would take us to Canada Place. That was a nice bonus. There is a White Spot Restaurant on site which made it convenient for breakfast before we left for Canada Place. The portions were huge and we split an omelette which was plenty for the 2 of us.

[prit]

I was checking Hampton Inn and Best Western for August 2nd before ship departing on August 3rd and discovered no rooms were available. Apparently there is a big Celebration of Lights that takes place. I noticed the West end will be closed due to traffic. I guess I better hurry up and get a hotel room. I was hoping I would get luckier on Priceline by waiting until it was closer to the departing date. Are there any parts of the West End to avoid because there will be large crowds? Any information about the event will be appreciated. Thanks.

[prit]

I didn't mean the West end will be closed due to traffic. I meant the West end will be closed to thru traffic. Sounds funny.

[Putterdude]

The Celebration of Light is a huge international fireworks show that goes on for 4 individual nights and attracts almost 1.4 million people over the 4 nights. To avoid some of the crowd, if that is what you want to do, then I would try the Georgian Court, the Sandman Inn on W. Georgia, the Rosedale or the Hyatt Regency. The show itself is something to behold and well worth taking in but be there early. http://www.celebration-of-light.com/Event-Information/

[vickie_bernie]

Putterdude's recommendations are good, you will still encounter lots of crowds in those areas. In fact it will be hard to avoid them anywhere in Vancouver or in the Kits area. Us locals have just grown use to it on the fireworks nights.

 

Also you should be aware that weekend is a long weekend in B.C., the Monday is our BC day holiday.

 

Hotels near the pier Faremont, Pan Pacific, Delta or the ones in Yaletown would be better. Of course if you want to avoid the crowds entirely look at hotels in the Granville South area, Broadway Street. like the Park Inn and Suites which is on Broadway and is showing a price of $135, Plaza 500 on Cambie at Broadway (note construction happening on Cambie) but is showing a rate of $172

 

here are some hotels a short distance from the firework craziness but still close enough to walk down and enjoy them.

 

Sutton Place is showing $209

Sheraton wall centre $228

Sandman near BC place $199

Hotel Le Soleil in Yaletown for $242

Westin Bayshore $279

Delta for $298

Metropolitan for $242

Daysinn $199

 

Vickie

[Urban trekker]

It's also the end of Gay Pride week in Vancouver - the Parade on August 3, 2008 will draw at least 300,000 to 400,000 to the West End English Bay area of the city with many of those staying at the hotels in the downtown core - I would book the best deal you can find - it is very doubtful that any deals will be offered for that weekend as they won't have trouble fulling the hotel.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[gatorjam]

Vicki, thanks for you help. We will be coming in to Vancouver port on the Diamond Princess from Whittier on 7/5. We will attend Cirquit Du Soleil Sat night...whereever that is at. Need hotel and the best way on how to get to Seattle on Sunday morning. There will be 3 adults and 1 child. $100-150 range for hotel.(or whatever it takes). Thank you again for your much needed help. We don't have much time obviously.

[vickie_bernie]

Vicki, thanks for you help. We will be coming in to Vancouver port on the Diamond Princess from Whittier on 7/5. We will attend Cirquit Du Soleil Sat night...whereever that is at. Need hotel and the best way on how to get to Seattle on Sunday morning. There will be 3 adults and 1 child. $100-150 range for hotel.(or whatever it takes). Thank you again for your much needed help. We don't have much time obviously.

 

oh you will love the show! We first saw the show when we sailed out of San Diego, actually drove home and stopped in San Fran to catch it.

 

The "Grande Chapiteau" is located between two skytrain stations (our subway) get off at either Stadium or Main and walk to it. It is easily walkable from most downtown hotels and that is what we did. Taxis are also readily available.

 

Past posts on this thread show many options for going to Seattle. I would just do a search of this thread. There is flying (expensive), renting a car one way, or Shuttle services.

 

For hotels I usually just check one of many online travel search sites. Expedia, Kayak, Travelocity etc etc.

[vickie_bernie]

It's also the end of Gay Pride week in Vancouver - the Parade on August 3, 2008 will draw at least 300,000 to 400,000 to the West End English Bay area of the city with many of those staying at the hotels in the downtown core - I would book the best deal you can find - it is very doubtful that any deals will be offered for that weekend as they won't have trouble fulling the hotel.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

 

oh yeah, that is right Dennis -- gee you would think I would of remembered that since I am walking in the parade with my union - so if you are there I will be with the transit bus in the parade and I will have my water soaker ready. It is a great time.

 

But Dennis is right, book a room as soon as possible that is one crazy weekend.

[Urban trekker]

Vickie - I will miss the parade this year as I will be in Banff that day preparing to leave on a week of hiking in the Mt Assiniboine area.

 

It was quite the parade last year wasn't it - all those people partying after the fireworks the night before.

 

Have a good parade

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[msunrullieone]

We stayed at the Best Western Downtown and were very pleased. It was significantly cheaper than hotels closer to Canada Place. The staff were very helpful, the beds were comfortable, and everything was fresh and clean. It isn't fancy but the room was nicer than most in its class. We were on the top floor with a great view of the city and English Bay. When we booked the hotel we didn't realize that the free downtown shuttle would take us to Canada Place. That was a nice bonus. There is a White Spot Restaurant on site which made it convenient for breakfast before we left for Canada Place. The portions were huge and we split an omelette which was plenty for the 2 of us.

 

Judy, I noticed on some of the reviews, there was talk about the neighborhood being a bit 'dicey.' What was your impression? (We're from a big city ourselves, so a few panhandlers; drunks, etc aren't that big of a deal.)

[Putterdude]

Judy, I noticed on some of the reviews, there was talk about the neighborhood being a bit 'dicey.' What was your impression? (We're from a big city ourselves, so a few panhandlers; drunks, etc aren't that big of a deal.)

 

That particular Best Western is out of the entertainment district and is in a good area, the one that I have suggested that people may want to avoid is the Best Western - Chateau Granville as it is on the south end of the entertainment district which is a bit 'dicey', has a bit of a reputation and as a result don't feel that it is a place that I can recommend. However the Best Western-Downtown on Drake St. is one that I have often recommeded to CC's. I thought judynorth's review was a very good one and represented the hotel as I knew it to be.

[msunrullieone]

Thanks Putterdude!!

[judynorth]

Judy, I noticed on some of the reviews, there was talk about the neighborhood being a bit 'dicey.' What was your impression? (We're from a big city ourselves, so a few panhandlers; drunks, etc aren't that big of a deal.)

 

I wouldn't say that the BW Downtown is in a "pretty" area but the location was good and convenient for us. We walked all around the area and didn't see anything objectionable. They were demolishing a building next door but we didn't hear anything while we were there. We were a couple of blocks from Yaletown. There was a convenience store a half block away and a full service drug store a block further, both towards Yaletown. We were a block away from the Big Bus and the Vancouver Trolly stop at the Quality Inn. We were 4 1/2 blocks from the Aquabus to Granville Island. We felt very safe walking around and the hotel was comfortable with a very helpful staff. I think we paid $130/night, which is much cheaper than many downtown hotels.

[msunrullieone]

Sorry for all the questions! So, is Canada Place the same as Ballantyne Pier? Also, does the Quick Coach just have certain hotels it drops people off at? TIA

[Putterdude]

No the Canada Place terminal and the Ballantyne terminal are about 3 miles apart with Ballantyne being to the east of CP. If you are departing from Ballantyne it is recommend that you go via taxi or ships transfer as it is some walk from transit and in an industrial area. Quick Coach does not shuttle from the piers to hotels you have to rely on on hotel shuttles, transit, taxi or limo. If you are using Quick Coach to come from Seattle I supose you could ask your driver for a hotel drop but I have no idea of the response.

[patterbones]

Hi! We will be arriving next weekend for a pre cruise stay for 2 nights. I have seen reference on this board about River Rock casino which seems to be outside of downtown proper but no one has really mentioned the casino that is downtown the Edgewater--is it worth a stop? We only like penny slots so with 500 machines they might not have a good selection. Is the bigger casino easy to get to? Don't know if I want to spend time getting there- -I might just have to wait till I'm on board the Island Princess....

[Putterdude]

Hi! We will be arriving next weekend for a pre cruise stay for 2 nights. I have seen reference on this board about River Rock casino which seems to be outside of downtown proper but no one has really mentioned the casino that is downtown the Edgewater--is it worth a stop? We only like penny slots so with 500 machines they might not have a good selection. Is the bigger casino easy to get to? Don't know if I want to spend time getting there- -I might just have to wait till I'm on board the Island Princess....

 

If you are staying downtown then the Edgewater is much easier to access, however the River Rock is the full meal deal, casino, hotel, theatre,spa....... Your cab fare out to the River Rock, which is out by the airport, from downtown would be about $35 each way. To the Edgewater you could walk from a number of downtown hotels or a cab fare would be less then $15. As to the mix of slots, I really can't help you but would suspect the River Rock would have more of what you are looking for.

http://www.riverrock.com/home.aspx

http://www.edgewatercasino.ca/

[Urban trekker]

To PD and others - the Edgewater has a free hotel shuttle to the Casino - I often see the van driving around the downtown core.

 

As for the River rock - it is the creme de le creme of the local casinos - if you are flying into YVR you will pass it on your way into downtown - if you want to take it in from downtown - take the #98 Rapid bus - cost from $2.50 to $3.50 depending on the time of day.

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[Putterdude]

I thought it had a shuttle as well because like you I have seen them, however when I went to their site I couldn't find it, at least for the downtown area. Maybe they pick up on request?