Hampton Inn Vancouver Downtown: Pre-DCL Alaska

[disneymath]

I posted this on the Vancouver FAQ on the DCL boards, but figured it couldn't hurt to post it over here as well.

We've stayed at many Hampton Inns in Ontario (and at one near The Forks in Winnipeg) so this is where we are booked for our pre-cruise stay in Vancouver (4 nights). My mom collects HHonors points, a decent breakfast buffet is included, we get two queen (as opposed to double) beds and the price is right. So, I'm not so much worried about the hotel as I am about the location (near BC Place). Will it be difficult to get to the tourist type places (Granville Island, Stanley Park / Aquarium, Robson Street Shopping) and Canada Place? Is it a "safe" part of town?

 

[visitingapril09]

The location is in central downtown Vancouver. In terms of area, it is not at all a bad area. You are right on Robson which, if you go about 3 blocks West towards to the Library you will be in the major shopping area of Downtown. Vancouver is a big downtown city so you will see all types of people from all walks of life. However, the 'bad' area of Vancouver would be further East and North of this location - Mutiple blocks. In terms of getting to the sites to see, there is a sky train (above ground subway) station at BC Place which is closed right now ( it is getting a new roof) but is right beside the hotel. If you walk around the stadium there is a sky train station there. Also, Walking down Robson to the Bay at Seymour will get you to a sky train station. This will take you to the waterfront area. Buses run all around downtown Vancouver. To get to Granville Island you can take a nice longer walk down towards the False Creek and take the little water taxis. Overall it sounds like it might be a good choice! ........and because it NEVER rains in Vancouver, you will enjoy the walking here too!!

edited to add: not sure how physically active you are but a wonderful thing to do is rent bikes at the entrance to Stanley Park and then ride around the seawall that surrounds Stanley Park.

Enjoy your visit to our beautiful city.

 

[aristocat65]

I agree, this is a really good choice. It is a reasonably priced hotel, clean (exactly what you'd expect of a Hampton Inn) and a good location. If you're good walkers you can walk to Canada Place, Robson Street, etc. For Stanley Park/Aquarium you will want to take a bus.

A nice way to see the sights is also to walk down to the waterfront (Canada Place), or take the skytrain from the station near your hotel and take the Seabus across to North Vancouver. From there you can take a bus up to Grouse Mountain (don't bother if the day isn't clear), or you can stay on the Seabus and go back. The Seabus gives you some nice views of the City.

Have a great time. I'm excited just to go down and see the Disney Ship when it comes here!

 

[disneymath]

Thank you both for your replies ... we are pretty good walkers, but biking is definitely out! We can't wait to explore your city before our DCL Alaskan adventure.

 

[Sue M]

I agree, it's near Sky Train, so transportation will be good. My friend works for a cruise company- land portion. She recommends taking The Red Bus tour. It's a get on, get off type of bus. She recommends riding it thru the first time, and decide what stops you want to explore, then on next loop get on & off.
The Olympic torch is close to the Canada Place Convention/Cruise port, and Pan Pacific Hotel. And there is a Tourisim Center near there, where you can pick up tickets for tourist attractions at a bit of a discount.

 

[disneymath]

I agree, it's near Sky Train, so transportation will be good. My friend works for a cruise company- land portion. She recommends taking The Red Bus tour. It's a get on, get off type of bus. She recommends riding it thru the first time, and decide what stops you want to explore, then on next loop get on & off.
The Olympic torch is close to the Canada Place Convention/Cruise port, and Pan Pacific Hotel. And there is a Tourisim Center near there, where you can pick up tickets for tourist attractions at a bit of a discount.

Thanks for these great suggestions.