**** Vancouver FAQ Thread **** A few updates in main post!

[mellers]

We are planning on arriving in Vancouver 4 days prior to our sailing on June 21st and I am looking for a hotel/motel, in a good area that could offer me 2 queen size beds and possibly a breakfast and close to public transportation. I have found 3 but, I'm not sure how good/bad they would be. I have been trying to stay with the "chain" type. The three are: Best Western Plus - Langley Inn, Howard Johnson's - No. Burnabys Botique Hotel and Days Inn - Vancouver Metro. Any input would be appreciated.

Two others you may want to consider are the La Quinta Inn Vancouver Airport (free breakfast, although I think it has full beds, along with a fitness center and small indoor pool) http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/pro...&searchType=GEO&lat=49.163469&lon=-123.137766

and the Four Points Sheraton (queen beds, no breakfast, but good, inexpensive nearby options): http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=213

Both are next door to the Lansdowne Shopping Centre, a mall with a Zellers (similar to Target), a small grocery store, a Toys R Us, a state liquor store, multple ATMs to get Canadian money, and an inexpensive (but good) food court for meals. Next door to the mall is the Lansdowne Station of the Canada Line, which will take you right into Vancouver proper. We're staying at the Four Points (got it free for points) before our cruise--we really like that neighborhood.

Another advantage to these two places is, while you will have to take a taxi to the port, they will transport you free from the airport to the hotel.

 

[ykmom]

We are planning on arriving in Vancouver 4 days prior to our sailing on June 21st and I am looking for a hotel/motel, in a good area that could offer me 2 queen size beds and possibly a breakfast and close to public transportation. I have found 3 but, I'm not sure how good/bad they would be. I have been trying to stay with the "chain" type. The three are: Best Western Plus - Langley Inn, Howard Johnson's - No. Burnabys Botique Hotel and Days Inn - Vancouver Metro. Any input would be appreciated.

I wouldn't go to Langley. It is quite far out. There's a hilton in Burnaby which is right across from metrotown - a very large mall with a skytrain station and bus loop.

 

[everafter1]

Thanks, nzdisneymom! I really appreciate it! I totally agree with you, we booked kind of last minute and just wanted to enjoy our vacation, so we let DCL handle most of it. I booked the air myself this time, but it's because I needed the flights a certain way. Thanks again for the information! It's really helpful!

 

[richmo]

We are planning on arriving in Vancouver 4 days prior to our sailing on June 21st and I am looking for a hotel/motel, in a good area that could offer me 2 queen size beds and possibly a breakfast and close to public transportation. I have found 3 but, I'm not sure how good/bad they would be. I have been trying to stay with the "chain" type. The three are: Best Western Plus - Langley Inn, Howard Johnson's - No. Burnabys Botique Hotel and Days Inn - Vancouver Metro. Any input would be appreciated.

There's also a Days Inn out by the airport. The rates seem pretty good and it has decent reviews on TripAdvisor. I believe it is also near a SkyTrain stop...

 

[DisFor20]

Hi everyone!

I have a question about taxis. We are a family of 4 and it looks like the best way to get to our hotel (Pan Pacific) from the airport is a taxi.

Are there mini van taxis at the airport all the time? Or should we have one waiting for us?

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Hi everyone!

I have a question about taxis. We are a family of 4 and it looks like the best way to get to our hotel (Pan Pacific) from the airport is a taxi.

Are there mini van taxis at the airport all the time? Or should we have one waiting for us?

Always lots of van taxis around, and if there isn't one, have a cabby call for one and it will take 5 mins.

 

[DisFor20]

Always lots of van taxis around, and if there isn't one, have a cabby call for one and it will take 5 mins.

Excellent! Thanks Lollipop's Mom!

 

[Flitter]

Thanks everyone for the input on the less expensive hotels/motels.

 

[jodeja]

I hope it's not poor DIS-etiquette to ask the same question again
But I've noticed some really helpful hotel advice on here, and I was wondering if anyone has any opinions on The Landis Hotel vs. The Coastal Plaza? Pros/cons of each?
I truly appreciate any input. Thanks so much!

 

[BlackFrank]

I've lived/worked in Vancouver for most of my life; it's a wonderful city, but there are a few things you should watch out for:

1. If you've got a limited amount of time, or absolutely have to be somewhere at a certain time (cruise ship terminal, airport, etc.), I'd suggest limiting your sightseeing to the city core. I know a lot of people are interested in sites like Grouse Mountain, Whistler, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge, but all it takes is one car accident on the Lions Gate Bridge to cause considerable traffic delays. Also, the estimated travel times I've seen posted in some guidebooks are essentially the work of fiction (10 minutes from downtown Vancouver to the Capilano Suspension Bridge? Not in this universe [it's more like 30 on a typical day]).

2. Downtown East Side (Main & Hastings area). Unless you want your family's most vivid memory of your trip to be of an underage, drug-addicted prostitute overdosed in an alley with a needle sticking out of her arm, avoid this area. It's not particularly dangerous (imho), but I've seen some vastly disturbing things that haunt me to this day (including the above).

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

I've lived/worked in Vancouver for most of my life; it's a wonderful city, but there are a few things you should watch out for:

1. If you've got a limited amount of time, or absolutely have to be somewhere at a certain time (cruise ship terminal, airport, etc.), I'd suggest limiting your sightseeing to the city core. I know a lot of people are interested in sites like Grouse Mountain, Whistler, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge, but all it takes is one car accident on the Lions Gate Bridge to cause considerable traffic delays. Also, the estimated travel times I've seen posted in some guidebooks are essentially the work of fiction (10 minutes from downtown Vancouver to the Capilano Suspension Bridge? Not in this universe [it's more like 30 on a typical day]).

2. Downtown East Side (Main & Hastings area). Unless you want your family's most vivid memory of your trip to be of an underage, drug-addicted prostitute overdosed in an alley with a needle sticking out of her arm, avoid this area. It's not particularly dangerous (imho), but I've seen some vastly disturbing things that haunt me to this day (including the above).

Very good advice!!! I second what he said!!!

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

I hope it's not poor DIS-etiquette to ask the same question again
But I've noticed some really helpful hotel advice on here, and I was wondering if anyone has any opinions on The Landis Hotel vs. The Coastal Plaza? Pros/cons of each?
I truly appreciate any input. Thanks so much!

I don't know these really well - I would rely on tripadvisor for these. Tripadvisor is always your best friend

 

[BelleProfHP]

I've lived/worked in Vancouver for most of my life; it's a wonderful city, but there are a few things you should watch out for:

[SNIPPED]

2. Downtown East Side (Main & Hastings area). Unless you want your family's most vivid memory of your trip to be of an underage, drug-addicted prostitute overdosed in an alley with a needle sticking out of her arm, avoid this area. It's not particularly dangerous (imho), but I've seen some vastly disturbing things that haunt me to this day (including the above).

I'm in Vancouver as we speak (staying at the Granville Island Hotel) and I completely third this advice! We started on Frommer's Gastown, Chinatown and Yaletown Walking Tour this afternoon. As we got closer to Chinatown, we read the note that walking through this particular section was only recommended during daylight because it would be crowded enough to not worry about the prostitutes, meth heads and homeless people. But because it's Sunday, it didn't feel all that crowded. So we bailed.

Unfortunately, rather than just turn around and go back the way we came , we decided to try our own shorter route back. MISTAKE! We have our DS with us (8), which completely racheted up our stress level. We made it back fine, with no problems, other than seeing LOTS of "transactions" and sad situations. We were finally able to get a cab back to the island and we're not leaving again tonight.

BlackFrank - any recommendations for dinner? I REALLY want fresh seafood - actually, fish and chips.

 

[BlackFrank]

I'm in Vancouver as we speak (staying at the Granville Island Hotel) and I completely third this advice! We started on Frommer's Gastown, Chinatown and Yaletown Walking Tour this afternoon. As we got closer to Chinatown, we read the note that walking through this particular section was only recommended during daylight because it would be crowded enough to not worry about the prostitutes, meth heads and homeless people. But because it's Sunday, it didn't feel all that crowded. So we bailed.

Unfortunately, rather than just turn around and go back the way we came , we decided to try our own shorter route back. MISTAKE! We have our DS with us (8), which completely racheted up our stress level. We made it back fine, with no problems, other than seeing LOTS of "transactions" and sad situations. We were finally able to get a cab back to the island and we're not leaving again tonight.

BlackFrank - any recommendations for dinner? I REALLY want fresh seafood - actually, fish and chips.

Provided you watch your back and keep to yourself, I don't think the area is particularly dangerous; however, there are a lot of desperate, and at times, strung out people, so the potential is there.

As far as seafood goes, I must confess that I don't have any recommendations for *great* seafood restaurants downtown (I used to go to an amazing all you can eat seafood buffet in North Vancouver, but that closed down almost 10 years ago). Most of the sit-down restaurants offer decent fish and chips; however, I seem to recall that there's a take out restaurant in the Granville Island public market that has very very good (but not fancy( fish and chips.

 

[bigAWL]

I just booked a Hertz rental car from Seattle Tacoma Airport to Vancouver Canada Place pier. We'll be staying three days in Seattle and driving to Vancouver on the morning of the cruise. It's pretty expensive (about $430), but Hertz allows drop-offs at Canada Place. Hertz doesn't have an office there, but apparently will support drop-offs. Has anyone here ever done that?

For the return trip, we need to get back to Seattle for a flight out the next morning. I'm thinking Amtrak, but the morning train leaves too early (like 6:30 am), and the late train gets in pretty late (like 10:30 pm). But all the mid-day options seem to be bus routes and I'd rather take the train. What's the best way to get around Vancouver for a few hours and then to the Amtrak station for an evening train... at reasonable cost?

 

[PBader]

We are planning on taking the quick shuttle from Seattle into Vancouver. When I was reading the 1st post here they mention there is a coupon in the Entertainment book for 50% off for 2 people. RT is $99 each. Entertainment has a deal right now for $15 a book, additional ones are $10 with free shipping. I verified there is an online coupon for this. You pay for the shuttle and then you have to mail it in for the refund. But a great deal to save $99. I ordered 3 books to have enough for my party.

http://www.entertainment.com/discoun...EAL11_BTB_FOOT

 

[Ajojo]

I just booked last minute so I went with Disney hotel (Fairmont Waterfront) and transfers. Looking at the map, the Fairmont Waterfront is across the street from the cruise terminal. The cost of the transfer from hotel to ship was $19. I figured that I can walk across the street for that much and tow my bag.

Was this a good idea, or should I have gotten the transfer?

Thanks

 

[mellers]

I just booked last minute so I went with Disney hotel (Fairmont Waterfront) and transfers. Looking at the map, the Fairmont Waterfront is across the street from the cruise terminal. The cost of the transfer from hotel to ship was $19. I figured that I can walk across the street for that much and tow my bag.

Was this a good idea, or should I have gotten the transfer?

Thanks

I'd cancel the transportation--it is very close--at worst, if luggage becomes a problem, you could take a $5-$6 cab ride.

 

[Mom2PrincessesLinSy]

My family is on the inaugural cruise and staying at the Fairmont Waterfront upon our arrival in Vancouver on 4/30. My question is regarding the Vancouver Marathon the next day. How is traffic around town on the day of the marathon. I'm trying to figure out what attractions we are going to visit that day, but I'm unsure of how the marathon will affect our plans. I live in Baltimore City on the marathon route and we know on marathon day not to plan anything until the afternoon. Any insight will be appreciated.

Hey! We are in Havre de Grace! Funny to see other Baltimore-ans heading to the great NorthWest!

Looking forward to hearing all about your trip, including the trip out there from BWI!!

PS, what has airfare been running for you? What are you flying out and are you going to Seattle or Vancouver??

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

I'd cancel the transportation--it is very close--at worst, if luggage becomes a problem, you could take a $5-$6 cab ride.

The fairmount waterfront would laugh if you got a cab! It is literally 15 or 20 steps to Canada place! Bring it up on google earth!