syd1

Got some great info already on our upcoming Seattle/Vancouver trip for this summer. Having a hard time finding a nice (but not crazy expensive) place to stay while in Vancouver. Anyone have a gem they'd recommend in terms of area or actual hotel name itself? This is a city I know absolutely nothing about.
Thanks!!

immimi

might be fun to stay near the Seabus terminal in North Vancouver. There are two moderately priced hotels on the water. Lots of restos, easy bus access to tourist spots on the North Shore and the Seabus is a short ride across the harbour to the centre of the City.

In the summer there are outdoor free concerts held in the plaza by the hotels with food trucks that should appeal to teens.

syd1

Thanks! How long is the Seabus ride to downtown? Just trying to decide if this is something we would done once a day and stay in the city or we could go back and forth if we wanted to rest?

immimi

....12 minutes and they run every 15 or so minutes...great views too!

tomfuller

There are 2 HI hostels in Vancouver. My most recent stay was in a private room with my wife. The room had a TV and I watched a World Series game. The bathrooms/showers are down the hall but the price is cheap.
I don't remember which one had the better kitchen.

NorthwestMale

Just exactly HOW many humans will be on this trip??


If it's one parent and two teens, then couldn't you just roll the dice with Priceline.com, hoping to get a central location at a reduced cost?

That beats the heck out of staying on the far-outskirts and commuting into central Vancouver for fun and activities.

Vancouver's core is compact-ish, with water on many sides, and a whole lot else squished IN... and UP...

There are normal people roaming the streets all night, and while some visions will intimidate you, it remains reasonable to be walking around until the wee hours.

(just don't go to/near Hastings and Main late at night) (mainly to preserve your own sanity... and less significantly your wallet and belongings)


Getting into the city via SkyTrain or the like is O-kaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, IF you end up lodging way out of the way somewhere...

BUT it would really enhance the collective trip of all to spend at least a few bucks and go for central lodging at a Priceline discount.

In an ideal world your hotel room would be not terribly far from Robson Street, but much of the downtown area is pretty flat, so you could gain so much from having a central 'base' from which you could walk and perhaps take the bus in many directions.

Lots of stores will just seem a bit like a whole new world to your teens, especially so some of the eateries... and certainly the candy counters - LOL.

You don't have to break the bank with Priceline, and a central location is optimal.

sunbum1944

Check out the Hello BC website for accommodations and things to do

https://www.hellobc.com/british-colu...modations.aspx

I have stayed in N Vancouver by the sea bus. I thought convenient to some of the things I wanted to see, lots of restaurants to choose from- but not the vibes of the big city.

eliztravels2

We always stay downtown west side near Stanley Park. Our preferred option when we are being indulgent is Times Square Suites which would suit a family well and allow you to have breakfast or a light meal in your suite. We have also stayed at Coast Suites which is quite acceptable but larger not quite as nice. Our option when we want to economize--which we did on our most recent trip--is the Buchan. A deluxe Queen room I believe is just $155 in high season. No restaurant but there are all kinds nearby. The Sylvie also comes recommended but has never been available when I’ve looked.

The public transit in Vancouver is quite good, and it is also easy to rent bicycles, especially near the park. You can go around Stanley park and all the way to the Science Centre, Granville Island and beyond with doing much on road riding. The sea bus is not too far from the hotels I’ve mentioned and you can also get to Canada Place--about 20 minutes walk.