Prue

We are planning a trip to the USA and Canada next year and as part of the package have a choice of either The Westin Grand, Hyatt Regency or Sheraton Wall Centre in Vancouver <BR>and Palliser or Marriot in Calgary. We would be very grateful for any information good or bad you might have on these choices.

Barb

I can't say about the hotels in Vancouver, but as a native Calgarian, my number one choice would be the Palliser Hotel. It's an older hotel full of charm, elegance, and is within walking distance to great shopping and restaurants (their own Rimrock restaurant has fabulous food). Queen Elizabeth stayed there a few years ago when she visited Calgary.

cheryl

Have stayed at the Wall Centre and it is a very nice hotel-can't recall staying at the others. You are right downtown in a good area and are right across from St. Paul's hospital. May I recommend that you ignore the bar and restaurant at the Wall Street and walk a couple of blocks toward the Art Gallery to the Wedgewood Hotel. Thier bar and restaurant (Baccus) are both great with lots of energy. ( I am a picky late baby boomer). I will be happy to give you more names of restaurants that I think typify what Vancouver is like but it is a city to get a great meal at a good price!

Prue

Barb and Cheryl - thank you both for your replies to my question. It is so good to hear from 'locals'. Since our trip is not until the middle of next year, I am hoping it will be ok to get back to you both with further queries closer to our actual visit? Especially those about good places to eat etc.

Cheryl

Prue, I actually live on Vancouver Island so Vancouver is both local and a destinetion city to me. Ask anytime or contct me on my e-mail---I am the typical 50 something that likes the pleasures, that wants the deal, and who will always check " the price of tomatoes" <BR>

Marilyn Rice Davies

In Calgary, of the choices you mentioned, the Palliser is the best. In Vancouver, the Hyatt Regency is the closest to downtown and it's right over the Burrard St. Skytrain Station. <BR>Have fun, <BR>Mandy