Coming in to Vancouver from a Transpacific cruise. We only have two days so I am thinking just a good overview of highlights of the area. Can I get any suggestions for itinerary? Hotels? Have looked at the Fairmont but want to be sure we are in the best area to sight see. Do we need car rental or is this a city we can easily walk or get mass transit? We are energetic adults in our late 50's and early 60's.
Any help would be greatly appreciated

Public transit is excellent in Vancouver so wouldn’t consider renting a car. I suggest the Robson/Denman area near Stanley Park. Lots of sightseeing and restaurants in the area. You can see quite a lot in just two days.

You don’t say what time of year you are coming, but assuming it will be warm weather I suggest you rent bikes. Definitely see Stanley park, and take the cute little ferry to Granville Island. The Museum of Anthropology is a little out of the way but in a gorgeous setting and well worth a visit for the indigenous exhibits. Capilanno suspension bridge is a popular attraction but overpriced, IMHO. The Gondola up Grouse mountain can be fun. I find China town kind of dreary but the Chinese Garden is very fine.

My favourite spot to stay is a boutique hotel, Times Square Suites. I don’t care for large chain hotels so have no recommendations regarding those.

I agree that seeing Stanley Park is a great idea! A great feature about Vancouver is that downtown is right on the ocean so you can have an active downtown scene with breathtaking ocean views right there. As a bonus, this is also where Stanley Park is located so staying downtown would be a great idea.

You don't need to rent a car, but if you do a big MUST is to make the drive up the Sea to Sky highway towards Squamish and all the way to Whistler if you choose. The mountain scenery will literally take your breath away and this is one of the most beautiful drives we have ever experienced.

My husband spent several days in Vancouver in September before visiting family. He stayed at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia and was very pleased with it. He swam in the pool several times (never crowded). His favorite meal of the trip, FWIW, was at Miku. Beautiful restaurant, great view, excellent food.

He walked all over, from Beach Ave to False Creek. He was tired at the end of each day, but really enjoyed re-connecting with his old hangouts (he went to uni in Vancouver).

Thank you so much for the help. We will be there in early May so biking sounds like a lot of fun! I am thinking we may take one for city sightseeing and the other rent a car for a ride up into the mountains towards Whistler.
Again, thanks!!!!