Wallace_and_Gromit

I finally decided on Greystone b&b in Vancouver www.greystonebb.com

and Medana Grove in Victoria http://www.medanagrove.com/index.html

I will be spending a week in each. I THINK they look great, but would love to hear from a Fodorite who has first hand knowledge.

TIA

Wallace_and_Gromit

No one knows anything about these 2 b&bs?

That's too bad.

I'll have to post when I get back.

April

I don't know anyone who has stayed at Medana Grove so I can only comment on its location. You'll be fairly central (and within walking distance if you don't mind walking) to the Inner Harbour, the park and the waterfront. A grocery store and a few other shops are only a block away.

Wallace_and_Gromit

that's good to know! ... is there public transit close by too?

traveller69

Yes, public transportation is within a few blocks as well.

April

If you want to go into town, there is a bus stop right on Menzies at the corner of Simcoe, so that's about a block away. Coming back from town, you can catch the bus in front of The Bay shopping centre on Douglas St. Don't ask me which bus - either the Beacon Hill or James Bay. My best bet would be the Beacon Hill. One will drop you near the very same corner (Menzies & Simcoe) beside Thrifty's grocery store, the other goes straight through on Superior Street so you'd have to walk a couple of blocks up the slope.

Thanks for providing the website links to the B&Bs by the way. I wish all posters would do that.

leuk

I live near Greystone B&B and it's in a great location. I've walked by it many times when I walk the dog. I've never stayed there (no reason to) but it looks lovely from the outside.
I think you've made a great choice.

Wallace_and_Gromit

leuk,

THANK YOU for posting! Could you tell me what things are within walking distance? - Is it too far to walk to Granville Market?

TIA!

SMac

Granville Island is probably not within walking distance. But, you're close to Arbutus and Broadway which both have regular bus service. Not sure which bus would get you to Granville Island, but you B&B host should know. Once you're at Granville Island, you can take the little ferry over to the downtown and wander along the seawall. Consider renting a bike for the day to circle Stanley Park and then head all the way around Science World and back to Granville Island. Again, ask you B&B host where to rent. Kayak rental is available at Granville Island to explore the area that way. Have fun.

leuk

Hi there
You could walk to Granville Island but it would be a bit of a walk - maybe 30 minutes or so. A neat route to take would be to go 4th Avenue and check out the trendy shops on your way to the Island. You're staying in a nice residential area that is very close to lots of things - including transit and theatres. Downtown is a hop skip and a jump away. You're staying near the shopping district called South Granville. It's about 5 blocks from your B&B. There are lots of interesting shops and art galleries on Granville. If you like East Indian food, there's a very popular restaurant called Vij's on 11th and Granville. The food is divine. They don't take reservations so go early.

If you let me know the types of things you're interested in, I can give you some ideas.

As locals, we always enjoy our walk around the Stanley Park seawall. This takes a couple of hours, but is very nice...rain or shine.

Wallace_and_Gromit

I enjoy Indian food very much! Vij's is definitely on my list. (What is your favorite there?)

Unfortunately, I am semi-disabled, so although I do enjoy walking - I am limited. A 30 minute walk is too much for me, but 5 blocks certainly is not.

I enjoy things like sightseeing and live theatre ... and just soaking up the atmosphere. I love window shopping and people watching. (Things like that)

I know I am going to have a great time.

Wallace_and_Gromit

I forgot to ask - about how far is the airport to the B&B? I am going to have to take a taxi I guess, and I am just trying to figure out how much to budget for that.

Sam_Salmon

The 2000 block W 14th is an easy half hour walk to Granville Island and about 10 minutes to W 4th Ave.

West 4th has become something of a shadow of it's former self.

Interesting independent shops are being quickly replaced by cookie cutter clones from international chains-OK for a stroll but nothing special.

Lots of overpriced restaurants of varying types-a few bargains remain.

Heading West down Broadway (<i>9th Ave</i will take you down to the former Greek Village still a thriving neighbourhood with all sorts of shops/services.

A cab to your B&amp;B will run you about $25 depending.