I will be visiting Vancouver this December and have made reservations at the Century Plaza Hotel. I will then be driving up to Whistler to spend another 3 days at the Summit Lodge. Has anyone heard any good/bad things about either of these hotels? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi John, I've heard good things about the Summit Lodge from a couple of people who've stayed there, although I haven't seen it personally yet. It's supposed to be a lovely boutique hotel. Although it is in the village, it will be a bit of a walk from the lifts if you're planning on skiing. <BR> <BR>My impression of the Century Plaza is that it is a somewhat older, rather tired, apartment hotel. I would say that the two hotels you've chosen are quite different (the Summit is quite new). I would imagine you could get quite a nice place in Vancouver in December for not much money, since it's off season. What are you looking for?

Sheri, <BR> <BR>Thanks for replying. I wasn't sure about the Century Plaza, it didn't sound that great on the phone. I'm looking for a nice hotel, near downtown, for around 75-80 CDN per night. I plan on spending 4 days in Vancouver and wanted to tour Stanley park, Science World, The Aquarium, and just soak in the city. If possible, I would like to do most of this on foot, but I'll have a rental car if I have to drive. <BR> <BR>The Summit Lodge was the only hotel that I could find that still had rooms. Everything is booked in December. I was afraid I would have to walk a little. Is it really far to the lifts? <BR> <BR>Anyways, thanks for all your help. <BR> <BR>Aloha, <BR> <BR>John

Sheri, <BR> <BR>Since reading your post I have looked at several more hotels, including the Slyvia, but haven't found anything in my price range. I was able to book the Century Plaza for 77.00 (CDN) per night which includes a deluxe studio room. The closest that I could come to this price was at the days inn. <BR> <BR>Could you tell me if the Century Plaza is in a safe neighborhood? Is the hotel run-down? I noticed that the hotel has a spa, but that may not mean anything. <BR> <BR>Thanks for your help - Again : )

I would say the Summit is about a 10-15 minute walk from the gondolas, esp. in ski boots. Perhaps there's a shuttle? You might ask. It probably still had rooms because it's relatively new. <BR> <BR>The Century Plaza, if it's the one I'm thinking of, on Burrard, is in a decent neighborhood of downtown. I've never been in it; I'm only reporting what I've heard. I'm rather surprised that the Sylvia wasn't in your price range in December--they are usually under $100 in the summer time, so I would think they would be lower in the winter. <BR> <BR>The Days Inn downtown is actually in quite a good location, although I don't know what the rooms are like. You might also try the Blue Horizon. <BR> <BR>The places I know best are unfortunately a bit above your budget, so I can't be of much help. Vancouver's best hotels go on sale for about $100 US in the winter, which is a great bargain, but obviously not what you're looking for. <BR> <BR>Did you try calling the BC tourism hotel line? They sometimes have deals, (800) HELLO BC.

Sheri, <BR> <BR>Thanks for all the help. I cancelled my reservation at the Century Plaza and was able to book 4 days at the Sylvia for 85.00 CDN per night. It was a little more than the Century, but I understand it's a little nicer hotel. <BR> <BR>I also called the Summit Lodge and yes they do have a shuttle to the lifts. <BR> <BR>Thanks again for all the great advice.

You're welcome! Glad to hear you got in at the Sylvia. It's a great place with lots of character and an excellent location right at the entrance to Stanley Park. You'll have to let us know how you enjoy your stay at both places. <BR> <BR>Sheri

John, <BR> <BR>I fear I'm too late for you but for anyone else lookin in the Century Plaza on Burrard is a fantastic hotel. I have just returned from Canada wife my wife having spent the first two nights of our honeymoon in this hotel. From the outside it does look a little old and tired. Inside though, is a completely different situation. The suite we had was on the 22nd floor with fabulous views across the city. It was spotlessly clean and modern. Service from all the staff was excellent and it was only 5 minutes walk form Robson Street. I hope your hotel is good too but other people reading this should not be put off by heresay. I would recommend this hotel to anyone and WILL be staying there when we return to Vancouver next year.

<BR>John: <BR> <BR>I'm too late to tell you about the Century Plaza, but it would have been fine....it's on Robson Street in a completely safe neighborhood. Many film crews working in Vancouver stay there because some of the rooms are apartment-like. They've got a hallway lined with photos from actors/film types thanking them for their hospitality. <BR> <BR>The Sylvia is Vancouver's character hotel...right on English Bay and near the people action of Denman Street. Errol Flynn stayed there when he visited Vancouver in the fifties. He actually died in Vancouver in 1959...but not in the Sylvia. <BR> <BR>You'll like the hotel. Right out the front door is the Seawall walk, that follows Stanley Park's peninsular outline for 10kms almost back to where you started. <BR> <BR>Enjoy!