We are thinking of staying at the Hilton in Burnaby.How would you describe the area? Attractive, non descript? Is it safe? I am told it is about 15 mins. by SkyTrain from downtown. Thanks for all your advise.

It's not a particularly attractive area. There is a huge mall called Metrotown very near the hotel. There's also a goodsize library. I've heard and read about some toughs who hang around that particular Skytrain station, but I haven't seen them personally. The Skytrain would make access to everywhere very convenient.

Stayed at the HI in Burnaby (near the Hilton) for 2 nights-the Metrotown shopping area has this mall (Canadian Superstore) that has everything-shops, groceries, sundries, etc. Great area to shop and many eating places.In and outside of that mall.

I wouldn't walk around at midnight (even at home) but felt safe in day or evening.

This suburb is not high-end but has all you would need. All the places I mentioned are walkable from the Hilton.

We then stayed 3 nights waterfront in Vancouver and missed the casualness of Burnaby.

Dafajua, any particular reason why you are choosing Burnaby over Vancouver?

To me, there is nothing special at all about the Hilton's area in Burnaby, and you are missing the whole point of visiting Vancouver. I'll go further and say that I won't let my kids visit Metrotown Mall unless they're with adults.

If you are interested in Vancouver hotels/B&B's around a certain price range, let the board know and I'm sure you'll get lots of suggestions.

Cheers,
Linda

Thanks for the replies. I have tried to find a nice, modern hotel in Vancouver for my August visit, but it is quite difficult to get any rooms for less than $190 Canadian, and I need two rooms. I considered the convenience of having the SkyTrain next door so I went for the Burnaby area since a 15 min. trip to downtown is not that bad. I am concerned, however, with Linda's statement that she would not let her kids alone in the Metrotown mall without an adult. Is that a reflection on the "ambiance and safety of the Burnaby area"? Yes, I would have liked to stay in the downtown area but from I have read from others here, affordable hotels are located in or near seedy areas. I appreciate all your advise.

I've stayed at the HI Metrotown both times I've gone to Vancouver and I never had any problems being out day or night, although I did feel uncomfortable at night. It wasn't the people lurking around, it was more that in contrast to daytime, it felt lonely at night and I couldn't wait to get inside to my hotel room. Inside the mall itself was fine. I went in there every night for a bedtime snack and didn't feel uncomfortable. It was outside that was kind of spooky.

My sweetie's niece, who is 19, lives in Burnaby - she's a student and needed affordable accommodation. She's not very comfortable going out at night, and in fact she's moving to Vancouver for the fall term.

Dafajua, I'm not sure whether you want to pay less than CAD $190 for 1 room or for two rooms, but why don't you take a look at http://www.vancouver-bc.com/ - you can set your criteria, say "Downtown and West End" for your locale and "CAD 150 - 200" for your rate. I tried it quickly and saw several nice B&B's come up as well as several hotels in the d/town area.

Vancouver, to me, means Stanley Park, the sea, Granville Island, Kitsilano, Jericho Beach, etc. and none of that is easily accessible from Burnaby.

Cheers, Linda

Consider bidding for a 4* hotel on Priceline in Vancouver.

I live not to far from that hotel in Burnaby and can honestly say that I wouldn't feel the least bit uncomfortable around there - the only reason to feel uncomfortable really late would be because it is so quiet around there - not much going on once the mall closes. I definately feel more comfortable out late at night in bby than downtown, no question.
In terms of safety of the mall - it's probably the largest mall in vancouver and as such is a bit of a cultural wasteland, which sorta defeats the purpose of visiting a new city - but no problems for kids that can handle going to any other mall by themselves...
In terms of the safety of the skytrain station - in my opinion its no more or less dangerous than any of the other skytrain stations - I've never had any problems, nor have I know anyone who has had any problems at ANY of the stations (not that there aren't occasional problems, but they're rare). The only advise I'd give for the skytrain is somewhat obvious - be aware of your surroundings.

The Hilton is a fairly new hotel and the mall has lots to offer, it is safe there unless you go looking for trouble like anywhere. It is light here till about 9 pm so you will not have any problems. here is a hotel map that you click on the hotel and it brings you to thier web page with rates and stuff.
http://www.greatervancouverhotels.co...ctions-map.htm
Cheers!