I'm looking for suggestions for my boss, his wife and 2 1/2 year old for a holiday. These are the parameters - <BR>1. Childcare (inexpensive if possible) <BR>2. Golf (not expensive golf) <BR>3. Nicer hotel w/suite <BR> <BR>Is there windsurfing available? Is there a nice beach? <BR> <BR>Recommendation on Thai and Indian restaurants would be great if I can sell him on Vancouver. <BR> <BR>If you have suggestions for other places in the US and Canada, we're open! <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance for your help! <BR>

www.vancouver.hm is an excellent local site that should help you at first. I also put together a few of my own photos and info together on this site: <BR>http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/.110720/1629/?s=J <BR> <BR>I'm no golfer, but ironically my neighbours are some of the top Canadian golfers (Dick Zokol (sp?) and Dave Barr) - and my grandfather lives for golf. There are some excellent courses located around the city, but I'm sure someone who knows from firsthand experience can recommend a few. <BR> <BR>Windsurfers tend to hang out at Jericho Beach. I recently took some pictures of Jericho Beach - I can send them to you through e-mail if you'd like. English Bay, Jericho, Spanish Banks, Wreck (nude beach), Ambleside (in North Van), Centennial (in Tsawwassen) are are popular beaches. <BR> <BR>My personal favourite restaurant for casual Thai is the "Just One Thai Bistro" located on Denman Street. I'm sure you're looking for something a little more than casual. Vancouver Magazine puts together an excellent selection of restaurant reviews on their website. Vancouver, as I'm sure you're familiar, is quite known for its selection of ethnic restaurants, so your boss shouldn't have a hard time finding something he likes. Here's Vancouver Magazine's Thai restaurant reviews: <BR> <BR>http://www.vanmag.com/diningout/thai.html <BR> <BR>Here's their South Asian (ie: Indian) restaurant reviews: <BR> <BR>http://www.vanmag.com/diningout/southasian.html <BR> <BR>Vij's is supposed to be one of the top Indian "nouveau cuisine" restaurants in the city - my parents had dinner there a few weeks ago and raved about the place. They enjoy high class cooking, so if they recommend it, you know it's good.

So many questions! <BR>So little time/lousy typing skills! <BR>OK-Thai food is endemic here but many of the Restaurateurs are NOT Thai people. <BR>This is important! <BR>Montri's Thai Restaurant is an extremely popular and chic West Side operation run by Mr Montri who is an ethnic Thai. <BR>Excellent food, best in the City IMO. <BR>3629 W Broadway 604-738-9888~fax604-738-1278. <BR>Ressies definitely recommended. <BR>Traditional and not so trad Indian cuisine. <BR>Vij's is fine if somewhat overrated, Vij himself is a very welcoming character. <BR>For more Traditional Indian fare the top restaurant in the City is Rubina Tandoor up on Kingsway-superb food, exquisite. <BR>Beaches? <BR>Well Punta Cana it ain't and of late the weather hasn't been great, the Beaches Robyn mentions are popular and easily accessible. <BR>Windsurfing is out of <BR>Jericho Sailing Centre Assn <BR>1300 Discovery St <BR>Fax: 224-4168 <BR>Email: [email protected] <BR>Golf is for people who don't fish. <BR>Hotels I'll leave for others more versed in that area, it can be a loaded subject here sometimes.

For a nicer hotel with suites, I would recommend the Westin Grand (an all-suite hotel). I stayed there a couple months ago and loved it.

I agree with the recommendation on the Westin Grand. My husband and 2 daughters (5 & 7 yrs.) recently stayed there. The service was terrific, the pool was great, and the room, although snug, had a kitchenette and a separate bedroom for the adults.