If you've had the misfortune of staying in one of thos hotels, its definitely a very scary experience. The center of it all is def main and hastings, right north of chinatown. Chinatown totally shuts downn b/c of all the scary homeless druggies at night. Seems a lot were on meth. Yet a few streets over, in gastown or further west, it feels like so gentrified. all in all, i love vancouver.

I doubt you'll be booking a hotel in the downtown eastside. You'll be fine to book anywhere else in the city. When you walk about town (it's a small city) you'll notice panhandlers around but not in such great numbers you feel like it's a scene from Dawn of the Dead. Drug abuse is an issue in the city, so if you're asked for money it's likely not going to be for food. There are lots of places that offer free meals, so don't feel bad if you're not interested in giving money. Just be polite, and say "Sorry, no." Begging is not illegal, but aggressive panhandling is. Having said all that, Vancouver is a fun city with large amount of people who live in town. The restaurant scene is plentiful, and there's always lots to do (walk, run, rollerblade, bike) on the seawall. Relax! Have fun!

I'd agree with bidding on Priceline, except that I'd suggest bidding for a 4* hotel. The reason is that you might get a 3* or less hotel that is situated some distance out of downtown, based on how Priceline has set up their zones.