Vancouver Apartment for a week?
 

We're thinking we'd like a full week in Vancouver next summer. Any ideas for an apartment that might be cheaper than a nice hotel. I'm not so concerned about the quality of the kitchen (other that having a refrigerator) as we won't do much or any cooking. But we'd like an apartment where we can "stretch out" a bit and not feel confined to a hotel room. And for the week, we'd really like to keep it around 150 a night Canadian or less. Need parking too, and want to be "downtown".

Ok... Ramada Inn and Suites might suit... Off Granville Street. It was a rooming house (yes humm) but now has been revamped and has new touch... near the action at night. Not sure the price for next year, but might work. Parking extra $10.00 a day, which is normal.
w3.ramadavancouver.com/

Thanks for the suggestion. It looks nice on the site and I like the location. Unfortunately the LOWEST rate they show for even a regular room is $186 a night, obviously much more if we want a one bedroom which doesn't even come up on the rate page. But I will call them and see what I can find out -- maybe a weekly rate?

Is that Canadian dollars or US? I'm guessing the amount would hit the $150.00 mid summer. Vancouver prices both in hotel rates and real estate are rising quickly because of the hype. The one hotel I know that is reasonably central, very basic, younger crowd stay, but is clean and in the lower $ range, is the Bosman Hotel. Free parking, but no kitchen facilities. w3.bosmanshotel.com/facilities.html.

Sorry I meant "Olympic" hype eventhough it's years off...

Just looked at your original posting wanting apartments suites... I tried to think of options, but all appear to be above your prices range... The Rosellen Suites which are in a nicer, quieter part near Stanley Park, but still near Denman and Davie for good restaurants and bars etc starts at around $199 CDN for a one bedroom, next year I'm sure it will probably go up.
http://www.rosellensuites.com/room-rates.html
Just giving you food for thought ~ a comparison to a cheap downtown hotel, to on of the cheapest suites... Actually thinking about it Pendrell Suites might also be an option also, still price might be an problem.

Good Luck Patrick...

I'm not terribly thrilled by the Ramada Inn and Suites location. It's not horrible, but I don't find the immediate area very aesthetically pleasing. Knowing from Patrick's other posts that he really does appreciate nice surroundings and is willing to pay a bit more for them, I'd suggest looking at other areas.

I like the area of Rosellen Suites.

Although it's not strictly downtown, I'd consider the Kitsilano area also. It's lovely and there are many nice restaurants.

Interesting comments. It's been a few years since staying in Vancouver. Then we stayed at the Wedgewood -- a great place but now way out of our price range. I had looked at the Rosellen Suites. They do look nice and I'm still considering them, but wasn't thrilled about the location. I picture us walking over to Granville Island each morning and strolling more along Robson. Rosellen seems more removed from all that, although I like the price better than the Ramada (assuming it doesn't go up a whole lot more next year).

Actually, WillTravel, I'm NOT willing to pay much more, in fact the figure of $150 Canadian is based more on what we've gotten used to spending for decent hotels and apartments in Europe and in the US. For example we love our stays at the apartments in LA's Summerfield Suites which cost us about $109 US with free parking, full breakfast, and lots of amenities. We'd love to find something comparable in Vancouver. And our great full apartments in the wonderful cities of Venice and Rome this summer averaged us less than $100 a night.

I guess those "bargains" in Canada people talk about are getting harder and harder to find. After I convert to US, so many places still seem higher than what I'm used to paying elsewhere for comparable properties.

Patrick, it sounds like you're familiar with Vancouver. What I dislike about the 1225 Granville address is that it is about one block from the approach to the Granville Street bridge, that it seems to have nastier street people than most (but not all) areas who are likely to shoot up dope in front of you, and the whole area just doesn't look as nice as some others. I walk around downtown all the time. It so happened that tonight I thought I would check the area out again, just in case I was shortchanging it. I don't think so.

Whether I was staying at Rosellen or Ramada, I think I'd take one of those little boat ferries across to Granville Island. Staying at Ramada, I'd walk down to the foot of Hornby Street to catch it, and staying at Rosellen, I would walk to the Vancouver Aquatic Centre.

I love the Summerfield Suites also (based on staying in the Seattle downtown property), so I can see why you'd like that. But keep in mind how small and centralized Vancouver's downtown area is compared to LA. You could get a deal like that if you were willing to stay in a more outlying area in Vancouver or the suburbs.

Well it's hard to agree with that last statement. Beverly HIlls/West Hollywood/Sunset Blvd. area is certainly a MORE prestigious area than Chinatown in Vancouver or the area you're talking about. If I went out to the suburbs of LA it would be even cheaper yet.

I'm finding that even chain hotels in the cities (Calgary as well) tend to be more expensive than their American counterparts. And even things like Fairfield or Hampton Inns out on the highways tend to be at least as expensive as in the US. I'm not saying they're necessarily higher, but people keep acting like that with the currency difference everything is a steal in Canada. I'm sure not finding that.

Hi Patrick,

Friends of mine stay here:
http://www.timessquaresuites.com/rates-suites.htm

They are really well maintained, modern and nicely furnished suites, fully equipped plus parking, laundry (en suite, I think) on the 'quiet end' of Robson, about 5 minutes walk from Stanley Park and 10 minutes from the centre of downtown. Good food close by with a wide range of really reasonable restos, from a great noodle shop (Kintaro) to Asian small plates (Guu, Hapa Izakaya) and excellent French (Le Gavroche) plus many, many more on Denman. Grocery stores within a couple of minutes walk. For the $$ these are some of the best places. You could also check Sunset Towers on Burnaby, although I don't think they're as interesting or convenient.

Thank you, Hired_Belly, I actually had found these before when I started looking and had completely lost them.
Yes, the TimesSquareSuites look nice. A one bedroom is supposedly only $159 a night by the week Canadian, in my price range, and I even like the studio with separate den for $20 less. It even looks like they face water as I can see sailboats outside?

This really looks like a good solution. I hadn't thought about being near Stanley Park, but I know it's not a big walk as we walked there often from the Wedgewood.

I have emailed them to confirm a rate next summer and check parking, etc.

Patrick - I'll be in Vancouver Thurs.-Sunday (escape from NYC) - anything you want checked out, I can try . . .

Thanks for the offer. I think I'll probably be OK with these Times Square Suites, unless you want to keep your eyes open for something exciting. I look forward to your report. Doing some good eating while there?

Tojo's, Il Giardino d'Umberto and Vij's in Van;. .. Araxi in Whistler, staying in Tofino for a few nights at Long Beach lodge, dinner at the Wick, staying and dining at Sooke Harbor House, then driving down to Seattle for Campagne and I think Dahlia lounge . . . sorta greatest hits (edited version) of eating in the Pacific Northwest . I'm open to suggestions, tho . . . .
We're planning on lots of hiking and Kayaking to offset the dining . . . .

The Times Square Suites are in a very nice location.

Patrick, I checked our company's allowable per diem hotel rate, and for the summer season it's significantly higher in Vancouver than it is in Los Angeles. So I'm not too surprised you are having a hard time finding a deal.

A couple of my friends have stayed in this suite hotel, but I would prefer the Times Square Suites based on what is posted above:
http://www.rosedaleonrobson.com

I stayed in the Rosedale on Robson while on a couple of business trips to Vancouver in 2001. My total time in the hotel was about three weeks. I liked the location and found the rooms quiet and comfortable. The hotel was squeaky clean and the staff were responsive and helpful. (Mind you, I'm not MK2, so I may settle for less!) My one major complaint concerned the elevators--they were incredibly slow and always seemed full. This was particularly so when cruise ships were in port, as many of the guests were leaving for or arriving from cruises. I can't recollect what the rate was, but it struck me as expensive.

I agree with WillTravel's remarks about the area surrounding the Ramada Inn and Suites ... I didn't feel comfortable walking through that area when I went to Granville Island.

Anselm

I agree that the area around the Ramada is not the best. It is not a pleasant walk at night. I've stayed in that area and would certainly not want to be walking around alone.
Just looked at timessquaresuites and they are great! I'll keep them in mind for my next Vancouver trip.

I emailed the Times Square Suites and they responded within an hour about prices for next year. Then I emailed them back checking a couple items on the studio rather than the one-bedroom which seems like a better deal. I almost prefer the idea of the laptop and computer being in a separate room than the bedroom, especially for a savings of $20 a day. They've assured me that I can change the dates up to a week before, so even though our trip isn't planned in detail, I'm going ahead and tentatively booking for a week next July. And I love a place that answers emails immediately as they've done twice.

Hi Patrick, Have you thought about B&B? Just stayed 10 days at a fantastic place in West Vancouver - Bay View Gust House- they have an appartment/self catering facility that might suit your needs and they serve the most amazing breakfasts you will find anywhere. I have not got their website to hand so will post it later; anyway try a search and you will probably find them.

They also have parking and it's only a short ride into Downtown.

It is a lovely place. I've also stayed there. However, it is not just a short ride to D.T.. It can be hellish getting across the Lions Gate bridge at times. It's nice if you don't mind driving. There are also many bed and breakfast options in the D.T. area. Barclay House, for instance, has little sitting rooms off the bedroom. You can find both of these bed and breakfasts (plus more) at the following web site.
http://www.wcbbia.com
Thats the site for the Western Canada Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers Association. Quality accommodation all inspected and approved by Tourism BC btw.

Sorry, Andrew_John and ginocat, but "a short ride into downtown" totally turns me off. I like being in "the thick of things" and actually love cities more than country or suburbs when traveling. We like popping in and out a dozen times a day and night and doing a lot of walking. Going back and forth in a car and parking each time is not a option for us. In fact if we are there a week, I somewhat doubt we will move the car at all. Besides, if it is a B&B in someone's home, I'm not comfortable. I don't even like staying in a friend's house, yet alone a stranger's. Sorry, I know some people love B&B's, but they aren't for us. I'm happy coming into a place and going to my room, not being greeted with "HI, what did you do today" and making a lot of smalltalk. And "group breakfasts" before my coffee makes me human isn't a good thing for me.
Wow. Guess now I sound like an old grouch, don't I?

I wouldn't recommend staying anywhere across the Lions Gate bridge, unless someone is planning on devoting their time to mountain hiking. The traffic is hellish for about two or three hours in the morning and two or three hours in the evening.

Sounds like Patrick has found his rental for next summer, but for anyone else looking, here are a few more suggestions:

The Vacation Rental by Owner website (http://www.vrbo.com) has several apartment rentals in downtown Vancouver. I stayed at one earlier this month -- a privately owned rental in the Lord Stanley Suites (next to Stanley Park). It was pleasant, modern, functional, just a bit "compact" for my son and I (the sleeper sofa, when opened, took up every inch of the living room).

There is a separate bedroom as well as a small den with desk and phone. It's on the 2nd floor with an enclosed sunroom that looks out to the harbor and faces Georgia St., so there's a fair amount of traffic noise at night.

Also it's quite handy to several bike rental places, and a block from Robson St. If you visit during the international fireworks competition, as we did, it's within easy walking distance to viewpoints above English Bay.

It did get a little warm in the suite -- there is a standing air conditioner and fans, but not central air. Luckily it was only hot out the last day we were there. We felt the difference when we stepped out to the hallway and lobby -- those DO have central A/C!

The price was great: $120/night Can with all taxes and parking included. The listing for this suite on vrbo is at http://www.vrbo.com/27622

Another place I've stayed at a few times is Meridian at 910 Beach. http://www.910beach.com/ They have several different kinds of suites, from studios to 2-bedrooms. The rooms are pleasant and modern, most have a balcony or sunroom too. I especially like the location -- its just about a half-block up from where the foot ferry goes across to Granville Island, at the bottom of Hornby St., I think. Also close to the big aquatic center, which I've walked by but not been in. And about 5 or 6 blocks down from Robson.

Sometimes they have specials, and they do charge a lower rate for 7 nights or more. Parking is extra. A/C is fine there.

Shelley in Seattle

Here's another one I've noticed. I've only seen it from the outside, though. Its location is very close to the Times Square suites.

http://www.robsonsuitesvancouver.com/

Good Day Patrick. I just happened to be doing some website upgrades and happened to come across this thread so I thought I would pop in.

I am the sales & marketing director for the Ramada Inn & Suites Downtown Vancouver.

I have read the comments regarding the hotels, area and suggestions from everyone. Let me give you my take.

I have worked here for 5 years now. While we are a little bit older area of the city (Ask me for the heritage photos)we are actually very safe and being the entertainment district, you will find people out and around Granville till all hours. It is easy to see how a visitor would mistake our area for not being aesthetically pleasing but that is primarily due to 75% of the buildings being about 100 years old and boutique in nature.

I would be pleased to look at the dates you need for next year and see what kind of a special rate we can come up with. I will quote on a suite and I will add breakfast in at no additional charge. Our hotel is AAA 3 diamond and Canad Select 3.5 star and recieved an outstanding housekeeping award of excellence from the BC/YUKON hotel association. We are at the top of the class in our Quality Assurance with our brand and I am sure you would feel not only quite safe here but very satisfied with your decsion to stay. If your not, I will pick up the phone and get you the best possible deal at the Meridian which, for your needs, was the best suggestion I saw in the thread.

In any case, thank you all for your feedback as I always strive to improve our property and the area around us. Your feedback is essential to that improvement.

[email protected]

Isn't this an interesting development. I'm thinking of emailing Scott and seeing what they offer, but I'm still concerned.
WillTravel, ginocat, and AnselmAdorne all mentioned how bad the area was. WillTravel, do you live in Vancouver? These didn't appear to be remarks by casual tourists who were just commenting on the age of the buildings. I know that we walked from the Wedgewood to Granville Island and don't recall it being bad, but again that's been a long time ago. And is the location of the above mentioned Meridian any better?
Times Square Suites still looks pretty good.

The area of the Ramada Inn is on Granville Street along the southern end of downtown which has been getting better over the past few years.

The area isn't what I'd call a "bad" neighbourhood - I've lived here all my life - but the neighbouring buildings are a mixture of older porn/pawn shops, top 40 night clubs and big chain hotels. There are 2-3 blocks that I'd call seedy, but even those are being renovated and turned into coffee shops and popular pubs.

One block to the east is the trendy Yaletown - skyscraping glass residential towers, boutiques, great restaurants and a new waterfront.

One block to the west and you're in the downtown business district - the court house and office towers, but soon it turns into the residential West End.

If you can stomach the occasional porn shop and panhandler on that block of Granville, that's as bad as the area's going to get. Reastically, the seedy block is getting smaller all the time.

Thanks, carmanah.

The porn shops sound interesting, but unfortunately I wasn't planning on taking along a pornograph to play it on.

Yes, I live in Vancouver and I work downtown. I associate the area around that Ramada hotel with porn shops, people hiding in doorways to shoot up heroin, and nasty-acting street kids (these are nastier than the ones you see elsewhere). It's true that it's much nicer a couple blocks away, but that particular block is one of my least favorite blocks in Vancouver (besides most of the downtown east side). As a woman, I am not at all terrified to walk through there and have many times, but knowing that someone appreciates aesthetically pleasing surroundings while on holiday, I wouldn't recommend staying there.

Thanks for the added input. I must confess it's easier to believe a resident than the manager of a hotel sitting in that area.

I'm still focusing on Times Square Suites. Jogging through Stanley Park in the early morning sounds a bit more inviting than strolling amongst the porn and druggies.

I won't get into an arguement over one's perception of our area but I will say that it's over a block to the nearest Porn Shop and we have 2 High Income condo's in our block, various restaurants and coffee shops, a used bookstore, musical instrument stores, a beer/wine making store, pharmacy and medical clinic along with a couple of higher end restaurants and lounges. I haven't seen a pan handler in my block in a couple of years and being here almost every day, I haven't seen anyone seedy hiding in a doorway or shooting up in my block in years.

With that said, the Meridian is a beautiful building mixed residential and condo rental right down on False Creek and while it's an uphill walk to most attractions downtown, you will be quite comfortable there and only a short ferry bus ride across the creek to Granville Island.

I'm sorry you have been given such a bad impression of my immediate area by a select few and would invite you, during your stay, to pop in for coffee and see for yourself. I'm sure your impression will be quite different from those read here.

topping...

and a little curious about which neighborhoods have gotten sketchy? I stayed in Vancouver in 95 and 97 and never saw a single panhandler or homeless person and always felt very safe. I suppose everything changes.