So many choices, but we're planning to visit Vancouver next summer and need help deciding on a "GREAT" classy hotel in good location and that's really worth the splurge. Also looking for some unique restaurants that have great food. Anyone have a favorite DIM SUM place in Vancouver that's comparable to the great ones in Chinatown in San Francisco?
THANKS!

Whenever this subject comes up, I always jump in with a recommendation for the Wedgewood. It's a wonderful hotel and very well-located. It's what you might call a "boutique" hotel - small and elegant, with a fantastic restaurant.

The three best 'GREAT classy hotels in 'good locations' are first, the Pan Pacific on the harbour above the convention centre and Canada Place cruise ship terminal; the Sutton Place in the centre of downtown only steps away from the Robson Street upscale shopping area; and the Westin Bayshore on Coal Harbour just a block from Stanley Park and the West End. The first two are AAA Five diamond Hotels and unless you prefer shopping over scenery the Pasn Pacific is the one I'd choose. The Bayshore has more of a resort feel to it and while it provides a free shuttle to the downtown core about ten blocks away its not as centrally located.

With all due respect to San Francisco, Vancouver's Chinese community and therefore its restaurants are much more comparable to Hong Kong and Taiwan than anything in North America. Although I rarely indulge in Dim Sum because it's so damn fattening it's a virtual religion with many people both Chinese and non. In the downtown area Kirin and Victoria restaurants are supposed to have a strong following but I would ask your concierge his or her opinion which would probably be more attuned than mine. Also I'm sure you'll hear from others on this line as well.

Would second the Wedgewood recommendation; stayed there in Sept 2003 and the location, ambience, and service was excellent. We love walking, and did not use our car the whole time we stayed in Vancouver. Got a good rate on a junior suite by calling the hotel after looking at their website deals.

Simply Thai is a fantastic Yaletown restaurant, spicy Thai cooking and a nice selection - do try the purple dumplings. Blue Water Cafe, also in Yaletown, was truly inspired seafood and a nice wine selection (by the glass) but slow (relaxed?) service. Our favorite two meals: C, outside on the waterfront - perfect from beginning to end; and dim sum in Chinatown at Floata on Keefer St, near the Sun Yat Sen Garden. Floata is huge; the people eating in there were almost all Asian (we are not) but the servers were very nice and helpful to us. Only familiar with tea houses in NYC so can't compare to SF's restaurants.

Dorothy

I prefer the Metropolitan Hotel. Have stayed there many times and have found the location and service both superior. Try chowhound.com for the best suggestions for eating- and while you're at it don't miss Vij's Indian restaurant. Fabulous!

Loved our dining experience at Bluewater in Yaletown when we were there in Jan. Fantastic food and service. Also really like Cin Cin on Robson for Italian.