We are arriving in Vancouver the day before our cruise ship leaves this August. We just have one night, a family of four. What hotel do you recommend??

Downtown Vancouver is incredibly small, walkable and compact, so you don't *have* to stay directly next to the cruise ship port. For a family of four, I'd stay at the Westin Bayshore because it's on Burrard Inlet, so you can see all the boat traffic (including other cruise ships debarking and arriving), and the seaplanes taking off and landing. The mountains are literally right there, just across the water, and it's on the seawall - a popular walkway for walking, jogging, cycling, rollerblading, etc... which follows the entire perimeter of downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park. The Bayshore's next to Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium, as well as a short walk away from the great restaurants along Denman Street, and an easy walk down Denman to English Bay for a beach and a great sunset.

It would be a $5 cab ride to the cruise ship terminal.

We (2 couples) used Priceline and got the Hyatt (655 Burrard St) for $79/night plus taxes. We were pleasantly surprised with our rooms. We had room 614 non smoking and they had 801 smoking. Both rooms were very large with big balconies (not all rooms had balconies). The rooms had two double beds, large desk, easy chair, armoire w/TV, minibar, coffee service, bathrobes, irons/ironing board, and large bathroom. Neither of our balconies had any furniture. Ours overlooked the pool area and theirs was a corner room that overlooked the old church that was being restored and had a view of the water and mountains.

We were right downtown, in the thick of things, and a very short taxi ride away from the cruise terminal.

Hope this helps,
Sandy (in Denton)

Thank you! It helps tremendously to know there's no real need to stay near the cruise ship terminal.

Hey, Sandy. What did you request on Priceline? I have never used it because I'm skeered. But I might be game. How many stars? Can you request downtown?

Peggi, I don't want to highjack this thread, I just want to piggyback on it because I'm looking for the same thing.

The last time I stayed at Days Inn, which, while not luxurious, was well located--walked to a nice dinner on the port and the next morning walked to see our ship and shop for wine in local shops. Plus they had a free shuttle to the ship. (Obviously not a problem) This time they appear to be pretty booked up, so I am looking at the Westin (or at least was till Sandy came up with the Hyatt).

You did neglect to indicate a price range, which might help people wanting to give advice. With us, we're trying to stay around $200 US. (Be aware that there's a 17% tax, which pretty much hacks off the difference between US/CAD.)

If you want to bid on Priceline, look at www.betterbidding.com and www.biddingfortravel.com. Hotwire might also be a good choice. If you bid for a four-star hotel on Priceline in Vancouver and are successful, you will get one of several very nice hotels that are conveniently located.

The cruise ships dock next to the Pan Pacific Hotel which is where I would stay if I were going on a cruise.

See
http://vancouver.panpacific.com/

Pre cruise next week
I just paid 125USD for a night at the Hyatt for August. On priceline I bid 4*hotel in dwntwn Vanc $125 and that is what I got. I thought it was a great deal since I was orig booked at Days inn downtown for 180/night but it looks like others have paid less than 100.

sorry, just realised this post was in 2005. please disregard!