Thanks, Stephen. In that case, I'll try to take advantage of the BC transit pass though I still plan on renting a car for 1 day to go to North Van. Yeah, both Sutton Place and Hyatt sound very nice making it hard for me and my friend to make the final decision. We have already eliminated the Waterfront due to location. (We were able to get B&B package deals for all 3 hotels for the same price.) I'm leaning toward the Sutton Place for its reputed service; but my friend has a slight preference for Hyatt for the skytrain station, a larger room and the fact it is the official event hotel (meaning more chances to bump into celebrity skaters). Well, we'll have to make a decision soon. Thanks again.

Thanks Lidija. My only concern is the weather. Won't mind walking to GM Place if it's dry. If I'm getting the transit pass, I might as well make full use and take the skytrain unless the Stadium Station is not that close to GM Place.

Hey Terry, <BR> <BR>The Sutton Place is located in a main part of downtown Vancouver on Burrard Street (at the Robson/Burrard intersection). The closest skytrain station to the Sutton Place is the Burrard Station, only one block and a half north down from the hotel. As long as you bring an umbrella (if it rains), skytrain to the Stadium skytrain station. GM Place is just across the street. <BR> <BR>Keep in mind, it does rain a lot in Vancouver, but it's not likely to be a continuous downpour where you'd get drenched if you go outside. The rain might fall for a few minutes lightly... on and off. Nothing too major. It's just that it does the on-and-off often. ;) But don't cancel out walking a few blocks because of the rain. Bring a waterproof jacket and an umbrella like you would in any other place. <BR> <BR>The PNE grounds are about a 20 minute bus ride east of downtown, and you'd probably be taking the "Hastings" bus. Now, keep in mind that this bus will pass through the downtown eastside, which is Vancouver's seediest area. It's not dangerous. It's not violent. It's just kind of grimey for a few blocks. But before you know it, you'll be driving through Chinatown, out of the downtown area, and finally you'll get to the Hastings/Renfrew intersection where you'll get off. You're there. :) <BR> <BR>But bus travel is extremely safe. Everyone uses it... (unlike some other cities where only the poor use it). You're bound to see many other people on the bus headed the same way. I'm sure once you get to your hotel (wherever you decide to stay), the staff there can provide more detailed information for you. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps!

Robyn's advice is good. <BR>If you're looking to bump into celebrity skaters, then you may have more of a chance to do so at the "official" hotel, the Hyatt. If you want to see hollywood celebrities, there is no better place than the Sutton Place. Because of Vancouver's proximity to Los Angeles, and the excellent exchange rate for Americans, many "Hollywood" movies, television series and t.v. movies are filmed in Vancouver. The Sutton Place has a long term stay wing which many celebrities use while in Vancouver. You can often see them in the lobby and in the hotel bar in the evening. I had my wedding reception at the Sutton Place and while there saw Kirstie Alley, Adam Sandler, Henry Winkler, Ray Liotta and Sally Kellerman (from the movie MASH). <BR> <BR>As you can see, I am biased towards the Sutton Place. The rooms are very nice and it is smaller than the Hyatt. They even have an incredible chocolate buffet in the restaurant in the evenings!

Just a note - The Hyatt & The Sutton Place are just 5 minute walks away from eachother.

Hi, just want to pop in to thank everyone who have given me advice on Vancouver. I have returned from my Worlds trip and had a great time there. My friend and I did stay at the Sutton Place after all. I originally had a reservation for a hotel room at $179(CAD). Since my friend was hoping for the convenience of a kitchen as we would be there for a week, I kept looking and finally found availability at the apartment wing of the Sutton Place at the incredible rate of $149 including breakfast, parking and free health club for a one bedroom suite with full kitchen. At check-in, they even upgraded us to a two bedroom suite with 1-1/2 bath voluntarily upon knowing we were two non-couple guests. <BR> <BR>All the staff we have come across were very well-trained and helpful. I did ask to see a room on the hotel side. The primary difference between the two wings is the bathroom. The hotel rooms have more luxury marble bathrooms though the apartments' are certainly clean, neat and functional. I wouldn't call Sutton Place the most luxury hotel I've visited. I've seen hotel rooms with more space and more attractive decor. But their service and staff training are definitely worth mentioning. Another one that comes to mind is the Park Hyatt in San Francisco. One tip on Sutton Place is somehow their phone-in rates are always higher than the web rates. <BR> <BR>We only had a rental car for 2 days and ended up walking to GM Place most of the time. It was actually a nice short walk since the weather was gorgeous for most of last week. Didn't try the bus but did take a cab when we wanted to go further out. We did go to Cafe de Paris, a Chinese restaurant called Sun Shui Wah and a sushi place called Kamei Royale. All of them were quite good. I meant to try Diva and the "C" too, but didn't have time. Room service at the Sutton Place by Fleuri was not bad either. <BR> <BR>All in all, it was a very enjoyable trip. Thanks again for all the tips.

Hi Maria <BR>check out www.vancouver.com for the best suggestions on what to do in Vancouver. All tips so far are great, I live in Vancouver and love Granville Island and Robson street. In the summer you may want to make a reservation, it gets very busy sometimes.

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