ReillyQ

Hi
We are spending 4 nights in Vancouver before a cruise. Since we have Marriott points, we are planning to use them at one of the 2 hotels above. So far the only difference may be the Pinnacle is more upscale (which does not matter to us) and the location (about a mile apart).
Does anyone know which hotel might be a better location? We have never been to Vancouver and plan to spend one day visiting Victoria. We are retired, but do not mind walking.
Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Mary Ann

BC_Robyn

All of downtown Vancouver is walkable, so for that reason, it really doesn't matter. The Pinnacle is a little bit nicer and a slightly closer walking distance to Stanley Park, the seawall, and the shopping/dining stretches of Robson Street. The immediate few blocks are mostly sterile 1970s-era office towers and little restaurants and cafes that are open 9-5 that cater to those very office workers. At night, the immediate vicinity's really quiet and less vibrant, but the reality is that you're only a short walk away from the more interesting, more vibrant areas like Robson Street or Denman Street.

The Delta is next to the entrance of Gastown, which is a tiny historic district popular amongst tourists - great for dining and drinking. Saying that, Gastown is also a bit gritty, with more street people (who you'll see all over Vancouver - they're not dangerous, just sad) begging and approaching tourists for spare change. There are also more soup kitchens in/around that area, interspersed with ESL schools, small cafes and restaurants that cater to students, office workers, and such. And again, you're just seconds away from some really trendy restaurants and cocktail lounges and wine bars - hip, artsy, with that edge of poverty lurking around the corners.

If you're from a big city like Chicago, New York, San Francisco, etc. then you won't even bat an eye at any of this. If you're from a small town or suburbia, you might find the Delta less in your comfort zone and you might be more comfortable at the Pinnacle.

Either way, both choices are good.

Regarding a day trip to Victoria, do realize that it takes about 4 hours to get to Victoria one way (if you're going by ferry), so a day trip is a really long, long day. It's 8 hours of travel. If you're going to do a day trip, it's ideal to do it by flying via Harbour Air, as that way it's only a 35 minute flight each way, so you only spend an hour and a half in transit and can maximize your time in Victoria.

ReillyQ

Thanks for your detailed reply on hotels, locations and Victoria. I think we will try the Delta.