I just landed a Priceline bid on 2 rooms at the Pacific Palisades in Vancouver. I'm not particularly overjoyed, as I was hoping for perhaps Sheraton Wall, Hyatt, or Westin. But I was wondering if anybody has stayed there lately, and has any comments about it. (The reviews I saw on www.biddingfortravel are very different from opinions on tripadvisor.)

Hi again Sludick. The Pacific Palisades isn't as high end as the hotels you mention but I like it. We used to book it when we wanted to get away from Victoria to the "big City". We always had very nice rooms, clean, great staff and I like the location on Robson.

Thanks. I've never had this much trouble getting a good rate in this city. Finally I just gave up and bid $145/night, got this one.

Are you already in Oregon?

HI again. I am packing as we speak - we are leaving in the morning. I have booked a couple of places through VRBO that look great - priced right and take a little dog. We are going to spend a month away from this heat so will be great to walk on the beach everyday. Let me know when your trip up here is and I will update you on the fruit and veggie situation. I found a new vegetable farm all organic and just delicious. I think you are coming in Sept???

Yes, September. We'll start out by coming up 97 through Osoyoos (from Washington state) on September 8, taking a driving tour to Banff. We'll be back through there on September 15. Then, September 16-21 we will be in Vancouver & Vancouver Island area.

We'll be traveling with another couple who are apple lovers.

Enjoy Oregon!