Some great info on this meassage board already. I noticed on one of the topics, the YWCA mentioned as a potential place in Vancouver - has anyone stayed here? Is it worth it (I'm going with my parents, and noted a rate for us, 2 beds, private bath is $132). Of course, there's no food or anything included, nor is there a mic or other similar amenities. So it looks as though $$ may add up with food and transportation (shopping and other interesting attractions don't seem to be in walking distance). Is it a safe, quiet area?

Any other recommendations - the trip is for mid-to-late July - looking for convenient, clean, affordable? I've checked various on-line sites (expedia, travelocity, helloBC) and got varying $ for same hotels, and they all seemd pricey (I guess it's high season and popular area).

Also, planning to spend a couple of nights in Victoria - any suggestions re: staying there? I've seen bus tours recommended for that, but if we plan to stay overnight, would that still be a good option? Sounds like bc ferries is the best bet to go there -I'm guessing I should be looking at the Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route? What's the best travel time for ferrying over?

I'll stop with the questions - thanks in advance for any help!

Try Priceline - you can get *two* 3* rooms in places like the Renaissance or Crowne Plaza for less than the one room you're looking at the Y for, can get 2 4*s at places like the Pinnacle, Hyatt Regency or Westin Bayshore for the same as the Y or just a couple of bucks more. Go to http://www.biddingfortravel.com for all the tips and other people's successful bids. I was looking at the Y for backup just in case, but I just got myself the Crowne Plaza for $42US/night (~$56Cdn) for a trip end of August/early Sept. on Priceline.

We stayed at the YWCA several years ago. It is extremely well located right in the middle of the downtown within walking distance of major attractions. Check out the website:
http://www.ywcahotel.com/
We found the accomodations fine. It is not fancy, but we never spend much time in a hotel room, anyway. I'd use cost as my criteria and not worry about location, that's for sure.

Thanks for the info. Priceline sounds good - unfortunately, as there are no guarantees re: things like #beds and no-smoking rooms, for this trip, we can't go with that (allergies).

I can tell that since we're booking now, the prices have all gone up!

Any comments on Best Western downtown (vancouver) ? or the 2 in Victoria? The vancouver one offers a free shuttle to various points like Stanley park and the ferry but I don't know re: its timing or whether it's really necessary if things are actually within walking distance anyway.

Would you stay there or YWCA? Is the YWCA area safe for e.g. getting in around 9-10 pm?

Thanks!

I recommend you stay at the YWCA hotel if all you really need is a clean bed and shower. It is located downtown in a safe area for walking around at night as their are alot of hotels in the near vicinity. It is within easy walking distance of many nice restaurants,downtown sights, bus stops, and one block to the sky train station if you feel you need to go further afield. The ywca also has a small coffee bar in the lobby where you can get morning coffee and muffins.
As far as your visit to Victoria is concerned You can take the bus from Downtown Vancouver (1 skytrain station from the ywca) onto the ferry and it will take you to downtown Victoria. All your Victoria sightseeing can be done basically on foot except visiting Butcharts Gardens which you can take a bus out to from downtown..either tour or city bus will get you there. Check out some of the earlier posts of people wanting to visit Victoria as useful info has been given along with website addresses and it seems silly to go through all the same info over again. Have a nice visit.

What's the best travel time for ferrying over? It doesn't really matter if you go by bus because you'll sail right onto the ferry whenever you decide to go. Unless things have changed on the ferries since they changed hands, the larger ferries run on the odd hours so you might want to try for one of those. They usually have better eating facilities.

I used to use priceline, but you are right, the no guarantees thing can bite you. I am constantly traveling on business, so I dont have that flexible of a schedule... check out orbitz, I have found some really great hotel deals there latley, and you know everything aobut your room before you get there