Westin Bayshore
 

Hi all, I'm going to Vancouver from Aug 15th to Aug 20th, and am staying at the Westin Bayshore. Any comments/experiences regarding the hotel? How far is it from the downtown area, restaurants, etc. <BR>Thanks

It's an excellent location, right on the water, next to Stanley Park, and within a 15 minute walk to the main shopping areas (keeping in mind that there are restaurants and shops all over the downtown area). You'll never NOT find a place to eat, however, you'll be staying near Cardero's (which is on the waterfront at Coal Harbour... just east of the Westin Bayshore on the seawall) - I suggest going there for a dinner. <BR><BR>You are essentially staying in downtown Vancouver, in the "West End" which is of course, the western end of downtown. You'll be near the foot of Denman Street. Denman Street has tons of little hole in the wall restaurants. Robson Street (which is a few blocks south of where you're staying) is the city's main shopping area if you're looking for name brand boutiques.<BR><BR>To give you an idea of the restaurants in the city, take a look at: http://www.vanmag.com/diningout/westcoast.html<BR><BR>

wow - thanks for the thoughtful response Robyn

Any idea what the rooms are like? I booked through priceline, so I wouldnt be surprised if I dont get a great room, but I was jsut curiuos as to what people's experiences were.<BR>Thanks

The worst rooms would probably be more a matter of location than size. I've stayed in a number of the rooms and they've all been at least a decent size although not all the views are great is spite of the fantastic location. Also some rooms are beside maid's rooms or elvators, etc. which makes them less quiet than others. I think if you specify a Harbour or park view and a quiet location you shouldn't have a problem.

We stayed there last year and had probably what would be a "worst room". That means absolutely no view whatsoever. But since the time we spent in the room was sleeping -- who cares?<BR><BR>The location is wonderful. Walk along the waterfront and watch the seaplanes land and take off.<BR><BR>A few blocks in one direction and you can rent bikes and ride thru Stanley Park -- that was awesome.<BR><BR>A few more blocks and you are down on English Bay -- quite an interesting neighborhood! Wonderful place for a sunset!<BR><BR>In another direction is Gastown!<BR><BR>We did a lot of walking cause we were there during the bus strike but it was great. We also took that Trolley Tour thing where you can get off and on...saw a great museum that way...and rode a real refurbished trolley after we left Granville<BR><BR>Wonderful time in Vancouver..and we are returning with friends in Sept!

thanks for your responses

Just out of curiosity, Gary, as a Vancouverite, why have you stayed at the Bayshore a number of times?

Once, in a silent auction, I purchased a 'dirty weekend' for my wife and I at the Bayshore. And yes it was 'dirty'. Another time as a patron of a function I was comped a room there and decided to use it rather than go home with a few drinks under my belt. I hope that satisfies your curiosity.

The Westin Bayshore operates a free shuttle service to the 'downtown' area. I think it runs twice an hour, to one downtown stop, near Eaton's.<BR><BR>The hotel is lovely, with gracious, spacious public areas, indoor and outdoor pools, and health club. (It bills itself as a hotel/resort.)<BR><BR>I agree with gary's caution about noise. Our room was located next to the elevator, which we heard only from the bathroom , not our guestroom.

does the shuttle run 24 hours? Additionally, is the hotel walking distance from the downtown area?

The day we asked--Sunday, I think--the last shuttle run was about 6:30 pm.<BR>Downtown is within walking distance (but after walking the Stanley Park seawall and then some, I was happy to catch a ride for a few blocks!)<BR><BR>Also, we found the public transportation system very easy to use. Bus drivers were remarkably courteous and helpful. #10-UBC takes you to the University of British Columbia campus with its Museum of Anthropology (First Nations civilizations--try to take one of the free guided tours); rose garden with view across the city and the water;<BR>and Japanese reflection garden.<BR><BR>We also used the bus to get to Chinatown (our 11 am tour from the Chinese Cultural Center was just the two of us and the guide!), to Van Dusen garden, and to dinner one evening on West Broadway.

Essentially the Westin Bayshore is *in* downtown Vancouver. It's just a few blocks away from the main shopping blocks of Robson Street... but it's not OUTSIDE of downtown, or away from attractions. It's just not on the same street as the main shopping malls are on... but it's nothing a short walk can't fix.

Gary, would this be the function you are referring to?: <BR><BR>http://www.jccgv.com/home/fiesta_viva.htm

Actually it was the one the year before. This year I went home quite sober.

Well congratulations anyhow. It was a nice honor they gave you.

Thanks. I'm very impresed with your detective work!

It was easy. I just put your name into Yahoo!

Some of the views are very impressive.<BR><BR>We (wife and 2 kids) stayed there a few years agoand were upgraded to a Jr. suite.<BR><BR>We were on an upper floor corner location with fantastic views of the harbor and city from the two balconies.