Canada - Good hotel choice in downtown Vancouver for a week's stay?

Any recommendations for a couple wanting to spend a week in the heart of the city?

Any recommendations for a couple wanting to spend a week in the heart of the city?

You'll find a lot of good suggestions in the Canada Forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/canada-462/). :)

Please follow as the thread moves to the Travel-Canada forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

Fairmont Pacific Rim is a nice new hotel.. and is regarded as one of the top if not the top..

There have been comments that its nicer than the Four Seasons..

There are discussions here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/canada/1190022-need-hotel-advice-vancouver-downtown.html) and here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/canada/1224243-best-hotel-vancouver-my-case.html) for starters.

I enjoyed the Wedgewood (http://www.wedgewoodhotel.com/files_2/accommodations.php) quite a number of years ago and the Four Seasons (http://www.fourseasons.com/vancouver/) also.

Then there's the Pan Pacific (http://www.panpacific.com/Vancouver/Overview.html?src=ppc_google_corporate_vancouver_b rand_officialsite&utm_source=google_tig&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=officialsite&utm_campaign=google_brand_vancouver_2011_na_ppyvr) and a significant number of other choices, depending on one's budget and preferences. I've known folks who raved about the quaintness and cost-effectiveness of the Sylvia Hotel (http://www.sylviahotel.com/), but I've never stayed there.

Best of luck finding one that's right for you. Asking here is a good start.

Define "good choice". Price? Hotel affiliation? Boutique?

Not luxury hotel price, nor a boutique hotel environment (don't like small hotels).

Something between $100-200 that's of good, international standard. Can be one of the big global chains. Downtown location. As this is a pleasure stay I'd prefer it doesn't look like a motel... ;)

I'm not sure whether it'll be available if you are not UK based but british airways website has an offer on for the Fairmont Pacific Rim at just under $200 / night including breakfast which seems to be a pretty good rate for that hotel. It includes breakfast too.

I'm not sure whether it'll be available if you are not UK based but british airways website has an offer on for the Fairmont Pacific Rim at just under $200 / night including breakfast which seems to be a pretty good rate for that hotel. It includes breakfast too.

This seems like a great offer indeed, what dates were you looking at?

I'll be in Vancouver between 20-29 Sept.

Nothing showing up for those dates, but when I try Sept. 20-25 I see the Pacific Rim at 1513 GBP, so just over 300 Pounds/night.

I'm looking at March next year (I like to plan ahead !!) - sorry to get your hopes up if it isn't on when you need to go. I'm not quite sure why I'm dithering and not booking but I can't seem to settle on a plan of where to stay for some reason.

Not luxury hotel price, nor a boutique hotel environment (don't like small hotels).

Something between $100-200 that's of good, international standard. Can be one of the big global chains. Downtown location. As this is a pleasure stay I'd prefer it doesn't look like a motel... ;)

Just referred a colleague to the Westin Grand. It's one of the newest in Vancouver and an all-suite hotel but doesn't have a full kitchen. Beside the Library, on Robson, and right in the middle of a very "happening" area. There's a supermarket down the block.

The Fairmont Pacific Rim is a great hotel but it's in the business district and is dead after 5 pm. Yes, you could walk to the shopping area, but why?

Any recommendations for a couple wanting to spend a week in the heart of the city?

A week? :eek: Hope you're planning other outside excursions, 'cause after 2 days you'll have seen it all.

Just referred a colleague to the Westin Grand. It's one of the newest in Vancouver and an all-suite hotel but doesn't have a full kitchen. Beside the Library, on Robson, and right in the middle of a very "happening" area. There's a supermarket down the block.

The Fairmont Pacific Rim is a great hotel but it's in the business district and is dead after 5 pm. Yes, you could walk to the shopping area, but why?

Being at a hotel on the harbour is where its' at..

We've stayed at the Fairmont Waterfront a number of times over the years, and its truly a nice experience with harbour views and all..

We plan to stay at the Fairmont Pacific Rim the next time we visit Vancouver.. I think this hotel is closer to Stanley Park then the Waterfront.. but walking the harbour side in peace and quiet isn't too bad imo..

Being at a hotel on the harbour is where its' at..

Po-ta-to, po-tah-to.

Lots of people don't like the hotels by the waterfront due to the distance from the more touristy shopping area. Also depends on the time of year. In the summer, while there's still light, it could be doable (Sept dates). Once it gets dark early (March dates), I would hate to be schlepping back and forth.

If you want a view, the Pan Pacific has far better views than the Fairmont Waterfront. You just don't get the Friends and Family (or whatever it's called) rate.

The tops in the city is the Rosewood Hotel Georgia -- it has the best hard product and hopefully service to match. It also has the hottest restaurant in town as well, Hawksworth.

For the OPs budget, the Sheraton Wall Centre can be had for $140 CAD or so on an Advance Purchase rate. The Holiday Inn Downtown may also work budget wise but the major chains will be north of $200 a night..

Hotel Vancouver may be a good choice of a accomodations..

you aren't paying for harbour views, but certainly a nice hotel in the middle of the business district..

Lots of people don't like the hotels by the waterfront due to the distance from the more touristy shopping area.

This is a bit of a red herring in a city like Vancouver with its relatively small downtown core. You're looking at 2-3 short blocks from the Waterfront to Pacific Center, maybe 6 blocks to Robson?

Fairmont Pacific Rim is a nice new hotel.. and is regarded as one of the top if not the top..

There have been comments that its nicer than the Four Seasons..

+1 for the Pacific Rim, but it's pricier than what the OP looking for.

Times Square Suites Hotel is a reasonably priced option. Well reviewed.

This is a bit of a red herring in a city like Vancouver with its relatively small downtown core. You're looking at 2-3 short blocks from the Waterfront to Pacific Center, maybe 6 blocks to Robson?

Your numbers are a little low.

Anyways, with the large number of hotels in the shopping core, I find most tourists (and even colleagues) want to stay there rather than by the waterfront. Again, it is dead after 6 pm.

Your numbers are a little low.

?

Walking out of the back of the Fairmont Waterfront finds you at Cordova and Howe.

One block to Hastings, then one block to Pender finds you here:

http://g.co/maps/ezu3

Again, it is dead after 6 pm.

There are all kinds of people strolling along the Coal Harbour Seawall in the evening.

You're at the very tip of Pacific Centre which was really made as an additional entrance but still a bit of a walk to the mall proper.

Other than strolling the seawall and popping into Urban Fare, not much else to do there. When it starts to get dark early or hits the rainy season, it's absolutely dead. I still say many people prefer to be closer to the shopping district knowing that there is a choice.

There are all kinds of people strolling along the Coal Harbour Seawall in the evening.

I'm not sure what OP means by saying dead?

When we were there last, it was pretty lively.. granted, it was after a playoff hockey game..

This is a bit of a red herring in a city like Vancouver with its relatively small downtown core. You're looking at 2-3 short blocks from the Waterfront to Pacific Center, maybe 6 blocks to Robson?

I'm with you. Don't know about the exact number of blocks, but it's not far. It's a small area and walking from the waterfront to the Pacific Center is short. Also, I wouldn't say that the waterfront is "dead." My last stay was at the Pacific Rim...and I had meetings at the Hyatt and I was very happy with my location.

I'm not sure what OP means by saying dead?

When we were there last, it was pretty lively.. granted, it was after a playoff hockey game..

Yeah, being there during a playoff game certainly skews the perception.


Also, I wouldn't say that the waterfront is "dead." My last stay was at the Pacific Rim...and I had meetings at the Hyatt and I was very happy with my location.


Considering my office faces the Pacific Rim (and have lost part of my water view because of them), I pretty much get to see what happens there year-round. If you feel the walk to/from the shopping area is doable, good for you. However, most people I know who visit Vancouver or my colleagues who are down here for more than 1-2 nights prefer not to be down there. Especially when the weather starts turning ugly.

Considering my office faces the Pacific Rim (and have lost part of my water view because of them), I pretty much get to see what happens there year-round. If you feel the walk to/from the shopping area is doable, good for you. However, most people I know who visit Vancouver or my colleagues who are down here for more than 1-2 nights prefer not to be down there. Especially when the weather starts turning ugly.

I dunno.. the quiet by the harbour is nice..

I mean you're paying for a nice view, or location, so the last thing I want is a party scene.. The walks along the water is nice if you can hear the waves and the wind blowing..

I mean you're paying for a nice view, or location, so the last thing I want is a party scene.. The walks along the water is nice if you can hear the waves and the wind blowing..

First off, staying in the shopping district doesn't mean it's the party scene. That area is far removed from the tourist areas.

And for those who want the view, I had always recommended the Pan Pacific over the Fairmont Waterfront. You're "over" the water for the view. I have had a few colleagues who have stayed at the Pacific Rim who have had positive experiences. Not sure if they meant the new-ness of the hotel or the view, though. However, given the new float plane terminal is on the doorstep, I'm not sure if the sound penetrates into some rooms or not. I can certainly hear it loud and clear when I'm at Mahoney & Sons.

First off, staying in the shopping district doesn't mean it's the party scene. That area is far removed from the tourist areas.

And for those who want the view, I had always recommended the Pan Pacific over the Fairmont Waterfront. You're "over" the water for the view. I have had a few colleagues who have stayed at the Pacific Rim who have had positive experiences. Not sure if they meant the new-ness of the hotel or the view, though. However, given the new float plane terminal is on the doorstep, I'm not sure if the sound penetrates into some rooms or not. I can certainly hear it loud and clear when I'm at Mahoney & Sons.

We've done the float plane years ago on a Waterfront Package..

The Pan Pacific seems nice from the outside.. the Pac Rim is considered the top hotel in the Vancouver downtown area..

The Waterfront I noticed has Canada Place accross the street, and a subway station accessible underground to get you where you need to go conveniently..

We've done the float plane years ago on a Waterfront Package..

I was referring to the noise, rather than suggesting a trip.

the Pac Rim is considered the top hotel in the Vancouver downtown area..

I would argue the Pac Rim has never held that distinction. Many would say that honour goes to the Shangri-La.

I was referring to the noise, rather than suggesting a trip.

I would argue the Pac Rim has never held that distinction. Many would say that honour goes to the Shangri-La.

The Waterfront hotel where we stayed at is generally sound proof, but you can hear some quiet noise if you stood still for a moment..

The Pacific Rim is pretty brand new, so the up and coming distinction has only been recent..

Up and coming... yes.

Top hotel... no.


And, I was referring to the noise at the Pac Rim. The float plane terminal was moved after the Olympics and it's causing some people from the Coal Harbour area to move out.

Up and coming... yes.

Top hotel... no.


And, I was referring to the noise at the Pac Rim. The float plane terminal was moved after the Olympics and it's causing some people from the Coal Harbour area to move out.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairmont-presidents-club/1048490-fairmont-pacific-rim.html

Opinions will differ.. I can't comment on either the Shangri La, or the Pacific Rim because I haven't stayed at either.. but certainly other FTers have.. definitely a tier above the Four Seasons..

Top hotel... no.

Agreed. I've stayed at all the Fairmonts downtown and the Pacific Rim would be at the bottom of my list. I was talking to a friend in Victoria last weekend, and unprompted he said the same thing. It's style and flash over substance we thought. If you're 25, stupid rich, and desperate to be "seen" then it's a great place. Otherwise, no thanks.

If we could compare to cars, the Pacific Rim is an Escalade with the pearl white paint and a gold trim package. The Hotel Vancouver is a Jaguar in British Racing Green.

Opinions will differ.. I can't comment on either the Shangri La, or the Pacific Rim because I haven't stayed at either.. but certainly other FTers have..

???? :confused: :confused: :td:

Then why the fart are you even still talking about it?

[QUOTE=Ancien Maestro;17079769]Opinions will differ.. I can't comment on either the Shangri La, or the Pacific Rim because I haven't stayed at either.. but certainly other FTers have..[q/uote]

???? :confused: :confused: :td:

Then why the fart are you even still talking about it?

I posted a link on the discussion for others to follow.. There have been comments that the Pacific Rim is the top hotel above Four Seasons, but arguably with Shangri-La in the fold..

I've made reference to the thread, as the topic is what is a Good hotel choice in downtown Vancouver for a week's stay..

While others may disagree that the Pacific Rim may be the best hotel, its certainly one of the best hotels in downtown Vancouver, and certainly fits the good category of this thread..

While others may disagree that the Pacific Rim may be the best hotel, its certainly one of the best hotels in downtown Vancouver, and certainly fits the good category of this thread..

Do you like talking about things you have no personal experience with?

Do you like talking about things you have no personal experience with?

Actually, I've been to Vancouver a number of times and stayed downtown Vancouver a number of times.. so I do have firsthand experience with the hotels around Canada Place.

The Pacific Rim Hotel is a new Fairmont I've been meaning to visit, but haven't had the pleasure of being able to.. But I've heard its beyond ordinary..

I've talked to Fairmont managers, as well as other FlyerTalkers who have stayed at the Pacific Rim hotel, both PM, on FlyerTalk and in person..

Do you like talking about things you have no personal experience with?

Just because you didn't understand the first time around...

Just because you didn't understand the first time around...

I just told you I have experience with staying in downtown Vancouver.. or can you read?

I enjoyed the Blue Horizon Hotel. It's location was decent, the building was very nice, and all of the rooms had balconies. The price was also quite reasonable.

http://www.bluehorizonhotel.com/

the Pac Rim is considered the top hotel in the Vancouver downtown area..

I can't comment on either the Shangri La, or the Pacific Rim because I haven't stayed at either..

Yup. Real quality recommendation backed up by "experience" with downtown Vancouver. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :td:

I enjoyed the Blue Horizon Hotel. It's location was decent, the building was very nice, and all of the rooms had balconies. The price was also quite reasonable.

http://www.bluehorizonhotel.com/

On another note, the Blue Horizon is in a great location.

Yup. Real quality recommendation backed up by "experience" with downtown Vancouver. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :td:



You're misquoting me as I've provided a link in the discussion as reference:td:

If you're going to quote me, then I would advise that you would include all of the quotes, or an indication with the use of ... not just selective ones.. Please review the TOS.

yup, fairmont is the way to go. Vancouver is so nice, such a different change from central canada.

yup, fairmont is the way to go. Vancouver is so nice, such a different change from central canada.

Welcome to FlyerTalk!

I find that there is quite a few selections of Fairmonts to choose from.. one of my favorites right at YVR.. updated sound proof rooms, fully automated..

The three central Fairmonts in downtown Vancouver are excellent, and certainly a great choice.. I found the Fairmont Empress a pleasant surprise accross the channel.. very historic with nice Bay views.. a bit of a break if wanting to explore Vancouver island.. and Chateau Whistler is an excellent choice up Sea to Sky..

But staying in Vancouver, the harbour Fairmont hotels is where its at.. and always worth to pay a bit extra for the views..

If staying at Waterfront, I would recommend the signature room, which is corner two sided room to give yourself 180 degree plus views..

I found the Fairmont Empress a pleasant surprise accross the channel..

I have got to disagree with this. While I generally do think Fairmont has very good properties, the Empress is an old dowager that lives only on reputation.

I have personally stayed there a few times and the rooms are shabby, haven't been updated since the 19th century, and are a size that was suitable a century ago. Virtually all the rooms do not have air conditioning.

If you're going there to have the afternoon tea, fine, service is superb. If you're going there for their hard product, it's a surprise all right, just not a pleasant one. I'd much rather stay at the modern Marriott a block away.

I have got to disagree with this. While I generally do think Fairmont has very good properties, the Empress is an old dowager that lives only on reputation.

I have personally stayed there a few times and the rooms are shabby, haven't been updated since the 19th century, and are a size that was suitable a century ago. Virtually all the rooms do not have air conditioning.

If you're going there to have the afternoon tea, fine, service is superb. If you're going there for their hard product, it's a surprise all right, just not a pleasant one. I'd much rather stay at the modern Marriott a block away.

I guess my experience at the Fairmont Empress is very different.. I and my wife were consistently greeted by the staff each time we entered, by Mr.and Mrs. Maestro..

The one bedroom suite we stayed in was superb, and the furniture, decor, fireplace, size of room was not only updated, and renovated, but spacious.. The view of the Harbour and Water was inspiring.. We like traditional.. and the prices are reasonable.. Perhaps quite a different experience one can have when staying there.. I found the architecture and the hospitality remarkable..

Our experience at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler was excellent with Gold Service.. We stayed there for our anniversary one year in the Presidential Suite overlooking the front of the hotel.. It was 1,800+ sq ft and the Great Room and windows were 2 stories high.. couple of bathrooms, and a nice grand fireplace..

The service at the Empress is superb. The hard product isn't. This sentiment was shared by all my colleagues at a recent conference there.

I agree the Chateau Whistler is good - mind you, it's built over a century later. Virtually identical to the Fairmont Mont Tremblant. However, I didn't mention Whistler so not sure why you're trying to change the subject.

The service at the Empress is superb. The hard product isn't. This sentiment was shared by all my colleagues at a recent conference there.

I agree the Chateau Whistler is good - mind you, it's built over a century later. Virtually identical to the Fairmont Mont Tremblant. However, I didn't mention Whistler so not sure why you're trying to change the subject.

I'm addressing the hotels because you are saying I don't have experience with Vancouver hotels.. and by the latest response, it looks like you don't think I have experience with Empress nor Whistler neither..

This year alone, we've travelled 53 nights to Fairmont Hotels and Resorts throughout North America..

Big deal. I'm not pimping the F&F deal.

I've been to all the hotels I've mentioned, unlike you who has been outed for giving glowing opinions on hotels you've never stayed at.

I can definitely recommend the Century Plaza Hotel in downtown Vancouver. Great place to stay, good location (right next to the Sheraton) and views, and a very decent price compared to some of the rip-off offers out there.

Big deal. I'm not pimping the F&F deal.

I've been to all the hotels I've mentioned, unlike you who has been outed for giving glowing opinions on hotels you've never stayed at.

I've been to the hotels I mentioned as well.. except the newest Fairmont, which has garnered rave reviews by FTers..

We plan to visit the next time in the area..

Sigh.... :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

After experiencing public transit in greater Vancouver (and after driving around in downtown without a clue where I was going), I pretty much decided I wasn't going to book down there on future trips. Is this somehow a mistake? Gotta save me more than a few bucks.

After experiencing public transit in greater Vancouver (and after driving around in downtown without a clue where I was going), I pretty much decided I wasn't going to book down there on future trips. Is this somehow a mistake? Gotta save me more than a few bucks.

Vancouver downtown can be overwhelming if you don't know the city..

But once you get to know the city, its pretty easy to navigate around.. especially if you're staying near the harbour and by Stanley Park..

The only problems I've encountered is that from 3 pm (up to 6pm I think) a lot of streets have no left turn, which makes things difficult. But overall I don't think you will find a city anywhere in the world (of this size) where the downtown area is so easy to drive in. Piece of cake if you ask me, easy to park, and no heavy traffic at all.

Vancouver downtown can be overwhelming if you don't know the city..

What? The downtown core is small, and is an easy-to-follow grid system. Compared to somewhere like Boston it's a breeze.

...and please don't take this the wrong way LuvAirFrance, but I find your posts about Vancouver very odd. Tales about driving across the border and roaming about the suburbs then heading back, tales about public transit weirdness, now mention of downtown... It's a puzzle.

What? The downtown core is small, and is an easy-to-follow grid system. Compared to somewhere like Boston it's a breeze.

...and please don't take this the wrong way LuvAirFrance, but I find your posts about Vancouver very odd. Tales about driving across the border and roaming about the suburbs then heading back, tales about public transit weirdness, now mention of downtown... It's a puzzle.

The point is.. the confusions of many cities chunked into one.. which is why getting to know the city makes it easier to navigate and know where downtown is.

I agree, for myself its relatively simple city.. but it took a few days to get a feel for the suburbs and Vancouver downtown..

Piece of cake if you ask me, easy to park, and no heavy traffic at all.
^ Loooove the easy parking.

Fairmont Pacific Rim is great, but surprised nobody mentioned the Shangri-La? You might be able to get it for under $200 a night, I've done it before.

^ Loooove the easy parking.

Fairmont Pacific Rim is great, but surprised nobody mentioned the Shangri-La? You might be able to get it for under $200 a night, I've done it before.

Shangri La has been mentioned yes..

No doubt, it sounds like a place to definitely try out..

I agree, for myself its relatively simple city.. but it took a few days to get a feel for the suburbs and Vancouver downtown..

I had that feeling too, wondering what I'm doing here for the first few days after choosing this city for a 9-day holiday. And I used to live in Washington State for a bit so it's not like this part of the world is new to me. Got used to it though and now my recollections of Vancouver as a city are quite positive, even though there's no way in the world I would choose to move there from Singapore if such a job offer was presented to me (and before anyone asks, I'm just a Western expat living in SIN).

I enjoyed the location of the Century Plaza Hotel as it's right next to the Sheraton - a perfect, central location (The Fairmont Pacific Rim/Waterfront are located on the north end). Plus you get great deals there on 1-bdr suites. I considered the Shangri-La and passed by it a handful of times, but it doesn't strike me as a place I would choose to stay at in Vancouver. Apparently it's just an office tower where a number of floors were leased out to include a hotel, so it doesn't seem like there is much of a hotel atmosphere at all.

One hotel which I would like to give a go one day is the Sutton Place Hotel, though I don't believe I saw it listed when I was checking out rates and availability on Expedia...

The Shangri-La is considered the top hotel in Vancouver. It's not an office tower but follows the current style of selling the top floors as condos and running a hotel on the bottom floors. In fact, the Shangri-La penthouse was recently sold as the most expensive penthouse in Vancouver, ~ $20M.

Personally, I have stayed in both the Sutton Place (1 month stay). The Sutton Place is a fine hotel with great service. As I mentioned in another thread, their in-house resto (Fleuri) is excellent.

Sounds like I said something to make someone defensive. I came to Vancouver the first time with no map at all. I was so sold on Google maps I thought "the age of paper is over". But I found the wireless connection from my laptop was very weak. I hardly got to get online for mapping trips at all. And I didn't have any kind of paper with me to consult before diving right into downtown Vancouver. I don't think people who've been there a few times have any idea or memory what that's like. I didn't know where anything was. Also, I made things harder by crossing the Peace Arch crossing. My niece said they never never use that because the Sumas crossing involves less mileage from Ft. Langley where they lived and Bellingham where they were going. If I'd at least gotten that route on paper before leaving home, I'd have had the benefit of their many years in the area. Once I got out to Ft. Langley, they told me all sorts of things. And then I got a `paper map that helped more. Nowadays I start trips with some carefully chosen routes printed on paper. I still want to travel electronic, but the gas I burnt by trying that once cured me of depending on it exclusvely.

I still want to travel electronic

I don't have one as I still use paper 'gas station' maps, but most of my friends have a Garmin or TomTom GPS. They just stick it to their windshield and plug it into the car's 12V outlet - Allows them to travel 100% electronically.

Sounds like I said something to make someone defensive. I came to Vancouver the first time with no map at all. I was so sold on Google maps I thought "the age of paper is over". But I found the wireless connection from my laptop was very weak. I hardly got to get online for mapping trips at all. And I didn't have any kind of paper with me to consult before diving right into downtown Vancouver. I don't think people who've been there a few times have any idea or memory what that's like. I didn't know where anything was. Also, I made things harder by crossing the Peace Arch crossing. My niece said they never never use that because the Sumas crossing involves less mileage from Ft. Langley where they lived and Bellingham where they were going. If I'd at least gotten that route on paper before leaving home, I'd have had the benefit of their many years in the area. Once I got out to Ft. Langley, they told me all sorts of things. And then I got a `paper map that helped more. Nowadays I start trips with some carefully chosen routes printed on paper. I still want to travel electronic, but the gas I burnt by trying that once cured me of depending on it exclusvely.

What threw for a loop is understanding the ferry and how to go about crossing it.. Once on, there is a cafe, and it was easy to navigate..

The ferry runs on a schedule.. and questioned at first how to line up, where to pay, how to go about for a return.. Now that I've got the hang of it, no problem.. I guess there are quite a few who ride the ferry to work and back every day..

The street I remember to go downtown from YVR is Granville Street.. been years since we've visited, but I'm sure we'll be booking to go back soon as we have a Amex Aeroplat free short haul reward 2 for 1 redemption..

The Shangri-La is considered the top hotel in Vancouver. It's not an office tower but follows the current style of selling the top floors as condos and running a hotel on the bottom floors. In fact, the Shangri-La penthouse was recently sold as the most expensive penthouse in Vancouver, ~ $20M.

Personally, I have stayed in both the Sutton Place (1 month stay). The Sutton Place is a fine hotel with great service. As I mentioned in another thread, their in-house resto (Fleuri) is excellent.

I don't consider the Shangri-La to be the tops in the city -- poor service, poor F&B, and poorly designed rooms. For hard product, the Rosewood is the hotel to beat and if they nail their service they will be tops in the city.

I don't consider the Shangri-La to be the tops in the city -- poor service, poor F&B, and poorly designed rooms. For hard product, the Rosewood is the hotel to beat and if they nail their service they will be tops in the city.

Funny.. there is a new Rosewood by the Fairmont at Mayakoba Riviera Maya.. These hotels seemed to be grouped together.. and those are a couple of hotels to beat in the area, together with Maromas..

The name Rosewood keeps surfacing.. perhaps it'll warrant a try sometime..

I don't have one as I still use paper 'gas station' maps, but most of my friends have a Garmin or TomTom GPS. They just stick it to their windshield and plug it into the car's 12V outlet - Allows them to travel 100% electronically.

Before I made my first trip, I really didn't get the GPS thing. But then I drove so many unnecessary miles that it clicked for me. All that burnt gas for nothing. People who put a lot more miles than I do on cars can pay a major part of the cost of GPS just by not wandering so much.

Before I made my first trip, I really didn't get the GPS thing. But then I drove so many unnecessary miles that it clicked for me. All that burnt gas for nothing. People who put a lot more miles than I do on cars can pay a major part of the cost of GPS just by not wandering so much.

Got a GPS finally in our brand new Toyota Sienna AWD Limited.. and started to use the thing..

Its' only as good as the updated disc that's in the van.. We searched for Laser Quest location, and was led to the old location.. wasting time..:rolleyes:

I have heard some complaints like that. That's why “electronic” is more inclusive than just GPS. I think GPS might be just another of those electronic tools that is as good as the user. Might have to spend some time exploring what it can and cannot do. I still think I'll forecast some routes I'll need and get them on my hard drive, on paper, or on both.