Hilton HHonors - Hilton HHonors Properties in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

What Hilton Hotel property would you recommend in the Vancouver area. I am look for a good location (central to all the stuff you do in Vancouver), good value, liberal upgrades, nice accomadations. Basically I want the best of everything and want to pay as little as possible for it http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif. If you could share the rate of the hotel you recommend, it would be appreciated,

I plan on using some of my HHonors points for this vacation trip.

I stayed at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown in August. The property is either quite new or very recently renovated. Spotless. HHonors floor, large corner room, quick/efficient check-in. Rate was ? CDN 129 including b'fast.

However, the hotel has a "suburban" shopping mall/conference center location 20 minutes by car to downtown attractions. The public transit train is very nearby if that's an option for you.

Earlier that week I had stayed at the airport Hilton. Similar positives. If you're a light sleeper and on the "wrong" side of the hotel, be warned that some aircraft approaches will sound VERY close. Rate CDN 149.

Choosing again, I would put location first.

There are also two Hampton Inn properties which are very nice. One of them is located near the airport and often has some agressive rate sales. The other one is located in city centre at the corner of Robson and Beatty. (near GM Place). It's not exactly in the most ideal location but if you like walking, it's about 10 blocks from Gas Town, Sears Tower and all of the shopping.

Don't forget to take advantage of the excellent SkyTrain metro. A map of stations can be reviewed at:

http://www.metropla.net/am/vanc/vancouver.htm

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Addicted to airline miles? Check out: Mileage Workshop (http://www.mileageworkshop.com)

The Richmond/airport hotel does not have an executive floor but they may upgrade you to a corner suite. Gold VIPs get a buffet continental breakfast. Shopping is at the Richmond Centre mall about 200m away, and also at Lansdowne Mall (which is past its prime). You can head down to Vancouver on the 98B bus which goes down No. 3 Road.

I prefer the Burnaby/Metrotown location as it has an executive floor and Gold VIP get upgrades as available. You also get more amenities (access to lounge, or as it is closed on weekends, appetiser coupons in the bar, cookies and juice in room). My rates (stayed to get the EWRDC points) have included breakfast so I am not sure what you get if your rate doesn't. I paid C$109 in early June and C$149 in August.

The downtown Hampton Inn property is very popular and rates can be much higher than either Hilton property if there is a concert or sports event in town (certainly that was my experience in summer). I had a similar rate experience with the airport Hampton Inn in summer though I saw rates last winter as low as C$69.

If location is important to you, then by far the most convenient to tourist attractions is the Hampton Inn downtown. The Metrotown location is considered the boonies to most of us who live in Vancouver and with traffic Richmond is quite inconvenient as well.

However, the Metrotown location is on the Skybus line, which is the rapid transit system that runs from most locations in the heart of the city to the shopping complex in Burnaby -- half hour ride -- and a short walk to the Hilton. But I agree that you are better off at the Hampton Inn for a city centre location. Have stayed at both Hiltons, and always treated well at each: corner suite [all rooms are suites at the YVR Hilton] and full breakfast, ExecFloor upgrades and benefits at Metrotown.

a little off topic, but I think people would love to read about this.

What things are "must do's" when in Vancouver. How about "must eat at". Does it matter when you visit Vancouver? Will I still have fu if I visit in the Winter or should I wait until Spring.

Thanks!

The Hampton Inn at Robson is super and better than most Hiltons. Also great in town location. Great free breakfast.

The brand new Metrotown Hilton is excellent and next to the largest shopping complex, but 20 minutes from downtown--although only couple hundred yards from fast trolly going downtown.

Hi, I have a few questions about Vancouver. My family and I (4 ppl total) will be going to Vancouver in August, and we're trying to decide where to stay. Is the Hilton Metrotown or the Hampton Inn a better choice? We'll be there for 5 nights, it's a completely leisure trip, and we'll have a rental car, FYI.

My father and I are both Gold (at least, I think he still is...). Price isn't too much of a factor, as long as it's under US$120 or so per room (or about US$ 240 for a 2 bedroom suite). I understand that the room rates in Vancouver (and Canada in general) are pretty low when compared to U.S. cities. Service, room quality, location, convenience, amenities, and benefits are more important.

Also, both of us want stay/night credit and points. If we book each of the five nights separately using different names and HH#s (which I found would be cheaper than booking it in a chunk), would we have to change rooms each day, or would they let us stay in the same rooms as long as the bills are paid each day?

Any comments and/or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

What do you plan to do while you're there? That may well make the difference as to where you should stay.

The HI is downtown. The Hilton Metrotown is not only not downtown, it's in Burnaby, IIRC. If much of what you want to do is or isn't downtown, then that may well be a part of your decision.

If it were me, and money is not an object, I'd pick the HI. Even though downtown can be accessed via SkyTrain from Metrotown, it's easier to be there already.

Mike

If you're renting a car or don't mind taking the SkyTrain to downtown, I would definitely pick the Metrotown. They have a lounge and they're usually pretty good with treating Golds (gave me a bottle of wine last time). You'll most likely get upgraded to the Exec Floor.

Have you considered the Hilton Vancouver Airport? 15 or 20 minutes from downtown, excellent service & treatment of Golds, lots of nice corner suites with brilliant views of the airport and city, free parking, and seriously low package rates available. It's where I take my family on our Vancouver weekends.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by BearX220:
Have you considered the Hilton Vancouver Airport? 15 or 20 minutes from downtown, excellent service & treatment of Golds, lots of nice corner suites with brilliant views of the airport and city, free parking, and seriously low package rates available. It's where I take my family on our Vancouver weekends. </font>

I stayed 2 days at the YVR Hilton Airport last week. Parking is NOT free, it is CA$7.00/night. The room was CA139.00/night and no executive lounge. Use of the business center computer was CA$10.00/15 min. The room high speed internet is CA$10.00/noon-noon. Views are not that impressive and the corner rooms are far noiser do to a dumb door to a 3ftx3ft balcony covered with pigeon dung. Itsa hard 30+ min car trip to downtown plus downtown parking costs.

On the other hand, I shifted to the Metrotown Hilton Burnaby for 5 days and had CA$116.00 rooms, a staffed great high view executive lounge, FREE parking, FREE in-room (also FREE in the lobby based business center) high speed internet, 4 hours of excellent great evening FREE food (and honor bar) on the executive level (easy Gold or Diamond u/g too). On weekends you get certs to use for FREE excellent steaming hot hor d voures in the 3rd floor Crystal Restaurant. Itsa 20 min drive to downtown or take the Sky Train 6 min away for a 15 min ride.

You easily and nicely see where my vote currently goes.

MisterNice



[This message has been edited by MisterNice (edited 06-20-2002).]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think that the Metrotown will be the one, although we'll still discuss it.

I was wondering if you could help with the second part of my question. Do you think that we'd have a problem if we made 5 different reservations, alternating HH#s? We don't want to check out and check back in again, if avoidable, but we want to get stay credits for the two of us.

Also, what would be considered a reasonable rate at the Metrotown? So far, the lowest I've found is CA$159, which is ok. Are there any 2 bedroom suites for US$200-350 or so that we could choose instead?

(just a few more things, sorry.) I found out that my dad's Gold status was earned in 2000, valid through 2001 and April of 2002. He doesn't know what his status is now. Did Hilton extend status for those who didn't re-qualify during 2001? It would save a bunch of worrying.. If he did drop down to Silver or Blue, then would I be able to get Gold benefits/upgrades for two rooms or just one?

(Based on MisterNice's post, it seems like they treat Golds and Diamonds very well. We'll be arriving on a Sat, so I guess the lounge won't be open for the first two nights of our stay.)

Thank you all so much for your help.

Edited to add: it seems like price is a factor. I doubt that there are any suites as cheap as US$200....

[This message has been edited by Tennen (edited 06-20-2002).]

If you will have a car, and you have children, then I would recommend the Metrotown Hilton. As others have noted, this is a very nice property and as a Gold, you are very likely to be upgraded to the Exec Floor. While the location is definitely NOT Vancouver, it may be perfect for families. The huge shopping mall across from the hotel will have amusement activities for the kids, and there is a cinema, and a major grocery store.

From this base you can drive to and around various parts of the city to orient yourselves. Then if the weather is very good, just consider spending a day by the harbour and in Gastown using the SkyTrain rather than driving, and then walking around this and other parts of the city core. You can even take the ferry across to NVancouver so the kids can experience a trip across the harbour. Driving in central Vancouver is a pain at the best of times, so having a car may not be so desireable, and parking could be rather costly, even in C$s.

Another day, you can take your car to the Stanley Park district, park it, and enjoy walking through that part of the city, then perhaps take a drive across the Lion's Gate bridge to get to Capilano or Horseshoe Bay or even Whistler.

The location of the Hampton Inn is good for city centre access, but the neighbourhood is not a very good one for kids. They may get restless, and have no place to go unless you take them for a drive somewhere. At the Hilton, they can find lots to do [on their own if old enough], in relative safety.

Enjoy your visit.

Sign your dad up for the CNTU promo, gets him Gold right away and those 50K bonus points with 4 stays in 3 months. Sign yourself up also!

To your question about 5 different reservations: Won't work. You must check out, go to a different hotel, back again, etc. You will get credit for 5 nights but not 5 stays if you stay in the same place. We went to Charlotte for 3 nights and stayed at 3 different Hiltons for 3 stays.

Shareholder, thanks for the advice. The "kids" in our family are myself and my older brother, and we're both in our 20's. We'll probably explore the surrounding areas as a family, though, being a family vacation.

Karen2, I guess I'll sign us up for the CNTU promotion (is that the 50k promotion after 4 stays w/ instant gold?). Would it still not work if the five different reservations are made w/ diff. names and HH#s? (ie: 1,3,5 my name, cc, and HH#; 2 and 4 my dad's name, cc, and HH#) I guess the worst case scenario would be to make 2x 5 night reservations, so we could at least get the night credit to each of our accts.

Any other comments would be appreciated. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif (wow, this trip is really getting me excited. I haven't planned on a "big" trip in a long time.)

This is slightly off-topic (although I have stayed recently at the Hilton Airport. It was fine, but did charge for parking and no views worth seeing. The staff was very helpful though.) I would spend a majority of my time in Victoria. Take the ferry over with your car and see the Butchart Gardens, the BC Parliment building, and more attractions downtown. Victoria blew Vancouver away in our opinion, although it is probably a bit more pricy because it draws tourists. We did some shopping in Vancouver and got some Roots clothing at a good price.

Now that you have identified yourself as one of "the kids" in the family, your decision is really more difficult, and would be based solely on the "luxury/comfort" factor that the Hilton Metrotown would provide over the Hampton Inn. Being in downtown Vancouver for your age group would be preferrable, since you can walk, cab or otherwise be close to most places of interest, entertainment and eating. My advice would still stand if one were travelling with a family that was comprised of members under 16.

After a lot of talking, we've decided on the Metrotown, mainly based on the luxury/comfort/amenities. I don't think we'll be spending much time at the hotel, though.. Also, price ended up being a big factor - Metrotown was cheaper than downtown HI. Plus, it wound up being cheaper to book each night separately. It took forever to do... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

It's too bad that they don't have a 2 bedroom suite; it would have made the process a whole lot easier.

Anyway, we enrolled in the CNTU, and my dad got the Gold u/g http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif (but he's gotten - and ignored - several gold invitations in the past few years).

Once again, thanks everyone.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MisterNice:
I stayed 2 days at the YVR Hilton Airport last week. Parking is NOT free, it is CA$7.00/night. The room was CA139.00/night and no executive lounge. Use of the business center computer was CA$10.00/15 min. The room high speed internet is CA$10.00/noon-noon. Views are not that impressive and the corner rooms are far noiser do to a dumb door to a 3ftx3ft balcony covered with pigeon dung.</font>

Well, parking was free last December; apologies. The poster was planning a family trip, so I didn't think the business center would be a big priority. You can stay there for less than CA$100./night actually, the impressiveness of the views is in the eye of the beholder I guess, and I've never see any pigeon dung on my balconies. To each his own.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Tennen:
both of us want stay/night credit and points. If we book each of the five nights separately using different names and HH#s (which I found would be cheaper than booking it in a chunk), would we have to change rooms each day, or would they let us stay in the same rooms as long as the bills are paid each day?
</font>

I tried to do this at a DC HLT a while back and the person at the dia desk told me that it was not allowed. However, I have stayed at many hotels where I stay multiple nights but the rate changes every night. For example, stay in a hotel for a week over NYE and you'll pay higher on NYE than NY day. I have seen hilton's res system handle this in the past, however, I bet if you have all the rates for every day and call reservations, they could combine it in one stay. HOWEVER, then you wouldn't get multiple stay credit... however (yes again) the HH rules state that two separate stays in the same hotel on consecutive nights is not allowed...


[This message has been edited by ordman (edited 06-25-2002).]

Stayed at Hilton Metrotown last summer after staying downtown at the Westin Grand. This Hilton is right across from a huge mall, if shopping appeals to you (me not, but wife and daughter yes). As Gold got upgraded to Exec floor with lounge access. But lounge was quite small, making breakfast for 2A/2C very cramped and had to sit apart at 2 separate 2 person tables. Several guests came in and walked out because the place had already filled up so much. Be sure to consider BC Escapes on the convention and visitor's bureau for super low hotel rates and packages in Vancouver, Victoria and elsewhere in BC at some really great hotels. Last year the 4 seasons and westin grand and a number of others downtown had super deals. We stayed on a low rate breakfast-included plan at the Westin Grand downtown and used Gold status with *wood to upgrade to a suite with balcony and combined with Westin kids program which offered with free meals (3/day/child) for the 2 of them when dining with you plus one free in room movie per stay.

Has anyone stayed at the Vancouver Metrotown Hilton. Is it right in the centre close to amenities. Any advice would appreciate thanks.

Metrotown is a bit remote and is actually located in Burnaby, the town next to Vancouver. It's joined to a mall catering primarily to east asian clients. Very nearby is the (very large) Metrotown mall if you are into shopping and entertainment (it has a multiplex theatre, two large supermarkets).

If you want to go downtown, it's about a 7 minute walk to take the Skytrain to downtown (about a 10-15 minute ride). Taxi would take a bit longer and cost more.

First off, let me say we had a wonderful experience at the Vancouver Metrotown. Upgraded amenities, ask for a suite, its only like $225 for the night, or the presidential is only $330. Email the manager.

And the food across the street is delicious. Just what we are used to in Rhode Island with our delicious food. (diagonal to the left 2 blocks) with an outside patio.

But the best was the acoustic guitar in the lounge. This was one of our most memorable stays. Breaksfast was very nice and so was outdoor pool and small business center. There may have nbeen high speed service in the room as well.

Many people from Vancouver call it Hongcouver because of the chinese element. Still very nice. Also, many Sikh (sp?) not musim as many think, they are also very pleasant.

We found the 20 minute cab ride to city center to be enjoyable. Sceneray reminded me of San Jose as you are in a valley.

Overall, excellent choice to kick off a honey moon as we did.

If you want one more central go with the Hampton Vancouver. It is downtown, near new, large rooms and some suites and a great view workout room on the top.

Pick up a friend from Vancouver Metrotown Hilton last time in BC. It's a nice hotel (not sure about room size) and like terenz mentioned, it's v near Metrotown mall. Distance-wise, you def. can get to downtown in 15-20 min via car.

I really enjoyed my time at the Metrotown. It's adjacent to a mini-shopping center, and across the street from a large shopping/entertainment complex (I think, b/c I didn't check it out). As there were 3 golds out of 4 ppl, we were upgraded to a 1-bedroom suite for 1 out of 2 rooms, and it was decent. Lounge access provided without asking. Most of the staff were friendly and extremely helpful, although we had a few nasty ones.

My parents drove around, so I didn't get to use the train system. It didn't take more than 15 minutes to get to downtown, though.

I have not stayed at metrotown, but would second SAN man's reccommendation of the downtown Hampton. As gold last time there was upgraded to a corner room with jacuzzi. The structural posts were inside the walls, so two walls of this corner room were solid glass! great view!

Nicer "hampton touch" than usual. Water and fresh fruit and snacks IIRC.

My Vancouver friend recommended the Hampton Inn as well because of its central location. It's definitely pricier than the Metrotown Hilton though (at least for September 2003) which I found odd. Well, location, location, location.

I recently stayed at the Hampton Inn downtown Vancouver for multiple nights. As a gold member, I was upgraded to a corner room with lots of windows and a great view of the city. Staff were attentive and very responsive to request for information. I received a welcome basket of fruit on arrival. Bottled water was provided each day.
Fridge and microwave in the room

I recommend this property.

[This message has been edited by airbus320 (edited 07-07-2003).]

I haven't stayed at a room in the Hilton Metrotown but I've held a few meetings there. Definitely more upscale than any Hampton. I don't know when the Hampton was built (or if was taken over) but the Hilton is about 3 years old. Very new hotel.

The Hampton isn't actually right in the "middle" of the downtown core. Although you're on Robson St, you're way past the main part of Robson. Maybe a 10 min walk to hit the main downtown core.

It depends. The Hilton is a MUCH nicer hotel and, if you don't mind taking a taxi, would be a better choice.

The Hampton is a little easier if you want don't want to deal with a taxi.

[This message has been edited by Braindrain (edited 07-08-2003).]

If you don't mind the 10 min Skytrain ride into downtown, the Metrotown Hilton is very nice compared to the Hamptons.

They really take good care of Gold/Diamond members. Last time I was there, I was upgraded to a one bedroom suite, big plate of cheese/crackers and a full bottle of wine in the room waiting for me. I think that might be due to the fact that I was a frequent guest at the hotel. (Used to stay weekly alternating between the Airport Hilton and this one)

When I posted before, I had not stayed at the Hilton Metrotown. Since the post has been bumped, my wife and I stayed there over the US Memorial Day holiday.

Very nice hotel, although we were staying on a priceline rate, we were upgraded to a 1 BR suite as Gold and given lounge access (closed on the weekend, but vouchers were given that allowed a full hot breakfast buffet in the resturant, plus a happy hour snack plate in the lounge.) If you want to go downtown a lot, the location is not quite as convienient as the Hampton, but if you don't mind taking the skytrain, is very workable.

Small world, I was also at the Vancouver Hilton Metrotown for Memorial Day with my wife, and also on a Priceline rate. (I paid $20 USD per night). I was also upgraded to a 1 br suite, very nice, though elevators were packed with teens celebrating graduation and hence were slow. But luckily they were not very noisy at least near my room.

I also received breakfast vouchers and I was able to use them against the full breakfast, no questions asked. Parking is below the hotel and very convenient and complimentary. Skytrain is a short walk away and easy to get to downtown and back. We used the all day pass to make a couple of round trips and side trips in one day. The mall next door is reasonable with a good food court and a good variety of shops/entertainment.

I give this hotel two thumbs up!

Have stayed at both the Hampton and Airport Hilton and have even beeh using the Fairmont Vancouver and new Opus Hotel. With all the "perks" I just read as a Diamond, may need to try the Metrotown on my next visit. Having read the reviews for Metrotown and using my experiences at the Airport Hilton and the Hampton, it is safe to say that all the Hilton properties in YVR treat their guests properly.

Empress and MrPaul0722: Please comment on the Hilton Airport and Hampton Airport (both in Richmond) if you could. Thanks.

I stayed at the hotel for several weeks back in September / October. I truly enjoyed the hotel, but did have problem with one aspect....

One day I took my dirty clothes with me in my luggage to be cleaned. The hotel seeing my luggage gone assumed I had left and cleared out the hotel room, including my sundries. When I came back that evening, I went into the room and found someone elses items in the room...... OUCH.

VERY VERY embarrassing, never did find my shaving kit, but the hotel replaced them. Also got an apology and a very large bowl of fruit and wine.

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AA member since 1981. Oracle Implementations .... Will Travel....

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Likemiles:
Empress and MrPaul0722: Please comment on the Hilton Airport and Hampton Airport (both in Richmond) if you could. Thanks.</font>The Hilton Airport is an all suite hotel. Pretty nice hotel with good staff. You will be upgraded to a 'deluxe' suite if you have status (no extra amentities from the regular junior suites)They do not have an executive floor so you will be given a voucher for breakfast in the lobby restaurant. The hotel is right next to a big mall (Richmond Centre).

As for the Hampton - it's just your standard Hampton. You will get upgraded to a Deluxe room if you have status. Unless you have a car, Hampton is not close to any restaurants. (There's a Costco next to it but that's about it) Good for short stays.

Hampton usually has cheaper rates though.

Empress, you definitively answered one question: rooms vs. suites. The Airport Hilton's own reservation pages repeatedly give "rooms" as an option, and that had me confused. Thanks for the clarification, and for describing the upgrade practices at both properties. All your information is very much appreciated.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Likemiles:
Empress and MrPaul0722: Please comment on the Hilton Airport and Hampton Airport (both in Richmond) if you could. Thanks.</font>

Empress described the Airport Hilton accurately. If you like Asian food, the hotel is walking distance to many good Asian restaurants. Around the corner is a nice Irish bar and grill. Hotel staff is wonderful. Internet access on lobby floor next to front desk. Send me an email if you are planning to stay at Vancouver Airport Hilton. May be able to save you a few $$$.

As always, thanks, MrPaul0722. Will try to send you e-mail again, but I don't think all my messages reach you. Let's see this time. Thanks.

Whatever happened to plans to open a HILTON SUITES in YVR??

They even had info in Hilton's 2002 Worldwide Drectory, but I assume the project never got off the ground ???

It never got built. It was supposed to be right in downtown on Robson street too!

Just like I had a hard time figuring out where to stay in Anchorage, the same thing happened in Vancouver, B.C.

I wanted something close to the airport b/c of an early flight the next morning. First choice was the Fairmont Airport (on airport property) but I used Priceline (with biddingfortravel.com) but bid up to $75 with no luck. So since I couldn't stay there, I wanted a hotel with a free shuttle (something I could reserve to be waiting on us). And I wanted something on the main bus line (I'm cheap and really frugal, too). Found Hampton Airport 2 miles from airport, shuttle, business center, and across the street from the express bus to downtown. And to top it off, it's doing point stretcher for my date!

MileKing had suggested a value of .0055 per HHonors point. Hampton has a rate online of $61US (special promotion) but with the 17% tax rate, the $71 comes close to the $82 point value computation (15k*.055).

Hilton Aiport is also level 3 but isn't offering point stretcher for my date of stay.

If I wasn't leaving the country early in the morning, I probably would have considered downtown.

Just my thoughts.

Headed up to the Metrotown Hilton Aug 21 & 22 and looking for some thoughts on things to do as well as transportation issues.

What's the least expensive way to get from the airport to the Metrotown Hilton?

What's the cost of using the Sky Train and do they have multi day passes? Does the Sky Train go to the airport?

This is our monthly 3 day get away and we like to see how cost effectively we can accomplish the trip.

Post here or e-mail me with any ideas.
Thanks

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"A day without Points/Miles is like a day without SUNSHINE"

Cheapest way is to take the city bus which serves the airport [#424], make a transfer shortly after it turns onto Marine Drive -- the driver will give you details -- at a loop and catch another bus [#100] which will take you to the SkyTrain, at a suburban station [22nd Street] which will be two or three stops from Metrotown. Make your way over to the cinema after leaving the SkyTain station, and the Hilton is about a block from the Metrotown Mall/cinema in Burnaby. You'll need about C$3.00 in correct change, and the transfer will get you all the way to the Metrotown Mall. [When getting off the SkyTrain, follow the signs to the Mall, but make a left turn over the road bridge to get to the proper exit by the cinemas.]

For a map and other transit information:

http://www.translink.bc.ca/Bus_Routes/mapnav/default.asp

After you arrive at YVR, there is a tourism information centre across from the domestic luggage arrivals area. Not sure if there is another at the US/International area, but you can check YVR's website. City buses leave from the very end of the domestic terminal bus zone, fully the other side of the terminal from where you'd be arriving.

You can buy a Day Transit card at the SkyTrain station for about C$8, and it is a 25-minute ride into the city centre. From there you are best on foot to most attractions there, or catch another bus out to UBC for some other sites.

SkyTrain does not go to the airport, nor is there any more convenient public transit link than the one I've described. Sorry I cannot be any more precise, but I don't have a transit map with me.

Is Hilton Metrotown worth all the hassle? You'd be better off at the Hampton downtown for convenience, if you must stay at a Hilton property. Though Metrotown is very nice, and they treat Gold and Diamond elites well, it is a bit of a drag getting into the city and back.



[This message has been edited by Shareholder (edited 08-10-2003).]

There is a tourism info counter to the left after you exit the US/Int'l customs baggage claim area. It's not always staffed, but they do have a large brochure rack next to it.

Hi,
I will be at the Hilton Metrotown from Jan 2-5th 2004 ( Rate of CAN$ 102 for an Executive room).

A full trip report will be posted here on my return to the UK on 7th Jan.

Regards

TBS

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by The _Banking_Scot:
Hi,
I will be at the Hilton Metrotown from Jan 2-5th 2004 ( Rate of CAN$ 102 for an Executive room).

A full trip report will be posted here on my return to the UK on 7th Jan.

Regards

TBS</font>

A suggestion. The Metrotown Hilton is very good about upgrading Golds and Diamonds so I always book the cheapest room (exec floor rooms are not too different) and have batted 100% for lounge access. The exec lounge is really nice (w/ honor bar) and lotsa nice goodies. It closes after breakfast on Fri and reopens for goodies about 500 PM Sunday. They will give you certs for weekend hors de vours in the restaurant and also certs for a full buffet breakfast. Also *FREE* high speed internet access is in the rooms and the parking is *FREE*.

MisterNice

Parking is free, for now. Business is getting so good at the complex that I suspect it is only a matter of time before pay parking is introduced (the facilities are there).

Also, the restaurant is giving double points for dining in the new year. You do not need to be staying at the hotel.

Hi MisterNice,

THank you very much for your comments and thel ounge opening hours.

As the prices between a standard room and exexcutive room were not that much I just paid for the Exec room to be guaranteed ( and more points). Given the current exchange rate it works out to be around £45 GBP per night ( plus tax) - a very good deal for a Hilton .

Regards

TBS

I have a 3 night stay here in April so very much look forward to the upcoming trip report! Hope its a good one. Pity the lounge is not open on the weekends but I guess a buffet breakfast and snacks will be acceptable http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Let us know if there are decent views from the rooms! Thanks.

Sorry, search no work

The Hilton looks to be a little away from the action - is this true? What about the Hampton?

Any other ideas for a good location?

Yes, the Hilton is away from the action, but it is about a block and a half from the Monorail running to down town. You will get free indoor parking and a pretty good exec. lounge. The Hampton Inn is right down town, usually charges more than the Metrotown Hilton, but it's a Hampton Inn. Me? I pick the Metrotown Hilton.

I have stayed at the Hampton Inn and would recommend it. It is waling distance to most of downtown. There was a very nice restaurant downstairs.
I was upgraded to a large, very nice corner room, comperable to most Hilton rooms.

The Hampton is a bit of a walk from the "harbor" per se but it's very close to Chinatown and Gastown. The corner rooms are definitely not what you'd expect at a Hampton.

Having stayed at the Hampton, I'd go back there next time.

Sorry, search no work

The Hilton looks to be a little away from the action - is this true? What about the Hampton?

Any other ideas for a good location?

THe Hilton Metrotown is a nice hotel and I would recommend it. It is a short walk to the skytrain station which will get you downtown in 20 mins.

The Hampton Inn Vancouver is the nicest Hampton I have ever stayed in and I would highly recommend it. I was upgraded to a one-bedroom and the staff was very accomodating. The location is near BC place stadium and very close to Yaletown and a quick water taxi ride to Granville Island. It's also a fairly short walk to the Robson shopping district.

I also stayed there in July and was very happy as far as hamptons go. Just a little too crowded for Breakfast in the morning but being Diamond, I was upgraded to a corner room and for Hampton's standards, it was better than usual, I would stay there again!

but it is about a block and a half from the Monorail running to down town.

Not a monorail but a conventional steel railcar albeit automated (driverless).

I've stayed at the Hampton Inn and was even upgraded to a suite when I was just Blue! It was probably the nicest Hampton Inn I've ever stayed in. The breakfast room was a little crowded one morning I was there, but it was still pleasant and there was plenty of stuff. This was before the hot breakfast stuff (sausage and egg patties, etc.). I'd stay there again in a heartbeat if I were YVR-bound.

Agree with UAZip that it probably the nicest Hampton I have ever stayed in. As Gold, was upgraded to a suite with full kitchen and separate living and bedrooms. Be aware that they do charge for parking, don't remember how much offhand.

The Hilton looks to be a little away from the action - is this true? What about the Hampton?

Any other ideas for a good location?

The Hilton Metrotown may have OK rooms but the public spaces are cramped and the surrounding shopping center is like a massive tomb in the off hours. Truly depressing! You want to be in downtown Vancouver, and for some strange reason Hilton isn't represented by its top brands there. Will this change before the 2010 Winter Olympics? Let's hope so.

Meantime, the Hampton is pretty good for a Hampton.

I just booked 2 rooms at Hilton Metrotown for 3 nights at the end of March. It's a vacation...will have a car...don't necessarily need to be where the action is in Vancouver.

Do diamonds get upgrades here? Upgraded rooms? Any recent stays there / comments? Thanks.

I regulary stay at the airport Hilton in Richmond. I've always gotten a suite with separate bedroom. Desk staff has been very accomodating. Its bright spot in the Hilton chain.

I just booked 2 rooms at Hilton Metrotown for 3 nights at the end of March. It's a vacation...will have a car...don't necessarily need to be where the action is in Vancouver.

Do diamonds get upgrades here? Upgraded rooms? Any recent stays there / comments? Thanks.

When I was Gold I was upgraded to a Suite at Metrotown. It was fairly large with new but somewhat basic furnishings. Pool sucks here, very tiny. It is close to the Skytrain so not sure a car is really an asset in all cases, esp. going downtown.

I just booked 2 rooms at Hilton Metrotown for 3 nights at the end of March. It's a vacation...will have a car...don't necessarily need to be where the action is in Vancouver.

Do diamonds get upgrades here? Upgraded rooms? Any recent stays there / comments? Thanks.
The have a top tier floor, rooms with nice mountain views, a rooftop pool (a little basic but fine enough to float around) and hot-tub. The staff are extremely courteous and accomodating. I heartily recommend Metrotown Hilton. We stay there a couple of times a year and their first words are always, Mr and Mrs XXXXX - nice to see you again!

Bon Voyage

Going on a cruise out of YVR, but plan on spending two days before the cruise in YVR....can anyone give me suggestions and advice on where to stay?

Thanks!

Hampton Inn downtown will be the most conveniently located - good luck getting a room though.

Hampton Inn YVR is fairly accessible from downtown and airport by public transport - bus stop just down the road, or else take free shuttle between hotel and airport (and bus through to downtown).

Hilton Metrotown is fairly accessible from downtown by public transport - take the sky train, but not so convenient for airport (multiple bus connections needed).

I haven't stayed at Hilton YVR but expect it will be similar to Hampton Inn for accessibility (worst case take shuttle to airport and transfer to bus).

I stayed overnight (late arrival - early departure) at the YVR Airport Hilton and got a nice upgrade to a suite :rolleyes:

Then moved to the Metrotown Hilton (via taxi - not expensive else I'd have remembered), and also was upgraded to a suite. Good base for trips into town, although obviously not as convenient as being in amongst it.

Summary is, as a Diamond I got upgraded to a suite at both properties and came away happy :)

We liked the Hampton Inn downtown. Pretty nice property overall and one of the better Hamptons I have been in. It has pretty good walking access to the downtown area so overall a good choice if you can get a decent rate and availability.

I'll add another vote for the Hampton Inn downtown. It's a very nice property and convenient to walk most places downtown.

Have stayed at all three. HI at YVR is newer. Hard to get into the one downtown in the summer because of cruise ships! Close to everything. Metrotown Hilton fairly ordinary, but staff is nice.

Does anyone know of any good hotel deals or have any discount codes that can be used for a hotel in Vancouver, BC for the end of this month?

If anyone has recently stayed in Vancouver and can recommend, or warn against, any Hilton properties, I'd appreciate it. Did a search but all results were outdated.

Depends on your definition of "outdated:"
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=466952&page=5&pp=15&highlight=vancouver

I stayed at the Vancouver Hilton Metrotown a couple of months ago, and was very pleased. I did not get upgraded, but had access to the Hhonors lounge. My room was fine, despite no upgrade. The lounge was nice, and the food was quite good on most mornings & nights. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance, but if you want to go downtown, you have a little ways to go.

I frequently stay at the aiport Hilton in Richmond BC. Very close to YVR. Not a very exciting neighborhood, but the rooms are large and well done. Diamond get breakfast coupons for the restaurant.

The Hilton Metrotown is my regular spot in Vancouver. I have always been upgraded to a 1 bdrm suite, regardless of rate paid. Not sure if this is going to last though as this is getting to be a very busy hotel.

Food at the lounge is good both for brekfast and "dinner". It is a bit crazy in the morning though and often gets noisy with kids/families (not a very large lounge).

The rooms are very nice / large and you can have great views of the mountain and sometimes the ocean.

Please note that this hotel is relatively far from Downtown Vancouver. That said, the hotel is next to a SkyTrain station (elevated outside LRT system). The metrotown station is 20 minutes away from downtown.

The hotel is next to the Metrotown shopping centre, one of the largest shopping centre in BC

Although I have never had any problems in the area, some of the local don;t seem to like the area and feel that it is not a safe place

Mrs. bobsgt and I are staying at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown right now, and are very pleased with both the location and service. Executive lounge serves decent food from 5am-apm and again from 5pm-9pm; room service food available 24hrs and is a fair value for the quality.

Like Starwood, they 'upgraded' me to exactly what I reserved ;) but as a lowly HH Gold, I didn't expect an upgrade.

Hotel is clean and efficient, staff has gone above and beyond to be helpful. Our smoking room had no ashtrays when we checked in at 2am on 9/13- they were at the door within 3 minutes of calling the desk, even at that unconscionable hour, and brought matches as well!

I asked about the Skytrain, and front desk clerk pulled out a full map, marked half a dozen recommended spots, gave great suggestions for things a tourist should see, and recommended buying the $8CAD all-day pass for the Skytrain and buses.

Housekeeping was on-the-spot to clean the room the minute we walked out the door- and left enough large towels for us to open a linen store (No, we didn't ask for extra towels).

Booked on the internet at $159CAD, we find the hotel to be a bargain for the area, and the close proximity to the train has been wonderful. Taxi from YVR was only $29CAD.

We intend to stay here again after our Alaska cruise next week, even though we originally intended to go home upon disembarkation.

We can find no faults with this hotel, and we usually can find some something to dislike in true FT tradition!

Any advice about the Hampton at YVR airport? I was looking at rates for my overnight stay and it is looking like:

-Hilton YVR Airport $180+
-Four Points YVR Airport $135+
-Hampton YVR Airport $105+

(I've prev stayed at the four points there, and found it average to okay.)

Any advice about the Hampton at YVR airport? I was looking at rates for my overnight stay and it is looking like:

-Hilton YVR Airport $180+
-Four Points YVR Airport $135+
-Hampton YVR Airport $105+

(I've prev stayed at the four points there, and found it average to okay.)

It seems to be o.k. Nothing too special. If you are using it for the last night before you leave, you can call when you arrive and ask at the front desk for a special rate. Sometimes a lower one is available.

I stayed twice at the YVR HI and both times I had problems with dirty rooms and airplane noise. I wont try staying a third time. Also they had large tour groups staying there crowding the lobby and the FD too.

MisterNice

I stayed twice at the YVR HI and both times I had problems with dirty rooms and airplane noise. I wont try staying a third time. Also they had large tour groups staying there crowding the lobby and the FD too.

MisterNice
Thank You! I'm off to the 4 Points then. :)

Thank You! I'm off to the 4 Points then. :)

YVR 4 Points is better than many Sheraton I stayed. ^

P.S. I heard it now charges for the parking.

I stayed twice at the YVR HI and both times I had problems with dirty rooms and airplane noise. I wont try staying a third time. Also they had large tour groups staying there crowding the lobby and the FD too.Yes, it's spotty - sometimes OK, sometimes below par - but never likely to win any awards. Groups are a factor at just about any YVR hotel, mainly in the high season though as there tend to be fewer this time of year.

When air traffic is Easterly, noise will be a slight problem, less if you have a N-facing room. Most days it's Westerly though - shouldn't hear a thing.