Depending on your schedule, an realistic alternative to the HI can be the Hilton Metrotown in Burnaby. Metrotown (a very nice, large shopping mall) is a stop on Sky Train (Vancouver's overhead rail system) and the trip back and forth from downtown Vancouver (Pacific Centre stop) to Metrotown is only about 20-25 mins. It runs every 5 to 10 minutes during the days and evenings and is very reliable. It’s a great way to see the local color of the city. You can purchase an all day pass, which can also be used for bus transfers and on SeaBus as well.

The Hilton Metrotown is fairly new and quite beautiful. I have stayed there four times, and have been upgraded each time to the executive floor without ever asking. The goodies in the executive lounge are plentiful , the food and staff are outstanding. I heartily recommend it.

cethen