If you are looking for a long term place to live, would you have a car?

While I agree that the Bayshore is the nicest hotel, as for a location to get in and out of in a car, it is kind of a pain. Especially near Lion's Gate / Stanley Park causeway - Lost Lagoon area to be difficult to understand for a newcomer with the bridge lanes changing direction depending on time of day.

If the OP is going to have a car, Fairmont, Westin and even the Sheraton Wall maybe better for in and out albeit the whole downtown traffic scene is a total mess.