Vancouver Airport Marriott [Master Thread]
 

Any feedback on this property will be appreciated.

As you guessed it, I meant the Vancouver, Canada Airport Marriott.

[This message has been edited by Flyaway (edited 07-05-2002).]

Opened around four years ago, it is a modern & clean property, approx. five miles away from the airport. Courtesy airport bus (shared with 1 or 2 other hotels at the same location). Although you find outside the hotel a public transportation (bus), which connect you to downtown Vancouver, BC the ride is very time consuming and you are far from everything.

Thanks Patron.

I managed to get an "ebreak" rate of CAD$119 per night at this hotel. Other Marriott properties in the downtown area are quoting rates of CAD$200-$300 per night. I guess it's high season there.

I have reserved a rental car. Driving 20 min. to downtown should be okay??

Driving 20 min. to downtown should be okay??
Depending on the traffic and as far as I remember, 30 min. It was definitely a good decision to rent a car!

Sorry to dig out a really OLD thread.

I am looking for updated information on this property. Considering staying there over Christmas. Picked this property because I need a separate bedroom. As in, a door between the living area and the bedroom.

The other Marriott properties don't have it (RI, Renaissance or the Pinnacle). The Pinnacle has it but the rate is pretty high. If i were to pay that money, i might as well stay at the Westin Grand which is better.

Anyway,
1. any comments on this property?
2. Noise levels?
3. Driving distance to downtown? (Stanley Park/Granville Is)

The rooms that seem to fit are the
- One Bedroom Suite (King bed) * Room has Fridge & Microwave * Rate includes parking ($8 Value per night)
- Executive Corner Suite (king with Sofabed) with Balcony * Includes parking ($8 value/nt) * Fridge & Microwave
- Concierge Level One Bedroom Suite (1 King) * Rate includes Breakfast, Appetizers & HS Internet

Any comments on any of these room types?

Any comparisons to the suites over in the Westin GRand?

I stay here lots whenever i'm visiting my plant in Delta and always get a corner executive suite. The executive corner suites are smallish compared to some suites i've stayed in from Springhill or Residence Inns, but it certainly has a door between the bedroom and the "living room". The interior looks like just about every other Marriott that i've stayed in and you might find it rather utilitarian. But what the heck - it's always been a clean and tidy Marriott which is what counts in my books.

Noise is not a problem as it's far enough off the YVR flight path that I never noticed any planes (you can see them go by though). Street noise is also not noticeable since the suite rooms are at least 6 floors up.

It's about a 20-30 minute drive downtown depending on time of day.

I'm going to be staying here Sunday evening before an early morning flight on Monday. Is there anything in the immediate area as far as non-hotel restaurants, convenience stores, etc??? or is one stranded here?

There are several shopping centers in the immediate area. Richmond Square and Richmond Centre are just across the street, Lansdowne Park Mall is about three blocks away. All the YVR airport hotels are around that area and there are lots and lots of shops and restaurants around.

Since 2003, I have stayed at this hotel over 40 nights. I will rate it as an 'average' Marriott.

Airport Shuttle Service: Their airport shuttle service is shared between two other hotels (Hilton and Best Western) and it is run by a separate company. It picks up from the airport every 30 minutes. I have had problems with this service with pick ups from the airport. There are three buses but it seems like they are only running one bus when I have arrived in the past (i.e. 3:00 PM).

Airport Noise: I have never heard 'airport' noise or 'airlines' noise in my room.

Front Desk Service: Above average to outstanding during my stays.

Concierge Lounge: It is probably the worst that I have been to but to be fair they are remodeling the lounge (it could be completed by now). It is located on the third floor and there are no outside windows. It was two rooms that was combined to make the lounge. The breakfast selection is fair and the breakfast service is average. My issues are: 1) they don't stock the beverages...it was common to come to the lounge and there are no soft drinks or bottled water in the refrig; 2) they don't re-stock the food during the 'dinner' hour...if they ran out, you are SOL; 3) the food selection for dinner is very poor; 4) the service during 'dinner' hours is poor at its best...it was always staffed with young 'kids' who don't care. The Concierge Lounges at the Renaissance or Pinnacle are much better.

Hotel Restaurant: The meals (breakfast and dinner) that I have in their resturant were average or higher. the service was good or higher.

Room Service: The service was fast (under 30 minutes).

Fridge & Microwave: During thier recent 'upgrade', they have remove the microwave and wet bar sink vanity - counter tops from the rooms. I can't recall if the fridge were removed...I recall one room without one but I found a fridge in my room on a future visit.

Parking Garage: The garage is 'small' so be careful when you are making turns on the ramps between the floors. Also, the space between the floor and the ceiling is small...one time, I was driving a Lincoln Nav SUV and it was almost touching the ceiling\pipes on the ceiling and etc.

Driving Time to Downtown: It can take you between 20 minutes and 60 minutes to drive downtown depending upon the time of the day and which direction that you are going.

Shopping: There is the Richard Centre 'across' the street from the hotel along with other stores and etc.

You will be surrounded by a variety of stores and restaurants. There are some very good Chinese restaurants (both sit down and fast food - low end and high end) within walking distance (block or less). There is a Loundon Drug store. There is a mall, Richmond Centre, that has over 100 stores and a food court.

always a decent room
 

I've stayed several times at this hotel and it's always been clean and friendly. I really don't look for alot more, the area is easy to get around, good eating and the in house dining is fine. In fact I've always noted that they get alot of local trade for dinner, always a good sign.
The corner suites are nice too. The main FS hotel downtown is several grades above tho, with fantastic views!

Staying here this week and next on family holiday/ visa renewal.

New rail service to downtown (departures every 5 minutes or so) about 5 minutes' walk away, across from the Richmond Center. $3.75 each way or $9.00 for the day. Takes about 30 minutes to the terminus right in the middle of downtown.

Any updates on the property, especially the rail service? I'll be arriving from Seattle via Amtrak and departing via cruise ship.

It's not my first choice, but unfortunately the Ren is fully booked, the Pinnacle is exorbitantly priced during my stay, and rewards are blacked out for the entire city 4 months in advance.

The sky train (it spends enough time in tunnels that I think calling it subway would have been more accurate) is great. Quick access to downtown. Prepare to pay double the fare when departing the yvr station though -- kind of a "welcome, stranger" tax. I haven't stayed at that hotel yet, but thanks to the sky train I would now consider it.

Good to know re: the rail service. I'm tentatively booked in the downtown Ren for a trade show @ trade show rate, but may have to cancel. Of course knowing my client they'll decide at the last minute to send me, & then the downtown property won't be available - or not at trade show price, which means I'd end up out near the airport. I was dreading the bck/forth, but sounds like w/ the rail option it won't be that bad.

Also, if someone is there on a weekend, if they can do an update on the exec lounge for the stickey, that would be great.

Cheers.