Edit: Nov 13 I meant to include this link to photos of the Holiday Inn on West Broadway http://www.flickr.com/photos/hivancouvercentre/
Aquabus ferry near Granville Island
Well, we've done it! We found a hotel in Vancouver, in a good, easily accessible location at a reasonable price. It is just two blocks from the Canada Line, the underground train that links directly with Vancouver International Airport (about $6.00 each way) and also links to the downtown core for shopping, galleries and whatever else you may have in mind. It is also on a bus route taking you in to town.
The hotel is situated close to the south shore of False Creek, see below, about two or three blocks from a small park that runs along the shore, near a place called Stamp's Landing. There you can board an Aquabus (ferry) that will take you across False Creek to the downtown area, or along to Granville Island, (of which more in another post) or you can stay on the ferry and tour False Creek, or...well, you get the picture.
The hotel we picked, the Holiday Inn on West Broadway, had a 12 million dollar refit for the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010, with new furniture, floor coverings, decor etc in guest rooms and public rooms, (and yes, free WiFi). The surrounding area has shops, restaurants and a Mall and is within walking distance of Granville Island. We negotiated a rate of $146.00 per night plus taxes, and will give more details when we send out the official comprehensive Conclave information.
In the meantime, best wishes and sympathy to all our East Coast friends who may have suffered the wrath of Sandy, and hope that their lives will be back to normal as soon as possible.
Below, False Creek at night, with Science World on the left. All images courtesy of Tourism Vancouver - thanks guys.