I just wanted to make one thing clear regarding previous reviews: there is nothing wrong with the neighborhood of the hotel itself. It is true that between downtown and the hotel there are these several nasty blocks of Hastings Street with all the bums and stuff. But it should also be understood that these nasty blocks are right alongside downtown. That's just how Vancouver is. The moral is: never walk from the hotel to Downtown, take a bus instead.

Otherwise, the hotel is fine. Nothing fancy. Just a regular night-in, day-out place.

We usually stay at the Holiday Inn when attending events at the Coliseum but decided to take advantage of the lower rate at the Best Western. Unfortunately, the condition of the room and lack of a secure place to store our laptop when out of the motel was disappointing. I understood that the rooms had been recently renovated, not. They may had been done 10 years ago, but with lack of up keep, are in poor shape. (The clock radio was disgusting). I had to store my laptop in the truck of my car because the staff didn't have access to the guest safe The staff was wonderful, the manager exceptional, he even offered my husband a tray to bring me breakfast in our room.

We were going to Vancouver for the Memorial Cup, which was held at the Pacific Coliseum. This hotel was a 15 minute walk from the rink, which was perfect because parking was $10. We stayed here from May18-27. The rooms had been newly renovated and were cleaned daily. The front desk staff were very friendly, giving us tips on where to eat (as well as coupons) and ideas on sight seeing. There is a continental breakfast every morning which was good. There was a mini fridge in our room which was very convenient, as well as numerous restaurants and pubs within walking distance from the hotel. Attractions such as the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Park, Science World were a 20 minute drive tops. I would definately stay at
this hotel again.

We'd never been to Vancouver before, and therefore had no idea that this hotel was so close to the worst parts of town. Me and my husband didn't feel safe walking down the street at night, by any means. And about 10 blocks down the street, towards downtown, is the absolute worst part of Vancouver. Actually, when we were in the cab to the hotel on the way from the airport, the cab driver actually winced when we told him where we were staying. Almost all of the cabs we took went 5--10 blocks out of the way to avoid driving through the parts of town closest to the hotel.

When it came to the actual hotel, it had a very, very strange smell. Almost like the strongest moth balls you'll ever experience. Thankfully it was only in the hallways and disappeared once you got into the room. The hallway ceilings had gaping holes in them and water stains.

Fortunately, the rooms were much nicer than the hallway or lobby suggested. Comfy bed (we got the king), with a fridge, which was helpful since we stayed 5 nights. Wireless internet costs a pretty penny, though. The rooms were quiet, housekeeping was good, the shower was nice. The continental breakfast was nice, and saved us some money. Most days, we took some extra fruit and muffins for snacks on our excursions.

The people at the front desk were SUPER nice. When we checked in, the man pulled out a map and showed us all his favorite places to go, and explained all the public transit information.

Truthfully, if like us, all of the things you want to do is in the Downtown Area, I'd recommend spending a little more money and getting closer to Downtown. You'll feel safer, and spend less money on cabs.