Thank you Heather and girls for the good input here.. we are going to be booking our flights this week.. and it really helps to get everyones input especially the ones that live close by and know the territory!!

We are starting the countdown here!!! I CAN'T STINKIN WAIT!!!!!

Big hugs from Kansas!!
Kath

Check down further on this topic and see the post about hotels in Vancouver.  Doesn't seem like an easy fix; do your research on the hotels they list as well as your own.  Before booking be aware there is a significant "bad"part of town.  Lots of reviews on Trip Adviser.  Me thinks we're going with one of the choices from the gals who live on Vancouuver Island.  We are flying in Friday as well from Denver and meeting up with friends flying in that day as well from Ohio for a few extra days in Oh Canada, Vancouver   It may be worth the $$$ to book a hotel that someone can vouch for considering  we're 1) foreigners and 2) "girls" traveling alone   although Canada is very gay friendly and absolutely safe.  Hope this helps and let us all know when you've booked.

Diana

PS  Where are you gals from??

Its me again, I want to thank Heather, i took her advice and got a great deal on Untied. Thanks !!  Now can you help with the Hotel, i read your posting and i wonder should I wait till Olivia comes out with there hotels or should I book myself?  Looks like you booked your own. Any more advice will help, we are flying in Friday so will be staying two nights.  Thanks  Sharon & Pam 

It's about a ten minute cab ride(if traffic is good) or a good 1/2 hr walk from the Georgian Court to the cruise ship terminal.  I have to admit that since yesterday I've been looking at prices.  What a sticker shock!!!!  I guess since the Olympics things have really gone up and I am usually  staying on corporate rates, so that is a substantially lower.  I have seen AAA or 60+ rates so if you qualify take a look.

Another location nearer to the dock and slightly lower in price than the other ones in that area is the Coast Coal Harbour or the Westin Bayshore.  Both are really nice.

Another oldie but goodie, that sometimes goes on sale, is the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.  It is a 5 - 10 minute walk "gayly forward" to the dock or a really short cab ride.  Right across the street from that is the Sutton Place.  Another nice one.

H & G

Hey Heather.. thank you so much for your very useful information... I was wondering if you could tell me how close the Georgian Court Hotel is from the dock where we load for the ship? EWWW weird.. not sure why my font just changed... ghosts? lol  .. anyway.. we were just looking for rooms and I like the idea they have a women only section of the hotel.  The rooms look really nice too.. but we want to be close to the dock.  Thanks again for all your help.. and if you have already answered this question forgive me for having CRS disease!! 

Hope to chat soon!!!
Kath 

I have to admit that I don't know the hotel at all.  It does seem interesting that it has a women's floor.  My only comment is that it is a bit off the beaten path.............very close to the sports facilities...........and getting fairly close to the not so good part of downtown.

If you don't want to go near the cruise terminal, I would tend to go over towards the West End.....Denman, Davie, English Bay.  That is a better place to be.

 JMHO  Heather

Back to SlyFoxes original question.  It says that you live in Phoenix, so by far the easiest and cheapest way to get to YVR (Vancouver Airport is US Airways. They have daily direct flights and if you watch the prices you can get a deal.  Anything that is part of Star Alliance (US Airways, United, Continental) will probably be a bit cheaper as they are connected with Air Canada.

For the person thinking of going to Seattle and driving......DONT.  You can have an incredible hassle at the border with a rented car and it will cost you around $200 to park it at the cruise dock for a week.  If you try to rent and drop the car in Vancouver....another small fortune as they have to hire someone to return it to the States.

As for staying....yes most of the downtown hotels are pricey.  I suspect Olivia is going to go with the Fairmont Waterfront or the Fairmont Pacific Rim as they are favourites for Holland America.  Hotels.ca might be worth a try.  Another favourite of mine is the Coast Plaza Stanley Park, that is in the middle of the gayest part of town.  You can look on the Coast Hotels website.

We are going to come over the day before from Vancouver Island and stay at the Waterfront.  It is right across from the cruise terminal and so you can walk across with your luggage to board the ship.  It is a great hotel and great location, but will cost $$$.  No taxis though. 

As well if you are coming into YVR there is a SkyTrain (over ground light rapid transit) that goes directly from the airport and the last stop is Waterfront Station.  It will cost about $3.50 and you can then pull your luggage to the hotel.  Incredibly convenient and also saves some money..................and no I dont work for any of the above. 

As a sort of local I will be happy to answer questions as we go along.

Cheers, Heather (and Georgette)

Tami, we always wanted to go to Vancouver, possibly up to Whistler, the city looks so beautiful.  Just tell those employers you need a few extra days and they will just have to deal with it LOL. 

Diana

We are going a few days early as well and have booked a room with the Georgian Court Hotel as they have a whole floor reserved just for women (Orchid Floor) and they are listed as "Gay friendly".   Now to book our flight!  Leaning towards United as well as they are more reasonable than American Airlines.  Can't see flying through Dallas when we can fly through Denver.  Can't wait for this trip to get here and meeting new friends!!!