Places to Stay in Vancouver For 2010 Olympics

By Slava Kandakou

Choosing a place to stay during Vancouver 2010 Olympics might be a challenge, but in Vancouver there is a perfect spot for everybody.

So you've made the decision to be in the Best Place on Earth at the best time possible. Then, my friend, welcome to Vancouver during 2010 Olympics!

No one would argue that Vancouver is beautiful and everyone can find their own home here. But how do you find that unique place, which would be just right and personal for you in such a diverse and large city? How about finding that perfect place if you've never been to Vancouver before?

I was in your shoes not so long ago, and during last few years I've walked (and biked, and roller-bladed - you name it ...) the streets of Vancouver from East to West, North to South and never stopped wondering "Is there a more beautiful place to live in?" So if you are trying to figure out which part of the city to stay at during 2010 Olympics, here are few things you should consider before deciding on a location:

1. How important is the proximity to the Olympic Venues? And if being close to the Olympic venue is a priority for you, which competition are you planning to attend?

2. How will you get around? Will you be renting a car? Or will you be taking public transportation (which is, frankly speaking, quite good, compared to other North American cities)? Vancouver offers not only buses and trolleybuses, but it also features a fully automated Skytrain and scenic rides on Seabus. To learn more about public transit options available in Vancouver and the area, to get maps, schedules or simply to plan your trips within Vancouver check Translink website.

3. How important is a neighborhood for you? Would you enjoy lively and glittery downtown or would you rather keep yourself warm near a fireplace in a secluded home?

4. What about your neighbors? Or do you want any? Obviously, a stay at a hotel comes with a certain package of neighbors, behind not so sound proof walls... But what about having a house of your own for a few days? If you are one of those people that like feeling at home even when they travel, there are several websites that offer vacation rentals ranging from a room in a house to multi-bedroom mansions for rent in Vancouver area during 2010 Olympics.

The most important and the hardest decision you will most likely need to make from the start, is to choose between staying in Vancouver area or Whistler. For some this will be based on the interest in particular Olympic sports, for some it will depend on transportation and accommodation. Just to give you an overall idea, Whistler is located approximately 130 km (80 miles) from Vancouver. Drive on the "Sea-to-Sky" highway is very picturesque, however, might seem a bit challenging for those not used to windy roads. With normal road conditions it would take about two hours to travel between Vancouver and Whistler. However, here comes the big question: how long will it take to get to Whistler during 2010 Olympics? Since there is only one road from Vancouver to Whistler, I wouldn't dare to give any estimates at all.

If your accommodation for 2010 Olympics is purely based on proximity to the location of the competition, you want to be in Whistler for: Bobsleigh, Luge, Skeleton, Alpine Skiing, Alpine Skiing (Paralympic), Biathlon, Biathlon (Paralympic), Cross Country Skiing, Cross Country Skiing (Paralympic), Nordic Combined, Ski Jumping.

Since most of the Olympic venues are located in the city of Vancouver itself, I will slice and dice it for you to give you the gist of each little area.

Unlike most North American downtowns, Vancouver is very livable and one of the most densely populated. To set your expectations right about living in downtown Vancouver, be prepared for 24/7 city life. Yes, downtown Vancouver is crowded during the day - office workers, businessmen, tourists, shoppers. By 6 pm most offices are closed, but the crowd does not disappear. Why? Because more than 45,000 people actually live in downtown. And what would that number be come February 2010? Any guesses?

Downtown itself embraces a number of distinct neighborhoods. Every Vancouverite could proudly point you to Coal Harbour , Yaletown, Gastown, West End, or Chinatown . Then there are few more Downtown communities that aren't necessarily on tip of everyone's tongue, although still worth considering: False Creek, Triangle West, Downtown South, Bayshore Gardens.

Yaletown . Many Vancouverites would proudly tell you a story about the transformation of an ugly warehouse district into one of the trendiest neighborhoods to live in. Although many would sigh at the end, regretting they missed out their chance to buy a property here few years ago, when it was still affordable. Today Yaletown is definitely one of the most expensive areas in Vancouver. Loft style residencies, fashionable restaurants and nightclubs, designer shops, and trendy offices... What not to like about such a chic lifestyle? Live, work, rest and play in one cool place. And the best part is - you are just few blocks away from 2010 Olympic Opening and Closing ceremonies, nightly victory ceremonies and the medal presentations at BC. Place Stadium, and right next to major hockey venue - General Motors Place. If you get lucky enough and find an accommodation with the view facing south, you would not only get an amazing harbour view, but also see the Olympic Village across the water. Yaletown is bound by Nelson, Homer, Drake and Pacific streets.

Coal Harbour - Yet another topnotch downtown living spot. Very much like Yaletown, this neighborhood is tastefully designed to accommodate both prestigious living as well as retail and office space. The big advantage of choosing an accommodation in Coal Harbour is the magnificent view of the North Shore Mountains and Stanley Park. Coal Harbour stretches from Canada Place to Cardero Street along the Burrard Inlet shore were you can take a nice stroll and enjoy a spectacular Vancouver scene: sail-like glass buildings, million-dollar yachts, and magnificent mountains. I love Vancouver!

Gastown - Vancouver birthplace. If you feel like staying in the heritage part of the city, Gastown could be one of your choices. Although I would warn you to be very careful in choosing an accommodation in that part of the city, as it borders very closely with not so popular " East Hastings " area. Hard to tell just yet whether anything will change in 2010, but for now I would stay away from East Hastings.

Clearly distinct Chinatown, located on Pender Street between Carrall and Columbia Streets, was once the largest Chinatown in Canada, and the second largest in North America. Nowadays Chinatown is a designated historic district. It creates a very interesting perspective: two worlds blending in together - centuries old Chinese culture with its unique recessed balconies, decorative parapets and cornices and on the other side Vancouver high-tech green-glass architecture. I do enjoy checking out Chinese medicine stores here and all the different gift shops.

Downtown South is an area between Robson Street and Pacific Boulevard, east of the West End. Two major retail strips - Granville Street and Davie Street are very fun to visit. Davie Street is easily recognized by abundance of rainbow flags on each and every corner. According to wiki " It is the home of the city's gay subculture, and, as such, is often considered a gay village or ' gaybourhood'. " Overall, downtown south is a nice urban living area with a vibrant day and night life perfectly located close to the Oceanside.

If you would like to escape the hectic Downtown life, but still be in the centre of all events I would recommend looking for accommodation in one of Vancouver West communities (Kitsilano, False Creek, Point Grey, Arbutus, Shaughnessy, etc). Just across the bridge from Downtown Vancouver, these lovely neighborhoods offer variety of lifestyles from dynamic year-round 4 th Avenue or the biggest public market in North America on Granville Island to relaxing atmosphere for a personal escape at Jericho beach and many charming parks along the ocean side.

My personal favorite, and probably the most popular area here is Kitsilano. No wonder, since it was ranked the second most recognized community in Canada. This neighborhood uniquely embraces vibrant city life offering myriad of coffee shops, countless restaurants and clubs together with quiet "out-there-in-the-nature" living with endless stretches of beaches and stunning mountain and city views. It is extremely easy to get to and from here as there several major bus routes along the 4 th Avenue and Burrard Street which will take you Downtown in just a few minutes. For more active souls there are many bike routes as well as beautiful trails and sidewalks leading to any part of the city. Kitsilano stretches from the ocean side to 16 th Avenue north to south and from Burrard Street to Alma Street east to west.

Fairview stretches west to east from Burrard Street to Cambie Street and from 6 th Avenue to 16 th Avenue. Mostly high density housing offers good nesting opportunities for Yuppies. Although not as green as some other parts of the city, Fairview streets are nicely planted and decorated for cozy living. Just a short walk away is seawall, leading to Kitsilano beaches going west, or Olympic Village going east. Granville Island is right there for your enjoyment. Always fresh produce, specialty items, yummy deserts and of course coffee, art galleries, restaurants, you name it ... It's truly a must see tourist spot in Vancouver. Plus you could try out an alternate type of transportation here: Aquabus to several locations in Downtown. Also, busses and trolleys run every few minutes to any direction.

Wishing for secluded paradise? Wish no further - go Point Grey. You are probably already tired of me saying "best views", "spectacular Oceanside living"... Oh well, that's how it is in Vancouver - very hard to choose between amazing and the most amazing places to live... But seriously, perfectly nested on the north facing slope, Point Grey residencies get the best of the best views in all of Vancouver. Just imagining that million-dollar view gives me shivers. Add to that three times the average "park space per person" of any area in the lower mainland, plus multi million-dollar residences, proximity to the beaches and easy access to downtown. Vancouver, Eh? I would think, going for a retreat here would definitely be a supreme experience. But careful what you wish for, as prices here bite quite a bit.

Live large, live with prestige... and that's in the city? Yes, if you can afford it. Shaughnessy is the place to be, if you are into heritage style residencies designed by city's top architects, large lots with swimming pools, and neighboring with Hollywood movie stars. Although still very close to Downtown and being in the center of the city of Vancouver, Shaugnessy is amazingly different. Even the streets here aren't the regular grid: windy and circled, uphill and downhill, gorgeous hundred-year-old trees on the side, elegant gardening creations boasting in front of magnificent residences. If you ever wish to get back to real life, Granville or Oak streets are minutes away for shopping, restaurants or transportation.

To get more information on private rentals for 2010 Olympics in Vancouver visit http://www.goldencityrentals.com . You will find how much local home owners are charging for private accommodations during Vancouver 2010 Olympics and what type of rental accommodations are available. You can list your property for 2010 Olympics or rent one if you wish.

Still got questions or need recommendations on a specific area in Vancouver, email me at info@goldencityrentals.com

Slava Kandakou of goldencityrentals.com - we are your source of 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics vacation property rentals and accommodations. All properties advertised on our website are available specifically from February to March of 2010.

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