First of all I'll stick with some of the main points then on to the details.
Pros:
-Walking distance to Chinatown, Downtown, Ports and Transit.
-Friendly and knowledgeable staff
-Easy access to Public Transit (During 6am-2am)
-Room service about 930am-10am in cases multilingual staff
Cons:
-If you have a window room, it will be 6-10 degrees colder
-If you're business requires you to be on-call 24 hrs you'll have trouble getting around, or getting to an ATM
- E.Hastings is notorious for having a high frequency of disadvantaged people (Prostitutes, Junkies, Homeless and so on) not Patricia's fault, but something to be aware of if you are not prepared.
Background:
I was in Vancouver for a couple days on business, very last minute due to economic shifts that affected my employer in Toronto. So out of the blue I booked with travelocity without incident, Patricia had everything on file and took a copy of credit card for incidentals. Price comparison is that of a backpackers hostel, considering that you get privacy, some amenities and such, the price is a steal.
The Hotel:
There is a single elevator that's a little older you may have to push the buttons twice or so. Once I got to my room i noticed that it was quite cold, I found a piece of wood propping the window open for some reason, once removed it did get warmer, but only slightly during my entire stay(3 days-2 nights). Budget room has a 2 piece bathroom with a pretty straight forward shower and toilet while the sink is in the main part of the room.
Cable TV is pretty easy and free while phone is for pay (I run everything through my cell so i didn't really need it anyway). I noticed that a few local payphones have been vandalized beyond use either stripped for parts or just plain broken so if you need a phone I would suggest you get a disposable from 7-11 or use long distance phone cards with your cell phone. If you are the Business type bring a laptop there is no cybercafe in about a 2 km radius. From what I understand they have a wireless internet setup, since I haven't tested it I can't really say much more. I travel light and with as few electronics as possible and I learned this the hard way.
Locale:
There are really no attractions in the immediate area aside from Chinatown and the Ports, there's a waterfront park nearby and some others just south if you need a place to get some air, smoke or what not. Due to certain elements in the area, businesses close up shop rather early if you're comparing it to a 24 hr city like Toronto, Tokyo, LA, or New York this borough of Vancouver isn't up to snuff . Translink information is mostly online and in select bus shelters, if you're a tourist you will have trouble finding maps or finding out where you can get them considering the major lines are either automated or under equipped. Every map holder i saw while traveling on the Skytrain was empty, i had to draw a mini map in my padfolio from one encased in a bus shelter at one point.
Okay, now on to what most of you have been griping about. Yes this area is not for the faint of heart, if drug dealers, hookers, and homeless people scare you then don't stay in this part of town. I use to be a youth worker so this is kind of my element, I can diffuse hostile situations if necessary, but remember if you show them respect they will too. Try not to judge them or tell them off, a simple no thanks or not right now can go a long way. Also, try to dress casual; I had to maintain a dress code for some parts of my trip and walking around at odd hours in business attire is a sure fire way to get propositioned by prostitutes and those looking for spare change.
Police presence increases substantially after 2am, from what I gather there are 2 easily accessible stations, if by any chance you do meet with an aggressive panhandler or other persons facing barriers. Quite frankly you have better chances bribing the homeless for lost or stolen property they know more and act much quicker; helped fellow out of towner find lost keys in less than 10 min with homeless guys help.
Conclusion:
The only way I would stay in this Hotel again, is if my employer would agree to some concessions, including a rather sizable increase in pay. I know I have to go back to Vancouver for a progress report next year and I plan on staying closer to the Downtown core possible in a brand name hotel and renting a car to get around during the early hours.
If you're a last minute traveler and value a half decent quiet environment without a lot of money this is definitely a place for you. Roadies, traveling artists, and temporary job seekers from out of province would probably benefit most. Be smart, prepared, and try not to antagonize anyone and you'll do fine.
