Vancouver answers from a Vancouverite

[Putterdude]

I had read on this thread about LimoJet Gold awhile back. I just contacted them about picking us up at our hotel (Hampton Inn) downtown and bringing us to the airport. According to their website it is $39 from the airport to downtown. I mistakenly assumed it would be $39 from downtown to the airport. Not so. They confirmed my reservation for $60. I wanted to let you all know about their "false" advertising or "price increase".

 

Thanks for this information, I have just got off the phone from speaking with LimoJet Gold and their explanation is that they have had a contract with YVR for some years which expired on April 30. Under that contract they did provide service to and from YVR for $39 and $45 plus GST. However as of yesterday without the contract they are no longer bound by those rates and I guess it follows that thay haven't yet updated their website.

As a result of your post I have also checked the YVR website and see that the limo contract is now with High End Limo, they are providing limo service to and from YVR and Downtown for the $39. Here are links to their website and rate sheet:

http://www.highendlimo.ca/index.php

http://www.yvr.ca/pdf/guide/highend_sedan_rates.pdf

[Urban trekker]

No need for Chris Olsen or the People's Helper on KOMO - there's always Putterdude to the rescue.

 

Now if you could just fine out why my on-line tax preparer charges the PST on my return - oh never mind I am following that one up myself.

 

Have a great weekend - make sure that the tele is working fine at 6PM tonight.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[Putterdude]

Now if you could just fine out why my on-line tax preparer charges the PST on my return - oh never mind I am following that one up myself.

 

 

Legal and accounting fees have been subject to PST for sometime now...thanks Gordo.:rolleyes:

[Urban trekker]

Actually I think it goes like this - if I buy Quick Tax in the store I have to pay it as I would any other software BUT because I am using an on-line service you think that you are only using the service whereas in fact you are buying the software and then using it so that is why they apply the PST.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[gma5]

Thanks for this information, I have just got off the phone from speaking with LimoJet Gold and their explanation is that they have had a contract with YVR for some years which expired on April 30. Under that contract they did provide service to and from YVR for $39 and $45 plus GST. However as of yesterday without the contract they are no longer bound by those rates and I guess it follows that thay haven't yet updated their website.

 

As a result of your post I have also checked the YVR website and see that the limo contract is now with High End Limo, they are providing limo service to and from YVR and Downtown for the $39. Here are links to their website and rate sheet:

 

http://www.highendlimo.ca/index.php

 

http://www.yvr.ca/pdf/guide/highend_sedan_rates.pdf

 

Are the rate per person or per ride. There will be 2 of us needing a ride to the airport about 3:30- 4 am.

Thanks

[Putterdude]

Are the rate per person or per ride. There will be 2 of us needing a ride to the airport about 3:30- 4 am.

 

Thanks

 

It is per ride but to that they do add GST which is at 5%. I also noticed that a regulatory authority had allowed limos to levy a 3.5% a temporary fuel charge last summer....like all "temporary" charges I don't don't know if it has been removed yet.

[F19810]

Since there is no longer a shuttle around Stanley Park, is it easy to get around the park. I know that I can rent a bike for the seawall, but to be hones, I haven't been on a bike since I got my driver's liscence many years ago. I may want to go to the ascuarium, some view points along the sea wall, the totems, rose garden and lost lagoon. Also, is Capriano Bridge really worth the time and if so, how mch time.

Thanks

[Urban trekker]

"I may want to go to the ascuarium, some view points along the sea wall, the totems, rose garden and lost lagoon.

 

All of these are fairly close to each other and near the entrance of the park and if you like to do a little walking that would suffice - the other way if you are not using the hop on hop off bus is to use city transit - the #19 Trolley bus will take yo right into the Park - not far from the various attractions that you mentioned - bus fare is $2.50 and you get a 90 minute transfer.

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[Putterdude]

Also, is Capriano Bridge really worth the time and if so, how mch time.

Thanks

 

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is very popular, particularly amongst tourists. I would allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for a visit and about 45 mins travel time in either direction if you go by transit.

[COTINGEY]

I've just booked the Cascadia Hotel and Suites and I'm thinking about the Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre Corner room. Which one is the best in terms of quality and location? They are priced within $10 per night of each other, including parking. Then compare them to the Marriott Pinnacle and Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside</SPAN> (we may be staying there with friends, who are employees of Marriott here in Colorado and we get an unbelievable price). Pros? Cons? We do have a rental car. Since we travel with children, the hot breakfast offer at Cascadia is attractive, but if we then have to drive everywhere, our savings will be eaten up in gas, parking and valuable time.

We will be arriving in Seattle on 5/15 at 10:22. By the time we pick up the rental car and head north, how much time will we be spending at the border? How far is it to the border? If we have a better chance at a quicker crossing in the afternoon, I’m sure there are things we can do in Seattle before heading your way.

We’ve been given a list of things to do by a transplanted Vancouverite. We have Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and Sunday and then leave for our cruise on Monday. Please help with this list: Stanley Park, Lynn Canyon Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Harbour Centre Tower lookout (if clear), Granville Public Market, Grouse Mountain, Whistler Mountain, and Light House Park. Then she told me I had to go to Confection’s on Robson?

In hind sight, I wish that we had made this a separate vacation and spent a week. The more I read the more I want to do! I guess I’ll just have to come back. Thank you so much for your time.

[Putterdude]

I think that I would just stay with the Cascadia it is just recently been re-named and re-flaged from the Marriott Residences so you are doing better the the HI and still in what was up until a few months ago a Marriott. Plus with children those breakfasts can sure add up. The other 2 Marriotts are closer to Canada Place and some of the rooms will have views but we are only speaking of a few blocks differnce...and I would stll stay with what your got. Ut lives only a few blocks away from the Cascadia which speaks legions for the neighborhood...but at least he will wave to you.:rolleyes:

Drive time from SeaTac, plan on 3 hrs of drive time and 2 or so hours at the border...if the time at the border is less, it will be a pleasant gift.

I like your itinerary but would make the following comments, like the Harbour Centre Lookout, don't go up Grouse unless you can see the top of the mountain and the other would be that Whistler while a wonderful trip, does require a full day...so you may want to re-think that. You could add to the list when you are heading to Grouse Mtn, the Capilano Fish Hatchery and the Cleveland Dam. By the way you could easily spend a full day in Stanley park, it is 1000 acres and Granville Island will burn up the best part of 3 to 4 hours.

Have a great visit and a super cruise.:)

Edited May 3, 2009 by Putterdude

[COTINGEY]

Ut lives only a few blocks away from the Cascadia which speaks legions for the neighborhood...but at least he will wave to you.:rolleyes:

 

 

 

 

 

Putterdue, thank you for your reply. In all the reading I've done, I can always count on you for good information. Now please excue my ignorance, but who is "Ut"?

Thanks,

Robyn

[Putterdude]

He is one of the very knowledgable contributors on this and other boards....none other than Dennis, the "Urban trekker" and seriously he lives in a condo just a few blocks away from the Cascadia. Like he, I was born in Vanouver and lived there all of my life until 5 years ago I retired and now live in a small sea-side resort town just up the coast from Vancouver...so I will wave to you as you sail by my front door. By the way I have been to Aurora, some years ago I was a frequent visitor to Denver and decided one Sunday that I was going to get to know the area better so visited every suburb from Northglenn south to I forget where...but I remember visiting Aurora.:)

[LMZinSC]

Thanks for this information, I have just got off the phone from speaking with LimoJet Gold and their explanation is that they have had a contract with YVR for some years which expired on April 30. Under that contract they did provide service to and from YVR for $39 and $45 plus GST. However as of yesterday without the contract they are no longer bound by those rates and I guess it follows that thay haven't yet updated their website.

 

As a result of your post I have also checked the YVR website and see that the limo contract is now with High End Limo, they are providing limo service to and from YVR and Downtown for the $39. Here are links to their website and rate sheet:

 

http://www.highendlimo.ca/index.php

 

http://www.yvr.ca/pdf/guide/highend_sedan_rates.pdf

Thanks for the info. I will check them out.

[Urban trekker]

Actually I am a block from the Cascadia and can see it from my condo balcony.

 

Dogged tired today after 70KM = 42 miles of biking as part of the Volunteer team from the Vancouver Marathon - I got to escort the 2nd place male to the finish line and then later helped a tired and sored footed ( new shoes not broken in) person to the finish line - he was the second to last to cross and then we had a small party - a couple of small kegs of some kraft beer and chips etc before making it home an hour ago.

 

I think I just might take it easy tomorrow and start to think of some new excursion ideas for my Alaska cruise.

 

A tired UT says

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[COTINGEY]

Thank you putterdude. My apologies to you Urban trekker. I have also read your posts and found them to be most helpful. Robyn

[gma5]

It is per ride but to that they do add GST which is at 5%. I also noticed that a regulatory authority had allowed limos to levy a 3.5% a temporary fuel charge last summer....like all "temporary" charges I don't don't know if it has been removed yet.

 

Thank you, We'll be in Vancouver in 2 wks. Looking forward to exploring your beautiful city.

[dunaldo]

Any chance you will be at the Shark Club for the game on Thurs.? I hope to make it and if you are I'll buy you a drink (maybe 2).

[Putterdude]

Thanks for the very kind offer but I will not be in the city.:(

[dunaldo]

Well is it OK if I have one for you?

[rrgreennc]

I saw in an earlier post on this thread that we should plan for as much as 2 hours to cross the US/Canada border in addition to the 3 hours driving time between Seattle and Vancouver. Sounds like this is worst case. What is the average, or norm. And what are you doing all this time, sitting in line in your car?

[Urban trekker]

"And what are you doing all this time, sitting in line in your car? YES - it is usually a little faster coming into Canada - unless after a long weekend when we are returning from the US of A.

 

Thanks for the offer of a drink but while I am close by I won't be available - we have our provincial election next week and the advance polls take place this week - I have committed to an 8 hour shift scrutineering for one of the Parties and won't be finished until after 8:30PM by which time I will probably be ready to hit the sack - remember the game will be on I believe at 6PM local time - if you want a seat in the Shark Club get there by 4PM and bring ear plugs as it gets noisy.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[krogerlady]

Received the following letter from the new limo company. I thought it was very nice of them to send it. i had previously asked a couple questions, but this is more information and very good to have.

As of May 01 2009 HighEnd Limousine Services Ltd. is the exclusive sedan

limousine provider at Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR). There is no need

for a reservation when arriving at YVR as our luxury sedans will be parked

curb side when exiting both the domestic and international terminals.

 

HighEnd Limousine offers flat transfer rates to and from YVR in any one of

our luxury sedans (up to 5 passengers). Our sedan rate between YVR and

downtown Vancouver is $39.00 plus GST, one way. Return transfers to YVR do

require a reservation.

 

For larger parties requiring a stretch limousine or stretch SUV,

reservations are required. Simply contact a reservation agent at

604-298-1000.

 

HighEnd Limousine Services is open for business 24 hours a day, 7 days a

week. Take advantage of our courteous and knowledgeable customer service

staff to make reliable arrangements for your YVR transportation.

[Choozin Croozin]

Thanks KrogerLady. I was going to send them a note as we get closer, you just answered most of my questions. Unfortunately for us, there are 6 of us, so we need to make reservations. Very helpful post!! Happy cruzin'

[krogerlady]

One other note of info, when we were communicating with limojetgold, they offered a special pickup where they hold up a sign and help with your luggage...a reservation type thing, but then we found out that they can't go into the security area because of customs, so it would have been useless money spent. My sister is coordinating our transportation at YVR and she may end up and reserve a larger vehicle....I think there are 7 of us, plus luggage. Or we will just take two sedans, if they are available. The sedans aren't much more than a cab, and since we are getting into YVR very late, we wanted the added security of a limo driver, and the help he will give us with luggage, and of course, he gets a bigger tip. My sister owns a limo business in Georgia, and I have learned to enjoy the added services.