I debated whether to give this hotel a 2 or 3 star rating. We just recently came back from Vancouver. The hotel is somewhat dreary looking from the exterior, so upon arrival, we lowered our expectations and came in with an open mind. We were assigned a room on the 10th floor facing South... large room, 2 queen beds, dark carpet. Beds were surprisingly comfortable; we have seen much worse such as the Holiday Inn's in San Francisco and Seattle. Bathroom water pressure was horrible, however. I'm surprised no one has even mentioned this in the most recent reviews. As for parking, the $20 per night fee is STEEP, and the garage did have ample parking the weekend we stayed here. Unfortunately, certain parts of the garage leaked. On the 2nd night (Saturday), the elevators were not working at all, and that irritated us and a few guests waiting for the elevator. Hence, we walked up 10 flights of stairs, and these stairs were so inclined at a steep angle that you certainly lost your breath, esp walking up to 10 floors! Other items of interest: internet access is $15 CDN per night; Safeway is right across the street; this hotel is not in Downtown proper; must have a car to get around in my opinion; did not try the restaurant. What annoyed us the most was the noise we heard from the guests above our floor on Saturday night. We had Americans drinking off the balcony and yelling "Canada Sucks". We were about to call the front desk for a room change if things didn't quiet down, but they did. Overall, I would not rush back to this hotel and only stayed here due to Priceline.

Attended a conference in Vancouver in mid-February, and the Plaza 500 was the venue. I'd previously only stayed at hotels right downtown, and this hotel, on Cambie, was new to me. It's reasonably easy to get to by taxi or bus (from the airport, a taxi is easiest as the Vancouver Airporter bus doesn't stop at the hotel).

The hotel is modern, tidy, and clean without feeling stuffy. The lobby has comfortable chairs, and there's a wide staircase leading up to the first floor which contains the conference and meeting rooms (which are good).

My room was on the 16th floor, and was excellent. It had a huge king sized bed, a sofa, TV, fridge, and useful writing desk. I had great views out over the bay to North Vancouver and the mountains, and to the north up towards SFU. The room was very comfortable, quiet, and clean.

I didn't eat at the restaurant in the hotel (you can get pastries or fruit for breakfast at the mall across the street, which is immensely cheaper), but the food at the hotel was served at the conference, and it was decent.

All told, I had a very comfortable stay. The room was great, and the staff (both at the front desk and managing the conference) were helpful and friendly. There are lots of cheap restaurants and numerous Starbucks in the neighbourhood, and it's close to Broadway with all the shops you need.

Pretty decent and I got a good rate! I was in Vancouver for 3 days on a course and after reading some of the reviews of this hotel I was a bit worried. The hotel is close to Broadway and not too far from Granville but it is NOT downtown. This was OK for my puropose as it was close to whre I needed to get to and all the cab rides were $10 or under. I found the room clean and well maintained and the bed was comfortable. There was construction outside my window but only during "business hours" was it noisy. I also had a nice view of the City Hall and the mountains. The staff was courteous and prefossional and even worked to get an ealy check in. Vancouver is a pricey city and if its luxury you're looking for than spend more $$$ and stay somewhere else. If you're looking for a clean hotel at a decent price than the plaza 500 is worth considering.

Booked for a romatic weekend with another couple. Was hesitant due to reviews that we read AFTER being assigned with Priceline. We only paid $60 per nite, so was stunned to see others paying waaaaay more. Immediately being assigned to this hotel, checked ratings and reviews. Was warned about construction, but was eager to see due to location to downtown. Mapquest led me directly to hotel; immediately saw the $20 per nite parking sign. Check in was a breeze. Nice lobby. We were split from other couple by a floor; check-in staff released rooms to ensure we were together. Was assigned room on the front of the hotel -- was directly told by staff that we DID NOT want the back (no view). WHAT A VIEW!!! WOW!! Incredible Vancounver laid out like a gem at night (from room 606 -- ask for it or any other x06 room, which is a corner). Construction may have been muted during our weekend stay, but I think most of the terrible noise is now muted as they are at least 1-2 stories down for underground subway-type system being installed. Ate twice at White Spot, an easy -5 min walk across the street. Up-scale Dennys, wonderful waitstaff, good food. Fantastic hotel staff; bellboy (man) gave us great directions to blues battle-of-the-band hotel, which we enjoyed. Caring check-in clerk recommended then reviewed menu and ordered our delivered Chinese food, stressing that her guests were hungry and waiting (only waited 15 min or so -- excellent dry ribs; yum!). Drove everywhere -- no hassle parking in secured garage (never did use valet, although they were there). Loved the city, the nightlife, the pulse! Loved my trip, renewed 30+ year young relationship. Don't miss Yuk Yuk Comedy Club -- what a treat! Aldos Shoes outlet is a must-see! Across from a "mall" -- not really that at all, but had a Safeway store which stayed open until midnight, so was able to stock up on water etc. for far more cost-effective than their $4 bottled water offered in hotel room. Watch it -- the fridge is off when you arrive, but will FREEZE everything in it if you don't monitor the control!

Will warn that hotel room smelled faintly of smoke upon arrival. Small (19"?) TV looked off in armoire. Feather pillows seemed flat. Back hurt after 2 nites on stiff mattress. Hot water delayed -- wait for it! Rough towels -- husband complained that they must have never heard of fabric softener. Tub VERY slippery -- almost fell twice until I used the tub mat they provided. Other couple complained about burned out bulbs in their room (at least 2), but I don't think they ever called to get replaced. Overall, we were pleased with the hotel and the stay. Would stay again.