We just returned from a week spent in Vancouver, using an exchange into Intrawest Timeshares located in the Sheraton Wall Center hotel in downtown.
As for our experience, we were very pleased with this exchange.
The Facility:
Located on the top three floors of the Sheraton Wall Center hotel, we received our confirmation for a studio room that we knew would be very compact. So we were very pleasantly surprised to find we had been upgraded to a one bedroom suite on the 29th floor. We were very happy with the room. The living space consisted of an ample room equipped with a couch that sat 2 comfortably, and an easy chair. In the center of the room was an island with two bar stools for eating. Contained within the island was the flat screen TV and the refrigerator and some drawers. On the far wall was the sink, microwave and coffee maker. In the closet in this room was the ironing board and iron, a room safe, a recycle bin and a flashlight.
The bathroom had a long double sink, and a bath tub with shower capability and a private commode.
The bedroom had a queen sized very comfortable bed, nightstands and a closet. The best thing about the suite was the full outer wall of floor to ceiling glass windows that looked out on the city. While we did not have a mountain or harbor view, we didn’t complain since we had the upgrade!! The only downside to the room was the lighting. The only light in the bedroom were two very small lights on the nightstands that did not reflect into the entire room, so once the sun set, the bedroom was not easy to navigate in.
Phones in livingroom and bedroom. Local and 800 calls free. Wifi available in room at no cost. Passwords on the welcome information located in the room.
There was a community lounge on the 29th floor that had an Interwest concierge present for a few hours in the morning and the afternoon. Newpapers, coffee, restaurant menus, maps, a computer with printer and a telescope were available for use there. We could also use the hotel concierge in the main lobby.
The hotel was very quiet. Even though they had a convention occurring while we were there, we heard no noise and had no problems using the elevator.
The hotel was conveniently located on the corner of Hornby and Burrard. The bus stop on Burrard was very convenient. We used only local transportation and had no problems at all.
Since this is not a primary timeshare location, Intrawest did not have any events planned for quests, so do not expect an orientation, a welcome event, or any timeshare presentation offers.
The Location:
We found the location perfect for an urban stay in Vancouver. We arrived at the international terminal of Vancouver airport and took the Skytrain to the Hotel. Skytrain was located at the junction of the International and domestic terminals on the arrivals floor. We went to the lower level near the Skytrain entrance where a 7/11 sold books of 10 Translink tickets. This allowed us to avoid the $5 airport surcharge for any ticket purchased at the Skytrain machine. We took the Skytrain to the Vancouver Center station and then walked the blocks to the hotel.
For our entire stay we only used public transportation, using Translink tickets. One day, when we had a number of sites to see, we purchased a Day Pass for the day and it was easy to jump on and off buses.
The hotel pointed us to the AIG market two blocks away for groceries. Be prepared for sticker shock. Vancouver has the highest cost of living of any city in Canada. Tax is 12%. VERY expensive to shop here.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
