hotels, pacific NW

Helijet Service between Victoria and Vancouver

Perhaps the highlight of the trip was the transfer from Victoria to Vancouver by helicopter provided by Helijet.  Within walking distance (although a bit more of a walk than the Clipper) the Victoria heliport is located at the entrance to the Inner Harbour. We were in a group of 6 on a 12 seat Sikorsky – so we all ended up with our own window seat. 

After departing the heliport on our 35 minute ride over to Vancouver, we saw the beautiful city of Victoria spread out below us – including a unique, overhead view of the famous Buchart Gardens.  Approaching Vancouver, you arrive from the west, cross over the west end of the city, Standly Park, any cruise ships at the Canada Place piers and touch down almost effortlessly just next to Canada Place.  If you are staying at a waterfront hotel, or catching a cruise, you’ll have an easy walk.  Or, take advantage of helijets’s complementary transfer to other downtown hotels. 

Doing just that, we transfered quickly to the Fairmount Vancouver Hotel located very centrally, a few blocks from Canada Place and only a block or two from Robson Street. 
Overall: Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, Excellent (5 out of 5)
Amenities: 4 out of 5 – Downtown Vancouver has "grown up" around this hotel which at one time probably had beautiful views of the harbor.  Now, except for the occasional glance through the canyons of buildings, you only see other downtown buildings and streets.
Location: 5 out of 5 – perfect location for exploring Vancouver on foot or via shuttle
Room: 5 out of 5 – our huge corner room was massive - it felt like you were leaving the room just to go to the bathroom
Service: 5 out of 5 - Excellent
Value:

In Vancouver don't miss Yaletown and Gastown.  A favorite watering hole (and some pretty good food) in Gastown is the Steamworks Brewery.  We also enjoyed brunch and a dinner in Vancouver's Davie Street area.  Dinner was excellent at Moxies Classic Grill.