I have been a resident of Vancouver’s West End for the last five years and it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I found out about a hotel on the corner of Denman and Robson. Discretely advertised yet prominently located, Time Square Suites caters to extended stays with all the comforts of home.
Photo credit:
Donnay on Flickr
John and I were given a tour of one of the suites by General Manager Jacqui McMullen after we were buzzed in to the building. The hotel does not have a grand lobby, but an entrance similar to one you would find on any apartment building downtown (including buzzer numbers for the guests in each suite).
Once inside, you can take the elevator directly up to your suite. The one that we toured had washer, dryer, kitchen, living room, bathroom, two bedrooms and a juliet balcony that looked out over Robson Street, on the West side of Denman. The suite had all the comforts of home including a flat screen TV, alarm clocks, microwave, and plenty of wall outlets for charging gadgets. Updates are currently underway in some of the suites to upgrade to more modern furniture and amenities as well.
After the tour of the suite we were shown up to the covered rooftop patio where guests are welcome to lounge overlooking Coal Harbour. There is also a stainless steel BBQ where guests can have their own cookout meals.
Aside from cooking in-suite there are also plenty of dining options down on street level including Tavola (formerly Tapastree) which is directly beside Times Square’s Robson entrance.
We had never been to Tapastree so we didn’t do any comparisons and came in with a fresh set of eyes (and tastebuds). Wine flowed as bowls of pasta arrived, served family-style. The atmosphere was cozy and it seemed like a real neighbourhood establishment, where staff knew the regulars by name. The very popular Nook is also located within Times Square Suites, on the Denman side.
While we didn’t get to stay in Times Square Suites, we were really glad to know about this hotel alternative that is so close to home for us. We have relatives that would would love to invite to Vancouver however our 1-bedroom apartment wouldn’t be the best accommodation for them all.
Times Square Suites is currently ranked #8 of 106 hotels in Vancouver on TripAdvisor so it seems it was one of the best-kept secrets in the West End… until now.
I recently came across a unique series by Paul Hillsdon over on the Civic Surrey blog that looks at commercial and residential growth in Surrey over the last twelve years. In his series “Visualizing Growth” you can see how much the city has expanded into its rural areas by way of aerial photos.
Clayton 1998 / 2010
Sullivan 1998 / 2010
Cloverdale 1998 / 2010
Newton 1998 / 2010
Being born and raised in Surrey, I do notice that much more farmland is now covered in townhomes and cul-de-sac developments than I remember from my youth. Even still, these images are only a small glimpse at what is to come.
“Surrey has been designated through Metro Vancouver’s Livable Region Strategic Plan as the next metropolitan core of the region. Over the next 20 years, cities south of the Fraser River will be absorbing close to 70 per cent of the growth in the Metro Vancouver area,†said Surrey Mayor, Dianne Watts [source].
The ambitious “Build Surrey” program will see over $52 million poured into developments over the next two decades. This includes creating, upgrading and improving the City Centre Library, the Newton transit exchange, the Cloverdale Recreation Centre, the South Surrey swimming pool, and over 20 other projects. Residential development is another story as well as accommodating students in BC’s largest school district.
It will certainly be interesting to see how the city progresses throughout my lifetime and how it will affect the lives of my young my niece and nephews. In the meantime I recommend subscribing to Paul’s blog feed to see charts, imagery, and plans for what’s to come.
Frosty temperatures are flirting with the mild Vancouver climate this week as the area experiences another quick taste of winter. While puddles and ponds may freeze, the City is reminding everyone that icy surfaces will not be strong enough to support body-weight for skating.
Such was not always the case in these parts as deep freezes used to solidify watery surfaces from East Vancouver to Stanley Park.
1929 – Trout Lake. Photographer: Stuart Thomson. Vancouver Archives Item# CVA 99-1902
1929 – Lost Lagoon. Photographer: Stuart Thomson. Vancouver Archives Item# CVA 99-1975
While it’s tempting to partake in some pond hockey, there are pretty much two options in the region for “safe” skating alternatives outdoors:
Grouse Mountain
Head over to the North Shore and take the gondola up Grouse Mountain. There you can enjoy several snowy activities including a skate on their 8,000 square foot outdoor rink. Your mountain admission, lift ticket or membership includes complimentary skating and rentals are available for $5-$8.
Photo credit:
Marv! on Flickr
Robson Square
Robson Square opened its rink again this year and admission is free while skate rentals are $3. The rink is open for public skating Sunday to Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm and Friday to Saturday 9:00am until 11:00pm. It will remain open until the end of February, 2011. Call the Robson Square Hotline for more information (604) 646-3554.
Be safe during this cold snap and keep in mind those who do not have the means to bundle up. Warm clothing donation sites are still open this month.
The first Granville Street Bridge opened on this day in 1889. Spanning False Creek, it was but a low-rising timber trestle designed mainly by the CPR.
1890 – View from 2nd Ave at Birch. Photographer: W Chapman. Vancouver Archives Item# Van Sc P58.
In 1909 the Granville Bridge would be rebuilt in steel with a through truss swing span.
1908 – Second Granville Street Bridge under construction. Vancouver Archives Item# SGN 936.
The first civilian to drive over it would be the first again 45 years later when the third iteration of the bridge (which we use today) opened up on February 4th, 1954. The woman cruised over in a brand new Cadillac each time. [source]
1925 – Looking North. Photographer: Stuart Thomsom. Vancouver Archives Item# CVA 99-2234.
While the Granville Street Bridge itself lacks ornament or era-specific aesthetic like the Burrard Bridge, it offers one of the most stunning views of our city, placing the bright neon of our entertainment district against a majestic mountainous backdrop when heading North.
2010 – Photo credit:
achow on Flickr
121 years after the first Granville Street Bridge was built, the eight-lane thoroughfare we know today is crossed by thousands daily on foot or by bike, bus, and car between downtown and South Granville.
Mount Seymour’s Guys Night Out, Girls Ride Free event returns for a 5th season starting January 10th, 2011.
Women have the opportunity to enjoy free night skiing every Monday throughout the event when they pick up a voucher in advance from participating retail locations:
Coastal Riders
10310 152nd Street, Surrey (604) 581-9234
Pacific Boarder
1793 West 4th Ave, Vancouver (604) 734-7245
Comor Sports
3700 Hastings Street, Burnaby (604) 291-0475
Street to Snow
3807 East Hastings Street, Burnaby (604) 299-7669
The Boardroom
2057 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver (604) 985-9669 (North Vancouver location Only)
Vancouver Ski & Board Services
#271 East 2nd Ave, Vancouver (604) 879-1833
Vouchers are available after January 7th for one complimentary lift pass valid from 6:00pm on Mondays until March 14th, 2011.
In exchange for the free lift, women are encouraged to donate to the BC Cancer Foundation at Guest Services and during Apres Ski Night (Mondays at 8:00pm) in The Rock Chute Inn. With all the ladies on the slopes, men are invited to enjoy the scene (and to donate to the BC Cancer Foundation as well).
Over the last two years alone the mountain has raised close to $20,000. Make your Monday a guys or girls night out for a great cause this season and give that fundraising total a boost.
