Hyatt Regency Vancouver

I spent 5 nights at the hotel while attending a conference of over 600 people that was held at the Bayshore hotel (about a 10 minute drive from the Hyatt) but I have to say, I am thankful that we booked our rooms late since the Bayshore was sold out and the overflow people were directed to the Hyatt Regency.

I preferred this hotel location to the Bayshore because this hotel was in closer proximity to more restaurants, shopping locations (some very high end such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Tiffany & Co., Coach etc) as well as a Tim Hortons and McDonalds right across from the entrance of the hotel, not that the coffee wasn't good in the room (in fact it was very good) but it's nice to have a Tim's so close and there was also a Starbucks right in the lobby! I upgraded my room for the $25 per night so that I had a mountain view and am glad I did since I loved waking up to the mountains every morning and with the upgrade I received free WiFi.

The room was very spacious and so clean, the bed and pillows were soft & comfy and there was a separate desk area for working with a large closet and larger bathroom, I loved the circle in the mirror since it lite up at night and was perfect for a little light so you can still see where you are walking at night. There was a fridge in the room and all the staff was very friendly and went out of their way to be so helpful, I did visit the spa and found it very relaxing with great prices, some hotel spas are so overpriced!

There is also a mini mall attached right to the hotel with a Staples and other little shops to help all your business needs. The only minor complaint I had was that the shower has no shower head, but rather the faucet is in the ceiling so its almost like being rained on but the pressure was good (like a heavy rain so that was a good thing) but it was a little awkward. My only other complaint was the prices at the hotel restaurant, it was a little pricey at the cost of about $15 for a 3 egg omelet breakfast so I was thankful there was a McDonald's next door. I had no issues or complaints with the elevators in fact they were very quick and efficient and I never heard my neighbour's at all; I was on the 27th floor, and if I ever have a chance to go back I will definitely be staying here again!

Room Tip: pay the $25 for the upgrade and ask for a mountain view

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The Best Top Tokyo Tips

Tokyo is a highly-populated, fast-paced, expensive mega-city from the future, which can make it quite a daunting place to visit. Not many Japanese people speak English (and if they do, are often too shy to say much), so the first tip is: on the flight over, memorize some basic Japanese phrases. You probably know 'konnichiwa' (hello!) and 'thank you' ('arigato') already, but if you're feeling really clever, add 'Where is the train station/toilet/hotel' ('eki/oh-te-rai/hoteru wa doko deska?') to your Japanese skills. 

More tips for first-timers
- To save money on accommodation, stay out of the city center. Hotels in Asakusa, for instance, are much cheaper than those in Shibuya or Shinjuku. As a bonus, Asakusa has a traditional township feel to it, especially near the temple, plus you have a view of the iconic Asahi Office Tower, affectionately known as the Golden Poo. Caveat: many restaurants here sell whale sashimi.

- If you want to visit Tsukiji fish markets, get up early (it's open to spectators from 5am – 6.15am). Be prepared to see fishmongers dwarfed by massive tuna fish and try to stay out of the way of speeding vehicles. 

- Go to Harajuku on a Sunday, when all the cosplay kids, Lolitas and fashionistas gather in their finery. Most are happy to have their photo taken, so you can document whatever the latest trend is, then go shopping down Harajuku's packed streets. To rake your mental Zen garden after all the crowds and chaos, visit the Meiji Jingo shrine on the opposite side of the station and leave a wish under the wish tree.

-June, July and August can get humid and stifling on Tokyo's streets, so if you don't like the heat, visit outside of these months. Also, check the cherry blossom times – from late March to early April in Tokyo – as sakura-viewing is quite a magical experience.

- Karaoke in Shinjuku is a must. Don't be shy – it's a national pastime.

- Sneaker fetishists should visit the futuristic A Bathing Ape store in Shibuya, which resembles a minimalist anime disco. The Nike flagship store in Harajuku is also completely over the top, adorned with shoe-art, a shoe-chandelier, a football-only zone and a NikeiD center where you can customize your treads.

- Seek food in small places with minimal signage and a lack of plastic food models at the front. The best food is usually off the tourist trail. Don't be scared to enter these little shops – just point at something on the picture menu or ask for 'ramen' (noodle soup) if you start panicking.  Izakaya are traditional eating and drinking establishments with picture menus and are very authentic Japanese in feel. Here's one example:http://bento.com/rev/2133.html

--Ramen, you must eat it. Here's some insight into the religion of ramen:www.tokyoessentials.com/ichiran-ramen.html. When eating your ramen it is customary to make slurping sounds – it enhances the flavor and cools down the noodles.

-Your mobile phone probably won't work in Japan because it's not compatible with their technology. Also, Japanese phones are locked and not usable in your home country.

-To minimize time spent wandering the streets lost, hire an iPhone and use Google maps. They cost 8000JPY per week (USD 95) and you get free net and 1000JPY of phone calls – deliverable to the airport or to your hotel. Your cell phone won't work in Japan

-Always carry change for train tickets and vending machines, which sell just about anything (drinks, eggs, beer, hot ramen, business cards, popcorn etc).

-Don't bring an umbrella: as soon as it rains someone will appear selling plastic ones for 100Y.

-Take the free tissues you get offered outside railway stations – you may need them at the next toilet.

-Akihabara 'electric city' is indeed a paradise for electronics geeks – go on the weekends and enjoy pedestrian-only access.

-Cat with your cappuccino? Tokyo has cat cafés. These cats can be aloof, however, as cats who experience too much attention usually are.www.bento.com/rev/catcafe.html

-The easiest way to master train travel in Tokyo is to station yourself near to JR Yamanote line – the light green line – which circles the city through Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and Akihabara. Shinagawa station is also on this line, connecting to the Narita Express from the airport.

-Fans of Ghibli studios can visit the official Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, about 20 minutes by train from Shinjuku using the Chuo line.  Difficulty factor: you need to book tickets before your trip, from an agent in your country, stating the exact date of your intended visit. The process is legit, however, and the trip is worth it, if only to meet Totoro, Catbus, the dust bunnies or buy an original animation cell.

-Taxis are expensive and there is a night surcharge from 10pm-5am, but in case you need one, know the following: doors open automatically, don't try to open the door yourself. Most drivers have GPS. Tipping is not customary. Yellow light means occupied, red light means vacant, green means the surcharge is in effect.  

- A nice day or weekend escape from Tokyo is Hida-Takayama, a mountain village which offers a quaint glimpse of Japanese history. The mountainous terrain and cute preserved houses and shops are highly picturesque and guests can visit the Hida Folk Village to buy souvenirs and handicrafts. It's a 4.5-hour trip from Tokyo station.

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The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver is Almost Perfect

My husband and I stayed here one night over Easter weekend to celebrate our anniversary.

We were in a harbour view room on the fifth floor. The view was gorgous and the big floor to ceiling windows that opened up were a great plus. It basically gives the impression that the whole room is a cozy balcony. We turned the chairs in the room to face outside and just sat and watched the world go by for a few hours. It was beautiful.

The lady at the front desk was amazingly friendly and very efficient so check in was super quick.

My only suggestion to improve the experience would be to replace the mattress and pillows. Ours sagged quite a bit and the pillows were quite flat. The linins were very nice and so was the bed spread, all perfectly clean and wonderful.

The rain shower in the bathroom was a real plus too. :)

The location is awesome. You're basically right on the Seawall where there are plenty of great restaurants and pubs for good food and drink.

Room Tip: The Harbour View room was beautiful!

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Maldives: Three Maldives Wreck Dive Sites

Snorkeling – just skimming the sea's surface – is a buzz. But if you want to see more, explore, dig deep, diving is just the ticket, especially wreck diving.

What better place to experience the spooky thrill of a sunken ship than the Maldives? The waters off the Indian archipelago serve as the grave and stage for some bewitching wrecks. Despite downed ships' crusty image, most Maldives wrecks with a reputation only vanished in the late 20th century. These wrecks are more retro than historic.

Still, explore them with care. You never know quite what obstacles a ship that went the way of the Titanic may present to your rubber-clad body.

The Halaveli

When you think of wrecks, you may picture sunken Spanish galleons dating back to the likes of Long John Silver. Equipped with immeasurable character, the old relics are hard to beat. But spare a glance for the Halaveli: a humble inter-island freighter languishing in 25 meters of water near Halaveli Resort Island. The Halaveli sank in 1990. Plastered in colorful coral, it attracts a procession of boats freighted with divers. One reason is its enclave of marble stingrays that waft around the wreck. To boost the entertainment that the Neoprened watchers get, divemasters feed and handle the rays that are so much part of the picture that people call the wreck site Stingray City. Daring divers visit the city at night. Imagine how it feels to see a giant ray caught in your torch beam.

The Victory

Freighted with beer bottles, the cargo ship the Victory ran aground on Friday February 13, 1981 and sank the next day. The Victory was lost thanks to the inattention of its captain, who may have been sampling the merchandise. Either way, the wreck remains imposing. Resting at a depth of 35 meters, like an aircraft carrier, the Victory stretches 110 meters and it is still armed to the teeth. Beware jagged seashells and "hydroids" – plant-like jellyfish relatives equipped with stinging cells. Watch out too for sharp metal fragments sprouting from the wreck. On the natural side, the payoff includes neon nudibranch on the deck and scorpionfish and honeycomb whirling around it. You may also find cargo: sacks of cement, bottles and more. Also beware treacherous currents.

The Shipyard

Because of all the gear and travel involved, diving can be logistically tricky. All the more reason to visit a dive site that features two wrecks: in this case the baldly named Skipjack 1 and Skipjack 2. Since the early 1980s, the twin fish factory freighters collectively known as the Shipyard have stood at the bottom of the channel, perpendicular to each other. Because Skipjack 2 went under vertically, its bow sprouts from the water. Both ships are encrusted with coral. In the ends of broken pipes nest big-eyed blennies, outshone by regal rivals – emperor angelfish, damsels, butterfly fish, glassfish and scorpion fish. You may also see dozing stingrays that treat the undersea yard with the peculiar geometry as a refuge. Turtles may materialize too, nestling on ledges. Good value.

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Rosewood Hotel Georgia is Fantastic Property with Excellent Service

Overall:
One of the best hotels we have stayed at hands down. All details were thought through down to the bar, cafe, and restaurant. The collection of artwork on site is terrific. Great job to the interior designers Munge-Leung. Great representation for Canadian design talent in a Canadian Hotel. Way to raise the bar!

Service:
Concierge was extremely helpful and polite. Gave us plenty of recommendations around the area. Jim the driver made our stay amazing so make sure you make use of the limo service.

Value:
We got buy 2 nights and get the 3rd free so that was a great deal directly via the hotel website. At $300 a night, this made the stay work out to $200 a night. Great value!

Sleep Quality:
The beds were very comfortable and the rooms were quiet.

Cleanliness:
Given it is newly renovated, the rooms, main areas and hallways were impecable.

Location:
Stone throw away from shops, metro, and Gastown. Sky Train drops you off kiddie corner from hotel so made it really easy to get to from airport. The hotel also has one of the best restaurants in the city - Hawksworth.

Rooms:
The size was amazing and the bathroom was top notch. One of the biggest bathrooms. Super luxurious and spacious. The layout was well thought out.

Spa:
We rarely use the spa but given it was a romantic weekend getaway, we did. The waiting room and the actual massage was fantastic. Very professional and great service. The only downside is that they were not RMT so we could not claim the service back to our benefits via work.

Breakfast:
Hawksworth breakfast was great. That restaurant is to die for.

Other:
Gym facilities were excellent. Not a typical hotel gym with many assortment of equipment. The pool was a nice touch and extremely well designed.

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The Thai Seaside Resort of Pattaya

The Thai seaside resort of Pattaya is perhaps best-known for its nightlife. Since the days that Vietnam War GIs came to play, Pattaya has been known as a raucous 'good-times' resort.

The downtown action hogs the limelight at the expense of several engaging and family-friendly attractions.  Find out what there is to see beyond the gazillion girlie bars...

Koh Laan 

Pattaya's downtown beaches get crowded like the clubs. To enjoy some serenity, you might want to head to Koh Laan instead. Forty minutes away on a ferry, the island offers the usual knockabout sports – banana boat rides, jet skiing and parasailing. But Koh Laan's greatest strength is its pristine beaches and crystal-clear water, rich with coral. Through your mask, with a little luck you can see everything from turtles to clown fish and sea horses. Just watch out for sea urchins – and slap on the sunscreen because the glare bouncing off that pure white beach is fierce.

Nong Nooch tropical garden

In 1954, entrepreneurs Pisit and Nongnooch Tansacha bought a 600-acre plot of land, planning to build a fruit plantation, but changed their mind and decided to take a creative tack. Just as well. The names of Nong Nooch tropical garden’s features evoke how picturesque it is. The roll call includes Stonehenge Garden, Ant Tower, Butterfly Hill and Flower Valley.

Buddha Hill

One of the highest points in Pattaya, Buddha Hill hosts a hand-built gold-painted giant Buddha with a blissful smile on his face. Radiating out from him, there is a picturesque Chinese-style sacred area devoted to two famous Chinese sages, Confucius and Lao-Tzu. The hill is a good place to go when you need some elevation. The hill is set between Thappraya Road and Phratamnak Road – a 10-minute songthaew bus away from the town centre.

Admirals

As applies to much of Thailand, the cheap spicy food served at the bucket seat restaurants dotted around town is fine. For upmarket variation, try Admirals: a 15-minute songthaew bus ride up the road in neighboring Jomtien. Admirals sells Scandinavian specialties dished up with finesse. The signature dish is Danish open-faced sandwiches (Smörrebröd), which taste great and cost between about 100 and 200 Baht a pop.

Admirals, Jomtien Soi 8, 380/2 Moo 12 Jomtien Beach Road. Tel: +66 38 231 996.

Jomtien beach

While you are near Admirals, take a stroll along Jomtien beach past the police box. The farther you walk that way, the more eerily beautiful the seascape becomes. Toward the end of the promenade you enter the sphere of the sea gypsies with their colorfully tasseled long-tailed boats. Just a little further is Sunset Beach, home to a few very quiet bungalow-style resorts that vary in star-rating but, true to the name – have front row seats to breathtaking sunsets.

Getting there: the easiest way to get to Pattaya is by coach from Bangkok. The journey takes between two and three hours, depending on traffic. A bus from Ekkamai Bus terminal costs around 150 THB.

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Econo Lodge on the Ocean is Awesome Value and Room

My wife and I stayed at this hotel over the long weekend (Columbus Day) for only 1 night. I booked this based on the rating level of this hotel in Tripadvisor. It was actually rated as the 3rd best hotel on the ocean in some sites. So my review will take into consideration what this place is. It is a budget hotel. Do not book here thinking that you are going to be getting something equivalent to a Holiday Inn Express or a Hampton Suites. You basically get what you pay for. In this case, the staff are friendly and helpful, the cost was low ($90 with taxes in) and the rooms are clean. But it is very no frills. On the night that we stayed, there was a stiff wind blowing in from the ocean which was more than the door seals could handle. The heater seemed to push out cold air no matter what setting we selected so we basically turned it off, wore sweaters under the covers. There were no cups visible in the bathroom - we did notice some plastic cups by the fridge/microwave stand which is beside the coat/closet. But this was as we were checking out.

I under stand that this is a family run business trying to compete with the big corporations and is a bit of a throw-back to a simpler time for hoteliers. This would be great for a small family here for a beach weekend - spending little time in the room.

Free wireless internet is a basic - some of the larger chains like the 4 Seasons can learn from the Econo Lodge. But a return visit is not in my future for this hotel. I'm not particularly picky and the the price was right, but when you are on a romantic getaway the last thing you want to worry about is the smell of disinfectant, tired paint covering water damage and dealing with temperature fluctuations. Like I said, it is what it is.

Room Tip: Not sure - I had a 3rd floor room. Good view of the beach, but too windy/rainy to enjoy.

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