If you just bought tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics--or have been seriously procrastinating about finding a place to stay--you're in luck: There are still accommodations--even in downtown Vancouver--up for grabs. (Of course, the bad news is that most of these places will be expensive, so get ready to pay!)
Where should you start your search for a last-minute room or apartment? Try these links first:
What about going cheaper? You could try staying farther away--It's easy to access downtown Vancouver from Richmond via the Canada Line and from Burnaby via the SkyTrain--or you could try Craig's List Vancouver's "sublets/temporary" listings.
The appeal of Craig's List Vancouver is that the single rooms and apartments/houses for rent are much less expensive that Vancouver hotels and corporate suites. The downside is that this is an enterprise ripe for scams: You send money to secure the place only to show up at an occupied home where the owners have never heard of you (or some similar scenario). If you do go the Craig's List route, do everything you can to avoid scams. One idea is to arrange to meet the renter the day you arrive in Vancouver and exchange money for keys in person only (preferably after you've seen the place).
Anyone else have ideas on using Craig's List without getting scammed, or on other low-cost Olympic housing options? Please share!
For more about the Vancouver Olympics, where to go, free events and celebrations, see the 2010 Olympics Guide.
Comments
There is also room for individuals and groups aboard the Norwegian Star cruise ship, docked in N. Vancouver. Rooms start at just $275 a night!
Thanks Tracie for the tip. A friend who looked into this told me there are additional fees, including a per-day parking fee. So keep that in mind if you choose this option!
UPDATE February 4: As many of you know by now, Norwegian Cruise Line has cancelled its stay in Vancouver. If you’re scrambling for last minute accommodations, try the Stanley Park Inn ASAP.
(I got that tip from Tim Gregg, who commented on the Olympic Torch Relay post. Thanks again Tim!)
–Dana
we still have a private garden basement suite in North Van at the Seymour River for 2 persons during the Olympics and it is $220-/night
with jacuzzy, inside laundry, tiled/floorheating internet , TV. 778 239 7416