Diamond Princess - May 12th from Vancouver to Whittier.
Flew into Vancouver the day before. Long line for Customs, but once cleared, got bags and took a cab to Hotel for $35.00. Stayed at Marriott Pinnacle Hotel. Very clean, very nice, and a wonderful place to stay! Located only 2 blocks from Canada Place, we walked to the pier the following morning with our luggage (had wheelies).
Not a whole lot of restaurants up the hill from Canada Place (mostly commercial), but there are many in Gasstown which is just a five minute walk over on Water Street. This was only 10 min's from our Hotel...and a nice walk. There is a visitor's information center across the street from Canada Place, they have lots of maps and suggestions.