Any advice on which area to stay? what type of accommodation to take? just for a week or so, looking for something cheap and cheerful pretty much, anyone got any recommendations?

we stayed 3 nights at the Listel hotel on Robson Street. Not cheap, but nice. short walk to downtown, waterfront and Stanley Park. want to go back now

There was someone from Vancouver on here offering a house swap a few days ago…

link

Even if it isn’t quite right for you they may be able to offer some pointers?

For cheap and cheerful I’ve used the Buchan near Stanley park. Not being there for a few years mind but it was nice at the time.

Had a few nights at the Best Western Sands Hotel on the colourful and ‘interesting’ Davie Street at the end of March – sea view, stones throw from Stanley Park and within easy walking distance of downtown. Great hotel, cracking breakfast and sooooooo much beer choice – not too expensive either booked via expedia.com. I want to go back too 😥

try Lonsdale Quay in North Van- quick seabus to downtown (which is a nice ride in itself on a sunny day) and closer to the north shore for biking, hiking and general nature (if that’s what you are after)