qkgirl's profile and reviews

This being my first time visiting Vancouver, I lucked out by staying here. Although a business trip, I had one complete day to myself and the location was ideal to walking to many of downtown's attractions.

The hotel's staff was incredible, always polite, courteous, and helpful. The accommodations were a bit small, but as a solo traveler, it was just right. I slept well by snuggling into the bedding.

The property has a strange configuration, it looks almost like the 21st century meets art deco. The taxis and airport shuttle drops off at the South Tower, in which I stayed. The North Tower is the other tower, which also houses the meeting rooms and a Starbucks. The concierge's desk is in the South Tower.

The on-site restaurant, Indigo, is brightly colored and serves a limited, yet tasty menu. Go for the salmon, like I did, twice.

Loads of restaurants are within walking distance, along with an IGA (grocery store, which is a great place to pick up reasonably-priced Canadian maple syrup and Vancouver packaged salmon). A homeless shelter is across the street, which makes for interesting people watching in the evening.

If I'm luckily enough to make it to Vancouver again, I'd definitely return to the Sheraton Wall Center.

Entering the lobby and stepping onto the terrazzo floor, I was instantly reminded of the Art Deco era. The front desk clerk promptly greeted me from behind the fossilized coral desk, which matched the oversized fireplace mantle.

Considering this is Miami Beach and boutique hotels have a reputation of being small and "a little tired," my suite was surprisingly comfortable and spacious for two people, especially for the room rate.

The furnishings were relatively new and walls freshly painted. An Art Deco-minimalist must have decorated the suite, furnishings were not cluttered but functional, using blond-colored wood for the armoire, cupboards and table. The two double beds were the right firmness and were draped with white cotton sheets. Although not necessary, there were blankets in the armoire.

The window-unit air conditioner was able to keep up with the Miami heat and humidity and kept me cool. Other than the hotel's proximity to the swanky dining, shopping and nightlife of Lincoln Road, the kitchenette was the best feature. The refrigerator was decent sized (but needed to turn it on upon arriving in the room) and the microwave was handy. There was also a full range stove and oven. Dishes, glasses and coffee maker were provided in the cupboards.

There is a small cafe with indoor/outdoor dining for breakfast and lunch. Entrees are moderately priced and most include a beverage.

Like many of the Miami Beach hotels, the property does not have parking. There is a parking lot across the street which costs $20 per car, per night - cash only.

Steps away from Duval Street's nightlife and shopping and sitting on the Gulf of Mexico, this is by far one of my favorite sleeps in Florida. It's probably the most shi-shi place to stay in Key West, but it doesn't feel stuffy.

The facility is well-maintained and everything appeared clean and new. The staff was friendly and all seemed sincerely interested whether I was enjoying my visit. With plush towels, amazingly restful bed and décor, looking like it was a scene from the Pottery Barn, I felt like an island princess.

The world-famous Mallory Square is a "conch's throw away" and a must visit to watch the sunset. But, if you're feeling lazy, you can have a cocktail or two at the outdoor bar and enjoy the sunset - if it's not a Tuesday night (like my visit). Key West officials have an agreement with the cruise ships that dock right there. The ships are to move away from the dock for sunset - except on Tuesdays.

My room was extremely comfortable as I lucked out by being upgraded to a corner suite. A rooster's crow awoke me (chickens wildly roam Key West) and it was a treat to wake up, pull apart the drapes and see a fresh day with swaying palms, sail boats floating and a handful of fishermen on the nearby dock.

The restaurant's menu selection will entertain your taste buds. But if you're into authentic Keys' bites, try the conch (pronounced 'konk') fritters sold from the cart next to the hotel.

Upon checking in, the front desk clerk informed me that there would be a little something in the room to sleep by and best of all, I could keep it. Sitting on one of my firm, double beds was a little burgundy pouch with an eye mask, ear plugs (which concerned me) and lavender linen mist. A stress relieving CD to lull myself to sleep in the room's CD player was there, too.

Safe to say, I didn't need the earplugs, the room was fairly quiet. The bed linens seemed a little stiff but did get a good night's sleep in the bed. The bath towels were soft.

The location is convenient to shops and dining, especially those on Chestnut Street. If you don't mind hiking it (like I do, it's the best way to see a city), the location is convenient to Walnut Street, and to the hustle and bustle of Market Street and the Convention Center. While walking, take in the city's architecture and notice designs and characters carved into various buildings.

The staff was friendly and the concierges were somewhat familiar with dining options, although, understandably, they kept trying to gear me and my colleague to their "preferred" restaurants.

The onsite restaurant is "Elephant and Castle," which is a take off of a British pub – it’s a great place to grab a pint.