|
|
Cheers from Canada! I flew from L.A. to Vancouver for a couple of days to tape two segments on a popular technology TV show called The Lab with Leo Laporte. The weather wasn’t
ideal for exploring but I did manage to spend the night at the city’s swankiest hotel (it’s where all the rock stars stay) and eat at one of Vancouver’s best Italian restaurants. The following night, I saved some money by checking into the Holiday Inn ... I wanted to be on top of my game while I was taping the show and according to the Holiday Inn’s commercials, that’s what would happen if I slept there! If you want to come along for the ride to explore both a budget hotel and a luxury one, and to find out what it’s like to be a guest on Leo Laporte’s show, then grab your umbrella, your appetite and your pearly white smile because lights, camera, action! We’re about to go LIVE in the Pacific Northwest! If you don’t have time to read the story, don’t worry! We have videos at the end where you can see all the pictures from Vancouver and my interviews from the show.
BUYING MY TICKET
About a month before the trip I purchased my plane ticket online (using, ahem, a booking service on JohnnyJet.com, of course). The cheapest price ($270) was with United, but the seat was actually on one of their Star Alliance partners, Air Canada. Code sharing can be confusing so always be sure to read your flight details carefully, both before and after you book, so that you know exactly who you’ll be flying with. The general rule is to check in with the airline you’re flying with, not necessarily with the one you purchased the ticket from. Although, once in Japan, the opposite was true ... that’s why I say it’s a "general rule". In that particular situation, I was flying from Osaka to Bangkok on Japan Airlines (JAL) and when I checked in with them, they informed me that I needed to check-in with Thai Airways because that’s who I had purchased my ticket through. Go figure! Anyways, I digress ... that was a few years ago. This trip, I was happy to be flying Air Canada, not only because they fly a much bigger plane (A319) on this route, as opposed to United’s regional jets, but because I was still able to accrue United miles to keep my elite status. Another plus: Air Canada allows travelers to check-in online, something which many carriers don’t permit for international flights. This made my airport experience so much easier. Since I wasn’t checking bags, all I had to do was arrive an hour prior to departure, show my passport (click here to see the new extended passport rules) and clear security. On top of that, the older security agent who checked my ID, made my day when he handed my passport back to me and said that I have a smile for the movies. How nice is that?
LOS ANGELES TO VANCOUVER
Los Angeles (LAX) to Vancouver (YVR) is 1,080 miles and the flight time is a mere two hours and 40 minutes. The Air Canada agents were friendly and since the
plane was only half-full, they did their best to ensure that almost everyone had an empty seat next to them. This was much appreciated because the seats are tight. So tight, in fact, that I couldn’t work on my laptop in my space alone. Instead, I had to work sideways using the tray table for the middle seat. (FYI: the seats on this plane have an electrical plug adaptor – see SeatGuru to find out if the next plane you’re on does, too). I didn’t have time for breakfast so I was starving and when the flight attendant (FA) came down the aisle offering Buy On Board service, I ordered a Harvey’s Ultra Breakfast Sandwich (egg, bacon and cheese) for $4. When I handed the young FA a $5 dollar bill she said, "I’m sorry, Sir. We only accept Canadian dollars." What?! I didn’t have any Canadian money on me! Then I was told that they don’t accept credit or debit cards either. I was cordial about it but if she didn’t take my money, I knew I was going to snap! As a general rule it’s best not to mess with a hungry Italian! Fortunately, she obliged ... maybe she could tell that I was once related to a Soprano. As she handed me my $1 change, she said, "Don’t tell my boss (the purser) because we’re not supposed to do this." I smiled and went along with it but I thought she might have been a bit crazy because I could’ve sworn that the in-flight magazine had said that both Canadian and US currency were accepted. Later, I checked and I was right. When the head flight attendant walked by, I asked about their currency policy; she confirmed that they do indeed accept both Canadian and US dollars. Maybe someone should tell you-know-who.
VANCOUVER AIRPORT
The Vancouver airport is one of the nicest airports in North America. You’ll see this the moment you step off the plane. There are glass jetways, which make boarding and deplaning a breeze, especially if you’re claustrophobic. Inside the terminal are high ceilings with a
Pacific Northwest motif; the colors and artwork (including wood carvings) are cheerful and there’s even an outdoor recreation area with trees, rocks and a river flowing alongside the path to baggage claim. I felt so lucky to be traveling through YVR (its airport code) when all of sudden, those warm, fuzzy feelings disappeared. I couldn’t believe my lying eyes when I arrived at the
passport hall. The line had to be 500 people long for both the Canadian residents and visitors’ line. It was seriously the longest line I’d ever seen, anywhere. Fortunately, there were lots of agents working so the line moved quickly but it still took 45 minutes and felt like two hours. As I waited, I was able to score some tips from passing customs officials. I learned that if you can, it’s best to avoid arriving at YVR between 10am and 3pm because that’s when it’s usually jam-packed. And if you get a Nexus card (similar to the US Clear Registered Traveler program), you can skip the line. It costs just $50 and is good for 5 years, which is a much better deal than the Clear Card. If I had had one of those bad boys, I would’ve cleared the line in less than two minutes. An agent also told me that if you have a connection within 90 minutes, if you’re handicapped or if you have a screaming baby in tow, you can cut to the front as well. TIP: If you’re traveling with a little one, this is definitely the time to take away her lamby pie.
COMING SOON: CANADA LINE
Vancouver is hosting the 2010 winter Olympics and the whole city is whipped into a frenzy, preparing for the international attention. Currently, one of the biggest projects underway is the Canada Line, an automated rapid transit service that will connect Vancouver to Richmond and the Vancouver International Airport. It’s expected to be completed in late 2009 and travel time between the airport and downtown will be under 20 minutes. For more info, see: CanadaLine.ca.
VANCOUVER AIRPORT TO DOWNTOWN
I was going to rent a car once I arrived, but with hotel parking rates, traffic and not wanting to deal with finding directions in a new city, I just got in the
taxi line. It too was long (about 20 people), not to mention that it was cold and raining. I started talking to the guy behind me and later asked if he wanted to share a taxi since we were both heading downtown. By doing this, it not only sped up the line for others, but it saved both money and the environment. FYI: From the airport to Yaletown, it took 18 minutes and
cost $23 CDN.
CANADIAN CURRENCY
It’s nice that in Canada, practically everyone accepts US dollars (except, of course, if the flight attendant on my Air Canada flight lands a job somewhere in the country.) At press time, the exchange rate from Canadian to US dollars is almost equal. $1CDN = $0.94 USD. For up-to-date currency rates, see: BankofCanada.ca/en/rates/converter.html
OPUS HOTEL
When I called a Vancouver friend and asked where I should stay, she said, without a doubt, the Opus Hotel because it’s the nicest and hippest. I did a quick Google search and found out that she was right. The Opus was voted one of the world's top 100 hotels by readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine in 2006 and a whole slew of A-list celebrities (like Sting and U2) have stayed there. Most stay for free (like they need to!) because for the past three years complimentary stays have been offered in the Academy Awards’ presenter gift baskets. The Opus is a contemporary
designed, boutique property with 96 rooms and suites located in Yaletown, one of Vancouver’s up-and-coming, trendy neighborhoods. It opened in 2002 in a completely new, seven-story
structure of granite, steel and brick. The lobby is connected to the
Opus Bar, which, in 2006, was voted Vancouver’s most popular bar in a Zagat survey (a innovative touch is that they have a webcam in the bar which can be seen from but all places the urinal!). The hotel’s bistro, Elixir, is an excellent restaurant offering modern French cuisine. I dined one night on a delicious
dinner of French onion soup, petit filet mignon, fries and string beans in the hotel’s lavish velvet room. To keep things interesting, the hotel offers differently themed dining areas for guests to enjoy.
MY ROOM
Each of the hotel’s rooms feature one of five lifestyle-inspired decor schemes (Here’s a good article
on the Opus’ décor). The themes range from artful and eclectic to modern and minimalist. All are named after fictional characters and I was in "Susan’s" room. Her favorite color is blue and it was stocked with her favorite books and DVDs. This gave the room some personality and made it feel more like I was staying at a friend’s house than at a hotel. On top of that, the
room had two flat-screen TVs, huge
windows, heated
bathroom floors and
l'Occitane toiletries. Bonus: the water pressure in the
shower was nice and firm from the ceiling rain showerhead.
My bed was comfortable and when it was time to call it a night, there were two bottles of
water, a bag boasting a complimentary shoeshine and two pairs of earplugs waiting on the night table near the bed. I couldn’t understand why guests were given earplugs until I woke up at 6:30am to the offensive beeping noise of work trucks reversing. Ugh! The good news is that it’s not normally like this. This was due to the Canada Line construction. They are building a rail station next door, which, once construction is complete, will be very handy. (See this link for more Canada Line construction advisories: CanadaLine.ca/constructionAdvisories.asp). The hotel offers high-speed wireless Internet for $15CDN a day, a fitness center, and 24-hour room service. Rates range from $259 to $945.00CDN. Like most Vancouver hotels, pets are welcome for no extra charge and for those who are really extravagant (or maybe just a bit nutty) the Opus offers a Bed and Breakfast package for dogs. That’s right. Starting from $364CDN, it includes a sheepskin bed, spa kit and chewable cigar. Don’t laugh – Christina Aguilera took advantage of it. Opus Hotel, 322 Davie Street, Vancouver, (604) 642-6787 or (866) 642-6787, info@opushotel.com.
A HIT OF PURE OXYGEN
Another interesting and unique luxurious amenity that the Opus offers is a hit of pure oxygen. Every room has a small, handheld oxygen dispenser that looks like a pepper spray bottle. Each one of these canisters holds four minutes worth (or 10 to 12 usages of 20 seconds) of 90% pure oxygen. Apparently, this has been proven to stimulate human cells, increase the body's metabolism and provide increased energy and exercise performance. Although I was tempted to take a hit, I didn’t after I read the price tag: $79CDN. Yikes!
YALETOWN
As I mentioned earlier, the Opus Hotel is located in Yaletown. Just eight years ago, this industrial area was filled with warehouses and a railway terminal but now it’s one of the most happening parts of the city. It also boasts the distinction of having the city’s densest concentration of fine restaurants. Here you’ll find plenty of spas, fashion boutiques and bars. After dinner at Elixir, my friends and I went to visit another friend, Pat. He owns George, a popular restaurant and bar, the third restaurant to open in Yaletown; now there are 35 eateries. After Pat showed me around, he had his
Australian bartender make me one of the best drinks. Because of his
chemist-like precision and passion for mixing drinks, he reminded me of my boy Colin Field from the Paris Ritz. Colin’s the most famous bartender in the world, at least according to Forbes magazine. George, 1137 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, (604) 628-5555.
HOLIDAY INN DOWNTOWN
OK, so let’s say you’re not a rock star, you can’t put a night at the Opus on your company expense report, or you’re traveling with kids ... a good alternative for accommodations is the
Holiday Inn. It’s right downtown in a handy, central location. It features a sleek
new lobby, marble floors and a friendly staff. There are 245 guestrooms that all (supposedly) have complimentary high-speed Internet access, though mine didn’t work. I spent an hour with the hotel’s IT guy trying to fix it. Internet access did, however, work in the lobby. The Holiday Inn has a 24-hour indoor pool, health club, sauna, and an activity center for kids. Plus, all children under the age of 12 eat for free when accompanied by an adult in the hotel restaurants. Pets are also welcome but only in specially designated rooms. Though the
rooms are spacious, they do need an upgrade. First of all, the rooms still have germ-infested bedspreads instead of duvets (the covers of which can be washed). If ever your hotel bed has a bedspread, be sure to rip that bad boy off the bed immediately, stick it in a corner somewhere, then go wash your hands. The bed was comfortable but seriously ... they need duvets. The best part about staying here is definitely the price and the unbeatable
location. Rates begin at $110CDN. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Vancouver Downtown, 1110 Howe Street, Vancouver, (604) 684-2151 or (800) 663-9151.
LEO LAPORTE
Leo Laporte is a leader in the field of technology. He’s known throughout the world through his television and radio shows and Podcasts. He even does guest segments for the big guys like Regis and Kelly and CNBC. I got lucky when, about four or five years ago, I started doing travel tech segments on his first show called Call For Help on TechTV. The studio was in San Francisco, which made it a quick and easy jaunt for me. But the channel was bought out and its name changed to the G4 network. The studio for Leo’s show was moved to Toronto and once that happened, I only visited two or three times. Coming from Los Angeles, Toronto is a little out of the way. Well, the good news (for me, anyway) is that just a few months ago, the show relocated again, this time to Vancouver. The show’s name was also changed. It’s now called The Lab with Leo Laporte and it airs nationally on G4 TechTV in Canada and the How To Channel in Australia. It’s also available for download via Google Video worldwide.
THE LAB WITH LEO LAPORTE
The studio was about a 10-minute
ride from the hotel and I ended up spending a lot longer than I had intended. It was one of their first tapings in their new studio so naturally they had some technical difficulties. I didn’t care because everyone on
staff, the guests and especially Leo, were great to hang out with. They kept apologizing but the truth is, I was much happier spending my time hanging out with them and working in their green room, than being in my hotel room. I taped two shows (episodes #19 and #22). The former is entitled Travel Websites That Will Have You Saving Time and Money on Your Next Trip and the latter is entitled Travel Websites That Will Ensure a Smooth and Fun Trip. Each of my segments was about eight minutes long and I have them loaded both on YouTube and on my server. These links will only let you see the segments I taped, so if you want the channel to watch the show, be sure to log on to Google Video and ask your cable provider if they’ll pick up the show. Here’s episode #19 and episode #22.
CINCIN
Being on TV takes a lot of energy out of you! When I finally made it back to my hotel room, I was so tired I collapsed on my bed and took a 90-minute power nap. I don’t know how Leo and the crew do it ... I just did two shows and they sometimes tape five in a day. Unreal. I was supposed to go to dinner with them but I wasn’t surprised (actually, I was expecting it) when they called to take a rain check on dinner. Since I was wide awake and my stomach rumbling, I decided to keep my reservation at one of the city’s best Italian restaurants;
CinCin (pronounced "chin–chin" as a toast to good health in Italiano.) It’s been around since 1990 and is located on
Robson Street, just four blocks from the Holiday Inn and, incidentally,
world-famous for its shopping. Robson Street is actually not known for having great restaurants but CinCin is its lone exception.
Most of the restaurants on the street seem to be large chains. I haven’t eaten alone at a fancy restaurant in a long time so I
decided to eat at the bar. I brought a magazine to keep me busy, and so I wouldn’t look like a loner or a psycho by staring at other
diners. I was so glad I didn’t cancel; I ended up having a marvelous, relaxing night eating by myself. The staff was very friendly
and treated me like I was a regular, even calling me by my first name and bringing me sample plates to try. The first was a taste of
prosciutto with soaked olives and a dab of 12-year-old vinaigrette. For my starter I had
bufala di mozzarella salad, which was divine. Then came another tasting:
green pea risotto with a touch of mint, which was seriously insane. Next time, I’m just ordering that. For my entrée, I had chicken cooked in a brick oven and served with pancetta ravioli, spinach and leeks. It was tasty but the risotto was exceptional. Since I was sitting in front of the desserts, I just couldn’t pass up my favorite course even though I really had no room for more. And I’m not lying. But everything looked so good; I had to at least try something. Of course, I made the mistake of saying, "Surprise me!" to my new waiter friend; she brought out a sampling of three of their most popular choices: a shot of hot chocolate, tiramisu and
chocolate coffee cake that was so moist, I think they might actually have soaked it in coffee. CinCin is not to be missed. CinCin, 1154 Robson Street Vancouver, (604) 688-7338.
VIDEO
Here's a short Johnny Jet video of my trip to Vancouver. It's also on YouTube, so it only takes a few seconds to load (though the quality is not as crisp). We also have all the Johnny Jet videos ever made on their servers.
NEXT WEEK
Next week we travel back to Los Angeles but get this ... I never leave the airport. It’s the first time I’ve ever landed in my home airport and not actually gone home. Instead, I jumped on another plane to ... I’ll give you a hint: It’s a destination that’s famous for hot air ballooning. The big question is: will Mr. Scaredy Cat (I’m terrified of heights!) get on one of these bad boys? You’ll find out next week.
Happy Travels,
Johnny Jet
*PLEASE tell us what you think of this week's newsletter!
All information presented here is accurate at the time of publication but prices, dates and other details are all subject to change. Please confirm all information before making any travel arrangements.
Note: This trip was sponsored by Johnny Jet Inc, the Opus Hotel, Holiday Inn Vancouver Downtown, and
CinCin.
Copyright 2007 JohnnyJet
, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.