Inside the hotel: The front lobby is an explosion of color, from the geometric patterns painted on the walls, to the beautiful vases on the glass shelves behind the front desk, to the lobby phones covered in decorative jewels... I always enjoy a hotel with a personality.

Our room itself was actually a suite accented with lime and lemon yellow. My husband and I threw our suitcases into the master bedroom. My son would end up sleeping on the fold out couch in the living area. Though we didn't use our kitchen, we broke into the mini-bar's Twizzler licorice while deciding what we wanted to do in Vancouver. If you're traveling with kids, you'll appreciate the two televisions and the Playstation... both nice features for "downtime." We also had a small balcony with a nice view of the city.

Other hotel features worth noting: Don't miss the giant indoor pool at this hotel. You can relax in the whirlpool while your children splash out their extra energy. (How I wish someone could figure out how to bottle that!) In this spa center, you can also make an appointment to get a massage.

The on-site restaurant, Zen, provides a decadent breakfast. I also enjoyed getting drinks here one evening with a group of friends.

Tip: If you want another place to get drinks, you might walk over to the Cloud 9 Restaurant and Lounge in the Empire Landmark Hotel (1400 Robson.) Minors aren't allowed here, but if your party is all adult, you'll find gorgeous views of the city to orient you to what Vancouver has to offer during your visit.

A fast check in and a question. Where would I like to stay in the hotel as there are two buildings with over 20 floors in each. I asked for and received a very low floor, the first (one above ground level) in the building without the lobby. I love to watch people and hear city sounds.

My suite, a 3 room apartment which I toured with the eager bellman. My new home had a kitchen, a covered balcony with 2 chairs, a nice dining area, living room with desk and plenty of furniture to start. Add to that a big bathroom (with hand made soaps), and a master bedroom with a window that opened. I decided I could move in for good.

The suite's nearly hidden feature is a large walk-in closet in the kitchen with a ton of storage, 2 terry cloth robes, a large orange umbrella and enough hangers for an entire circus troupe.

This hotel virtually insures your happiness as the bed and pillows are comfy, the towels huge and the mini-bar contents....cheap! Liquor, beer, sodas (called pop this far north), bottled water, cookies, cereal, ramen noodles, munchies and toys at such reasonable prices you feel free to have a ball (pun intended).

I opened the windows and much later that night slept the entire night through with the fresh Canadian air helping me to feel so fine. The luxury of a great hotel and fresh air! Indeed! Throw my mint on this pillow for sure! I will return for one of their special air and hotel package deals. (They give Alaskan Airline miles.) I adore Vancouver and now have a hotel to match.

From my balcony I had a view of the restaurant where each evening the manager gave a no charge wine tasting for guests and the courtyard garden. Stanley Park waited a mile away. Devine!

www.pacificpalisadeshotel.com