I was in Vancouver in early January 2008. I was originally booked at the Blue Horizon Hotel up the road (at CDN 110 a night) and was extending my stay so wanted a place that was a little cheaper. The Tropicana had availability for about CDN 80 a night and I inspected a suite on the top floor (12th floor).

The building is old but the suite was clean enough with a separate bathroom of a decent size (and more importantly no mould lurking in the corners of the bath / shower), the bed seemed comfortable and the kitchen area serviceable. My only gripe was that the TV was in a separate living area (with a couch) and not in the bedroom. I was travelling by myself and did not require a lot of room, however I can see how a more traditional apartment arrangement would benefit couples or families as there was heaps of room and storage. The suite also seemed quite bright.

Anyway, I went back the next morning to book this suite but was told that the building had no hot water or heating!!! I asked when this was expected to be fixed and the gentleman at the front desk could not tell me when. I said that I was intending to book the suite for a week but this was probably not a good time to do so and he also agreed.

For CDN 40 more a night, I ended up extending my stay at the Blue Horizon (this is a fantastic hotel and was totally worth the extra bucks!)

Incidentally, when I was inspecting the suite, there was also a lift technician visiting the building. Apparently one of the two lifts had stopped working.

My advice to those wishing to book a place in this hotel is to have something in writing from the management, saying that if the hot water system / heating system etc does not work for more than 10 hours (or whatever your tolerance level is), you have the right to terminate your stay, receive a refund for any accommodation paid upfront or a discount for the remainder of your stay.

This hotel is situated in the "buffer zone" between downtown and the West End. Quite a lot is within walking distance -- Stanley Park, downtown (shopping, Art Museum, etc.), Yaletown, Gastown, etc. There are abundant restaurants, bars, etc. within a block or two of the hotel. The area appears to be quite safe. The street (Robson) can be noisy at night, but our hotel room was reasonably quiet for all that. There is free parking, although probably not enough spaces to accomodate everyone when the hotel is full.

The front desk was very helpful and friendly, and the room (including the kitchen) was quite clean.

The rooms are actually suites, with a bedroom, living room and fully-equipped kitchen. (The hotel looks like it might be a converted apartment building.) The living room window opens onto a narrow balcony. There are reasonably nice views of the city and surrounding mountains.

The hotel does show its age. The corridors are rather dark and bleak, the carpets have some old stains, the furniture has some tears in the fabric, etc. The beds, however, were quite nice, with firm mattresses and cozy blankets. The room was the sort of place that was pleasant enough to be in, without holding you back from wanting to head out and explore the city.

Keeping in mind that Vancouver is an expensive city, this is a reasonably priced place for its location, and one I'd stay at again.

Came to about $80 per night and I was there for 3 or so nights. I simply walked in and they gave me a room on the 12 (which ever is 2nd
from top) floor, overlooking Robson Street. Everything was up to standards and worked beautifully. I asked about the bad comments I've
read and they said that they were renovating at the same time as a busy period. My only complaint is that the pool area has no windows and feels like a dungeon, but if you like to swim alone, it's perfect.

The shower had good power but the water temperature varied slightly -Put it on warm and you'll be fine. Never touched the kitchen and the balcony might be wide enough for a folding chair...maybe.

The breakfast place next door was always closed for some reason but there's a lovely pancake place just down the street, and heck, it's ROBSON street so there are plenty of places around.

Knowing that it is the middle of downtown Vancouver, it was an excellent price for the stay, and a good stay at that.

- Mike

Based upon previous reviews in trip advisor, we selected this location. The price was right and so were the accommodations.
It was much better than indicated and when next in Vancouver I will return.
Though we didn't drive we were amazed at the parking facility.
Also the pool and laundromat were added luxuries.
WIFI not in rooms YET.. management indicated that will be next improvement. Had to go to lobby to use.