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Plan ahead for Vancouver Gay Pride 2005

Plan ahead for Vancouver Gay Pride 2005
by Albert Rodriguez - SGN A&E Writer Attention Vancouver Gay Pride-bound party seekers. With eight weeks to go before the fun begins, the time to make your travel preparations is now. Consider these tips and recommendations as you plan for the big, wild weekend up north. And look for a detailed preview of Vancouver Gay Pride (July 30-31, 2005) next month here in the Seattle Gay News, with a suggested list of places to eat, drink and be very, very merry. DOCUMENTATION A valid US passport is needed to get in/out of Canada, or the combination of a valid state-issued drivers license/identification card and birth certificate. TRANSPORTATION Amtrak www.amtrak.com or 1-800-872-7245 Depending on traffic and border/customs backups, driving time between Seattle and Vancouver can run anywhere from 2 1/2 hours to 4 hours. Consider a more convenient travel option between the two cities, Amtrak. Round-trip rail fare from King Street Station to Pacific Central Station is $66.00. For only $24.00 more, upgrade to business class and enjoy extra room, expedited boarding/deboarding privileges and distance from families traveling with small children, who mostly ride in coach. Your journey to/from Vancouver is about 4 hours long and is quite scenic, as it slithers up and down the western shoulder of Washington state. Request a water-side seat at time of boarding and youll be treated to some amazing views along the way. On-board movies (Hitch, Are We There Yet? on my recent trip), two music stations, bistro and full dining cars, electrical outlets for non-wireless laptops and CD-player adapters, and various reading materials are available to make your trip more enjoyable. Purchased Amtrak tickets can be redeemed for Alaska Airlines miles within one year of issue date. ACCOMMODATIONS Sandman Suites 1160 Davie St. www.sandmanhotels.com or (604) 681-7263 If you want to be right smack in the middle of Gay Pride activities, literally footsteps from the busiest Gay bars, look no further than the Sandman Suites on Davie Street. With orange-glow elevators, chic lobby furniture, an on-premise restaurant (Moxies Classic Grill) and clothing boutique (Club Annex) that cater heavily to a Gay boy clientele, the Sandman Suites offer convenience and hip factor to the Vancouver visitor. Each room is a suite, complete with washer/dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, pots and pans, dishes and eating utensils. The ocean-side rooms are to die for, as are the opposite-end city-side rooms, so be thrilled with whichever youre assigned. A renovated pool and first-class spa treatment center are expected to open by Gay Pride weekend. The Sutton Place Hotel 845 Burrard St. www.suttonplace.com or (604) 682-5511 Also central to the Gay frenzy is The Sutton Place Hotel on Burrard Street, which suits a higher-end customer but is worth every bang for its buck. Elegance and top notch service distinguish The Sutton Place from other properties its size. Just ask a long list of A-list celebrities who can often be spotted going in and out of this exquisite property. Complimentary daily newspapers, evening bed settings with next days forecast and yummy chocolate squares, bath scrubbers and spacious, classy decorated rooms are what to expect when you stay at The Sutton Place. If youre in need of some self-indulgence, this is a perfect hotel for you. The location puts you blocks away from the hopping Gay bars and coolest shopping spots.