Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Left
Bedroom, Pacific Palisades Hotel
Left
Wines, Don Francesco restaurant
Accommodation & Dining Tips
Hotel Taxes
In BC, accommoda-
tion is taxed with an 8
percent accommodation
tax and a 7 percent GST
(goods and services tax).
An additional 2 percent
tourism tax is levied on
hotel rooms in Vancouver,
Victoria, and Whistler.
You may be entitled to
a GST refund for short
hotel stays.
Concierges
Mid- and large-size
hotels have concierges
on staff whose job it is
to cater to the needs and
whims of the guests.They
will procure tickets to
shows and sports games,
make restaurant reserva-
tions, arrange transporta-
tion, and offer helpful tips.
pre-tax amount. An easy
way of estimating the tip
is to add up the taxes on
the bill. At bars, leave a
dollar or two for the bar-
tender. Tip porters and
bellhops at least $1 per
bag or suitcase; cloak-
room attendants $1 per
garment and chamber-
maids, a minimum of $1
to $2 per day. A hotel
doorman will also appre-
ciate a dollar or two for
his services.
Extra Costs
Parking at downtown
hotels can be costly, so
inquire about rates (taxes
also apply). Some hotels
do offer free parking.
Telephone calls made
from your room phone can
be pricey, as are drinks
and snacks consumed
from the room's minibar.
These costs can add up
quickly, and will appear
on your final room bill.
Rooms
Most hotel rooms are
well furnished and of a
good size. Most have two
double beds or one
queen- or king-sized bed;
twin-bedded rooms may
also be available. If you
are sensitive to noise,
ask for a room away from
the elevator and the ice
and dispensing machines.
About 85 percent of rooms
in Vancouver, Victoria, and
Whistler are smoke-free.
Dress Codes
Jacket and tie are
almost never required in
restaurants, though many
diners opt to wear them
on a special evening out,
especially to an upscale
place. Some clubs, how-
ever, may not allow you
in if you are wearing
sneakers or jeans.
Restaurant
Reservations
Most restaurants take
reservations. It's a good
idea to book a table at a
popular dining spot on
arriving or even in advance
of your trip. Mention if you
have special needs or
dietary requirements. It
is considered good form
to cancel your reservation
if your plans change
.
Cell Phones
At most restaurants,
it is considered discour-
teous to leave your cell
phone turned on or to
carry on cell phone
conversations.
Rack Rates
Hotel rates vary
according to the hotel cat-
egory, the day of week,
and season. Peak rates
are weekdays and from
April to December. Rack
rates, the basic room
rates, are the ones used
in this topic to provide a
guide price. It is usually
possible to get a better
deal, especially if book-
ing online. Discounts are
often available to seniors,
members of clubs such as
auto associations, or the
Elderhostel. When book-
ing, ask what special rates
apply and bring proof of
membership with you.
Meal Times
Breakfast is usually
served in diners and cof-
fee shops from about 6am
to 10am. Lunch is avail-
able from about 11:30am
to 2pm, dinner from about
5pm to 10pm. Many pubs
and restaurants offer a
late-night menu. Brunches
are often served on
weekends only - and at
some spots, on Sundays
only - usually from 11am
to 2pm or later.
Tipping
Tips and service
charges are not usually
added to dining bills,
though they may be if
your party consists of six
people or more. For serv-
ice at restaurants, cafés,
and clubs, plan on tipping
about 15 percent of the
Accommodation rates are often lower in winter months,
except for the weeks around Christmas and New Year's
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