Bright Light in the City, Steps from ‘The Drive’
About this condo rental
Situated in Vancouver, this attractive condo for $263 per night is a great option for your next break. Vancouver Like a Local @ City's Best Locale! - Speedy Fibre Optic Wifi / Ethernet - Open, Bright, Modern, Private Quiet - Private Patio, Garden, Sunrise, Sunset - Vibrant Historic 'Hood: Shops, Cafes, Parks - Central, Walkable, Bikeable, Transit STAR - Vibrant Historic Hood: Shops, Cafes, Parks - Amazing Ethnically Diverse Dining Options - 'Keys to the Drive' Local Business Discount - Heart of Vancouver's Craft Brewery District - Complimentary Nespresso & David's Tea New 1BR 1BA apartment in a stylish, comfortably equipped, completely modernized, 120 year-old Character Home, in one of Vancouvers most historic and trendy locales! Clean, open and bright with 9 foot ceilings, this suite is inner-city chic and makes you feel like a local with its large, bright windows that look out to the lively neighbourhood. All the action of the most diverse and culturally rich neighbourhood in Vancouver is just steps outside your door. Still, (with modern sound and thermal insulation), is far enough to remain quiet and private. With the benefit of good natural light we try to keep the space vibrant and fresh with plenty of indoor plants and foliage. The dedicated work space has a screaming WiFi speed (500+mbs), and is home to a functionally equipped desk and can easily be expanded to include the dining area for team work sessions. Enjoy your own private, beautifully landscaped patio garden to watch the passers-by from, or catch our beautiful summer sunsets from. The separate bedroom has a top quality Queen mattress and the large living room has a pull-out double sofa bed with foam mattress topper. We have an additional single foam mattress if necessary. And lots of pillows. Pillows for days! The unit is well equipped with linens and towels for 5 people, plus the in-suite washer and dryer will keep your laundry supplies fresh. You will be as happy relaxing at home as out exploring - the perfect base for your adventuring AND relaxing endeavours. All in the heart of bustling, lively, and eclectic Commercial Drive where the best coffee shops, excellent culinary offerings, shopping, arts, recreation, and live entertainment are abundant. Central walkable location with great access to transit, bike paths, and the city at large. ***OUR STORY*** We rebuilt this, now 120 year old Heritage Gem of a home (well it certainly wasn’t when we bought it) in 2015, to house our small young family, our extended family, and offer visitors a unique Vancouver experience from our ideally located guest suites. Vancouver has so much to offer and we wanted to offer it all to our guests, from convenience to function to locale with some extra touches, like complimentary Nespresso, our ‘Keys to the Drive’ local business partner program (you’ll be well taken care of as a guest of Grandview House at this sampling of the best spots on the Drive); and of course, an inspiring, quiet and private refuge to recharge from your city and wilderness adventures. We hope you love living like a local at Grandview House! In-suite private laundry, dishwasher, full cable, Netflix access, Super-high-speed Wireless Internet. Private use of outdoor front patio garden. ***Neighbourhood street parking is limited restricted by signage. PLEASE MIND THE SIGNS*** Hosts will meet our guests on arrival and take them through a brief check-in process, and then will check in later with the guests as well as be available that night for anything that may come up. We are owner/occupant hosts so we are always available to our guests with a little notice, or one of us will be able to respond in an emergency. We allow our guests to dictate the level of interaction but we are always around and will check in with our guests periodically, as well as inevitably bump into them outside on the property from time to time. We are a friendly, laid back, family that enjoy hosting and meeting new people and are always happy to help our guests get the most out of their stay with us. Vancouver's most diverse neighbourhood, Commercial Drive offers the widest range of culinary and cultural experiences available in the city! And, it's literally steps outside your door! Live entertainment, festivals, parades, arts, community, savory eats, café treats, and beautiful streets - lush gardens and some of the city's most historic architecture are what this eclectic neighbourhood represent. Many restaurants and cafes double as intimate live entertainment venues in the evenings, in addition to the many cultural centres and theatres offering up excellent live performing art shows year round. Your hosts are very familiar with all that is offered on and off 'The Drive' and enjoy sharing our favourite spots with our guests. Getting around town is very easy from here. You are centrally located with unbeatable access to transit that will get you pretty much anywhere in the city in 10-25 minutes. The bus stop is 50 meters away, from which is a 5 minute ride to the train; or you can just walk the 10-15 minute walk to the train. Downtown Vancouver is a 5-10 minute train ride (depending which station), and hosts most of the cities most popular attractions, beaches, and the famed Seawall that circumnavigates Stanley Park and the entire Vancouver Downtown Peninsula. Grab a shared bike from MOBI (RECOMMENDED - there’s a bike kiosk 100 meters from us) and take the scenic route along the many bike paths that lead to breathtaking vistas. Please note this is one of 4 separate suites on the property, but all have private guest entrances. Although we insulated each unit for sound in our 2015 renovation there is inevitably some noise transfer between the units from time to time. Please look at our other listings or inquire about The Vineyard Suite and the Patio Suite for larger families needing to extend their space. The Vineyard Suite is a similar design 1 bedroom unit in the same building and also sleeps 4. The Patio Suite is a much larger 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit in the same building that sleeps 6-8. Recycling, as directed by provided in-suite instruction, is required by law in Vancouver. Sorting fee of $50 will apply if recycling is not sorted to proper bins. Street parking is limited and in some areas restricted by sign. PLEASE MIND THE SIGNS. ***Note*** GST tax is collected as "management fee" since there is no tax option. We are required to collect and submit 5% tax under GST#812655934 1) Respect quiet time hours: 11 pm to 7 am; no loud music, no loud voices, no guests / gatherings that produce loud noise. 2) Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on the property. 3) Sorting of all recyclables and organics in appropriate bins is mandatory; failure to sort will result in a $50 sorting fee. 5) Only guests approved at booking, or subsequently with the owners in advance, are permitted to stay in the rented unit. 6) Guests will take care in preserving the unit, keeping clean and notifying owners of any problems or deficiencies immediately. 7) Pets considered when notified in advance. Pet cleaning fee applies ($75). Must provided doggy blanket for couch use.
Amenities
Pets allowed
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Map of Vancouver
Reviews
4.6/5.0
Outstanding(47 Reviews)
4.0
It was lovely. I would make 1 suggestion to ensure there is extra toilet paper, Kleenex and paper towel and soap. This is especially important now in the fall when the flu bug and other viruses are in full swing.
Thanks!
5.0
This was a very comfortable suite with everything we needed for our 6-night stay. The host was very accommodating and helpful. He even got us microwave and a nicer set of kitchen knives. The suite was clean and nicely furnished and the bed was very comfortable. Parking was a challenge but not impossible. Lively commercial district within easy walking distance. Community centre with pool and gym within 5 mins walk.
5.0
Sweet little nest in a fantastic location. We stayed 10 days. Had our dog with us and totally enjoyed walking the residential streets in the neighborhood.
4.0
This VRBO rental is walking distance to restaurants, food markets and transit in the heart of Commercial Drive. Rental was quiet and comfortable for our 5 day stay. Would definitely stay here again.
5.0
Loved our stay and we will book again. Rental was very nice with all the amenities that we needed. Location is amazing!!!!
5.0
Stayed one week at this vrbo and it worked really well for me! Commuting to ubc for school was a breeze and I felt parking was easy to find each night. Took advantage of the stocked kitchen- making a lot of my meals there, but also went up to commercial drive for the odd thing (super convienent). Never saw the hosts but totally fine as we were all busy it seemed! And I had no issues!
4.0
Location was good If feel like walking and taking in all the different cultural restaurants and small shops on commercial Drive. Everything was in about a 15-20 minute Uber ride. You could go anywhere downtown, Granville Island etc. for minimal pricing.
5.0
Nice Home in Convenient Location
Check in was good (best to call Robert) for contact instead of texting. The place is a studio basically, there’s no doors that separate living area from bedroom. I know that may be a thing for some people but we didn’t mind at all. We stayed in July so most of the days were hot so taking a afternoon nap could be a challenge for there is no AC or fans in the place. It isn’t that awful, we made do just a factoid to be aware of. The location of this home is perfect! Walking distance to great local eateries, parks etc. Parking is not provided on property but there is street parking but be aware of signs because most of the streets surrounding the home, need permits to park. We got a parking ticket on our stay because we were parked too close to a walking intersection (other cars parked in the same spot-so I thought it was okay to do). We did have a WA license plate so maybe we don’t get the same leniency. Just make sure to read all signs and DO NOT park 6 meters (20 ft) from any walking intersection. Also, there is no microwave in home but a lot of dishes and stove if you need to heat up leftovers. We enjoyed the comfortable bed and the house was ready and clean for us upon arrival. Toiletries such as shampoo etc not provided so please make sure you bring some for your stay. This may seem like a negative posts but it’s not, we enjoyed our stay here a lot however, I think it’s best to know the little logistics when looking in for a place to stay. We def will be visiting Vancouver again and would def keep this place in mind to stay again! Thanks Robert again for allowing us to stay in your home. Thank you Vancouver and it’s First Nations people for allowing us on this land it was truly a beautiful trip!
5.0
Great place to stay
Commercial Drive offers a large variety of restaurants. The neighborhood is very enjoyable, beautiful landscaped houses and mostly quiet, nice for walking. A little noise from the crowd from Commercial Drive, but wouldn’t prevent us from coming back. Bed and cotton linens were great. Kitchen with many commodities. Large windows all around the front where we had breakfast and a few largely available take-out meals were most enjoyable. Would definitely recommend this property.
2.0
Loved the neighborhood, lots to do. Great places to eat, and a short run to downtown Vancouver.
Property is tired, particularly the outside which looks nothing like the photos posted on-line, which I suspect are at least 5 years old or more. The patio is a mess, lots of weeds, electrical conduit sticking out of the ground (trip hazard), motorcycle in the corner with a ratty cover, large hole at base of front stairs, caps from the newel posts are gone, paint peeling etc. The boulevard strip in front of the home is un-kept, knee high with grass and weeds. Interior of the property is OK, but has done the bare minimum to decorate, but as with the outside, the interior is looking tired.
The owner turned out to be quite difficult. Room was not ready when we arrived, with sheets and towels still in the dryer, had to remake the bed ourselves. Didn't know when our check out day was and was knocking on our door at 8:00 am thinking we had left the day prior. Kept us up until 2:30am our last night doing what sounded like construction work (lived directly above us). On our departure he wrote us a very inappropriate and threatening text accusing us of not recycling our garbage (giving us a "major fail" in the recycling department?) and not following the rules by checking out late. I had to draw his attention to our Rental Agreement that clearly showed he was incorrect on both counts. No apology was forthcoming sadly. For what we were charged per night, certainly didn't need this type unprofessionalism or underserving treatment from our host.
Would absolutely recommend the area, would not however recommend this place to stay.
2.0
Great Neighborhood, Property is Tired and Host is Difficult
Loved the neighborhood, lots to do. Great places to eat, and a short run to downtown Vancouver.
Property is tired, particularly the outside which looks nothing like the photos posted on-line, which I suspect are at least 5 years old or more. The patio is a mess, lots of weeds, electrical conduit sticking out of the ground (trip hazard), motorcycle in the corner with a ratty cover, large hole at base of front stairs, caps from the newel posts are gone, paint peeling etc. The boulevard strip in front of the home is un-kept, knee high with grass and weeds. Interior of the property is OK, but has done the bare minimum to decorate, but as with the outside, the interior is looking tired.
The owner turned out to be quite difficult. Room was not ready when we arrived, with sheets and towels still in the dryer, had to remake the bed ourselves. Didn't know when our check out day was and was knocking on our door at 8:00 am thinking we had left the day prior. Kept us up until 2:30am our last night doing what sounded like construction work (lived directly above us). On our departure he wrote us a very inappropriate and threatening text accusing us of not recycling our garbage (giving us a "major fail" in the recycling department?) and not following the rules by checking out late. I had to draw his attention to our Rental Agreement that clearly showed he was incorrect on both counts. No apology was forthcoming sadly. For what we were charged per night, certainly didn't need this type unprofessionalism or underserving treatment from our host.
Would absolutely recommend the area, would not however recommend this place to stay.
5.0
Excellent location
We have stayed with Robert in the past and like the units and in our opinion the location is perfect with numerous eateries and grocers within walking distance. We would not hesitate to book again.
4.0
An excellent pied-à-terre near the centre of it all
There’s very little bad to say, but here it is: We were expecting a one-bedroom and it’s more like a convertible studio, which made virtual work meetings tough, and there’s no microwave. Also, the upstairs neighbours could be heard walking around occasionally, as could their dog.
BUT! Otherwise, it’s a comfortable, well-appointed suite with easy access to transit and some of the best food and nightlife Vancouver has to offer. The location alone made this worth it, but the host was also helpful and sweet and made sure we had paper products and instructions for navigating the city’s very specific waste disposal requirements. If we hadn’t been trying to work, it probably would have been absolutely perfect; if you’re just on vacation for leisure, you can hardly beat a place like this.
5.0
Excellent location/lovely suite
The suite was spacious, clean and comfortable. The suite is in an excellent location right off commerical drive. There is a bakery at the end of the block and restaurants, grocery stores, pubs, liquor store, etc around the corner. The community feels safe even to walk at night. I would stay here again.
5.0
We had a great stay - perfect for our needs. Excellent access to fun restaurants and markets, with lots of parks nearby for our pup to run around. Even though there is no dedicated parking, we never had a problem finding parking on the street. Although it's close to Commercial Ave (fun!), the suite is super quiet. Has all amenities needed. Host is super responsive and acommodating.
5.0
Festive location and comfy stay
We had a great stay - perfect for our needs. Excellent access to fun restaurants and markets, with lots of parks nearby for our pup to run around. Even though there is no dedicated parking, we never had a problem finding parking on the street. Although it's close to Commercial Ave (fun!), the suite is super quiet. Has all amenities needed. Host is super responsive and acommodating.
5.0
Excellent Location
This property is just steps away from Commercial Drive and restaurants, markets etc. House had everything we needed and Robert was super easy to work with. Would highly recommend this place.
5.0
A wonderful vacation in a fantastic location. A great opportunity to explore a unique Vancouver Neighbourhood.
5.0
Fantastic Pet Friendly
A wonderful vacation in a fantastic location. A great opportunity to explore a unique Vancouver Neighbourhood.
5.0
Great place to stay
This place is amazing best rental I've had in Vancouver so far and I would love to rent it again during g my next trips
5.0
Quiet place, near a main street with supermarket (24 hours) and restaurants. Free parking a few meters from the entrance. Near the house a bus stop towards the city center and a fifteen minute walk to the subway. Two rooms with enough space for three people. Everything you need for a few days. Kara And Robert very nice people, who responded quickly to both emails and phone.
5.0
Comfortable and nice
Quiet place, near a main street with supermarket (24 hours) and restaurants. Free parking a few meters from the entrance.
Near the house a bus stop towards the city center and a fifteen minute walk to the subway. Two rooms with enough space for three people. Everything you need for a few days. Kara And Robert very nice people, who responded quickly to both emails and phone.
4.0
Location location
This is a super apartment in a real neighbourhood. It had everything we needed. The location for transport and for restaurants was excellent. That was disappointing was the rubbish at the side of the house. Also the owner parked his motorcycle in front of the seating area downstairs.
5.0
Great city stay
We enjoyed the very comfortable apartment which was immaculate and stylish. A good location in a vibrant and interesting neighbourhood. Easy walk to the Sky Train and a quick few stops to Downtown ready to explore the city. I would recommend this accommodation.
5.0
Great location and great advice
We had a blast during our stay. Our host had some fantastic advice on things to do during our stay (places to eat, activities, must sees, etc.) the immediate location was great for restaurants, grocery, wine, etc. and we were centrally located for the activities for the wedding (reason for our visit). I don't know how it could have been any better. We had a car so that we could easily get to locations outside of the city for hikes etc. It was necessary to park a short block away to avoid "permit only" parking but we never had a problem.
5.0
Great little apartment for two
Our apartment was well equipped & had everything we needed. Great to have a washing machine & drier. The area has an abundance of restaurants/cafes so we were spoilt for choice. Easy access to trains & buses. Would happily return. Thanks for being so helpful Robert.
3.0
Home presented well but disappointed at our stay
My husband and I travelled from Perth Western Australia to visit families and stayed for 5 nights.
The location was central, close to public transport and plenty of eatery and convenience stores near by. But Commercial Broadway is also a street full of drunk and homeless people all day and night. We later found out the nauseated but same body odour we smelled from walking passed them were cannabis
We were grateful that home owner agreed for early check in at 11am instead of 3pm as we had flew 20 hours , had arrived at 8am and were already exhausted.
We were a bit surprised that the owner had not yet replaced bedlinen though everything's else were neat.
We were told on arrival that the washing machine is malfunction and the reason he could not get it fixed on weekend but has organised repair next day. Well, it was never fixed.
On day 4, we lost the home WiFi, hence no TV and was told it is common in Vancouver.
We usually slept in, had breakfast then out most of the day. The 3 items I relied on really were washing machine / TV / internet; hence not a good stay.
5.0
Incredible!!!
This place was amazing. The instructions for the rental, amenities, decor and price. Location was good; about 20 minutes from downtown (Pikes Place Market and Aquarium) with traffic by UBER. They can EASILY be charging more per night!
5.0
Fantastic!
Great place, great host, wonderful neighborhood.
5.0
Great Experience
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Vancouver. The apartment was perfect. Great location, clean and all the necessities you need. Robert was very helpful and always available for assistance. Look forward to staying again on our next trip.
5.0
Great place to stay
Lovely unit
A short walk to the train which we used all the time with a day pass which you can use on the bus as well
Loved it
5.0
East Side Charmer!
Thank you Robert....we loved your cool Mosaic suite. Everything was perfect. Couldn't have asked for a better location and charming neighborhood. So many food choices right out your door and transportation was super easy, friendly, and efficient. No need for a rental car with such great public trans. Looking forward to our next visit!
4.0
Recommend this vacation rental!
Very good location! Very nice host! Very quiet! Enjoyed our stay!
5.0
Neat, cozy and conveniently located
The location was conveniently located in East Vancouver. Walking distance to everything you would need for a short-term or long-term stay. The owner was easy to get in touch with and attentive to our needs.
5.0
fantastic place
Best rental ive ever stayed in. super clean, super quiet, bright, very comfortable bed, every thing i needed in the kitchen, beautifully renovated, Kara was super quick to respond to anything i needed. its just a great place. looks exactly like the pictures. thank you so much. this place is highly recommended. Thanks so much Robert and Kara.
5.0
perfect place in the perfect location
The apartment was very clean with the best equipped kitchen! Everything was new and in great condition, wonderful shower, washer and dryer. It was perfect for two or for one with a lovely place to sit out front and watch the neighbourhood from. Just off of Commercial Drive that has anything you could possibly want from stores and restaurants. Communication was slow initially because the host was out of the country and that was a little stressful but that all got worked out once he was back. I hope this place is available for my next visit to Vancouver, I've stayed in a few places on the east side but this one was THE best!!
5.0
Location is convenient to everything
We did a family gathering, staying in two of the properties here. They were both great, convenient to shopping and mass transport.
5.0
Great accommodations!
In a beautifully restored house, the suite is large, spotlessly clean, and very comfortable for a stay of any length. All the appliances looked brand new, and included a great washer and dryer. The tub was perfect for soaking my old bones after a long day of exploring the neighbourhood.
The Drive is fun, with many restaurants, cool bars and independent shops. Great people watching! Walking along the surrounding streets, there are many beautiful homes, from restorations to modern designer new builds.
I met Kara briefly when I arrived, and she explained what I needed to know about the suite. Other than that, you are left with your privacy knowing that they were available if you needed anything.
I would definitely stay there again, next time I visit.
FAQs
How much does this condo cost compared to others in Vancouver?
The average price for a rental in Vancouver is $138 per night. This rental is $125 above the average.
Is parking included with this condo?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Bright Light in the City, Steps from ‘The Drive’. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this condo?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this condo. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Bright Light in the City, Steps from ‘The Drive’ pet friendly?
Yes! This condo is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Bright Light in the City, Steps from ‘The Drive’?
We found 9 amenities for this rental. This includes pets allowed, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and laundry.
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