Austin was a great host. Check in was super clear & easy (we just followed the directions he gave and it was very straightforward). The area the condo is in is not exactly “cute” but it’s near many good places to eat (loads of great breakfast options within a block radius), less than a hundred meters to a subway station (which we didn’t use because we basically just walked everywhere)(& btw the steps around the subway station do have some strung out folks hanging around so just be cognizant; I didn’t feel threatened — and we were two women, middle-aged & elder), and if you like to get your 10K+ steps in you can easily walk to anywhere including the Vancouver Art Gallery, Fanny Bay Oysters (yum, do this), Granville island…all walkable.
Didn’t use the pool but did use the gym in the building and they have a lot of cardio machines as well as some basic free weights and another room with weight machines.
We didn’t cook but kitchen seemed to have the basics you’d need if you plan to stay for more than a couple of days. Oil and vinegar, salt, sugar, tea, and espresso pods were provided. There’s an Asian supermarket just across from the building to pick up other basics. The middle eastern coffee & pastry shop to the left of it also makes great fresh pressed juices.
Tell Austin ahead if you plan to use the sofa bed so he’ll have the bedding ready for you. He is very responsive and wants to make sure you have a good experience at his place.
Vancouver hotels are very pricey and this was a very good alternative.