Don't expect to be in a fancy area, because you're not. East Hastings, one Street away is home to halfway houses and soup kitchens meaning there are a not inconsiderable number of homeless folk wandering the streets around the area. Brian was completely up front about this in his communication as soon as we booked. If you're not squeamish about those less fortunate however, it's a really phenomenal place - the flat itself is massive by Vancouver standards with a considerable open kitchen and living room with a comfortable bedroom, study and bathroom attached. The location is really convenient, a short walk to the train station if you're coming from or going to the US as we were. A 5-7 min walk takes you to the centre of Gastown and from there to downtown. Otherwise, buses run all day from the next street straight into the downtown. I'd definitely stay there again if I were to go back to Vancouver.