If you enjoy industrial architecture, you'll love this space. Polished concrete, exposed brick, and beautiful exposed wood beams. The furniture is attractive and comfortable and the loft has a very spacious feel. Communications with the host were responsive and helpful and check-in was easy. There is a large communal courtyard with seating and BBQs for sunny days. If you choose public transport from the airport, the loft is an easy walk from the Waterfront station, which also gives access to the Seabus to North Vancouver. Outstanding restaurant options located steps from the front door and the best espresso in Vancouver is around the corner at Milano.
There is no parking included so be advised if you have a car. Free street parking from 10 pm until 9 am. A pay garage is located less than a block away, but it'll cost you.
As for the neighborhood, "it's complicated." The loft is located about 2 blocks from the epicenter of Vancouver's downtown eastside homeless crisis. Walking to the west is the interesting tourist area of gastown. Walking to the east is disturbing. I felt safe on the streets, as did the many well-dressed locals out for a night at a restaurant or bar, and I was never accosted or even asked for money. On the other hand, I witnessed multiple instances of people using drugs and tripping and I can't imagine I would have been comfortable at night if I was a single woman. That said, if you stick to the gastown area, it is no different than any other large, urban city in North America.