We had a GREAT time staying at Nicole and James' place. The place is very nice and spacious and Nicole and James were incredibly nice and accommodating. We rented the bikes one day, which was excellent because biking is a great way to get around Vancouver.
It was a short bike ride to Granville Island (we spent a while at the market and did a lot of shopping at the surrounding stores, had a flight at Granville brewery, which was excellent, then headed to Stanley park and the sea wall, then to gas town and around Canada plaza, etc. It was great being in a quiet, nice neighborhood but still very close to all the things to do.