http://www.hihostels.ca/pm/978/hi-vancouver+downtown_hi-vancouver+downtown.hostel

This one is in a good/safe and exciting neighbourhood, in the west end, which is still right next to downtown and close to the beach and stanley park. Everything is in walking distance. Lots of great restaurants and clubs. Lots to do around there…

enjoy!

The best HOSTEL is the Hosteling International Vancouver Downtown – http://www.hihostels.ca/PM/en/vancouverhostel_downtown.aspx?sortcode=2.3. Relatively modern, great location near restaurants/bars/clubs/cafes, really great vibe in terms of the people staying and working there.
But for about $25 more than you pay for a private room there, the Victorian Hotel – http://www.victorianhotel.ca – is amazing. Great location, tasty continental breakfast, fabulous staff and infinitely-more comfy beds ;-)
Good luck! Vancouver is one of my favorite cities anywhere – currently working on getting my papers to move there.
If you like Japanese food, you must go to the Gyoza King on Robson.

The hotel I stayed in wasn’t anywhere near good hiking locations, so I’m probably not much help to you lol!

My daughter, who lives in Vancouver, says not to stay in any of the many hostels near the train station. It’s kind of a dodgy neighbourhood. But the west end is a good idea. Hiking in the North Shore mountains is just a bus ride away from there.

One thing to remember – the mountains really are mountains, even if they seem to be in the middle of the city. Every year hikers die up there within sight of downtown. So be as careful as you would be in the deepest wilderness.

Yes, the HI Downtown is a good hostel. I’d also like to throw in the HI at Jericho Beach for consideration. It’s a bit more laid back and roomier. Also, it’s on a beach with amazing views of the mountains.

http://www.hihostels.ca/PM/en/vancouverhostel_jericho.aspx?sortcode=2.2