By Liz Gray, FineLiving.com

Image courtesy Chateau Whistler, Whistler, B.C.

Whether you're visiting to watch the world's best athletes compete in the Olympics or just interested in a little cold-weather playtime, winter is a great time to visit Vancouver, B.C. Here are 10 great places to stay in and around the city. If visiting during the Olympics or Paralympics, February 12 to 28 and March 12 to 21, respectively, be sure to book your trip early.

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler
(800) 606-8244

Located 72 miles outside Vancouver and at the base of the Blackcomb Mountains, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is the ideal location for those that want to take in the alpine skiing, Nordic or sliding Olympic events at Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort -- or just spend a few days on the slopes. The resort offers ski-in, ski-out convenience paired with luxurious rooms and amenities, like the Vida Wellness Spa.

The hotel has promised many of its available rooms to Olympic organizing committee members, but still has rooms available for those who want to stay 4 or 5 days during the games.

Visit www.fairmont.com/whistler for more information.

The Granville Island Hotel
(604) 683-7373

Set under a bridge leading to downtown Vancouver, Granville Island is at once convenient to everything in the city and a quiet retreat known for its farmers markets, restaurants and art galleries.

Each room is unique at the Granville Island Hotel, some with wooden shutters and nautical decor and others have beamed ceilings, marble floors and Persian rugs. Ask for a suite in the newest for the best water and city views. The Dockside Restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a 50-foot aquarium, serves up food in the lobby. Call or e-mail the hotel for availability during the Olympics.

Visit www.granvilleislandhotel.com for more information.

Stay on a Cruise Ship
(800) 661-7281

Combine your Vancouver visit with the luxury of a cruise. Cruise ship Norwegian Star will dock on Vancouver's North Shore for the duration of the Olympics, giving guests easy access to the in-town Olympic venues and downtown shops and restaurants. Meals and entertainment are provided each night you stay on the ship, and shuttles run 24 hours a day from the ship to the shore.

Visit www.newwesttravel.com for more information.

Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel
(888) 264-6877
This brand new hotel opens in January 2010, just in time for the Olympic Games. Perched at the edge of Coal Harbor, the hotel offers unobstructed views of the North Shore Mountains, Stanley Park and Howe Sound and is adjacent to the new Vancouver Convention Center.

Visit www.fairmont.com/pacificrim for more information.

Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver
(604) 689-1120

This 119-room hotel in downtown Vancouver occupies the first 15 stories of the 61-floor landmark building -- the tallest in the city. Rooms feature contemporary Asian style, many with private balconies and stunning city views. A spa and gourmet restaurant with regionally-inspired dishes by Jean-Georges are located in the lobby.

Visit www.shangri-la.com for more information.

Olympic Homestays

If you'd like to volunteer at the Vancouver Olympics, you could stay for free through the Winter Games Homestay Program. Families that live in communities convenient to the games can host one or more guests, providing accommodations and breakfast for as many as 20 nights. Host families are eligible to get free tickets to Olympic events.

Visit www.vancouver2010.com for more information.