With the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games just days away, the dire predictions of a room shortage are not coming true.
In fact, deals are getting better as the Games get closer.
At a youth hostel near Jericho Beach, the cost for a bed is $30 a night plus taxes during the Games. You just have to share bunk beds and bathrooms.
"We made a conscious decision that we were going to keep our rates low and not up them so we can give that experience, let those people experience the Olympics in an affordable way," said Alistair McLean, CEO of Hostelling International's pacific region.
Affordability can even be found on Granville Street.
At the Same Sun Hostel, rooms will go for $39.50 a night for a dormitory room during the Games.
The hostel is within walking distance to downtown venues and live sites.
Are the hostel's operators surprised they aren't already booked solid?
"I guess a lot of people are leaving it to the last minute," said the hostel's Michelle Allan.
Or maybe they're not coming at all.
Tim Bonner with EMR Vacation Rentals wonders if predictions of a quarter-million Olympic visitors were way off.
He has over 100 private properties still available.
"We do have owners that have lowered prices and it still hasn't affected the selling of the unit for accommodations," he said.
"If you're empty at this point they should be willing to take any reasonable offer. Of course, we're not going to sell a $2 or 3 million house in Vancouver for $50 a night per room but reasonable offers will be presented to the owners."
The dream of a big pay day for renters does not appear to be materializing.
Tourism Vancouver says more rooms are becoming available every day.
Experts say the best advice is to call around and try to make a deal. Most renters and hotels would rather take some money than nothing at all.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Shannon Paterson
