Kind of disappointed by some of the advice in this thread
I would recommend the Fairmont Pacific Rim 100% as best hotel for a first time tourist. Can't beat those views.
You won't need a car unless you are going to Whistler or something. Be warned though, we are the only major city without Uber, so you will have to use our smelly cabs
The only attractions outside of downtown you'd probably end up seeing are Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension bridge which would be $30 each way in a cab, also not worth the hassle of renting a car.
Must eat at restaurants: Hawksworth, Chambar, Tojos if you're a sushi geek. Lift for views. If you don't mind cabbing out of downtown ($10-15) Yolks for breakfast, Oakwood for brunch. Water street (gastown) for bars, gastropubs, cocktails, etc.