I usually stay at the YMCA, when in Vancouver, but that's under renovation until next year. So I found another inexpensive place, right near Chinatown:

Budget Inn/Patricia Hotel
403 E Hastings (& Dunlevy)
(888) 926-1017
www.budgetpathotel.bc.ca

It's clean, quiet, & safe enough for a good night's sleep. The building includes a pub & each room includes cable TV.