May 15, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Accommodation
I'm sitting in my elegant one bedroom suite at the Victoria Parkside. Its a corner unit with the loveliest of modern yet warm furnishings, a mug of italian coffee in hand having just finished a great work out in the gym and a soak in our gorgeous stand alone soaker tub. If only it would stop raining life would be perfect. Well the Parkside can't do anything about the weather but they seem to have a handle on everything else a guest may want. Location is perfect! A block off Douglas its walking distance to everything in the Inner Harbour. The facilities are first class - from my view in the well equipped gym I could see families enjoying the very large swimming pool and hot tub. The atrium is stunning and probably the nicest surprise, was the coffee shop (not open on my last visit) where I got a latte and 3 home made morning glory muffins for under 10 dollars! If you are looking for a get away in Victoria for family or just to spoil yourself, try the Parkside. You may not want to go back home ... its that nice!
Parkside HelloBCListing.
March 17, 2011 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Accommodation
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I was pleasantly surprised with Ocean Island Inn in Victoria. For a hostel, this place has a lot of options!
We were looking for an inexpensive place to stay near downtown Victoria, as we were planning to visit some of Victoria's famous brewpubs located near the Inner Harbour.
Ocean Island gave us the choice of dorm rooms, semi-private rooms and hotel-style private rooms. We went for the posh option and stayed in a private room with a private bathroom, fridge and TV. Wireless internet was free. The room was small, but it very clean, comfortable and about a 15-minute walk from downtown. It faced the street, so we did hear some car traffic... something to consider if you’re a light sleeper.
It was indeed close to the places we wanted to visit -- we checked out Swans and Canoe brewpubs, and then visited Red Fish Blue Fish for Fanny Bay oyster tacones the next day.
Our one-night stay cost about $80, which included parking. A solid choice for budget-minded travellers.
March 08, 2011 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Accommodation
A visit to Victoria can be overwhelming—with so much to see and do, you’ll definitely need a few days to take it all in. Along with endless sights and attractions, Victoria also has an infinite number of accommodation choices. Do you want a bed and breakfast? A boutique hotel? A backpacker hostel?
To help you make your decision, here’s a list of my favourite 7 places to stay in Victoria:
Fairholme ManorFairholme is a luxurious, yet affordable, bed and breakfast in the historic Rockland district. It’s a newly-restored 100 year old Italianate mansion located next door to Government House, the official residence of British Columbia’s Lieutenant Governor. Fairholme lies on nearly 1 acre of park-like land and features beautiful rooms with ocean, mountain or garden views. It’s a 5 minute walk to Craigdarroch Castle, a 10 minute walk to Antique Row and a 15 minute walk to the heart of downtown Victoria.
Swans Suite HotelSwans, Victoria’s Boutique Art Hotel, is just steps away from Victoria’s famous inner harbour. The hotel contains 29 unique suites suited to tourists, corporate travelers and even families with children. Each suite retains the character of the 1913 heritage building and features unique displays of original artwork. In addition to the hotel, Swans also has a brewpub, a bistro, a brewery and a beer and wine shoppe.
Birds of a FeatherBirds of a Feather is a unique bed and breakfast with true west coast flavour. The waterfront, purpose-built house is located on a 120 lagoon that provides ideal shelter for canoeing, kayaking and row boating. The bed and breakfast is nestled between two National Historic Sites, Fort Rodd Hill and Hatley Park, and is surrounded by 600 acres of old-growth forest. Birds of a Feather is suitable for both honeymooners and families with children. In addition to their free canoes, kayaks and mountain bikes, they also offer personalized marine eco tours and Hummer land adventures.
AmbrosiaAmbrosia Bed and Breakfast is luxurious, romantic, relaxing and conveniently located in the heart of downtown. The 1897 heritage building houses one-of-a-kind suites with classic Japanese design with a modern flair. Ambrosia’s breakfasts are not to be missed—you can look forward to tasty treats such as broiled grapefruit with Canadian maple syrup and brown sugar, homemade banana bread and smoked salmon and asparagus crepes.
EmpressThe Empress Hotel is one of Victoria’s most famous (and oldest) landmarks. Built in 1908, the Edwardian-style hotel is one of the most photographed attractions on Vancouver Island. If you’re not staying in one of its 477 rooms, you can indulge in their famous afternoon tea, visit the gift shops, get pampered in the spa or enjoy the Bengal Lounge’s curry buffet.
Chateau VictoriaChateau Victoria is located in heart of Victoria, minutes away from Beacon Hill Park, the inner harbour and all of downtown’s most popular attractions. The comfortable, spacious rooms are suitable for both leisure and business travelers and many have breathtaking views of the city. Chateau Victoria’s Rooftop restaurant, Vista 18, is the only of its kind in Victoria. On the 18th floor, you will dine with a backdrop of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Baker and beautiful downtown Victoria.
Ocean IslandOcean Island is Victoria’s most popular backpacker and budget-traveler accommodation. The fully-renovated 1891 heritage building is full of art, colour and lively travelers and staff. It’s located right downtown, with all the best music, clubs, shops and attractions within walking distance.
November 28, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Accommodation
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Jolly good fun that the fine folks at the Inn at Laurel Point have created this swash-bucklin' treasure map for kids of all ages to roam around and discover the museum-quality art and other fine objects hidden in plain view throughout their Victoria waterfront hotel.
"Inn Search of Treasure" is available for staying pirates... I mean, guests and can be found at the front desk... if ya dare look for it!
October 08, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Accommodation
I just completed a three night stay at Victoria''s newest hotel, the
Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa. All suites and in a fabulous location right across from St Ann's Academy and steps away from the downtown core, this property is perfect for families and people who love new, modern and are interested in their environment. Green at the Parkside however does not mean lean and the amenties are top notch. I especially loved the heated floor in the bathroom as well as two fireplaces and two flat screen tvs in my one bedroom suite! The restaurant wasn't open yet but having a kitchen provided a good alternative. The near by Browns Social House also does great take out! Check out the Parkside next time you are looking for a great getaway, I think you'll like it.
August 28, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Accommodation
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We arrived late on a Friday night August 2010. Transport plans ran into a glitch but no mind for our friendly concierge who happily checked us in and got us sorted.
Instead of a hotel we decided on a vacation condo this time for our family trip and we were not disappointed.
As presented online, this gorgeous penthouse offered an ocean view from every room.
Appointments were elegant, clean and comfortable and we enjoyed the wrap-around balcony where we could dine al fresco and sip wine well into the sunset.
Many fond memories were made here and we would whole heartedly recommend future guests this home-away from home (downtown furnished rentals)
Editor's note: learn more about accommodations in Victoria
here.
August 20, 2010 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Accommodation
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I had the opportunity to stay the night at the
Queen Victoria in downtown Victoria. This older property is super convenietly located across the street from the Royal BC Museum and I would definetly recommend it. The room I was in was spacious and had not one, but two, balconies....a bit of a rarity in hotels. The hotel was busy with tour groups, but as a single traveller, I enjoyed the buzz that they brought. Had dinner and breakfast in the hotel's acclaimed Samuel's Restaurant which has been turning out yummy food for over 30 years. Great service, great view, great food. All in all, a very pleasant stay.
February 13, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Victoria, Accommodation
Stayed for a couple of weeks at Craigmyle B&B in January in their kitchenette suite.
What a treat! I felt so much more relaxed than at a hotel or other cheap accommodations around the city.
The rate was very economical for short or long term stays. The amenites were all there and the room was recently updated.
And breakfast was huge and really tasty.
Plus, it is right next to the historic Craigdarroch Castle, which I could see right from my room.
It was my best B&B experience in ages.
Thanks Jimmy and Kathy!
July 31, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Accommodation
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Opting out of a kind post-wedding accommodation offer of pitching a tent on the bride's property, we decided to take advantage of an enticing online special at the
Delta Ocean Pointe. This turned out to be a brilliant move.
Having stayed at all the big name hotels downtown, I have to say - the
Delta takes the cake. Why? Unique little and big things done thoughtfully: provided sunscreen, mouthwash, binoculars, beautiful blue-bouncy tennis courts, being able to see the
ENTIRE harbour from bed. To wit: Houses of Parliament in all it's nighttime radiant glory, merry little ferries,
whale-watching tours, Empress Hotel, mountains, hot seaplane action.
Also notable: ample opportunity to find free parking, relatively small scale without being creepy, pool area on harbour's edge *see photo*, and let's not forget - a timely note from the manager apologizing for the fire alarm in the night.
That was last weekend, and I'm already looking for a reason to go back!
March 13, 2009 | Tips from Us >
Victoria, Accommodation
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I love old houses so imagine my delight when I got to stay a night in Victoria's charming Humboldt House B & B, built in 1893. It is located just a few blocks from Victoria's Inner Harbour and Royal BC Museum and next to one of the City's most pleasant green spaces, the grounds in front of the St. Ann's Academy. Each room is themed differently - I stayed in Edward's Room, named for its Edwardian charm but others would appeal too, such as the Oriental Room and the Celebration room. This place would be perfect for a romantic getaway with its large jacuzzi tubs in each room, wood burning fireplaces, cozy furniture and gourmet champagne breakfasts (which are tucked into a basket and delivered to your room in the morning through a cool two-way pantry). Even though I was in Victoria on business, I felt welcomed and completely 'at home' during my short stay. Little extras like the 'help yourself Sherry' and cookies in the library upon my return from a run in the nearby Fairfield neighbourhood, or the relaxed and pleasant demeanour of the host, David. Did I mention the breakfasts? WOW! I chose shrimp and salmon crepes but I could have easily opted for the other mouth watering choices - which I will save for next time, and there will be a next time!