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In Bed with Victoria

July 31, 2009 | Tips from Us > Victoria, Accommodations
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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!

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Posted by Martian, Vancouver at 04:32 PM

Charming Victoria Bed and Breakfast

March 13, 2009 | Tips from Us > Victoria, Accommodations
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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! 

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Posted by Kathleen, Vancouver at 01:57 PM

Victoria IS for Seniors!

May 19, 2008 | Tips from Travellers > Victoria, Accommodations
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I am from Quadra Island. Recently my elderly parents from Saskatchewan spent a week in Victoria as part of a bus tour. Although they have been to BC on numerous occasions, this was the first time that someone else had all the planning responsibilities and did all the driving. They happened to be there over the Mothers Day weekend. I took an extra day off work and went down to meet them. It was the first time I've been with my mother on Mothers Day since the mid-80’s!

My comment here is really related to the wonderful service that they received while in Victoria, particularly from the Queen Victoria Hotel where they stayed. On Mothers Day morning we went to leave the hotel for breakfast nearby (too close to be worth driving). My father was silently grumbling (but loud enough for anyone in the vicinity to hear J ) about having to “walk” and everything being uphill etc. (remember, they are from SK). The staff at the Front desk quickly, and unsolicited, came to the rescue and offered to take us in the shuttle. They then picked us up when we were done. Later that evening the shuttle wasn’t available but they cheerfully paid for a cab for us to go out to dinner and return! What great service! It really changed the logistics of our brief visit as we were able to get my 80++ Dad out a bit further than the immediate vicinity of the hotel without having to have a dreaded walk.

While in Victoria they also greatly enjoyed being able to get to the Casino. I think the highlight for them was the shuttle trip and the casino's shuttle driver. They thought he was a great and colourful character.

On Mothers Day I took them for a drive out to Sooke. On the way home we happened to come across “Mom’s Café”. I would never have known it was there except that my “Garmin” navigation device directed me to it as the nearest restaurant. It is a bit tucked away off the main road, but what a buried treasure. Kind of a 60’s look with everything immaculate! A varied menu with a nice blend of old-time favourites and modern items. The best thing… mile high pies! Too bad we were only there for a coffee break as the menu was quite enticing and I would have liked to try it. I did try a bowl of chowder and it was one of the best I’ve tasted in my 18 years in BC!

In conclusion, I think the hospitality staff in Victoria are generally great when dealing with and anticipating the needs of seniors.

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Posted by Terri S, Quathiaski Cove at 09:35 AM

A MOST WONDERFUL STAY

October 28, 2007 | Tips from Travellers > Victoria, Accommodations
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Last night I stayed at the renowned Fairmont Empress Hotel, in Victoria BC. I have never experienced a more comfortable bed. The pillows were perfect. The service was second to none. We had our breakfast served in our room. Both the young lady that delivered and the one that took it away again, were both extremely curteous. Everything about our stay was five stars out of five stars!!!

 

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Posted by rfkid, port alberni at 09:15 PM