OverviewThis 106 room, non-smoking hotel is located about a 10 minute drive from the downtown Victoria area, on the George Waterway. Based on reviews, this hotel was very popular with pet owners because of ample green space around the hotel to walk pets. On-site amenities include an outdoor pool (open seasonally) and guest laundry facilities.
Guests can choose from a variety of rooms, including Standard rooms, or more spacious Suites, some of which include a full kitchen or a kitchenette and an electric fireplace. Guests can expect in all rooms free WI FI, A/C, an iron and an ironing board, a hairdryer and voicemail. Free parking is available on site and pets are allowed for a cost of $20/day.
There is no on-site restaurant, but a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast is offered daily in the breakfast room.
While the location of this hotel was popular with many guests who liked being removed from the downtown core, access to many of Victoria's main attractions requires a vehicle. Shopping is about a 10 minute drive away at Mayfair Shopping Centre. The Inner Harbour, BC Whale Tours and the BC Maritime Museum are all less than a 15 minute drive away. Butchart Gardens is slightly farther, about a 27 minute drive away. Guests travelling by air should budget about 33 minutes to drive the 25.8km between the hotel and Victoria International Airport (YYJ) (distances and driving time estimates: Google Maps).
Check-in is at 3:00pm, while check-out is at 11:00am.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: WI FI, parking, breakfast and pet policy (call date: June 11, 2012).
The GoodFor guests that had a positive experience, location was a major factor. Many guests enjoyed the waterfront views, and several noted that the grounds of the hotel, and the area surrounding the hotel, were lush, nicely landscaped and well-kept. Several guests also mentioned that the area had nice walking paths that were perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Guests also liked the fact that it was still reasonably close to the downtown area (about a 10 minute drive), but far enough away to be quiet and peaceful. One guest described it as "close to downtown, but removed from traffic jams".
Service from staff was excellent, according to several guests. Words like "professional", "friendly" and "helpful" described guest sentiment.
There were several comments about the quality and selection offered at the complimentary breakfast.
There were some additional comments on things like comfy beds, modern furnishings in the rooms and good quality towels and linens.
The Bad
While most reviews were favourable for this hotel, there were a few common threads among complaints, mostly centring on issues with the rooms themselves.
Several guests said that their rooms were dirty, and some mentioned specific problems with cleanliness in the bathrooms. A few guests mentioned a musty or mildew-based odour in the rooms; one guest speculated that the carpet in his room was the source. One guest described his room as "dirty and dark".
There were a few other peripheral complaints, centring on the lack of on-site dining, and issues with wheelchair accessibility.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: WI FI, parking, breakfast and pet policy (call date: June 11, 2012).
TripAdvisor.com guest reviewers ranked this hotel #46 of 69 Victoria hotels, based on 29 reviews.
Booking.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 8.2 out of 10, or "very good", based on 8 reviews.
Expedia.ca guest reviewers rated this hotel 3.3 out of 5, based on 3 reviews. 67% of guests would recommend this hotel.
