OverviewThis waterfront hotel has few amenities, but has unique character, according to a number of guests. Located on Government St., right next to Bastion Square, this hotel is popular with guests who seek "no-frills" accommodation, and who want to wander many of Victoria's tourist attractions by foot.
There are 40 rooms to choose from at this non-smoking hotel. Guests can choose from Standard rooms or Superior Rooms, some of which have a wood-burning fireplace, a jacuzzi tub and partial views of the Inner Harbour. All rooms include WI FI, a fridge, A/C, and coffee/tea delivery service in the morning. Pets are not allowed at this hotel. Parking is available for $11/day at a lot located two blocks from the hotel.
There are several dining options located within walking distance of the hotel, but guests can choose to dine on site at Garricks Head Pub, serving lunch and dinner, open Monday-Wednesday 11:00am-11:00pm, Thursday-Saturday 11:00am-12:00am and Sunday 12:00pm-10:30pm. Dinner and drinks are available at The Ledge, open Monday-Thursday 4:00pm-12:00am and Friday-Saturday 4:00pm-1:00am. The Ledge is closed on Sunday.
Several of Victoria's main attractions are located within a 5 minute walk from the hotel, including the Inner Harbour, BC Whale Tours, the downtown Victoria area and the BC Maritime Museum. Butchart Gardens is slightly farther away, about a 28 minute drive. Guests travelling by air should budget about 29 minutes to travel the 26.2km to Victoria International Ariport (YYJ) (distances and travel times estimates: Google Maps).
Check-in is at 3:00pm, while check-out is at 11:00am.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: WI FI and parking details (call date: June 6, 2012)
The GoodGuests attributed their positive experiences mostly to the hotel's location and being able to walk to many of Victoria's main attractions.
Guests also felt that they received good value for the price they paid, given that similarly central hotels were generally more expensive. Phrases like "exceptional value" and "worth every penny" were reflective of guest sentiment.
Staff also enhanced the stay for many guests. There was particular mention of the front desk staff and flexibility around things like check-in times.
A number of guests felt that the age of the hotel lent a certain charm, and used phrases like "quaint", "lots of character" and "great period hotel" to describe their impressions.
There were a number of other peripheral comments regarding what guests liked about the rooms: the fireplaces, window boxes, beds, towels and linens.
The Bad
While the age of the hotel contributed to its uniqueness for some guests, many indicated that the ageing decor and the size and layout of the rooms were negative factors.
There were numerous mentions about the need to refurbish and redecorate, particularly in the bathrooms. There was specific mention of the faucets, sinks and tubs.
Several guests also felt that the rooms were cramped, and that they were not well configured, which resulted in difficulty moving around. Some noted the absence of tables in the rooms, and lack of room in the closets.
Parking was "complicated" according to a number of guests, referring to its location, blocks from the hotel. Some guests also felt it was expensive at $11/night.
There were also a few other complaints, mostly pertaining to things like noise from the street and dirty carpets.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: WI FI and parking details (call date: June 6, 2012).
Booking.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 8.2 out of 10, or "very good", based on 37 reviews.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviewers ranked this hotel #48 out of 69 Victoria hotels, based on 72 reviews.
Expedia.ca guest reviewers rated this hotel 3.6 out of 5, based on 122 reviews.
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Analyzed by Heather W.
Driven by the sense that every person, place or thing has a story to tell and a skill for being in the wrong place at the right time, Heather is a well-traveled writer.
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