OverviewConstructed with glass walls, Japanese gardens and waterfalls, this resort-style, waterfront hotel is bordered by a walking path to the downtown area. Located right at the entrance of the Inner Harbour on Montreal St., it is nestled in a park-like setting, and, according to guest reviews, has excellent views of the waterfront and/or gardens.
Guests have their choice of different room styles, from Standard Rooms, to more spacious Suites or Deluxe Penthouses. All 200 rooms offer a down duvet, free Wi Fi, robes, a coffemaker, a hairdryer, a half-size refrigerator, and Aveda or Silk Road toiletries. The property is smoke free. Pets are welcome at this hotel, for a cost of $30/day. Covered parking is available on site at a cost of $15/day.
The hotel has a heated indoor pool which faces the Outer Harbour and the Japanese garden. There is also a fitness centre and spa facilities on site.
While this property is well situated to a number of shops, restaurants and a number of Victoria attractions, guests can opt to dine on site at Aura's Waterfront Restaurant and Patio, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner (open daily from 7:00am-10:00pm). They also serve a Sunday Brunch from 10:00am-2:00pm.
This property is located within walking distance to a number of Victoria'a popular attractions. The Inner Harbour, BC Whale Tours and the Maritime Museum of BC are all walkable in under 20 minutes. The downtown area is slightly farther, at a 24 minute walk. Guests will need to drive to visit Butchart Gardens, about a 30 minute drive away. Guests travelling by air should budget about 32 minutes to drive the 27.8km to Victoria International Airport (YYJ) (distances and driving 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, parking and pet policy (Call date: May 25, 2012).
The GoodThis hotel was very popular with guests, mostly because of the sleek architecture and updates to one of the wings of the hotel. In addition, guests praised this hotel's unique location, nestled in green space on the waterfront.
There were several comments from guests who appreciated having ocean and/or garden views from their windows and from several common areas of the hotel, which were enhanced by glass walls. Guests also liked the location because of its easy, walkable access to a number of shops, restaurants and tourist destinations.
Service from staff scored top marks from guests, who used words like "helpful", "polite" and "useful" to describe their impressions.
Guests really enjoyed the property itself, and enjoyed the gardens and the art. The rooms, according to guests, were of a decent size. One guest described her room as "comfortable and calm".
There were a number of other peripheral compliments, centering on things like quality of food and views from the restaurant and the sizeable and safe parking lot.
The Bad
While most comments about this hotel were favourable, there were a few common threads through the complaints, including some issues with noise and with certain aspects of the property itself.
A few guests were disrupted by noisy neighbours, and by noisy heating/AC units in their rooms.
While one wing of the property had undergone swanky renovations in 2007, the other wing of the property was a bit dated and worn, according to a number of guests. They commented on ageing decor and thin and dirty carpets. Some other guests felt that the fitness room and the pool were small, and that the equipment in the gym was old.
Some guests objected to having to pay for parking, and some mentioned that the parking lot was a little confusing to manoeuvre around in.
There were a couple of other complaints, centering on things like expensive food in the restaurant and uncomfortable beds.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: Wi Fi, parking and pet policy (Call date: May 25, 2012).
Expedia.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 4.2 out of 5, based on 229 reviews. 88% of guests would recommend this hotel.
Booking.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 8.7 out of 10, based on 185 reviews.
Hotels.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 4.3 out of 5, or "excellent", based on 220 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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