Victoria BC Hotel Guide
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Victoria, British Columbia.
There is no shortage of hotels in Victoria, BC. Its status as a popular holiday destination and weekend getaway locale has blessed Victoria with a great selection of hotels. There is everything from budget brands to boutique properties to luxury hotels. High-end hotels tend to be more centrally located near the waterfront and downtown, whereas bargains can be had slightly farther afield in economy accommodations without sacrificing convenience.
INNER HARBOUR
The inner harbour is Victoria's entertainment and tourist hub. Centrally located, it is near elegant bistros, charming pubs, posh boutiques, souvenir shops, cultural attractions and exciting tours. High-end hotels make their home here with the crown jewel of them all being the grand Fairmont Empress. Sitting regally overlooking the inner harbour, the Empress was built in 1908. Today, it retains its full Edwardian elegance with lavish decor complemented by modern amenities, namely its world-class spa. For those wanting to experience Victoria's grand traditions, a stay here is a must, made complete with afternoon tea and a cocktail in the Bengal Lounge.
Other upscale hotels located in the area include the contemporary Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel with mountain and water views, and the luxurious Hotel Grand Pacific. The Chateau Victoria also boasts an inner harbour location with superb views from the higher rooms. Visit their top-floor restaurant—Vista 18—for unparalleled city views. Located directly on the waterfront, the Victoria Regent Hotel and Suites, also with superb views, offers convenience, comfort and elegance with suites featuring fully equipped kitchens.
Farther up the inner harbour toward Laurel Point is the Laurel Point Inn, a modern hotel designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erikson. The Coast Victoria Harbourside is also in this neighbourhood. While both properties hug the harbour, they are farther away from downtown than some of the others and may require transportation, especially if one decides to wear high-heeled shoes. Such is the case with the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa, which is located on the opposite side of the harbour across the Johnson Street Bridge.
DOWNTOWN
Several hotels are located just a few blocks away from the harbour in the thick of downtown for ultimate convenience. This includes some more affordable options like the Best Western Carlton Plaza, which offers historic charm at chain hotel prices, or the Quality Inn Downtown with convenient amenities that include a pub, restaurant, pool and more. There are several Traveller's Inn hotels throughout Victoria with three located downtown, each one boasting budget rates and free parking.
Downtown is not without upscale accommodations. Visitors can get spoilt at the Rialto, a boutique property built in 1912 and fully renovated in 2009. It's both historically grand and contemporarily sleek with a lounge and bistro on site. Perhaps the crème de la crème of boutique hotels, Abigail's Hotel offers traditional elegance within a 1930's heritage Tudor mansion. The Magnolia Hotel and Spa is also highly rated and is located just steps from the harbour.
NORTH OF DOWNTOWN
There are a number of hotels just north of downtown on Douglas Street. While farther away from the amenities and attractions of the city centre, these hotels are still near restaurants and shopping and often offer free parking. Comfort Hotel and Conference Centre, Super 8 and Red Lion are all too far away to be within easy walking distance of downtown, but their convenient location on Douglas Street makes taking a cab or public transit an easy option. One highlight is Paul's Motor Inn. In operation since 1938, it is a budget classic with tidy rooms and great rates. Look for its distinctive copper roof.
THE GORGE
Travelling north on Douglas Street and turning west onto Highway 1A leads to an area known as the Gorge. In this scenic neighbourhood built on the banks of the Gorge Waterway, a number of hotels have staked their claim here, including Howard Johnson City Centre, Ramada, and Travelodge. What they may lack in charm and convenience they make up for in budget rates with some hotels in the area offering weekly or monthly rates for longer-term stays. Parking is often free and transportation is always available by cab or city transit.
OUT OF TOWN
Patricia Bay Highway
Connecting Victoria to the airport and the ferry terminals is the Patricia Bay Highway. For convenience, there are a few hotels along this route, perfect for those who don't particularly need access to downtown Victoria. The Howard Johnson in Elk Lake is just a 15-minute drive to the city centre and is 18 km (11 mi) to the Victoria International Airport. Farther north in Saanichton is the Quality Inn Waddling Dog. One of the most convenient hotels to the airport, it offers a Tudor-style exterior and on-site conference facilities—and there is an actual waddling dog in the lobby.
Sidney itself has a number of accommodations 20 km (12.5 mi) north of Victoria, with the easiest access to the airport and ferries. Hotels include the Best Western Emerald Isle Motor Inn and the Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa.
Colwood & Langford
Separate municipalities, Colwood and Langford are much like suburbs of Victoria sitting only about 9km (6mi) away to the northeast. With more land available here than densely-populated Victoria proper, the Westin Bear Mountain Resort is able to sprawl just off the Trans Canada (Highway 1) north of Langford with a luxury spa and mountain golf course. The Four Points by Sheraton Victoria Gateway in Langford is located just before this resort.
INNER HARBOUR
The inner harbour is Victoria's entertainment and tourist hub. Centrally located, it is near elegant bistros, charming pubs, posh boutiques, souvenir shops, cultural attractions and exciting tours. High-end hotels make their home here with the crown jewel of them all being the grand Fairmont Empress. Sitting regally overlooking the inner harbour, the Empress was built in 1908. Today, it retains its full Edwardian elegance with lavish decor complemented by modern amenities, namely its world-class spa. For those wanting to experience Victoria's grand traditions, a stay here is a must, made complete with afternoon tea and a cocktail in the Bengal Lounge.
Other upscale hotels located in the area include the contemporary Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel with mountain and water views, and the luxurious Hotel Grand Pacific. The Chateau Victoria also boasts an inner harbour location with superb views from the higher rooms. Visit their top-floor restaurant—Vista 18—for unparalleled city views. Located directly on the waterfront, the Victoria Regent Hotel and Suites, also with superb views, offers convenience, comfort and elegance with suites featuring fully equipped kitchens.
Farther up the inner harbour toward Laurel Point is the Laurel Point Inn, a modern hotel designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erikson. The Coast Victoria Harbourside is also in this neighbourhood. While both properties hug the harbour, they are farther away from downtown than some of the others and may require transportation, especially if one decides to wear high-heeled shoes. Such is the case with the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa, which is located on the opposite side of the harbour across the Johnson Street Bridge.
DOWNTOWN
Several hotels are located just a few blocks away from the harbour in the thick of downtown for ultimate convenience. This includes some more affordable options like the Best Western Carlton Plaza, which offers historic charm at chain hotel prices, or the Quality Inn Downtown with convenient amenities that include a pub, restaurant, pool and more. There are several Traveller's Inn hotels throughout Victoria with three located downtown, each one boasting budget rates and free parking.
Downtown is not without upscale accommodations. Visitors can get spoilt at the Rialto, a boutique property built in 1912 and fully renovated in 2009. It's both historically grand and contemporarily sleek with a lounge and bistro on site. Perhaps the crème de la crème of boutique hotels, Abigail's Hotel offers traditional elegance within a 1930's heritage Tudor mansion. The Magnolia Hotel and Spa is also highly rated and is located just steps from the harbour.
NORTH OF DOWNTOWN
There are a number of hotels just north of downtown on Douglas Street. While farther away from the amenities and attractions of the city centre, these hotels are still near restaurants and shopping and often offer free parking. Comfort Hotel and Conference Centre, Super 8 and Red Lion are all too far away to be within easy walking distance of downtown, but their convenient location on Douglas Street makes taking a cab or public transit an easy option. One highlight is Paul's Motor Inn. In operation since 1938, it is a budget classic with tidy rooms and great rates. Look for its distinctive copper roof.
THE GORGE
Travelling north on Douglas Street and turning west onto Highway 1A leads to an area known as the Gorge. In this scenic neighbourhood built on the banks of the Gorge Waterway, a number of hotels have staked their claim here, including Howard Johnson City Centre, Ramada, and Travelodge. What they may lack in charm and convenience they make up for in budget rates with some hotels in the area offering weekly or monthly rates for longer-term stays. Parking is often free and transportation is always available by cab or city transit.
OUT OF TOWN
Patricia Bay Highway
Connecting Victoria to the airport and the ferry terminals is the Patricia Bay Highway. For convenience, there are a few hotels along this route, perfect for those who don't particularly need access to downtown Victoria. The Howard Johnson in Elk Lake is just a 15-minute drive to the city centre and is 18 km (11 mi) to the Victoria International Airport. Farther north in Saanichton is the Quality Inn Waddling Dog. One of the most convenient hotels to the airport, it offers a Tudor-style exterior and on-site conference facilities—and there is an actual waddling dog in the lobby.
Sidney itself has a number of accommodations 20 km (12.5 mi) north of Victoria, with the easiest access to the airport and ferries. Hotels include the Best Western Emerald Isle Motor Inn and the Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa.
Colwood & Langford
Separate municipalities, Colwood and Langford are much like suburbs of Victoria sitting only about 9km (6mi) away to the northeast. With more land available here than densely-populated Victoria proper, the Westin Bear Mountain Resort is able to sprawl just off the Trans Canada (Highway 1) north of Langford with a luxury spa and mountain golf course. The Four Points by Sheraton Victoria Gateway in Langford is located just before this resort.
Waterfront Hotel
Historic Inn
