hibiscushouse

We've decided to scratch our plans to spend a couple nights in Seattle and instead bite the bullet and take the float plane to Victoria. Seeing Victoria is what we wanted to do to begin with, but we couldn't figure out how to fit it in using the Clipper's schedule this time of year.
Would love to stay at the Fairmont Empress (it looks so old and beautiful), but the reviews I've read have steered us away and we're now looking at B&B's.
We will be in Victoria for two nights. The Rockland district looks lovely and the Prior House Inn, Abbeymore Manor as well as Fairholme Manor look like very nice B&B's.
However, the google maps are deceiving when you think about walking from this area back to the downtown area. Looks like it would take forever.
For that length of time (two half days and one full day), would it make any sense to stay in the Rockland district, or should we be concentrating on the downtown area?

Daniel_Williams

Looking at MapQuest and having walked through Beacon Hill Park, I would say you'll be having to do a bit of a walk...(maybe 20-25 minutes+ depending on the B&B and your walking pace?)... not forever, but perhaps longer than you might like. Given the duration of your visit, I WOULD opt for closer to the Inner Harbour for proximity to amenities and attractions. As a side note, I've always found TripAdvisor contributors mostly positive about the Empress (which I thought looked lovely, although didn't stay there), so I'm surprised you've been steered away...

Enjoy whatever you decide. Victoria's a lovely town.

Best wishes, Daniel

traveller69

The Empress is a lovely hotel but I don't advise staying there either. The public rooms are lovely so it is nice to visit. The B&Bs you mention are quite a piece from the inner harbour so if you are looking for something upscale but with the charm of the ones in Rockland I would recommend these two

http://www.abigailshotel.com/
http://rosewoodinn.ivictoria.com/

They are both within walking distance (just a couple of blocks) from the inner harbour.

hibiscushouse

Thanks for your reply. I've spent quite a lot of time on this.
Looks like the rosewood inn is also associated with RCI timeshare. They don't have the best web site, but the pictures make it look lovely. Wonder how personable the attention is if it's associated with RCI.
Abigails very nice, and is on our list. The only negative I read was that there was no real view from the rooms.
The only other B & B I read about that looked really nice was the Ashcroft House. Looks a bit far from the inner Harbour though.
How about Albion Manor for another B & B option? Good things to say about that B & B?
Also, I keep trying to believe in the Empress as it's just such in incredible looking building. How about the Hotel Grand Pacific instead?

Fodorite018

We stayed at Abigails a few years ago and loved it! Loved the location as it is so close to Beacon Hill Park, but also just a few minutes walk to the inner harbour. The room itself was very nice, as was the bathroom. We did not have a view from our room, but we were towards the back. The breakfast room had an amazing view though! I would absolutely stay there again, no hesitation at all.

traveller69

What are your priorities? If a view is important than definitely the Grand Pacific is a very good choice as long as you specify water view. It is a lovely hotel. The Empress has lots of charm but in the old building the rooms are very small. The addition has larger rooms but they don't have the old charm about them.

The Albion manor is in a great spot. I have heard good things about it but don't know anyone who has stayed there.

I don't know anyone who has stayed at Ashcroft House but it isn't all that far from the inner harbour. You don't have a hill to contend with like you do going to Abbeymore. The walk from Battery street to the harbour is maybe six blocks or so. It is a pleasant one as well because you could walk along beside Beacon Hill park.

Basically decide if you want a B&B over a hotel room with a view.

If you are looking for water view the Laurel Point is excellent as well http://www.laurelpoint.com/

Just keep checking these out and ask about any others you find. Victoria has dozens of B&B's.

hibiscushouse

Well, we went with our gut and booked the Albion Manor for our two nights. The Abigail hotel was right up there with the decision though. I went back and forth a qazillion times.

traveller69

I think you will be very happy with your choice. Actually you will get a little more personal attention at the Albion as Abigails is more of a boutique hotel than a B&B. Enjoy your visit.

AndrewDavid

u might also look at the recently renovated rialto across from city hall. they often have good deals as they r somewhat recent addition
cheers
AndrewDavid

traveller69

The Rialto is very nice but the location isn't as good as James Bay and I think that is the area hibiscus would like.

AndrewDavid

location is certainly a personal choice: i personally find james bay crowded and prefer my neighbourhood, fairfield. friends who live downtown love the proximity to MEC!

cheers
AndrewDavid