Dayle

Has any one stayed at either of these?

Rosewood Inn

Beaconsfield Inn

We are planning 2 nights in July and would appreciate the Fodorites input!

April

There's a dilemma. I think I would be happy at either. I would favour the Rosewood slightly for location but the Beaconsfield was highly regarded and it appears to still get better reviews. I believe both places have changed hands over the years so it would be good to get opinions from recent patrons.

All I can say is that they both look nice from the outside - the Beaconsfield a little grander perhaps.

Dayle

Thanks April!

I'm leaning to the Rosewood, as it's closer to the harbor and we want to walk as much as possible. (Even though we will have a car). Is parking difficult downtown?

traveller69

I second the Rosewood. The location is excellent and the rooms are beautiful.

April

I would try to avoid parking downtown if you can. The View Street parkade is at a fairly central location if you must (ask for a first-hour-free ticket available at many stores, like the hobby shop on Fort St. for instance). Don't be a minute late at a meter on the street... although maybe they sometimes give breaks to cars with out-of-town plates. If you're reasonably mobile, it will be an easy walk to the harbour and town, and you'll be close to the park too.

traveller69

The Rosewood is as close to everything as downtown parking. It is only two blocks to the inner harbour, museum Legislative buildings etc. They do have parking at the hotel. We have a home 1/2 block from the Rosewood and never take the car unless we are going further away - the mall, Costco etc.

April

Right. I meant that it's an easy walk to town, etc., from the Rosewood. In rereading my last message it wasn't very clear. I wouldn't park downtown either unless I was enroute to somewhere else.

Dayle

Thanks everyone,

We chose the Rosewood over the Beaconsfield for location and price. It did look like a short walk. Just wanted to know about parking downtown in case.

Our main objective is to see Buchart Gardens and I would also like to see the BC Museum, especially the First People exhibits.

Any other highlights we should not miss?

April

You've got the main two covered. I would try to fit in a waterfront drive on the way to Butchart's if you're not too rushed for time. By waterfront, I mean through Oak Bay, the Uplands and Cordova Bay. You'd have to cross the highway at some point to get to the Butchart's side.

In my opinion, they wrecked the cafeteria in the museum. If it's lunchtime and a weekday, I would go next door to the Parliament buildings and have lunch there. (You need to leave ID and get a pass from the office just inside the front door. You'd be doing something many Victorians haven't even done.)

traveller69

Hi April. Seeing as how you mentioned eating next door - and many Victorians haven't done it I do have to correct you. The building is the Legislature. The Parliament buildings are in Ottawa. Just some trivia for you as so many people don't realize it. I do go there often and prior to 9/11 you could just walk in. I am not in Victoria right now so I am curious as to what they did to the Museum cafe??

April

Oh yes, I know the real name. But most Victorians still call it the Parliament Buildings. If I hear Legislative Buildings, I tend to think the person is from somewhere else.

The Museum cafe got remodelled. You know how they used to make sandwiches and have a fairly good selection of desserts? That has changed. I can't tell you what they do have - I just know I didn't care for it.

guardina

Hey April (and Dayle) I just read in the Eat Magazine (Pacific Gourmet) that Willie's Bakery took over the cafe in the Museum. I would have that it would be excellent. No???

April

Really? How recent was that?

guardina

The Jan/Feb issue of EAT (Epicurean And Travel) advises that Willie's opened their 2nd location on Nov 1 2006 in the Royal BC Museum. It offers a menu similar to that of the restaurant's lower Johnston street location (and it's always a lineup to get anything to eat there as it's so good). Haven't tried the new Willie's yet but will do so before March is out.
Sam's Deli (kitty corner - or catty corner for all you Americans - from Milestones in Inner Harbour) makes a great lunch or an early supper of soup and sandwiches. For another special evening meal (or fun lunch) try Zambri's on upper Yates by the London Drugs complex. The restaurant is not terribly appealing in its location but once inside you are hooked on their food.

April

Thanks, guardina. Right you are - Willie's is now running the museum cafe. Maybe others didn't like the other outfit either, because it looks more lively now.

It's a little pricey with two-egg breakfasts at nearly $10 and sandwiches $7, $8 or so (I couldn't see what kind although I think it would be hard to beat Broughton St. Deli's tuna salad @ about $5), but that's okay if the food is good. A sign blocking some of the menu board states that the menu is not yet in effect. I will give it a shot once it is.