We're not much into modern accomodations...
at least would prefer something with a bit of grace for a one-night stay in Victoria.
Old World fine w/us, I should say. (as old as it gets anyway for the area) ;-)

Like to be close to the Inner Harbour.
Enjoyed the Empress in the past for that reason, but rates still higher than hoped for date we're considering in October.
Haven't been since 2000.

Perhaps I could find a nice room at a bed & breakfast close-by that has views of Parliament? Or perhaps no views but very close to the 'scene'?

Or maybe you enjoy a place in the older part of town, where some nice restaurants are? I guess that part might be quaint, too? I don't remember much from past trips.

Any romantic Bed & Breakfast you could recommend? I know about Abigail's...stayed there maybe a decade ago, but I doubt it would cost less, and it's a tiny bit further afield than we'd like to be, for such a short stay. (at end of our trip)
Thanks!

I am not sure of the rates but I know a few people who have stayed at Marketas and were very pleased. It is close to the inner harbour and the decor is what you are looking for. The website gives you a good idea so you can see for yourself.
http://www.marketas.com/index.shtml

I have recollections of an excellent dinner in a place called something like The Captain's House, along the side of the harbour between the Parliament Buildings and the Laurel Point Inn.

In addition to the dining room, it had guest rooms that apparently looked like they were still back in the 1800s.

Maybe someone can let us know if this place still exists.

BAK

The restaurant and Inn is called the Captain's Palace. It is still there but the rooms are not that great - very small. I had recommended Marketas but Hemmingways By the Sea is also really nice and what you are looking for as well
http://www.hemingwaysbythesea.com/

Thanks for the ideas!
Will also consider Abigail's again altho' like I said, I seem to recall feeling like it was more of a walk to town than advertised.

Not that it was hard, just wanting to be more in the center of things if only for one night. And it's prices a tad higher it appears than the Empress even. (but if need to add money in for parking at Empress...probably even) Appreciate the ideas & leads!

Not a B&B, but we had a lovely room with a fireplace (gas) at the Hotel Magnolia, which is right around the corner from the Empress.

We had a wonderful Indian buffet dinner at the Empress Hotel's Bengal Room. It was delicious, very inexpensive ($28/pp) and there was live music the night we were there.

I haven't stayed at any of these places but here are some more ideas.

The Shamrock Suites across from Beacon Hill Park has a B&B right next to it. Click on Robert Porter House at the bottom of the page.
http://www.shamrocksuites.com/rates.htm

I think the Beaconsfield Inn would be farther away than you'd like.
http://www.beaconsfieldinn.com/


I can't think of any B&Bs with a harbour view that is in a handy location. I would personally give the Esquimalt area a miss, but would consider The Regent and Laurel Point just for their harbourside locations.
http://www.victoriaregent.com/
http://www.laurelpoint.com/

Not sure what Swans is like these days (or what the area would be like at night) but it's right downtown.
http://www.swanshotel.com/hotel/index.asp

Thanks! Some more great ideas.
Have noticed the Magnolia mentioned elsewhere. Had an impression it was in the older part of town (where the cute restaurants are like Camille's)?
Kind of a gaslight district perhaps??

Has been too long since in Victoria!
I'll study up on things more.
Thanks guys!

The Magnolia is one block from the main shopping/restaurant street and one block from the Empress and harbour in another direction.

I think The Regent would actually be closer to Camilles. Swans is more in the 'old town' section - I think there's a homeless shelter nearby so it could be a little weird at times... but then it can be anywhere downtown.

How was the staff at the Magnolia, hdm?

We didn't ask much of them -- check us in, check us out, give us directions to someplace or other -- but they were always very friendly and responsive.

Actually, now that I remember, my husband wanted to play golf one day and they arranged the whole thing, including transportation.

Thanks, hdm.

Daydreamer, another place I forgot about, just a block or two behind the parliament buildings, is Rosewood Inn. It always looks well cared for.

http://www.rosewoodvictoria.com/

Thanks you guys!

So, Daydreamer, how was your trip? Where all did you end up staying? How was the bear viewing, etc?

Did you post a trip report? I'm not finding it...