Victoria
Apr 2nd, 2005, 01:58 PM
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Victoria
Need help in picking a Hotel in downtown Victoria in Aug. Have selected the Marriott, Harbor Towers,Laurel Pt, Coast Harbourside and Queen Victoria. Looking for a Harbour view w/balcony. Their websites all look great (don't they always?)but would like some first hand honest opinions.
Apr 3rd, 2005, 12:27 PM
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Since no one has answered...
I think all your choices are good. The only ones mentioned that are actually on the harbour are Laurel Point and the Coast, so I don't know if that would be a deciding factor or not.
Keeping in mind that I haven't stayed at any of these places, here are a few thoughts:
Laurel Point - The one room I saw had a rather limited view of the harbour but otherwise has a fabulous location by a nice walkway along the harbour. (Mainly I like it for being perhaps the only structure on the harbour that blends tastefully with its surroundings.)
Coast - Further along the harbour and therefore slightly less convenient location-wise. Relatives stayed there a couple of years ago (before the ugly building went up next door) and they found it okay. Restaurant is supposed to be good but seafood smelling places aren't my thing.
Marriott - More in town. I find it a little austere but it's new. Lots of construction going on at the moment on the back (non-harbour-view) side.
Harbour Towers - Residential / tourist hotel location just off the harbour. Should be ok if you get a good view.
Queen Victoria - Comfortable-feeling and handy location close to harbour and park. Relatives of mine used to stay there all the time. I've never found their restaurant very good.
I think all your choices are good. The only ones mentioned that are actually on the harbour are Laurel Point and the Coast, so I don't know if that would be a deciding factor or not.
Keeping in mind that I haven't stayed at any of these places, here are a few thoughts:
Laurel Point - The one room I saw had a rather limited view of the harbour but otherwise has a fabulous location by a nice walkway along the harbour. (Mainly I like it for being perhaps the only structure on the harbour that blends tastefully with its surroundings.)
Coast - Further along the harbour and therefore slightly less convenient location-wise. Relatives stayed there a couple of years ago (before the ugly building went up next door) and they found it okay. Restaurant is supposed to be good but seafood smelling places aren't my thing.
Marriott - More in town. I find it a little austere but it's new. Lots of construction going on at the moment on the back (non-harbour-view) side.
Harbour Towers - Residential / tourist hotel location just off the harbour. Should be ok if you get a good view.
Queen Victoria - Comfortable-feeling and handy location close to harbour and park. Relatives of mine used to stay there all the time. I've never found their restaurant very good.
Apr 3rd, 2005, 01:37 PM
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April,
Thanks for your response. At Laurel PT, I understand there is a N&S wing, with the South being the newest.True? Harbourside looks nice, but again, over the web they all look good. Are you familiar with the Grand Pacific ? The Queen Victoria looks like it is one of the older hotels. Am I correct ? Thanks again for the info.
Thanks for your response. At Laurel PT, I understand there is a N&S wing, with the South being the newest.True? Harbourside looks nice, but again, over the web they all look good. Are you familiar with the Grand Pacific ? The Queen Victoria looks like it is one of the older hotels. Am I correct ? Thanks again for the info.
Apr 3rd, 2005, 02:45 PM
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I believe there was a newer part at Laurel Pt., so that is probably true.
Grand Pacific - big monstrosity, super location.
Queen Victoria is older. Renovations were done recently at least to the lobby.
Grand Pacific - big monstrosity, super location.
Queen Victoria is older. Renovations were done recently at least to the lobby.
Apr 3rd, 2005, 10:14 PM
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We stayed at the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort, and we liked it very much. We had a room with a view of the inner harbor, and it was fantastic! What a scene, with ferries coming and going, and seaplanes landing and taking off. Very nice.
Apr 7th, 2005, 08:49 AM
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Traveler007:
Do not have personal experience in any of these hotels, however, I researched the same ones for our summer vacation in July and just thought I would pass an FYI to you. The Laurel Point's South wing is the remodeled one so be sure to mention you want the south wing in that hotel. The Coast Harbourside Hotel has most of their rooms renovated except for the some of their standard rooms. The suites have been remodeled because I personally called them to ask the reservations manager. As far as the Harbor Towers, the only negative I have read is the small indoor pool and the outside of the building looks old however remodeled on the inside. I was suppose to stay there this summer but because of the small pool we changed plans and my 12 year old caught a glipse of the Coast Harbourside Pool and wants to stay there so that was our choice. The rates IMO were very reasonable and the restaurant is suppose to be great (high priced though). We are staying in a one bedroom suite which has been remodeled. It seems all these hotels are having remodeling issues going on. Even the beautiful Grand Pacific has a section of the hotel that is less desirable which I believe is called "the victoria" suite. So no matter what your choice when you call, I would be blunt on the phone and just say you want the newer/remodeled room so you are not dissappointed. These hotels are not cheap so might as well get what you are paying for. Good Luck!
Do not have personal experience in any of these hotels, however, I researched the same ones for our summer vacation in July and just thought I would pass an FYI to you. The Laurel Point's South wing is the remodeled one so be sure to mention you want the south wing in that hotel. The Coast Harbourside Hotel has most of their rooms renovated except for the some of their standard rooms. The suites have been remodeled because I personally called them to ask the reservations manager. As far as the Harbor Towers, the only negative I have read is the small indoor pool and the outside of the building looks old however remodeled on the inside. I was suppose to stay there this summer but because of the small pool we changed plans and my 12 year old caught a glipse of the Coast Harbourside Pool and wants to stay there so that was our choice. The rates IMO were very reasonable and the restaurant is suppose to be great (high priced though). We are staying in a one bedroom suite which has been remodeled. It seems all these hotels are having remodeling issues going on. Even the beautiful Grand Pacific has a section of the hotel that is less desirable which I believe is called "the victoria" suite. So no matter what your choice when you call, I would be blunt on the phone and just say you want the newer/remodeled room so you are not dissappointed. These hotels are not cheap so might as well get what you are paying for. Good Luck!
May 30th, 2005, 11:10 PM
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First off, the harbor area is not downtown. The downtown area is a few miles up the road from the harbor. Any hotel that is downtown won't have a view of the harbor. So be careful, because some chains have a hotel downtown and one near the harbor.
We have stayed at the Hotel Grand Pacific a couple times, and it's pretty good ...nice pool, not enough pool furniture. I've always compared prices between the Grand Pacific, and
Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa. The GP has always won with better room rates, they also provide complimentary parking as well (the Ocean Pointe has a daily charge). But, both are on the harbor and provide rooms with various levels of view. The more expensive rooms have a full view looking out over the harbor. Both are within walking distance of most things interesting in the area. I believe the Royal Scots hotel is right across the side-street from the Grand Pacific.
http://www.hotelgrandpacific.com
http://www.deltahotels.com/hotels/hotels.do?hotelId=51
http://www.tourismvictoria.com
We have stayed at the Hotel Grand Pacific a couple times, and it's pretty good ...nice pool, not enough pool furniture. I've always compared prices between the Grand Pacific, and
Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa. The GP has always won with better room rates, they also provide complimentary parking as well (the Ocean Pointe has a daily charge). But, both are on the harbor and provide rooms with various levels of view. The more expensive rooms have a full view looking out over the harbor. Both are within walking distance of most things interesting in the area. I believe the Royal Scots hotel is right across the side-street from the Grand Pacific.
http://www.hotelgrandpacific.com
http://www.deltahotels.com/hotels/hotels.do?hotelId=51
http://www.tourismvictoria.com
May 31st, 2005, 12:45 AM
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Interesting, DB, because I consider Humboldt St the beginning of 'downtown' on the south side. The inner harbour extends some distance beyond that and the city runs alongside it, so for me the harbour is essentially downtown - the causeway about a block from it.
May 31st, 2005, 03:10 PM
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Hi traveler007,
We've stayed often at the Harbour Towers and find it well-priced for the location. There are views from both sides of the hotel but ask for a high floor on the harbour side for great views. Harbour Towers is within walking distance to the Inner Harbour, the shops on Government Street and the Bay Centre Mall. The rooms are large and there are many one and 2 bedroom suites which are great if you have children (and the sofa beds in the livingrooms are actually very comfortable which is a rarity). The staff are very welcoming and they have a complimentary shuttle service into the downtown area. I agree with jojo7 that the one downside of the hotel is the smallish pool but our kids still enjoyed it. The Grand Pacific has a great pool but the rooms are not that big and the rates are! Sorry DB, but I have to agree with April on her take of where downtown Victoria is located. At the utmost, it's a couple of blocks from the Inner Harbour, a couple of miles from the Inner Harbour, you would find yourself in Oak Bay or Saanich. Good luck finding the right hotel traveler007!
We've stayed often at the Harbour Towers and find it well-priced for the location. There are views from both sides of the hotel but ask for a high floor on the harbour side for great views. Harbour Towers is within walking distance to the Inner Harbour, the shops on Government Street and the Bay Centre Mall. The rooms are large and there are many one and 2 bedroom suites which are great if you have children (and the sofa beds in the livingrooms are actually very comfortable which is a rarity). The staff are very welcoming and they have a complimentary shuttle service into the downtown area. I agree with jojo7 that the one downside of the hotel is the smallish pool but our kids still enjoyed it. The Grand Pacific has a great pool but the rooms are not that big and the rates are! Sorry DB, but I have to agree with April on her take of where downtown Victoria is located. At the utmost, it's a couple of blocks from the Inner Harbour, a couple of miles from the Inner Harbour, you would find yourself in Oak Bay or Saanich. Good luck finding the right hotel traveler007!
May 31st, 2005, 11:42 PM
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I don't understand why you would say the harbour is so far away! The inner harbour of Victoria is right downtown where all the main attractions are. The cruise ships dock several blocks from there if that is what you mean. I live here so I know what I am talking about!!!!
Jun 1st, 2005, 10:11 AM
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As a resident of this fair city, I am also confused by the comment that there is a distance - or even a difference! - between the inner harbour and downtown. Victoria is a harbour city, with the inner causeway serving as the heart of the city, from which radiates all the rest. If you are at the harbour, you are "downtown". Most of the shops and the business district is slightly north of the inner causeway, but once again follows a straight path out from the harbour along Government and Wharf streets. The major inner harbour hotels are generally to the south; with the exception of the Empress (which is directly in front of the causeway) and the Ocean Pointe (which is on the opposite side of the inner harbour, easy access to which is gained by either harbour ferry (a 2 min ride) or via the Johnson Street Bridge). A great map to illustrate how Victoria is laid out can be seen at http://tourismvictoria.com/Content/EN/1066.asp
The "pitchforks" represent the Inner Causeway, with most of the hotels in question on Belleville or Quebec streets, and Ocean Pointe on the Songhees.
As to the hotels you are contemplating... most in the inner harbour are very lovely, as they are quite competitive for the nearly year-round tourism trade. Even the older ones renovate every couple of years in order to keep up. In my experience, you are either an "old world charm" or "modern day elegance" kind of person, so deciding which of these personality types you are can be your first selection criteria. If you want to experience the British historical charm of this city, stay at the Empress or one of the many B&Bs set in mansions throughout the city (many are in James Bay & Fairfield, both seaside communities that are an easy walk to downtown and the inner causeway). If you prefer modern luxury, the Ocean Pointe, Laurel Pointe Inn, or Hotel Grand Pacific are probably your style ~ all are very reputable and lovely places. As far as cuisine is concerned... my personal opinion on that issue is that nearly all of the hotel restaurants you could eat at are overpriced for the food you get and not nearly as fine as what you would find outside of the hotels. Case in point, I went for brunch at the Blue Crab in the Coast Harbourside last weekend because I had won a gift certificate there ~ it is widely considered one of the better fine eating establishments in the harbour hotels. I did enjoy my food, which was delicious and artfully prepared; but thank the stars I did not have to foot the $68 bill that 2 of us incurred. A meal of at least equal (if not much better) quality and elegance is easily had for half that at any number of restaurants in Victoria, which is a largely gourmet paradise. Try L'Ecole Brasserie for the most phenomenal and authentic fine French dining I have had on 3 continents (2 of us dined a 4-course meal here complete with cocktails and wine for an unbelievable $58); Pescatore's for seafood (fine dining); Cafe Brio for award-winning fine Mediteranean cuisine; and any number of other suggestions for more casual but fabulous food. Not only will you eat better for less, but you will really get to see the city, and in a way the locals know it. All are still within easy walking distance of the inner harbour. If you want some casual recommendations, let me know ~ I am more than happy to assist.
In any case, I am sure you will have a lovely holiday here. Enjoy our little seaside paradise!
The "pitchforks" represent the Inner Causeway, with most of the hotels in question on Belleville or Quebec streets, and Ocean Pointe on the Songhees.
As to the hotels you are contemplating... most in the inner harbour are very lovely, as they are quite competitive for the nearly year-round tourism trade. Even the older ones renovate every couple of years in order to keep up. In my experience, you are either an "old world charm" or "modern day elegance" kind of person, so deciding which of these personality types you are can be your first selection criteria. If you want to experience the British historical charm of this city, stay at the Empress or one of the many B&Bs set in mansions throughout the city (many are in James Bay & Fairfield, both seaside communities that are an easy walk to downtown and the inner causeway). If you prefer modern luxury, the Ocean Pointe, Laurel Pointe Inn, or Hotel Grand Pacific are probably your style ~ all are very reputable and lovely places. As far as cuisine is concerned... my personal opinion on that issue is that nearly all of the hotel restaurants you could eat at are overpriced for the food you get and not nearly as fine as what you would find outside of the hotels. Case in point, I went for brunch at the Blue Crab in the Coast Harbourside last weekend because I had won a gift certificate there ~ it is widely considered one of the better fine eating establishments in the harbour hotels. I did enjoy my food, which was delicious and artfully prepared; but thank the stars I did not have to foot the $68 bill that 2 of us incurred. A meal of at least equal (if not much better) quality and elegance is easily had for half that at any number of restaurants in Victoria, which is a largely gourmet paradise. Try L'Ecole Brasserie for the most phenomenal and authentic fine French dining I have had on 3 continents (2 of us dined a 4-course meal here complete with cocktails and wine for an unbelievable $58); Pescatore's for seafood (fine dining); Cafe Brio for award-winning fine Mediteranean cuisine; and any number of other suggestions for more casual but fabulous food. Not only will you eat better for less, but you will really get to see the city, and in a way the locals know it. All are still within easy walking distance of the inner harbour. If you want some casual recommendations, let me know ~ I am more than happy to assist.
In any case, I am sure you will have a lovely holiday here. Enjoy our little seaside paradise!
Jun 2nd, 2005, 05:09 AM
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We stayed just 2 weeks at the Worldmark tmeshare overlooking Fishermans Wharf (probably "the ugly building" that went up next door to the Coast Hotel!) It is only a 15 minute or so walk along the Harbor by the footpath from the Coast, passing in front of Laurel Pointe, to the Victoria Clipper landing and on to the Inner Harbor area. Shorter walk if you go by street instead of around the point. Alternately, we took the little harbor ferry boat from Fish.Wharf or the Coast landing, fast and fun.
We dined one night at the Blue Crab and yes it is expensive but good; we couldn't afford to eat there often. There were so many good restaurants within walking distance of our condo and within a few blocks of the harbor.
We dined one night at the Blue Crab and yes it is expensive but good; we couldn't afford to eat there often. There were so many good restaurants within walking distance of our condo and within a few blocks of the harbor.
Jun 2nd, 2005, 09:06 PM
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westcoasthoney8
Would be most interested in your recommendations for casual restaurants. My wife and I will be in Victoria (first time) for an anniversary soon and enjoy good dining, not necessarily fancy. Ethnic, fresh seafood or just interesting places that locals favor.
Thanks
Would be most interested in your recommendations for casual restaurants. My wife and I will be in Victoria (first time) for an anniversary soon and enjoy good dining, not necessarily fancy. Ethnic, fresh seafood or just interesting places that locals favor.
Thanks
Jun 6th, 2005, 09:16 AM
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Suffice to say, if you go east toward Cook St. or north toward Mayfair Mall, you are NOT going to be on the Inner Harbour and have a view thereof. Be careful as to where the hotel/motel is actually located and as to where a hotel refers to "downtown" or the "business" district (as opposed to at, or "a few blocks from", the Inner Harbour).
