Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Zed

A self-confessed "rebel against the ordinary," Hotel Zed's megawatt color scheme and retro-chic interior have transformed a former, run-of-the-mill motel into one of Victoria's hippest stays, cocooned in a midcentury vibe with modern elements. Guest rooms feature 1960s-style rotary dial telephones, refurbished Tanker steel desks in neon colors, media hubs, comic books, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs. Guest amenities include a vinyl record listening station, vintage typewriters where you can type up a postcard and mail it for free, as well as free use of vintage bicycles, roller skates, skateboards, and the hotel's shuttle bus, a fully restored 1967 Volkswagen van. There's even an Airstream trailer for a family camp-out. Kids will also love the pool's Zedinator, a bubble-gum pink waterslide, and the games room with its Wii station and old-fashioned Ping-Pong table. Staff dudes are exceptionally cool, adding to this groovy blast from the past. Other Zed locations are in Tofino and Kelowna.