Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
gardencreateanupscalehistoricalcharmthroughout.Eachofthenineguestroomsisindi-
vidually decorated in a style matching the Edwardian era. Istayed in the Emily Carr Suite.
Named for the renowned artist who spent her early years in the city, this room has a rich
burgundy and green color scheme, Emily Carr prints on the walls, a regal mahogany bed
toppedbyagoose-downcomforter,anoversized bathroom anddouble-jetted tub,andsep-
arate sitting area with a fireplace. After checking in, you'll be invited to join other guests
for high tea in the library and then encouraged to return for a glass of sherry before head-
ing out for dinner. As you may expect, breakfast—served in a formal dining room or more
casual conservatory—is a grand affair, with multiple courses of hearty fare delivered to
your table by your impeccably presented host.
Around the southern end of the Inner Harbour, the
Admiral Inn
(257 Belleville St.,
250/388-6267 or 888/823-6472,
www.admiralinnhotel.com
,
$135-210 s or d) is an excel-
lent place to stay away from the downtown crowd but still within walking distance of the
main attractions and best restaurants. Spacious rooms come with a balcony or patio, and
extras include free parking, a light breakfast, kitchens in many rooms, wireless Internet,
and use of bicycles. Throw in friendly owner-operators, and you have a good value.
$150-200
Every time I visit Victoria I expect to see that the old
Surf Motel
(290 Dallas Rd. 250/
386-3305,
www.surfmotel.net
, $155 s or d) has been demolished, but it's still there, offer-
ing priceless ocean and mountain views from a very reasonable $155 (discounted to $115
Oct.-Mar.). It's south of the Inner Harbour; take Oswego Road from Belleville Street.
M
Heritage House
(3808 Heritage Ln., 250/479-0892 or 877/326-9242,
www.heritagehousevictoria.com
, $155 s or d), a beautiful 1910 mansion surrounded by
treesandgardens,sitsinaquietresidentialareanearPortageInlet,5kilometers(3.7miles)
northwestofthecitycenter.Friendlyownershavelovinglyrestoredthehousetoitsformer
glory. Guests choose from several outstanding rooms, one with a view of Portage Inlet
from a private veranda. Enjoy the large communal living room and a cooked breakfast in
the elegant dining room. It's very busy in summer but quieter November-April. Reserva-
tions are necessary year-round. Rooms vary in size and furnishings. Heritage Lane is not
shown on any Victoria maps; from the city center, take Douglas Street north to Burnside
Road East (bear left off Douglas). Just across the TransCanada Highway, Burnside makes
a hard left (if you continue straight instead you'll be on Interurban Road). Make the left
turn and continue down Burnside to just past Grange Road. The next road on the right is
Heritage Lane.
