VICTORIA - Vancouver and Victoria - page 236

ing configurations. Stylish, uncluttered art deco furnishings and high ceilings make the
standard rooms seem larger than they really are. A better deal are the deluxe rooms and
suites, which provide more space and better amenities for only slightly more money.
If you're looking for a modern feel, centrally located M Swans Suite Hotel (506 Pan-
dora Ave., 250/361-3310 or 800/668-7926, www.swanshotel.com , $199-359 s or d) is an
excellent choice. Located above a restaurant/pub complex that was built in the 1880s as a
grainstorehouse,eachofthe30split-level suitesholdsaloft,fullkitchen,diningarea,and
bedroom. The furnishings are casual yet elegantly rustic, with West Coast artwork adorn-
ing the walls and fresh flowers in every room. In the off-season, all rooms are discounted
up to 40 percent.
$200-250
Very different from Victoria's traditional accommodations is the contemporary Parkside
Hotel & Spa (810 Humboldt St., 250/716-2651 or 855/616-3557,
www.parksidevictoria.com , starting at $249 s). Within walking distance of the Inner Har-
bour, the guest rooms have a contemporary ambience, and each has one or two bedrooms,
a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and large wall-mounted TVs. Rooms on the
upper floors have city views. Other highlights include a fitness room, indoor pool, theater,
and underground parking.
Similar in style and amenities is Oswego (500 Oswego St., 250/294-7500 or 877/
767-9346, www.oswegovictoria.com , from $245 s or d). Rooms on the upper floors have
water views, including the two three-bedroom penthouse suites. Amenities include a fit-
ness room, underground parking, and a contemporary bistro, all within walking distance
of downtown.
RightontheInnerHarbour, Gatsby Mansion Inn (309Belleville St.,250/388-9191or
800/663-7557, www.bellevillepark.com , from$235s,$250d)hasacentralpositionacross
fromthewater.Datingto1897,thismagnificentpropertyhasbeenelegantlyrestored,with
stained-glass windows, a magnificent fireplace, lots of exposed wood, crystal chandeli-
ers under a gabled roof, and antiques decorating every corner. Afternoon tea is served in
a comfortable lounge area off the lobby, and the restaurant has a nice veranda. Packages
makestayingattheGatsbyMansionmorereasonable,orvisitinwinterforaslittleas$150
s or $160 d.
Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel (146KingstonSt.,250/360-1211or800/716-6199,
www.coasthotels.com , from $245 s or d) is the last of the string of accommodations along
the south side of the harbor but is still within easy walking distance of downtown. Rates