VICTORIA - Vancouver and Victoria - page 238

and lounges, and a currency exchange. All rooms are well appointed, spacious, and have
small private balconies.
Over $300
Across the Inner Harbour from downtown, offering stunning city views, is the modern,
upscale Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort (45 Songhees Rd., 250/360-2999 or 888/
890-3222, www.deltahotels.com , from $320 s or d). This hotel offers all of the services of
a European-style spa resort with the convenience ofdowntown just a short ferry trip away.
The rooms are simply yet stylishly furnished, with huge windows taking advantage of the
views. Each comes with a work desk and high-speed Internet access, two phone lines, and
plushrobes.Facilitiesincludealargehealthclub,indoorglass-enclosedpool,spaandmas-
sage services, tennis, lounge, seasonal outdoor terrace, and two restaurants.
The grand old Fairmont Empress (721 Government St., 250/384-8111 or 800/
257-7544, www.fairmont.com , from $389 s or d) is Victoria's best-loved accommodation.
Covered in ivy and with only magnificent gardens separating it from the Inner Harbour,
it's also in the city's best location. Designed by Francis Rattenbury in 1908, the Empress
is one of the original Canadian Pacific Railway hotels. Rooms are offered in 90 different
configurations, but as in other hotels of the era, most are small. Each is filled with Victori-
an period furnishings and antiques. The least expensive Fairmont Rooms start at $389 in
summer, but if you really want to stay in this Canadian landmark, consider upgrading to
a Fairmont Gold room. Although not necessarily larger, these rooms have harbor views, a
private check-in, nightly turndown service, and a private lounge where hors d'oeuvres are
servedintheevening;$469-529includesalightbreakfast.Ifyoucan'taffordtostayatthe
Empress, plan on at least visiting one of the restaurants or the regal Bengal Lounge.
WEST OF DOWNTOWN
The small community of Malahat is strung out along the main route up the island 25 kilo-
meters(15.5miles)fromdowntownVictoria,makingitagoodplacetospendthenightfor
those who want to get an early start on northward travel. Along the way to Malahat, you'll
pass by Bear Mountain.
$50-100
If you just need somewhere to spend the night, it's hard to go past the eight-room Ocean
View Motel (231 Hwy. 1, 250/478-9231 or 877/478-8181, www.victoriaoceanview.com ,