Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
notch amenities and full service. Most of the upscale hotel chains are not represented down-
town—the city has no Four Seasons, Hilton, Hotel Inter-Continental, Hyatt, Marriott, Ra-
disson, or Regent. Finally, if you have wads of cash to spare or are looking for a splurge,
the surrounding area is blessed with two lodges (Sooke Harbour House in Sooke and Brent-
wood Bay Resort) that regularly garner top rankings in all of the glossy travel magazine
polls.
In the off-season (Oct.-May), the nightly rates quoted here are discounted up to 50 per-
cent, but occupancy rates are high as Canadians flock to the country's winter hot spot. No
matter what time of year you plan to visit, arriving in Victoria without a reservation is un-
wise, but it's especially so in the summer months, when gaggles of tourists compete for a
relative paucity of rooms. As a last resort, staff at the Victoria Visitor Centre (Wharf St.,
250/953-2022 or 800/663-3883, www.tourismvictoria.com ) can offer help finding a room.
Under $50
In the heart of downtown Victoria's oldest section is HI-Victoria (516 Yates St., 250/
385-4511 or 888/883-0099, www.hihostels.ca ; dorm: members $35, nonmembers $38.50;
private room: $88-105 s or d). The totally renovated 108-bed hostel enjoys a great location
only a stone's throw from the harbor. Separate dorms and bathroom facilities for men and
women are complemented by two fully equipped kitchens, a large meeting room, lounge,
library, game room, travel services, public Internet terminals, and an informative bulletin
board. There are a limited number of private rooms.
Housed in the upper stories of an old commercial building, Ocean Island Backpackers
Inn (791 Pandora Ave., 250/385-1788 or 888/888-4180, www.oceanisland.com ; dorm: $30
pp; private room: $38-117) lies just a couple of blocks from downtown. This a party
place—exactly what some young travelers are looking for, but annoying enough for some
to generate letters to harried travel writers. On the plus side, the lodging is clean, modern,
and welcoming throughout. Guests have use of kitchen facilities, a laundry room, and a
computer for Internet access.
$100-150
In a quiet residential area immediately east of downtown, The Craigmyle (1037 Craigdar-
roch Rd., Rockland, 250/595-5411 or 888/595-5411, www.victoriahomestay.ca , from $90
s, $100-165 d) has been converted from part of the original Craigdarroch Estate (it stands
directly in front of the famous castle). This rambling 1913 home is full of character, com-
fortable furnishings, and lots of original stained-glass windows. Rooms include singles,
doubles, and family suites; some share bathrooms while others are en suite. An inviting liv-
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