VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER ISLAND - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 177

In the same vicinity and sitting on a point of land jutting into the Inner Harbour, the Inn
at Laurel Point (680 Montreal St., 250/386-8721 or 800/663-7667, www.laurelpoint.com ,
from $249 s or d) offers a distinct resort atmosphere within walking distance of downtown.
Two wings hold around 200 rooms; each has a water view and private balcony, but well
worth the extra money are the Terrace Suites. Amenities include an indoor pool, beauti-
fully landscaped Japanese-style gardens, a sauna, a small fitness facility, Aura Restaurant,
a lounge, and a gift shop.
$250-300
Enjoying an absolute waterfront location right downtown is the Victoria Regent (1234
Wharf St., 250/386-2211 or 800/663-7472, www.victoriaregent.com , $279-349 s or d). The
exterior of this renovated building is nothing special, but inside, the rooms are spacious and
comfortable. The best-value rooms at the Regent are the suites, which include a full kitchen,
balcony, wireless Internet, and a daily newspaper.
The M Magnolia Hotel & Spa (623 Courtney St., 250/381-0999 or 877/624-6654,
www.magnoliahotel.com , from $269 s or d) is a European-style boutique hotel just up
the hill from the harbor. It features an elegant interior with mahogany-paneled walls, Per-
sian rugs, chandeliers, a gold-leafed ceiling, and fresh flowers throughout public areas.
The rooms are each elegantly furnished and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, heritage-
style furniture in a contemporary room layout, richly colored fabrics, down duvets, and a
work desk with cordless phone. The hotel is also home to the Magnolia Spa and a stylish
Mediterranean-themed restaurant. Rates include a light breakfast, daily newspaper, passes
to a nearby fitness facility, and, unlike at most other downtown hotels, free parking.
You'll feel like you're a million miles from the city at Brentwood Bay Resort (849
Verdier Ave., Brentwood Bay, 250/544-2079 or 888/544-2079,
www.brentwoodbayresort.com , $289-589 s or d), an upscale retreat overlooking Saanich
Inlet. You can learn to scuba dive, take a water taxi to Butchart Gardens, enjoy the latest spa
treatments, or join a kayak tour. The guest rooms take understated elegance to new heights.
Filled with natural light, they feature contemporary West Coast styling (lots of polished
wood and natural colors), the finest Italian sheets on king-size beds, and private balconies.
Dining options include a beautiful restaurant specializing in Vancouver Island produce and
local seafood and an upscale pub with a waterfront patio.