Quality Inn Downtown

Attached are some photos taken at the room, hotel lobby and surrounding view of the Quality Inn Downtown hotel of Victoria. Overall, my wife and I had a good stay at this cozy hotel and it's location is very convenient.

One last point to add, if you do not like the noise of the traffic, ask for a room facing the inside compound when you are booking a room. This is what I did, and my room was quiet for a good night sleep :-)

The Quality Inn Downtown is a good, affordable hotel in a good central location in Victoria city. The room is comfortable, spacious and the hotel staff is friendly.

It is conveniently located at the heart of the city, near to the major attractions as well as the famous waterfront area of Victoria. Also, it is near to the city's bus terminal (about 100 metres walk) where buses from Swartz Bay arrives via the ferry services from Vancouver.

In addition, the bus stop where you can take buses to the famous Buchart Garden is located nearby.

Please go to part 2 of this tip for more information and tips.

I joined my sister on a research trip to Victoria. Her company pre-arranged the hotel for us, but we were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The Quality Inn Downtown is unassuming from the outside, but inside it was perfect for us.

Our room had 2 queen beds, a small bathroom (with hair amenities, lots of towels, a spacious shower, and a hair dryer), a TV in an armoire, a desk area with two armchairs, plenty of storage and an ironing board, plus a fan in case it was hot outside. No need for the fan though - it was raining.

The only potential issue is that you can hear people walking by in the hall early in the morning, but other than that, it was a quiet, comfortable sleep.

Unique Quality: There is free parking in a gated lot in the basement of the hotel. There is a small indoor swimming pool and a miniscule (think 2 pieces of exercise equipment) fitness room. There is also free wireless internet.

Their front desk is very friendly and accommodating - we needed an umbrella, for example, and the front desk staff happily found one for us.

The location, however, is what really makes this place work. You're 2 blocks over from the Inner Harbour and the downtown shopping and restaurants. You're a block and a half away from Fort Street's Antique Alley (and excellent restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques). A short stroll to the east and you have the local 'hood "C$ook Street Village" with little grocers and coffee shops. Head south and you've got Beacon Hill Park, the smell and sounds of the ocean, and waterfront pathways and cobble beaches. In between you have residential sidestreets of lush, mature gardens and beautiful heritage homes. The best part is that you don't need a car - you can walk everywhere.

Directions: On the south-west corner of Blanshard and Courtenay Streets in downtown Victoria, about one block east of the Empress Hotel.

The hotel was chosen because of its location and the reviews I had read. I was not expecting 5 star but they do need to pay more attention to cleaning in the rooms.We arrived 2 hours before check-in which is at 3:00pm and were prepared to register and leave our bags whilst we explored. On check-in we were met with the unfriendliest of reception staff who told us with unrestrained disdain that check-in was not until 3. She continued with her most unwelcoming manner throughout the whole check-in process. I have to say that all other staff were quite helpful and friendly it was just Miss Blonde-With-Attitude.

Our main reason for choosing to stay at the Quality Inn was the great rate they offered us, but as it turns out, it had many other advantages. Its location, just a few steps away from Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park and the shops on Government Street, was ideal since we didn't have a car. The area was both safe and quiet at night. Our room was clean and comfortable, equipped with a coffeemaker and a mini-fridge. I didn't see any A/C unit, but temperatures were rather cool when we were there so that wasn't a problem for us. I will definitely stay there again next time I'm in Victoria :o)

Unique Quality: There's a pool, a small restaurant (The Green Room) and a pub (Smiths). There's a computer in the lobby with free Internet access, which we found quite convenient.

Directions: In downtown Victoria

I recommend the Harborside Quality Inn on Blanshard. It has view of the harbor, is across the street from Victoria Clipper dock and Coho Ferry dock (literally walk to the Inn, no car needed). It also offer an excellent restaurant and lounge with plenty of outdoor seating and live music on weekends. The Day's Inn is also next door however, you will have no problem finding good accommodations along the harbor. For those on a budget, check the hostel on Wharf St. (516 Yates St, toll free 1-888-883-0099, www.hihostels.bc.ca). This hostel which was once a fur trading post in mid 1800's is close to bus and train station. Added plus, right across the street from the waterfront and near dozens of restaurants, pubs, shopping, and much more. Internet kiosk avail at this hostel also.
Quality: $95 double US. Day's: $120 double US. Hostel: $15 US (varies on room size).

Unique Quality: Quality Inn: Restaurant and Pub on ground floor with harborside view. Day's Inn: deck overlooking the harbor and park activities. Hostel: Near the harbor and walking distance to everything.

Directions: All locations along the harbor where you'll enjoy musicians, arts and crafts, cafes, festivals and much more!