Canada Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour

[AEmgee]

I stayed here two nights March 11-13 on a non Priceline stay. The Provincial Government rate was CAD$70.00/night, which was more or less the same as the going rate on Priceline (since Priceline charges its fees but not 7% GST).

The hotel is located one block behind the Fairmont Empress and its adjoining conference centre. Self-parking is $12.00 per day in the adjacent parkade. However, I didn't pay anything for parking since meter parking and parking at one of four city of Victoria parkades is free after 6:00pm Monday to Saturdays and all day Sundays (www.city.victoria.bc.ca/r...ng.shtml).

The lobby was small and basic but looked nice. Check-in was a breeze and the concierge was extremely friendly too. While checking in, I got the free wifi (available in all public areas) to work in the lobby and quickly replied to a few messages. I was told upon check-in that the fitness centre and pool were available for use, but I never got a chance to try either. I didn't get a chance to use the on-site restaurant, Fire & Water Fish and Chophouse, which is located in the lobby.

I got room 715, a king-size non-smoking room as requested. The bathroom was large and had lots of marble and granite. The showerhead had good water pressure. Toiletries were by Neutrogena. In the closet, there was a minibar (I declined the key to it), 1600W hair dryer, minisafe, and ironing board. The television had a good number of channels including Movie Central and a few other movie channels. During my stay I watched parts of 8 Mile, Ella Enchanted, LOTR: Return of the King, and Taking Lives. The room had a coffeemaker. The bed was pleasant with a nice down duvet. The clock/radio alongside of the bed also played CDs. The room also featured free wired high speed Internet (no wireless), which was very helpful in checking the BC Ferries schedule and waits.

As an aside, I went to a casual eatery called John's Place on Pandora and Douglas for breakfast. The eggs benedict were very delicious, and the place was packed even at 9:00am on Sunday! This is apparently at which the place that locals eat.

Another tip: if planning to travel to Victoria in March, an annual promotion called "Be A Tourist In Your Own Home Town" runs usually on the second weekend. For $9, one can get a set of coupons good for free admission to Miniature World, Royal London Wax Museum, and Undersea Gardens, plus 2 for 1 Afternoon Tea at the Empress, 2 for 1 Dinner at the Empress Room or buffet at Kipling's, $2 Grayline tour, etc. Rooms at the Empress are also $37.50pp/night. Call Tourism Victoria for details, as this promotion is only advertised locally (although there are no actual residency restrictions).

To get back on track, I really liked the Marriott Inner Harbour and I think it deserves its 4* rating. While it pales in comparison to the Empress in terms of history, elegance, and prestige, it certainly is a comfortable hotel in which to stay. I wouldn't hesitate to stay again.

[KRXNLS]

We stayed here for 1 night February 1st 2005 and apologise for being so late with this review.

Like "WILLTRAVEL" I feel this hotel well deserves the 4star rating and we really enjoyed our brief stay,

I arrived around noon and the very helpful desk clerk said she would try to find a room that I could check into right away. She asked for room preferences and accomodated us with no mention of Priceline and a willingness to take our MarriotRewards card for incidentals.

When I went upto the room, I found that it was situated very close to some construction that was happening next door so I called down to the desk and asked if there was any chance of a room change. I was told to relax in that room for a few minutes and something else would be found. Withing about 10 minutes, that same desk clerk arrived at my door with a key to another room and personally escorted me to make sure it was suitable. How's that for service!

The rooms are comfortable and well equipped We had a drink in the lobby bar and found that area to be very relaxing and comfortable. We did not eat in the restaurant.

I'd love to stay at the Marriot any time we are in Victoria which is about every 3 months but it may be quite difficult to snag during the Summer months. In fact. we tried Priceline 4 star for last week (May 4th) but were unsuccesful

[KRXNLS]

Apologies to both "WillTravel" and "AEMgee". I've no idea why I thought the previous review was sent in by WillTravel.

My only excuse is that it was very late at night when I wrote my review!!

[njg]

What a great hotel! The location is very good, although I imagine most hotels in the harbour area of Victoria are well located, due to the lay-out of the area. The staff is very attentive and helpful. There was no mention of Priceline and we were given rooms next to each other. They were both king beds. We would've preferred 2 beds in one of the rooms, but we also know that isn't part of the deal with Priceline. The hotel itself is beautiful, with lots of understated wood & marble. The restaurant has Starbucks coffee, pastries, yogurt & fruit for sales in the morning. You can enjoy these on the outdoors patio or indoors by a gas fireplace.

The free in-room Internet is very nice. There is a guest laundry with 2 washers & 2 dryers for one (Canadian) dollar each. Across the hall from the laundry is another free Internet area with some free printing. Soda machines on every floor & ice on every other floor. Parking garage uses the same elevator as hotel if you park on P2. The hotel is air-conditioned, unlike many in the area. This probably is not even important most days, but it was fairly warm when we were here.

From what we've seen, this is as nice a hotel as anyplace in the area. :) :)