The Best Hotels to Book in Victoria, British Columbia

Steps from the Inner Harbour and the historic Steamship Terminal building, the Embassy Inn puts you right in the heart of old Victoria. The hotel itself is contemporary and focuses on providing great value; think simple rooms with neutral business-traveler decor, a breakfast buffet, complimentary newspapers and a 24-hour front desk. Wander over to nearby Beacon Hill Park to take in the Mile Zero Monument, the starting point of the 4,860mi (7,821km) Trans-Canada Highway.

In the thick of downtown, the Strathcona isn’t just a hotel – it’s a whole entertainment venue, all tied up in one grand Victorian-era building. It’s the place to go for a cocktail or meal at the cricket-themed bar Sticky Wicket and a round of darts at the Games Room. When you’ve had your fill of fun, hotel rooms – complete with mini-fridges and safes – are just a few steps away.

Victoria might be one of the older cities in Canada, but that doesn’t mean you have to bed down in dated accommodation. Book into the Hotel Grand Pacific, by the Inner Harbour, and you’ll get a modern room with crisp white linens, soft lighting and comfy workspaces. It’s a perfect pick for wellness-focused types, with daily yoga classes, a large pool and an extensive fitness center, and free bikes are available for enjoying the local area.

The waterfront Inn at Laurel Point is all about one thing: spectacular views. Pull up a lounger on your private balcony and sip a morning coffee while watching the ferries putter past. Alternatively, dine al fresco on the terrace, sharing marinated BC oysters while boats bob lazily. With plenty of tree-dotted green spaces to enjoy on top of those vistas, this really feels like an oasis among prime city real estate.

An opulent, château-style building sitting in the Inner Harbour since 1908, the Fairmont Empress is, perhaps, the most notable and most luxurious hotel in Victoria. The afternoon tea is one of the essential must-dos for holidaymakers, but if you check in for the night, you can take advantage of the full roster of amenities, including babysitting services, decadent in-room dining and one of the finest resort spas in the country. As you’d expect, many of the chic rooms have sublime harbor views.

Set in a charming red-colored historic building just off Douglas Street downtown, Hotel Rialto comes with a bit of an Italian accent. At the on-site restaurant, the Palms, nibble beef carpaccio or lobster ravioli, all washed down with an Aperol spritz. Afterward, retire to one of the contemporary rooms, complete with Lavazza espresso coffee, fluffy robes and Italian toiletries. Make time the next day to visit the Vintage Spirits shop, which has more than 1,500 wines, spirits and beers.

Oozing old-world character, this 1930s Tudor-style, adults-only hotel east of downtown feels like a proper home away from home. Decadent three-course breakfasts – included in your room rate – welcome you each morning, and when the afternoon rolls around, a social hour starring free nibbles lets you mingle with other guests. The bedrooms are classically and elegantly styled, with decorative bed skirts and cushy armchairs; they reflect the heritage of the property without compromising on modern comforts.

You won’t get much closer to the harbor than at this quirky B&B in Victoria; indeed, you’ll be sleeping right on top of it. Bobbing on the blue water next to Fisherman’s Wharf Park, this property isn’t a boat but rather a whole floating building, mere steps from dockside food kiosks and a fleet of water taxis to zip you around the city. You’ll fall asleep to the wind-chime clinks of masts and wake to the chatter of ducks splashing around the nearby boats.

Steps from the Maritime Museum of British Columbia and the cutesy ferries, Chateau Victoria is a great bet for travelers trying to pack in as much Victoria sightseeing as they can. Rooms are smart enough for business travelers, but you may find yourself distracted from work by those views. Many suites, complete with balconies, have city-facing vistas so that you can watch the bustle below. There’s an on-site restaurant, Vista 18, but since you’re only minutes from downtown, head out to eat.

Couples will love the romantic vibe at this central boutique hotel in Victoria, steps from the pretty Inner Harbour. The spa is a big selling point, with seven treatment rooms with organic beauty treatments and a tranquil relaxation lounge, as is the elegant restaurant, the Courtney Room, with dishes such as ricotta and truffle agnolotti or lemon mousse with toasted bourbon meringue. Upgrade to a signature corner room for picturesque views of the British Columbia Parliament Buildings via floor-to-ceiling windows.