Diana L.
Yelp
It was worthy of two recent stays in a month . . . .
I kept expectations low, knowing that it has changed names and/or ownership a number of times since built. I go a lot with feel, vibe and aesthetics at hotels, and this one pleasantly surprised me on all levels. It has a home away from home feel. It's an all-suite hotel with beautiful harbour and sunrise/sunset views.
First stay was a 4th floor suite. It was quiet, clean, furnished well enough with an apartment-like kitchen, living room and separate bedroom with king size, comfy bed. Two old, boxy TVs, but they worked well enough with Shaw cable. Wi-fi was strong and consistent. The heat lamp/fan was too noisy. The suite had been renovated at least once by the look of it, but is still dated to the late 90s. Age and condition of furnishings don't bug me, cleanliness is more important. The sweeping views to the bay and mountains makes it all good.
Second stay was a more expensive first floor suite with walk out patio, which was a bonus for walks and bocce on the lawn. This suite was showing more wear on the furniture, walls, carpet and paint finish. It wasn't as clean as the first, including the nose print on the sliding glass, and grimy "marble" floors. The wi-fi wasn't working, but the heat lamp/fan was. The sweeping views to the bay and mountains makes it all good (again).
The indoor pool, hot tub and sauna is a nice perk, even if old school. Although, the second stay morning had a sign saying the hot tub was closed to 4pm.
The fitness room looks well outfitted for its small size, but I found a broken seat adjuster on the Apollo 350 machine, other adjusters badly in need of silicone spray and the heart rate monitor not working on the stair climber. A sign at reception had been there two weeks advising the two treadmills were out of order. This is not a good sign of maintenance for fitness types.
The restaurant on the 5th floor serves a wonderful breakfast with beautiful floor to ceiling views to the bay and mountains. For under $20 the two of us got a full hot breakfast each visit, as their weekday special. I like how you can sub the hash browns for balsamic tomatoes - a healthy bowl of roasted zing to go with the eggs, garnished with fresh dill for only $1.50 extra. The service is friendly, but don't be in a hurry, take in the view.
Reception is friendly, but understaffed - a wait each time, but hey, we are on an island. Parking is free, either underground or out front, and the hotel is perfectly positioned close to the wharf and the quaint village for romantic walks, gourmet offerings and funky shops.
The location, viewscapes and roomy suites, trump the shortcomings so far, such that we will return.