First the location is superb, right in the heart of things yet set back slightly on a side street so it is quiet and less congested during peak hours. We had a view suite that was spacious, elegant and had a great harbor view and sweet breezes. It is less stuffy as a private club operating in part as a hotel than I had wondered.It is extremely safe and secure and without hotel hubbub which was a gracious way to live for 3 days. The building and rooms are elegantly appointed. The staff was very helpful. They do lock down after 11 pm until 6 am so if you are a night owl, it may not be your style but for us it was perfect. Despite being fancy, we felt it was an excellent relative value for Victoria Harbor.

The parking situation was odd, street spots that had 90 minute meters from 8 AM to 8 PM or they offered a nearby garage that required a fob you must borrow to get in and out. That said, we figured it out by the first morning: because of the fabulous location, we didn't need the car during our stay and found a gated public lot 2 short blocks away that was perfect and reasonable. Problem solved and felt less fussy than the fob lot. Also be aware that there are lots of stairs to enter the building and get to the rooms.

Breakfast was in a dining room with history. There were few others at the time we ate (7:30) so was quiet. The food was very well prepared and presented. It was excellent in all aspects, including price. The building was full of history in its interior design and its structure. The elevator was the 2nd oldest (perfectly) working elevator in North America. The room was spacious, the bed soft but comfortable and I had a good night's sleep without any aches in the morning.

The building is about 111 years old, so lacked some modern aspects, but was well maintained.

Classic, historical hotel in a perfect location in Victoria. The property was absolutely superb, with a sports bar, restaurant, game room (pool tables), and outdoor terrace with service (cocktails and limited menu). The food was top quality, and the service was also very good. Staff were friendly and welcoming. The room was comfortable and clean. It was an excellent value for the money. It's also in a perfect location, just a short walk to the water, ferry, and restaurants.

The rooms were a bit small. The gym was limited, but had enough to get a good workout in. Having no AC in the summer was a bit rough, but we did have a fan in the room, and that made it comfortable.

I liked how close it is to restaurants and the harbour. The club is quiet, and I appreciate how it’s the direct opposite of a huge, chain hotel. The people at reception are efficient and friendly. A hidden gem in the city.

It would have been handy to have coffee/tea machines in our room. Otherwise we had to go downstairs for our coffee each morning. Also, the sofa bed in our suite needed more padding! Very hard on the back.

Everything was great, people, food, amenities like the reading room. It is like staying in a 1950 movie set. A place frozen in time.

There is a strict dress code. We are not dress up kind of people so the dress code was a bit of a pain and in several cases didn’t make a lot of sense. My only shoes were Hokas and those were specifically banned.

Amazing location, a minute from the harbour, and a short walk from Old Town. Staff were amazingly friendly and helpful. Amazing historic building (but see below). Free coffee/tea bar accessible late into the evening.

Trade off for the history of the building was the lack of air con (it was hot) and double glazing(it could be noisy at night). Also accessibility was difficult (step free, or limited step access was through side doors) but staff were great in showing us how to access.

Interesting property that has history. Huge reading room and separate library. Very good staff. Great location right next door to Empress! Rooftop bar for sipping adult beverages during summer while sun lingers over water. Some water views. You can walk to nearby restaurants, attractions.

Rooms , as expected, were a bit small but we opted for smaller one overlooking roof top garden. Crows woke us up at dawn. We had to leave windows open due to heat wave. Stairs to enter which was ok for us but we did have multiple suitcases to juggle. There was not valet service for helping with luggage. Car had to be parked over a block away or you had to park street side and shuffle due to hours. We were ok with parking and I wouldn’t let that stop you from booking this as it truly is a memorable place! I loved the place but my husband would have opted for a newer place but did rave about it to friends afterwards (he would not have done that with a vanilla upscale new lodging).

The facilities the food The updated bathroom with a disability bar in the shower stall As an older couple with my husband using a walker, having a quiet bar a restaurant a lounge and Libray on site was great. The ambiance and efficient cheerful service was much appreciated. As members of various university and officer clubs it compared favourably. I used the exercise rooms, lots of equipment

Parking off site

Architecture of facilities, interior design, choice of colours, ambience, traditional English furnishings.

Secured parking was off property, approximately 400m on another block … 5-7 mins walk. In addition, guests were required to return the electronic card reader immediately following retrieving car from secured, covered garage.

It was a unique stay! More like staying at a museum! Love the lounge and library!!! The location is excellent, staff are friendly and helpful! Only small issue - no air condition, can be hot in the summer! However all worth it! As it was beautiful place as a base for holiday or work!

No air condition