Victoria Harbour Views: Days Inn's Unbeatable Waterfront Getaway!
Victoria Harbour Views: Days Inn – My Honest Waterfront Escape (and My Battle with the Buffet)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to give you the real lowdown on Victoria Harbour Views: Days Inn. Forget the polished PR fluff - I'm talking raw, unfiltered hotel truths. Let's dive right in, and frankly, I need a coffee after this…
First Impressions & Accessibility (And My Struggle with the Elevator - Seriously!)
So, let's start with the basics because, you know, actual life. This place? It’s mostly accessible. I rolled in (figuratively, I’m being dramatic, although after the buffet…more on that later) and found things pretty decent. Ramps were present (thank goodness!), and the exterior wasn't a maze. Accessibility is a big win, and crucial, so high marks here! The elevators… well, they worked…eventually. Let's just say I formed a close, intimate relationship with the stairs at one point. Note to Days Inn: a slightly speedier elevator would be appreciated by this perpetually impatient reviewer!
The Room – My Sanctuary (and the Great Blackout Curtain Conspiracy)
My room? Cozy. Clean. And blessed with – hallelujah – blackout curtains! Listen to me – if you're a light sleeper like yours truly, these are a game-changer. Seriously, I slept like a baby. Plus, Wi-Fi in ALL rooms? Free? YES, PLEASE! I’m a sucker for free Wi-Fi, because, work. Everything else you’d expect was there: air conditioning that actually worked, a safe for my valuable snacks (okay, just joking!), a mini-bar (a bit sparse, but hey, it was there), and a bathroom that didn't instantly make me want to run screaming (always a plus!). The room had the usual suspects, desk, a closet, and a comfy bed. I even had a window that opened, which, let's be honest, is increasingly rare these days, which allows some good air.
Cleanliness & Safety – The Anti-Viral Avengers
Alright, let's get serious for a sec (and then back to the buffet, I promise). Cleanliness is key right now, and Days Inn gets it. They were REALLY on top of it. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Room sanitization between stays? Yep. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seems like it! They even had that hand sanitizer plastered everywhere. I appreciated the effort, felt safe, and didn't spend the whole stay obsessively wiping things down (which, let's be honest, is a win).
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – The Buffet Saga (and My Deepest Regrets – NOT!)
Okay, here is where things get…interesting. The buffet breakfast… oh boy. Let me tell you about the buffet. It's a classic story: the promise of limitless pastries, the siren song of bacon, the inevitable descent into regret. It was, well, a buffet. Asian breakfast options were plentiful, but i was on a mission for good ol' bacon and eggs, so I can't quite tell on the Asian Breakfast quality… The buffet in restaurant… well it was definitely abundant. The coffee shop was my best friend in the mornings. There was also a snack bar handy. Despite the buffet, there's also Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service; and even a Breakfast takeaway service!!
I tried to be disciplined. I really did. But the siren song of the all-you-can-eat sausage… It got me. Let’s just say I'm not sure if my arteries have forgiven me. But hey, it was an experience! The other dining options, like the restaurant and poolside bar, were good, but the buffet? That was a whole mood. I was a little drunk on the free coffee I think during the whole experience…
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Beyond the Buffet… (and the Sauna!)
Beyond the all-you-can-eat glory (or, you know, disaster depending on the day), there's actually stuff to do. They have a fitness center (I didn’t use it, after the buffet, I needed a stretcher), a swimming pool [outdoor, with a view], (again, haven't checked it for myself yet), and a sauna. Now, the sauna… that was a highlight. Stepping into that warm, woody embrace after a tough morning of buffet strategizing? Pure bliss. I spent a glorious hour in there, sweating out the sins of my breakfast excesses and contemplating the meaning of life (and whether I should go back for a second round of pastries). But yeah, there's even a Spa/sauna if you want to go all out.
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things (and the Lack of a Good Nail Salon Nearby)
From the concierge (super helpful, even when I was babbling about my buffet exploits) to the daily housekeeping (my room was always spick and span), Days Inn does the little things well. They offer the staples: laundry service, dry cleaning, and a convenience store if you need a snack (or another, slightly more restrained, buffet). They also had car park (although finding a spot sometimes felt like a treasure hunt), car park [free of charge] and a valet parking! Okay, so the nail salon situation nearby wasn't ideal (a personal gripe, I know), but otherwise, they had me covered.
For the Kids – Family Friendly (but where are the bouncy castles? Just kidding!)
They call it family/child friendly here, I don't have any kids but I saw a babysitting service offered and kids meal available!
Getting Around – Location, location, location! (and the taxi service)
This Days Inn has an amazing location. The airport transfer is nice for those who just arrive and want to go to the hotel. Plus, they even have Taxi service.
My Verdict – The Good, The Bad, and the Buffet (Forever)
Look, Victoria Harbour Views: Days Inn isn't perfect. No hotel is. The elevator can be a bit slow, and the buffet… well, the buffet is a journey. BUT! The accessibility is impressive, the rooms are comfortable, the location is fantastic, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the sauna is pure, steaming, bliss.
Here's the bottom line: If you're looking for a solid, reliable waterfront getaway, with a side of potentially life-altering buffet experiences, then Days Inn is definitely worth a look.
BUT WAIT! – Here’s a Deal You CAN’T Refuse (…and that doesn't involve sausages!)
Book your stay at Victoria Harbour Views: Days Inn NOW and get:
- 20% OFF your room rate (use promo code HARBOURVIEWS) - Saving will be a gift from the sky!
- FREE Wi-Fi (because, duh, we all need it).
- A free upgrade to a room with a harbour view (if available) - the view from my room was amazing.
- AND a voucher for a free cocktail at the Poolside Bar (consider it post-buffet therapy).
Click here to book your Unbeatable Waterfront Getaway! But seriously, maybe skip the third trip to the buffet. Just a suggestion.
Oxford's Hidden Gem: The Black Boy Pub & Hotel – Uncover the Mystery!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We're about to embark on a Victoria, BC, adventure. And trust me, it’s gonna be less "polished travel brochure" and more "slightly frantic, caffeine-fueled diary of a human trying not to lose their mind." Because that's what travel really is, right?
Hotel: Days Inn by Wyndham Victoria On The Harbour (Let’s be honest, the name is a mouthful. I'm just gonna call it "The Harbour Days" for now. Sounds like a cheesy romance novel, which frankly, might be fitting given my track record…)
Day 1: Arrival and Utter Confusion
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Victoria International Airport (YYJ). Oh, the joy of airport navigation! Found the rental car (Silver SUV, named "Silver Surfer" – I get attached easily). The drive into Victoria… picturesque, right? Except, I took a wrong turn like, 3 minutes in. Cue mild panic. Found my way eventually. Found the Harbour Days.
- Afternoon: Check-in. Finally. The room… it’s… fine. Clean. Has a bed. And a surprisingly good view of the harbour. Breathe. Unpack (ish). Immediately decide to leave my phone charger at home because I'm a genius.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Wandered around the INNER HARBOUR, where you'll have to pay the parking fee every time. Just wandered. Took some pictures of the Empress Hotel. It’s absurdly gorgeous. Made a mental note to maybe win the lottery and stay there. Also, saw a guy dressed as a pirate. He definitely knew I was staring.
- Dinner: Found a pub called "The Bard & Banker." Needed a drink. (And food, obviously). The Caesar salad was decent. The beer was cold. The live music… well, let's just say the singer's voice cracked a few times, which made me feel slightly less alone in my own anxieties. I definitely overpaid for a pint of beer. The waiter was too friendly for a bar.
- Evening: Back to the Harbour Days. Watched some TV. Tried to charge my phone using the cable I found in the suitcase and watched a completely boring documentary about the history of salmon canning (which, ironically, it was completely my fault). Felt oddly peaceful even though I’d already failed at charging my phone.
Day 2: Gardens, Ghosts, and a Whole Lotta Walking
- Morning: Breakfast at the Harbour Days: free waffles, coffee, and a side of awkward small talk with the other guests. Decided to attempt to visit Butchart Gardens, which, according to the map, and my gps, was a short distance. It took an hour and a half.
- Mid-Morning: BUTCHART GARDENS. Okay, these gardens. ARE. SPECTACULAR. I mean, seriously. Every single flower is perfectly placed. It's a little… perfect. A little… overwhelming, in a good way. Lost my friend. It took longer to find her than to actually enjoy the gardens. Took a million photos and decided I needed to start planning my own garden.
- Lunch: Found a little cafe near the gardens. Got a sandwich. It was… fine. The server was a bit… slow and I wasn't sure if she was taking the order seriously. Decided to just go with it rather than make a fuss.
- Afternoon: VICTORIA GHOST TOURS (a must do, especially if you're a scaredy cat like me). The guide was… enthusiastic. He’d probably done this tour 500 times. The stories were good, though. Definitely got the chills at one of the haunted buildings. Not gonna lie. Definitely held my friends hand.
- Evening: Walked around the harbour again, mainly to try and find a cheap place to eat. Ended up in a tourist trap that served overpriced fish and chips. Regretted it immediately. Should have listened to my gut.
- Night: Back to the Harbour Days. Collapsed on the bed. Ordered Chinese food. The delivery guy… well, let’s just say he didn't speak much English. My order was right. Success!
Day 3: Whales, Wonders, and (Hopefully) Fewer Wrong Turns
- Morning: Decided to go on a WHALE WATCHING TOUR. Weather was perfect. Found the boat. The captain seemed awesome. We saw whales. Orcas. The majesty was overwhelming. Brought tears to my eyes. Don't judge.
- Lunch: Found a little market. Got some interesting cheese, local bread, and some weird-looking fruit I couldn’t identify. Ate it all on a bench overlooking the harbour. Feeling surprisingly content.
- Afternoon: Explored Craigdarroch Castle. Wow. The architecture is incredible. Felt momentarily like I was in a Jane Austen novel. Got some stunning photos. Felt an urge to buy a fancy hat. Restrained myself.
- Evening: Tried to discover the arts and culture of Victoria. Failed. Went to a pub and watched the sun go down over the harbour. Had a beer. Felt like I might actually be getting the hang of this.
- Night: Found a chocolate shop. Ate way too many truffles. Walked back to "The Harbour Days" feeling slightly sick and incredibly happy.
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering Smell of Salt Air
- Morning: Last breakfast at "The Harbour Days." Ate the waffles. Said goodbye to the other guests. Checked out. Said goodbye to "Silver Surfer."
- Mid-Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping (because I'm a pro procrastinator).
- Afternoon: Headed back to the airport. Said goodbye to Victoria.
Final Thoughts:
Victoria, BC is… weird. Beautiful. Slightly chaotic. But wholly worth it. Did I make mistakes? Absolutely. Did I lose my phone charger (again)? Yes. Did I have moments of utter joy? Absolutely. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just maybe with a better map and a backup phone charger this time. And a stronger liver.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go plan my next trip… and start saving for that stay at the Empress. Wish me luck!
SpringHill Suites State College: Your Penn State Getaway Awaits!
So, Victoria Harbour Views: Days Inn... is it *really* as good as it sounds? I mean, the website is practically gushing...
Okay, deep breath. "Good" is a loaded word, right? Like, if you're expecting the Ritz? Forget it. But "good" in a "woke up to ACTUAL harbor views that nearly made me cry" kind of way? Yeah. Yeah, it is. Honestly, I went in expecting a standard motel experience – dingy carpets, questionable continental breakfast, the whole shebang. But then... I opened the drapes. And the harbor. BAM. Just staring at you. Stunning. Like, I spent a solid 20 minutes just *staring*. My wife, bless her heart, was already halfway out the door to grab coffee. I was just... lost in the beauty of it. So, yeah. It's got its flaws (more on that later), but the view? Worth the price alone, in my slightly biased opinion.
Alright, spill the tea. What are the *actual* rooms like? Don't sugarcoat it.
Okay, deep breaths. The rooms… they're… functional. Let's go with functional. We're talking slightly dated décor. Think… beige. Lots of beige. And the bathrooms? Well, let's just say they haven't been renovated since, oh, I don't know, the invention of the internet? But! They were clean. Crucially. Spotlessly clean, actually. That’s a BIG win in my book. And the bed? Comfy enough. I slept like a log. Okay, maybe a mildly lumpy log, but a log nonetheless. And the air con? Blessedly cold. I will say the walls are a bit... thin. Heard the couple next door *very clearly* discussing their dinner choices. Awkward. But hey, you're not there for the interior design, are you? You're there for the, you know, the *harbor*. Which, again, is incredible.
What's the deal with the breakfast? "Continental" usually means "stale pastries and sadness," right?
Okay, buckle up. The breakfast… it's… a journey. Yes, there are pastries. Yes, some of them may have been a *day* old. But! They also had decent coffee. And, and this is key, they had *make-your-own-waffles*. And I, my friends, am a sucker for a waffle. I may or may not have consumed three. Don't judge me. There were also some sad-looking fruit, and those pre-packaged muffins that always look a bit… defeated. But the waffles. The waffles were a shining beacon of deliciousness in a sea of mediocre. It's the little things, people. Seriously, pour yourself a waffle, grab your coffee, and then GO LOOK AT THE HARBOR. Makes the stale blueberry muffin just *slightly* less offensive.
Parking? Is it a nightmare like in every other tourist trap?
Parking. Ugh. Okay, so… it's not *terrible*, but it's not exactly a breeze. There's a decent-sized lot, but it fills up quickly, especially during peak season. So, get there early, or be prepared to circle a few times. I had to actually park a block away the first night, which wasn't ideal with luggage, but... you know, the harbor view made up for it. Again, the harbor view. It's a theme for me. Pro-tip: if you see a spot, grab it. Don't hesitate. Just. Grab. It. You can always move the car later if you *really* need to. Trust me. And if you get a parking spot at all, well, you're probably winning in general.
Are there any restaurants nearby? I get hangry, quickly.
Oh, absolutely. You have a ton of options. Walkable options. Thank the food gods. There's everything from casual cafes to fancy-pants seafood restaurants. The hotel gives you a helpful little pamphlet, I think. I was too busy staring at the harbor to look at that, to be completely honest, but my wife did. She found a great little place with amazing fish and chips. I highly recommend trying the clam chowder. It's rich and creamy and perfect on a chilly evening, and it's just a short stroll away. Honestly, the number of restaurants is a huge plus. No need to suffer the hangry monster. Just walk a few blocks. Easy peasy.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Or just going through the motions?
Okay, here's the thing: the staff… were *fine*. They weren't jumping up and down with overflowing enthusiasm, but they also weren't actively trying to sabotage my vacation. They were polite, efficient… and mostly stayed out of my way, which I prefer. One guy helped me with my bags, which was great because I'm pretty sure I overpacked. Another gave us some tips on where to go, and told us about the best coffee shop in town. Nothing earth-shattering, but definitely not a negative experience. I've stayed in places where the staff acted like you were personally inconveniencing them by existing. This wasn't one of those places. They were... adequate. And honestly, again, the view kinda overrides everything else.
Seriously, what about the *noise*? I can't sleep with *anything*.
Okay, this one is a little trickier. Depends on the room, honestly. Some rooms face the harbor directly, and some face the street. If you're a light sleeper, *absolutely* request a harbor-facing room, and maybe bring earplugs. The street noise can be a bit much, especially with the ferry and the occasional car alarms that seem to be programmed to go off at exactly 3 AM. I happen to sleep like a rock, so it didn't bother me. My wife? She complained a bit. So, yeah. Pack the earplugs. You’ve been warned.
Is it a good value for the money? Be honest!
Okay, here's the brutally honest truth: it depends. For the *view*? Absolutely. One hundred percent. You're paying for that view. That view alone makes it worth it, in my opinion. The hotel itself is… a bit rough around the edges. But if you're looking for a luxurious, modern experience, you're looking in the wrong place. If you're looking for a reasonably priced place with an absolutely *breathtaking* view that will make you forget all your troubles? Yeah. Go for it. Just don't expect the Ritz. Expect… charming imperfection. And a killer view. And maybe some waffles.
Top Hotel Search
Post a Comment for "Victoria Harbour Views: Days Inn's Unbeatable Waterfront Getaway!"