DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria

Tourists come from all over the world to visit Victoria’s spectacular scenery, so expect to see a diverse mix of travelers here. Its location near the Victoria Conference Center also makes it a hot spot for many business travelers. The modern, high-rise DoubleTree has an upscale lobby -- the hotel was last renovated in 2015 -- that features rich wood paneling and a two-sided, gas fireplace framed by striking black marble. Shelves stocked with books and comfy silver sofas in front of the fireplace give it a homey vibe. Rough-hewn wood tables are handsome and distinctive, but they feel out of place in the decidedly contemporary decor. The hotel stays busy, but it’s a relatively peaceful place. Bartholomew’s English-style pub is a must-see, with its Tiffany lamps and Old World furnishings. It’s a lively place on weekends, when there’s entertainment in the evening. 

The DoubleTree is conveniently located in the heart of downtown, just two-minute walk to the Victoria Conference Center and the landmark Fairmont Empress Hotel that’s on the Inner Harbour waterfront. Other top attractions also are within walking distance, including the Royal BC Museum (five minutes) and British Columbia Legislature Building, Inner Harbour Centre, and Beacon Hill Park (all seven minutes). It takes 10 minutes on foot to reach the Victoria Clipper ferry terminal. Drive times to Craigdarroch Castle and Butchart Gardens are seven and 28 minutes, respectively. It’s a 33-minute drive to Victoria International Airport.

Comfortable guest rooms that were renovated in 2015 feature stylish, contemporary decor, defined by taupe drapes, accent walls, and patterned carpeting. Striking furniture with a tigerwood finish includes padded headboards and modular desks and dressers topped by black granite. Spaces are bright, with white walls and duvets, and large windows. 

Standard units are average in size, but they're spacious enough to include office chairs and armchairs. All Suites and even some Standard rooms include small unfurnished balconies, and amenities are a plus, with flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, microwaves, mini-fridges, safes, robes, and free Wi-Fi. Larger suites feature separate living areas with sleeper sofas and additional flat-screen TVs. Two-bedroom, two-bathroom Suites are also part of the inventory. 

Bathrooms feature roomy walk-in showers with glass doors and lovely white tiling, and some have shower/tub combos. All have handsome black granite vanities and double sinks, magnifying mirrors, and Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries. 

Spectacular views of the harbor, Olympic Mountains, and downtown skyline are featured in many rooms, although some rooms have only city views. Rooms are generally quiet, but those on lower floors tend to hear more street noise. 

This DoubleTree features memorable dining options, starting with Table 21, which serves a hot breakfast buffet daily for an extra charge. It’s also open for dinner nightly (except Sundays and Mondays), offering creative cuisine with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Bartholomew’s is a classic English-style pub, with wood paneling and a wrap-around bar. It serves casual cuisine for lunch and dinner, and it has a pleasant outdoor patio and live music on weekends. DoubleTree’s signature hot chocolate chip cookies are free upon check-in, and the lobby pantry sells snacks and sundries. 

There's no pool on-site, but the fitness center has the basics for a good workout, with free weights and Precor treadmills, elliptical, and stationary bicycle. The lobby has two guest computers, and the hotel’s one meeting room can accommodate 40 people. Valet is the only on-site parking option, but it’s reasonably priced and vehicles are available 24/7. There's also valet dry cleaning and laundry services and room service. Wi-Fi throughout and newspapers are free, and pets are welcome in select rooms with a surcharge.