Victoria's BEST Kept Secret? This Saanich Inn Will SHOCK You!
Victoria's BEST Kept Secret? This Saanich Inn Will SHOCK You! (Spoiler: It Might Not!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a little sojourn in Saanich, Victoria, BC, and let me tell you… my expectations were HIGH. The clickbait title, "Victoria's BEST Kept Secret?" plus a promise of being SHOCKED? My inner travel gremlin perked right up. And after a few days, I think the shock was more of a… "meh?"
Let’s dive headfirst into this Saanich Inn, a messy, honest review where I promise to hold nothing back, and occasionally lose my train of thought entirely. Prepare for some serious oversharing.
Accessibility: Tick, Sort Of.
Right, first things first. Accessibility. The Inn claims to have facilities for disabled guests. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair (thankfully!), but I did poke around and noticed an elevator, which is always a good start. Facilities for disabled guests: it's a vague phrase, innit? I can't say for sure how truly accessible the rooms were, but the presence of an elevator at least shows some awareness. Check-in/out [private] - a nice touch for anyone needing a little more time or assistance.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Very Important First Impression
This is huge for me, especially these days. Anti-viral cleaning products, professional-grade sanitizing services, rooms sanitized between stays, daily disinfection in common areas… the list goes on. They were definitely trying to reassure guests, and I appreciated that. Hand sanitizer was everywhere! I felt pretty good about that aspect. Staff trained in safety protocol – I hope they were! I wanted to see some actual action.
Room and Details: A little bit of EVERYTHING
Okay, let's talk about the room itself. Air conditioning, air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes (yes!), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (bliss!), Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, hair dryer, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, mini bar, a seating area… they've clearly tried to cram as much as possible into the space. I’m obsessed with blackout curtains and loved the fact the room was able to get almost pitch black. The beds were…fine. A comfy bed is key, and this one definitely fell in the middle - not horrible, not amazing - a bed. A small refrigerator was also appreciated.
Internet: The Digital Struggle is REAL
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woohoo! Theoretically. The reality? Slightly more complicated. Internet access [LAN] was actually a thing, which surprised me. But the Wi-Fi [free]… well, let's just say it was a bit… spotty. I’m a writer, folks. I need the internet. I’m like a plant in a drought without it. I couldn’t always rely on a strong connection. I ended up tethering my laptop to my phone a lot of the time, which wasn't ideal.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - I Feel Like I'm Getting a Bit Hungry
The Inn boasted a few dining options, including a restaurant. A la carte in restaurant, alternative meal arrangement, breakfast [buffet]… the usual suspects. I tried the breakfast [buffet] one morning. It was… adequate. Lots of standard fare. No real wow factor. The coffee was weak, which is a cardinal sin in my book. They had a coffee shop, but I swear I actually saw steam coming from the coffee/tea in restaurant option. I have some work to do. I’m glad I found a dessert in restaurant option.
Spa, Pool, and Relaxation (Did I Manage to Relax?)
This is where the Inn promised to shine, right? The Spa/Sauna was a major selling point! Pool with view was on the list, as was a swimming pool (outdoor). Let's dive in (pun intended!). I went for a swim in the swimming pool [outdoor]. It was… fine. The pool was nice. The pool with view was a bit underwhelming. They did have a sauna, a great way to relax. I was a little disappointed – the spa was… a bit tired.
They did a Body scrub. I did a body wrap, which was fun. Was I relaxed? I'd say… mostly. After the treatment, they gave me a little cup of tea. It was a nice touch.
Things to Do and Services - Beyond the Basics
Concierge service was available, which is helpful. Daily housekeeping was efficient, and my room was always tidied while I was out. Breakfast takeaway service was convenient a couple of mornings when I didn’t want to sit through the buffet again.
Getting Around: Parking and Stuff
Car park on-site, and car park [free of charge]! They had a solid parking situation. Also, a taxi service was available.
The Quirks and Imperfections… Let's Get REAL
Okay, here's where things get a little… messy. I had a moment with the front desk [24-hour] staff. Let’s just say I found that there was a gap between their enthusiasm on the phone and the actual interaction in person. One person seemed a little annoyed when I asked a simple question about the spa. Maybe it had been a long day. Everyone has off days.
Final Verdict: Worth it? Maybe.
So, was this Inn "Victoria's BEST Kept Secret?" Probably not. Was it a SHOCK? Not really. But was it a decent stay? Yes. It got the job done. It had its good points (blackout curtains, spa treatments). And some downsides (spotty internet, so-so breakfast). I wouldn’t necessarily rave about it, but I also wouldn’t tell you to avoid it. It was a reasonable option for a Saanich stay, I do think I can agree. Ultimately, my expectations were just too high, fueled by that incredibly clickbaity title. But hey, at least you got the real, messy, slightly-over-sharing review you deserve. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need another cup of that weak coffee and my blackout curtain time.
Atlanta's BEST Kept Secret: Radisson Galleria/Ballpark Inn!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary is about to get REAL. We're talking Accent Inns Victoria Saanich, BC – my home away from home (well, for a few chaotic days) – and it's gonna be less "smooth operator" and more "slightly manic tourist with a penchant for bad puns."
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Disappointment with the 'View' (Sigh)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Victoria International Airport (YYJ). Okay, airport was fine, expected. Found the rental car… a slightly-too-small hatchback named "Brenda." Immediately felt a bond, we were both going to need a lot of caffeine to get through this.
- 2:00 PM: Check into Accent Inns Saanich. The staff? Utterly charming. They knew my name from my reservation before I even said it. Felt a surge of relief – at least someone had a handle on things. Room? Okay. Spotlessly clean. That's always a win. The "view"? "Partial view of the highway" is a gracious way to put it. Let's be honest, I'd give it a solid "meh." Sigh. At least it’s quiet, and the bed looks comfy.
- 3:00 PM: Snack break. Essential. Dove into the complimentary coffee and those little individual yogurt cups. Always make sure there are enough of these things, they don't exactly have an abundance of flavors.
- 3:30 PM: First attempt at a hike. I'd read rave reviews about Mount Douglas Park. Turns out, "moderate" is a relative term. Gasping for air and clinging to a tree was not the picturesque start I envisioned. The view from the top? Spectacular. Worth the near-death experience. Photos taken. Bragging rights secured.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I thought I'd be all adventurous and try a local brewery. Yeah, nah. Got a beer that tasted like… well, let's just say it wasn't beer. Ended up at the closest pub, inhaling shepherd's pie like it was going out of style. Comfort food win.
- 8:00 PM: Netflix and chill…alone. After that hike, I was ready for the couch. The comfy bed was calling my name, and I was more than happy to answer.
Day 2: Butchart Garden Bliss… and a Bathtub Revelation
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Gotta fuel up for a big day of… well, mostly gawking. The complimentary breakfast at Accent Inns is decent, I had some stale cereal and a bagel.
- 9:00 AM: The Butchart Gardens. Prepare yourselves. This place is basically floral Disneyland. Seriously, it's overwhelming. The sheer beauty of it all left me speechless. (Which, if you know me, is a rare occurrence.) Took a million photos. Almost got trampled by a tour bus of extremely excited tourists. Worth it. Absolutely worth it. I mean, the roses? The Italian Garden? The Sunken Garden?! Pure, unadulterated joy. I could get lost in there for days. I just love the way the flowers smell.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a cafe near the gardens. Overpriced, but the sandwich was good. The memory of Butchart still on my mind.
- 1:00 PM: A moment of silent contemplation. I went back to the gardens. It was a completely different experience. I sat by the fountain.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Bathtub time. Now, here's where things get real. I ran myself a deep bath. Bubbles, candles, the whole shebang. But as I sank into the hot water, I felt it – a pang of utter contentment. It was just me, the water, and the quiet. I think I even shed a tear. Maybe it was jet lag. Maybe it was the overwhelming beauty of the gardens. Or maybe I just needed a damn bath. Regardless, it was pure, unadulterated bliss.
- 5:00 PM: Attempted to eat a late dinner. The food wasn't great, but I was able to enjoy the company of my friend.
- 7:00 PM: Reading. I thought I would be able to relax and read during my stay but I was never able to.
- 10:00 PM: Bedtime. A much easier sleep was on the way.
Day 3: Coastal Capers, Unexpected Adventures, and the Unfortunate Case of the Missing Sweater
- 9:00 AM: Lazy morning. Coffee, more yogurt, contemplating the meaning of life (or at least, the meaning of "where did I put my keys?"). Breakfast at the hotel. It was a bit messy.
- 10:00 AM: Drive to the coast. A local beach. I wanted to get the ocean, some time to unwind. I thought I had a lot of time alone, but the place was packed.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I got ready for the next adventure.
- 2:00 PM: Trip to a popular place, not too far from my hotel. I thought I had been there before, but I was mistaken. I thought it was pretty cool though.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I rested, I thought to myself, "what would I do if I didn't have a hotel?"
- 7:00 PM: Finding my sweater. It was tough to find, but it was worth it.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. I was so tired that I only slept for 5 hours.
Day 4: Farewell, Canada, and Promises to Return (Eventually)
- 8:00 AM: Pack, dreading the end of vacation, hoping for a new start.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Last chance for complimentary yogurt.
- 10:00 AM: Check out of Accent Inns. Saying goodbye to the friendly front desk staff. Brenda… Brenda gave me a bit of a struggle.
- 11:00 AM: Drive to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Airport. Last minute souvenir shopping.
- 1:00 PM: Fly home.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost. I ate some questionable food. I almost fell off a mountain. But it was mine. It was messy, real, and full of moments I'll cherish (and probably laugh about) for a long time. Victoria, you've got my heart. Accent Inns, you had my bed. And Brenda, well, you're a champ. Until next time, Canada. Until next time.
NYC Hostel: Epic Adventure Awaits! (Best Prices Guaranteed!)
Okay, spill the tea! What's the Inn called? And, like, is it ACTUALLY a secret?
Ugh, alright, fine. (I'm internally yelling at you, though, because part of me wants to keep it secret myself!) The Inn, for the sake of what little journalistic integrity I cling to, I won't name. Let's just call it... the "Whispering Willows Inn" (made up, of course, but dramatic, right?). And "secret?" Haha! Look, it's *relatively* under-the-radar. You won't find it plastered across every Instagram travel influencer's feed, which, honestly, is a *huge* plus in my book.
But is it a *shock*? We'll get there. Patience, grasshopper. My attention span is already hanging by a thread.
So, is it actually in Saanich? Because travel is *hard*.
Yes, it's in Saanich. Which, if you're not from the area, means... well, it's on the outskirts of Victoria. Less downtown hustle, which is GREAT if, like me, you're a tiny bit agoraphobic in a city. You'll need a car (or a dedicated, patient taxi service – good luck with *that*), or plan on a *long* bus ride. Worth it? We'll see.
And travel *is* hard. Especially when my GPS decides to take a nap and I end up driving down a one-way side street, praying no one is coming the other way. Note to self: update GPS. And maybe get a map. (shudders).
The "shock" part. What's so shocking?! Don't leave me hanging!
Fine, FINE! Deep breath... Okay, so the "shock" factor, for *me*, wasn't some hidden speakeasy or a ghost haunting Room 203. It was something WAY more… personal. Before I went, I had HUGE expectations. I’m talking, images of luxurious, old-world charm, roaring fireplaces, and staff who anticipated my every whim. (Hey, a girl can dream, right?)
The "shock" was that the reality was... a little… *different*. Let's just say it was a bit more "charming-in-a-slightly-faded-floral-wallpaper-kinda-way." I’m not saying bad, precisely. Just… unexpected. And the staff? Well, one was a sweet elderly lady who seemed to have seen more years than the building itself, and the other was a young man who was clearly still figuring out how the espresso machine worked. (Ahem. My triple espresso was NOT quite the magic I was hoping for.)
Give me a specific example! Spill the tea on the *rooms*!
Okay, fine! My room... oh boy. (Let me find my notes, which I’ve clearly scattered...) The room... it was... okay. Clean-ish. The bed was perfectly made, so points there. The view... well, I got a gorgeous view of the parking lot. The wallpaper… I think it was from the 70s, a dizzying pattern of swirling green and… um… other greens. It was like being trapped inside a bowl of kale. But listen, it’s the imperfections that make the story, right? The creaking floors, the slightly-wonky door that barely closed… It was… *characterful*. In a very, very particular way. And the water pressure in the shower? Forget about it. Barely a dribble. Luckily, I pack a lot of dry shampoo.
And a spider. I almost forgot the spider. A tiny, *fast* spider. I didn't see him, just heard a rustle, but I *felt* him. I think I actually jumped a foot. Okay, maybe half a foot. Okay, maybe just a twitch of my foot. But still. It was there. It was a *thing*. (And it was gone by the time I found the courage to look for it. Mystery spider, I salute you and your stealth.)
What about the food? Were there gourmet meals?
Food... (I need a snack. I'm getting hangry). No gourmet meals, unfortunately. The "Whispering Willows" offered a simple, continental breakfast. Think: the usual suspects – stale pastries, pre-packaged yogurt, and instant coffee. And… a fruit platter that looked like it had been prepared a few days prior. But there was *toast*! I'm a sucker for toast. I ate my weight in toast. It was good toast. The butter was perfect. Sometimes it's the small things, you know?
Is it a *good* secret? Like, should I go?
Okay, here's the honest truth. (And yes, it’s going to sound like I’m waffling, because I am). If you’re looking for absolute luxury and perfection? No. Absolutely, unequivocally NO. You will be disappointed. You *must* temper your expectations. VERY temper them.
But… if you appreciate a certain… well, *quirkiness*? If you love a place that isn't trying to be anything it isn't? If you enjoy a slower pace, a quieter atmosphere, and a touch of… let's call it… "rustic charm"? Then, yes. Maybe. Possibly. Go in with a sense of humor. Embrace the imperfections. And bring your own coffee. (Seriously. The coffee situation was dire.)
It’s not a "shock" in the sense of opulent surprise. It's a "shock" in the sense that it *doesn't* fit the usual mold. It's… real. It's human. And, okay, maybe it's a little bit… *charming*. (Don't tell anyone I said that.)
Anything else that's worth checking out nearby?
Oh, absolutely! Saanich itself is lovely, there are tons of parks! Plus, you're close enough to Victoria that you can drive into town. If you’re a history buff, go to Fort Victoria. The Butchart Gardens are close by too, but be prepared for crowds! Basically, this Inn is a launching pad for adventure. Just you might want to stock up on snack-sized adventures, like cute little bakeries, just because...
So, you'd go back?
Mmm. Hard question. Look, those green-swirling walls still occasionally haunt my dreams. The spider? I *think* I’ve recovered. But… the peace and quiet? The slow pace? The *genuine* feeling of getting away from it all? Yeah. Deep down, I kind of miss it. Maybe. Probably not next week. I’m still scarred by the espresso. But give me a few months, and I mightBook Hotels Now
Post a Comment for "Victoria's BEST Kept Secret? This Saanich Inn Will SHOCK You!"