We stayed at the Embassy Inn in Victoria, BC overnight just this weekend.

VALUE: The hotel is a decent price whih is why we chose it. (We paid $150 for a large room with full kitchen amenities- which we didn't need or request) When checking out, the concierge had a list of pending departures and the prices people had paid on a sheet and they ranged from $89-$170.

ROOM: The new section room we stayed in was clean and tidy and the hotel was very quiet. It was large and had a fridge, stove, microwave and kitchen facilities as well as large bed, dining room table and balcony. Much bigger than we had thought. We were in the "NEW" section of the hotel. Decor is outdated (florals and red carpeting throughout) and the hotel does need to update even the "new" section- but it was clean which is most important for me. They provide 2 keys.

AMBIANCE: Older crowd in the hotel, whole hotel could use a facelift. Not recommended for kids or young couples. There are ads in the elevators of knee braces and senior walkers if you don't believe me.

WASHROOMS: The washroom in our room was clean, but extremely in need of updating and repair. The paint was flaking off the ceiling and the little shelf above the toilet collapsed when we put a bottle on it. There was a problem with the smoke alarms being so close to the bathroom in our room that when we had showers (with the doors open, as to not fog the bathroom AND with the fan on) the fire alarm went off. We told the front desk about the problem and they said they had had several complaints about it, but didn't seem concerned. It can be remedied by having the door closed when showering but then the bathroom is completely steamed, and hence why I think the ceiling paint was so flaked off. The shower curtain also was too thin and let water seep onto the floor and the water pressure was very strong. The washroom was the worst part of our experience. Towels in bathroom were clean and there were 2 sets. There wasn't enough shampoo provided to wash 2 people's hair, so I'd suggest you bring your own.

LOCATION: Excellent location, which is right next (literally) to the Legislature building, close to the harbour and Empress Hotel. There was an impromtu local market behind the hotel on weekends which was also nice. Horses and buggies right outside.

RESTAURANT: Didn't try, but the front desk gave us coupons for free soup or dessert if you buy an entree. Prices were about $15-$25.

STAFF: Cleaning staff was pleasant even as they pass you in the halls- as were the front desk staff.

PARKING: Huge parkade as well as above ground parking which was free with the stay.

POOL: Not in season

Overall a decent place to stay- mostly for the location when visiting Victoria.

We have stayed at this hotel on a number of occasions over the years. It consists of two sections, an old and a new. We have always stayed in the old section as the price is quite reasonable. The old section rooms are just that, old. Having said that however the rooms are spotlessly clean and in excellent order. The bathrooms are quite small but the rest of the area is pleasantly large. Some of the rooms if not all have a very small kitchenette. In the old section, internet access is by dial up only (56K). We have never had any problems of any kind with booking or billing, and check in has always been a quick efficient polite experience. The real advantage of this hotel is it's location, just across the street from the Legislative Buildings, and one block away from the harbour. All the downtown shopping and attractions are a short walk away. If you are "choosey" then be sure to book one of the new rooms, but do not be afraid of staying in the old section. As far as the previous reviews that complain about Air Conditioning are concerned, be aware that Victoria Harbour very very rarely gets hot enough to require air conditioning, in fact, I would say never. All in all, I would highly recommend this hotel.

Hotel is split in two. The newer part, the tower, looks really nice but we were in the old annexe. This is really shabby and like staying at Butlins. The accomodation was clean but really dated. Heating was ancient and so were windows. Bathroom window had no blind or curtains so had to shower in the dark. Victoria is really cosmopolitan and friendly but would say elsewhere if we ever return.

I stayed in Victoria Sept 21 - 24 2007. We stayed at the Embassy inn. There is a discount for first time guests. I don't think I would stay there again without the discount. The discount rooms are in the old part of the hotel. Creaky floors, paper-thin walls, old smelling and smallish room. The room was clean though with big windows and the hotel is centrally located. Stay away from their restaurant it was definitely the worst I have experienced in a long time. The pork tenderloin had that freezer burned flavor, the salad was that gross bagged lettuce and I have never seen such a forgetful, incompetent staff.