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Review of the Howard Johnson Hotel Victoria
11 Jul 2011
“Simple, a bit dated, but good for budget travel”
This hotel is located a very short 10-minute drive or
15-minute bus ride from the heart of Downtown, on a
beautiful section of Gorge Road, on the main waterway
running into the city from the inner harbour. However,
The name "City Centre" is more than a bit misleading,
since the hotel is actually in the municipality of
Saanich, not the city of Victoria itself. The area has
undergone a lot of positive changes in the past twelve
years or so, and the neighbourhood is now very scenic. I
used to live 2 blocks away and the difference is
remarkable. The hotel is quite old, and is very simply
appointed. That said, it is clean, quiet and
comfortable. The pool is large and clean, if a bit
plain. The small bar beside the lobby is nothing much to
speak of, but lends itself to a chance to chat casually
with local regulars. If where you stay is the biggest
part of what you tell all your friends about after a
holiday, this isn't the place for you. If you're looking
for a clean, quiet, inexpensive and convenient base for
seeing what Victoria has to offer, then this hotel may
be ideal. In short, this is a budget hotel with older
fixtures and basic amenities, but it's respectable,
close to everything and offers a good night's rest for
less than many others.
Area recommendations
Don't miss: -A drive up the shoreline from downtown to
Cordova Bay -The view from Mount Tolmie -Chinatown
(Especially Fantan Alley) -A micro-brewed beer at Swan's
Pub -The Butchart Gardens -Whale Watching DO miss:
-Undersea Gardens -High Tea at the Empress -Butterfly
World -Mile "0". (It's a signpost in the grass. Period.)
-Harbour Ferry tours
Getting around
Save some BIG bucks: Many public transit buses are
double-deckers. They're $2.50 and go to many great
areas, versus spending at least $25.00 for the tour
buses.
Review of the Howard Johnson Hotel Victoria
5 Jul 2011
“Budget hotel”
If you drive and need a simple hotel: not a posh place -
this one is ok. Rooms were outdated ans a little bit
musty but had everything that you would need for a short
stay. For a breakfast: there is 24hrs Tim Horton in 2
min drive.
Area recommendations
Rent GPSiGuide: it was the best decision that we have
made. June -July: days are long: it is not dark till 11
pm.
Review of the Howard Johnson Hotel Victoria
1 Jul 2011
“Olddie But Gooddie”
Thought the hotel was very clean, great service, nice
rooms, and really liked having a kitchen in the room.
The hotel is old, like a lot of things in Victoria. The
hotel was probably at its best in the 70's. But, worth
the putting up with the rundownness for the price. Easy
access to downtown, also a big reason why we stayed
there.
Review of the Howard Johnson Hotel Victoria
28 Jun 2011
“Happy”
Nice room, very comfortable, easy to get use to. Overall
I really liked it. I thought at first it was a little
out of the way, but it was easy to get downtown and to
everywhere else I had to go. Yes, I am sure I will be
back there next time.
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