Victoria, BC - Plush Places
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Stumble It!Historic Inns Awarded Five Star Rating by Canada Select
Short of looking under the dust ruffles, I couldn't find anything to dispute the five star rating given to these inns by Canada Select. They were all immaculately kept, beautifully appointed and clearly appreciated by guests.
However, it is well to remember that these are historic buildings, and there are stairs to climb - in some instances, quite a lot. Bathroom fixtures, except for the Jacuzzis, are in keeping with the Edwardian style which means there's no modern marbled showers and spacious bathroom countertops for those that must have them. Only one inn has television.
If you prefer room service, a restaurant on premises, mini-bars, valets and bellhops at your beck and call, read no further. If you like luxury, the camaraderie of fellow travelers and the personal attention of an innkeeper in an authentic historic setting, you're in for a wonderful treat.
Abigail's Hotel
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Down duvets, fresh flowers, charming hosts, impeccable service. What more could anyone wish? A wood-burning fireplace? A beautifully decorated William Morris style room? A Jacuzzi to soak away the aches and pains of sight seeing and shopping? A delicious home cooked breakfast? Wish no more. Abigail's Hotel, a charming bed and breakfast inn located just a few blocks from downtown Victoria's scenic Inner Harbour will fulfil all your desires.
Built in the 1930's in the classic Tudor style, the hotel was originally a luxury apartment building. The 1980's found its half-timbered exterior and stained glass windows still in good condition, but the interior was somewhat derelict. It was sold and converted into a hotel. The present owners and managers, Dan and Frauke Behune, took over Abigail's in January 1996. They immediately began to re-decorate and renovate the rooms, and added a new building, the Coach House, in 1997. The 3½ storey building received Heritage Building designation.
Attention to detail and comfort is everywhere. Like most inns the rooms vary in size and features, but each has its own special atmosphere. The rooms are decorated personally by the Behunes in soft shades of green, earth tones or rose with William Morris style wallpaper and fabrics. All suites have private bathrooms, most with deep soaker tubs or Jacuzzi tubs and handheld showers. The Sunflower rooms have showers only.
In the Fireplace, Rose rooms and Celebration rooms, you'll enjoy cozying up to a fire on a leather loveseat or handsome wing chair. In two, the Tiffany and Abbey Rose, a see-through fireplace allows you to enjoy the warmth of the fire from either the bed or the Jacuzzi tub. Now, that's luxury. Traditional four poster beds, perfect for special celebrations, adorn many of the rooms. The Celebration rooms feature bar sinks and fridges.
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The six Coach House suites highlight specially made Mission style furniture, four poster king size beds and Tiffany style lampshades. They include a wet bar and coffee maker. Italian marble bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs add a luxurious finishing touch.
I stayed in the Orchid Suite. I debated whether to curl up in the chaise lounge with my book or cozy up to the pink marble fireplace in the handsome wing chair. The fire won out. Later would come a soak in the huge Jacuzzi tub while the French Vanilla candle wafted its perfume through the air. There was even a pretty chair in the spacious bathroom. All bathrooms boast bath amenities including French milled soap, bath salts, and plenty of towels. I particularly liked how warm the bathrooms were, with their separate heaters.
Honeymooners are enamored with Abigail's and return often to celebrate wedding anniversaries. Other returning guests pass the word on to their friends about the hospitality and charm of Abigail's. During the busy season and for special holidays, it's best to book two months ahead, especially if you have a specific room in mind.
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Guests gather at 5 in the evening in the cozy library, with its green leather loveseats and plaid chairs, for social hour and nibbles accompanied by warm apple cider in winter and iced teas in summer. The Behunes keep a folder of restaurant menus in the library, choosing only the best.
The cheery dining area off the lobby has a wood burning fireplace and bright windows framed by lace curtains. Breakfast is a treat that will keep you going until dinner. The morning I was there, Chef Peter Heptonstall presented homebaked chocolate glazed croissants and banana almond muffins with choices of two fruit juices. A fruit plate of kiwi, honeydew melon and cantaloupe accompanied this. Next followed either an omelet seasoned with herbs de Provence and stuffed with pears and cheese or orange cranberry pancakes. Side orders of thinly sliced roasted Yukon gold potatoes and BBQ'd Canadian bacon were available.
It's a different menu every day. One of the perennial favorites is Black Forest waffles with Bing cherries, garnished with Creme Chantilly, strawberries and chocolate curls. Homemade berry jam graced the table, and, needless to say, fresh brewed coffee and tea were to hand.
Owner/ manager Frauke Behune said, "We get the most wonderful guests". It's easy to see why. Abigail's is the most wonderful place to stay - definitely a five star experience.
Essential Information
Rooms have telephones, radios and CD players, but no televisions. All rooms require that you climb stairs. Guests can control their own heat. Rooms have ceiling or floor fans.
Rates from CDN$199.00 to $329.00 based on double occupancy. Special off-season rates. Additional person extra. Taxes not included. Non smoking. Children over 10. Off street parking.
Honeymoon Package: minimum two-night stay in Fireplace or Celebration Suite includes fresh flowers, truffles, and gourmet breakfast in bed with basketful of goodies.
Contact Information
Abigail's Hotel
906 McClure St.
Victoria, BC
V8V 3E7
Reservations: 1-800-561-6565
Phone: 250-388-5363
Fax: 250-388-7787
Email: innkeeper@abigailshotel.com
Images courtesy of Abigail's Hotel
