It's the Comfort Inn at 101 Island Highway. Like the other motels in this area, it's easily reached in 15 minutes from downtown via car, but if you don't have your own transport, buses run regularly. To reach the Comfort Inn, simply follow Douglas Street to the Highway 101 turn off sign, then continue till the street dead-ends at Craigflower School. A left turn over the bridge and it's right there. From the ferry coming into town via Highway 17, follow the Highway 101 signs as you approach the city.

The Inn is beautifully situated on the Gorge - an inlet of the ocean leading from the Inner Harbour. Back in the 1940's this was countryside and people from Victoria came out for the weekend. A fascinating photo of what was the "motel" then (complete with garages for the cars, it looks like something from "It Happened One Night") is in the Comfort Inn's entranceway.

I found the staff extremely friendly and helpful and the rooms spotlessly clean. This motel is part of the Choice Hotels Chain, which also includes Quality, Clarion and Sleep Inns. There's a nice variety of rooms available, and the great thing is that half have kitchenettes (fully supplied), ideal for saving money on meals or fixing snacks for the kids and perfect for long stays.

Rooms configurations vary and prices change, according to the season of the year. Standard rooms have queen or double beds and start at $59-89, studio suites with queen beds and kitchenettes run from $69-79, junior suites add a sofa bed. Then there are the one-bedroom suites. These have separate bedrooms, a full size kitchen and eating area and are really as roomy as a one-bedroom apartment. They're popular with Canadians who leave the cold winters further east and come to Victoria for long stays and for business people on extended working contracts. In the winter there are special rates for those choosing to stay a week or longer.

Not all rooms are air-conditioned (75% are), so if that's important to you, be sure to note it when making a reservation. Also ask for a room not on the street side for a better view and a more quiet location.

The newest room choices at the motel are the brand new duplex cabins right on the water, decorated in the cabin style in shades of green. They have the deep soaker style tub, two bedrooms, an office-snack area (unfortunately no kitchenettes, but coffee makers, fridge and microwave are supplied) and, best of all, a front porch overlooking the water. The University of Victoria sculling team practices here quite often and can be fun to watch. The cabins range in price from $159-$199.

The usual motel restaurant is part of the complex, but this one has an outdoor patio (including a barbecue) overlooking the Gorge Waterway for sunny days. Continental breakfasts are included with all rooms, as is in-room coffee, but the best deal is the $3.25 off any full breakfast on the menu. And, since $6.95 is the most expensive choice, you can't beat that for value. Two nights a week there are all-you-can-eat for a fixed price dinners - one is pasta, the other fish and chips. On other nights choices range from $8.95-$12.95.

There's a large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a wooden deck located on a second level with a nice view over the Gorge. A guest laundry is on the premises. The motel is located a few minutes walk from the Galloping Goose Trail. Then there's the one mile walk along the lovely Gorge Waterway park - a great way to end an evening or to start a walk to the downtown (catch a bus the rest of the way - it's not scenic).

Comfort Inn
Toll free: 800-661-4043;
Phone: 250-388-7861; Fax: 250-388-7862.
Senior, AAA and corporate rates available. Free parking.

©2000 by Barbara Ballard. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part and reproduction in electronic media, without documented permission from the author is prohibited.

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