Ocean Island Suites

Garden Suites in Victoria, BC

Reviews


The only accommodation in Victoria to receive the Lonely Planet ‘Our Pick’ designation!
“This new venture from the guys who brought you Ocean Island Backpackers is a seriously good deal for groups (….) In this renovated heritage home in a quiet residential enclave a short walk from Inner Harbour, each suite has an individual international theme — request the Burma suite and you’ll also get a claw-foot bathtub — along with hardwood floors, full kitchens and free wireless access. There’s a shared laundry in the basement plus a large deck and quiet garden for summertime chilling.”
– Lonely Planet British Columbia edition 3

[expand title=”Read guest reviews”] As someone who has outgrown the hostel scene, but hasn’t grown into the cost of a hotel scene, this was absolutely perfect. My friend and I rented a suite for 4 nights, and were completely comfortable, safe and happy. Check-in was easy (you have to go to Ocean Island Backpackers on Pandora street, but they paid for us to take a cab to the suites.) We were in the Burma room, which is beautifully decorated. Everything was as advertised; the kitchen was totally usable, the bathtub was lovely and deep, and there is a small porch at large back yard. The location is lovely and quiet, and it’s a easy walk to parks or downtown. They provide a great info sheet outlining where to find all the necessities (grocery stores, liquor stores, restaurants), and everything is within easy walking distance. As this was a “girls trip”, my friend didn’t have her kids with her, and I didn’t have my dog, but we both agreed had we brought the whole family, we would be perfectly happy in that location. The small downsides (and they’re seriously small) was a lack of air circulation (only one window in our suite opened,) and a sticky door and lock (but considering how old and quaint the building is, this is sort of par for the course.) Depending on your neighbours, it might be a little noisy (like most old buildings, the walls don’t provide much of a buffer), but this isn’t something we had a problem with as everyone staying there was quiet and respectful. I would absolutely recommend this location for friends, families and dogs.
– Name from Specific Place.

My family came to visit me from Australia – mum and dad, sister and brother. We stayed in two rooms – Suites 2 & 3 which are at the back of the house. We all had an excellent stay, were thrilled with the location especially considering the low cost of accommodation — totally worth it, totally recommend! Room Tip: Pick the Suites at the back of the house.
– Name from Specific Place.

My husband and I spent 1 month in Victoria as visiting scholars at the University of Victoria and were very happy with this choice, even though it is not close to the Campus (this gave us the opportunity to enjoy a nice daily walk downtown, to the terminal of the buses for UVic!). James Bay is a beautiful historical neighborhood of Victoria. The suites are just 1 block from the famous “Emily Carr House”, at walking distance to James Bay Square, where you find Thrifty (local grocery store) and other shops. Among the restaurants in the area, the artisan bistro “Spinnaker” is just delicious and probably the best. Public transportation nearby include buses for the airport, Sidney (which makes a nice destination for a day trip) and Sooke. A bit further downtown, you will find the terminal of Pacific Coach and Greyhound. The three suites in the house seem all very nice, but probably the two with the entrance on the back yard, are quiter. Wifi is available inside and outside, laundry and iron are at disposal in the basement, and there is a computer + telephone (Free local calls) in the hall of the house. The only “problem” can be the kitchen, pretty basic if you plan to have your meals at home. If you wish, you can book a cleaning service any time.
– Name from Specific Place.

We loved it here. Nicely decorated apartment, fully equipped kitchen, wifi, DVD, laundry, the works! Plus it’s pet friendly and near one of the best off-leash dog parks we’ve ever seen. A short walk to the ocean in one direction and a shortish walk to downtown Victoria in the other. All for the price of a Super 8. We were in Suite #2, which according to the girl who checked us in, is the nicest one.
– Name from Specific Place.

Booked this place for out-of-town visitors. Was a great location for them- close to everything they needed, including the beach and shops. We all really enjoyed the garden in the back. The house was charming- heritage and nicely renovated.
– Name from Specific Place.

Thank you for your hospitality. The suite was just lovely–so clean and private and beautifully appointed. What a comfortable bed and delightful space to be… We’ll come back.
– C & M from Salt Spring Island, BC.

My room was everything one would need for a week, a month, or longer! A fully equipped kitchen and bathroom/shower en suite – nothing was missing.
It overlooks two of the oldest houses in Victoria, and a massive monkey-puzzle tree . . as well as being a quiet establishment, the staff are friendly and helpful beyond. Being without a computer would have been impossible, but, the proprietors, being themselves from the ‘rest of the world’, the rooms are all cable and wireless!!
[…] this is the place to stay when visiting Victoria! My visiting daughter/husband and granddaughter stayed for several days, and they too loved the place.
– Erin from BC

I just wanted to write and say how much we enjoyed our stay at the Suites on September 23rd. The space is gorgeous, so clean, and has everything we needed. I loved that there was a hair dryer! The only down side was that we were only staying one night. We have already been recommending you to any of our friends going over to Victoria and will definitely be back ourselves.
– Melissa from Nova Scotia.

What we liked most about our stay is the fact that it feels like Home (but not home). And the pricing is just right.
– Edmonton, AB.

Pleasant, comfortable, relaxing, roomy! Nice neighbourhood, convenient location.
– Calgary, AB.

I cannot recommend it highly enough if you’re going to be in Victoria. We rented one of three apartments in a large, old house. The neighborhood was adorably residential, but within easy walking distance of downtown Victoria. And because the place is run by a local hostel, the nightly rate was adorably reasonable. Also? The backyard comes with a hammock. The apartment had a fully-equipped kitchen, so we picked up some fresh veggies at the local farmers’ market and had a lovely dinner at “home” our second night in Victoria.
– The Mild Things Blog, Sept. 2012
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