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#26200 - 03/01/07 03:44 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: CSTUCKY]
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QKRTHNU
Registered: 03/01/07
Posts: 8
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My wife and dughter and I just got back from 4 nights in Victoria.
In a word WONDERFUL......room was a Penthouse on floor 4 and it was GREAT could have been a bit bigger but it was a great room with a wonderful view.
Sea Planes do start at about 7:30 am but I'm a pilot so it did not bother me though they were quite loud.
Nice private hot tub on the deck
My wife and I go up to Victoria 2-3 times a year so we know the city quite well but first time at WM.
We will be back the staff was stellar and we had a wonderfull time.
We even used a couple discount tickets for Craidaroch castle it was great to get a little money off something we intended to go to.
Great all around
Paul Beck and Elizabeth
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#26624 - 03/30/07 05:04 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: CSTUCKY]
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Tricknracie
Registered: 01/29/07
Posts: 4
Loc: Tacoma, WA
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We have stayed at the WM Victoria a couple of times, and loved it! It was very relaxing to sit out on the deck and watch the boats and seaplanes coming and going. (Yes, the planes are loud, and they sometimes start early in the morning, but think of it as ambience. . . .or, alternatively, just close your sliding glass door.) A great place for dreaming! Barb's Fish & Chips on the wharf, just up and around the corner is (are?) not to be missed!
Our room was clean, front desk staff friendly and helpful, (especially the dark haired smiling foreigner!).
We will definitely be back! The ferry ride across the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Pt. Angeles is awesome. We took our car, but probably didn't need to. The cost to take a car on the ferry is probably more than the cost of a few taxi rides around town.
We walked to the (Thrifty?) grocery store (only a few blocks away) it had all that we needed.
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#26635 - 03/31/07 08:57 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: CSTUCKY]
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mcking
Registered: 03/31/07
Posts: 2
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We stayed at WM Victoria in September 2005 and it is now my favorite WorldMark resort. We had one of the "less desirable" 2-bedroom units in the back and thought it was just fine. For two sisters, the setup is ideal. For a couple with children, maybe a little bit cramped.
Next time, a penthouse!
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#27373 - 05/23/07 01:02 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: CSTUCKY]
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QKRTHNU
Registered: 03/01/07
Posts: 8
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My wife and I got to check out this resort in March and though the unit was a bit more compact we really loved the place.
We rented a penthouse on inventory special so we could see how the other half lives.......
We spend a lot of time in Victoria and this is one of the reasons we bought Worldmark.
Had a nice hot tub on the deck looking toward the inner harbour and a wrap around deck so we could see the house boat moorage.....wonderful
Seaplanes do start early and the Turbin twins are pretty loud so if you don't like plane noise try staying closer to the street.
Great little supermarket in the James Bay area not very far away.
I will be back.
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#28666 - 08/08/07 08:45 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: QKRTHNU]
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Heidi
Registered: 04/15/04
Posts: 7
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I sent my parents there for a week in March in one of the 2 bedroom penthouse suites. They almost bought into worldmark because of it! They said it was a beautiful view and loved watching the sea planes. They were very pleased how the help treated them, said they treated them as if they owned the place.  I can't wait to go there some day when my husband can get time off of work.
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#28742 - 08/15/07 07:51 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: Heidi]
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colintownsend
Registered: 01/25/05
Posts: 32
Loc: Sydney, Australia
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We stayed there in August last year (2006), & loved the place.
Remember to try the fish & chips place at the little wharf area around the corner.
The other highlights were the whale watching, Bug Zoo, Minituare Museum, harbour ferries, & the horse carriages & bicycle carts.
We also went out to Oak Bay to see the seals (3 mum's & 3 babies) frollicking in the marina, did they love taking our fish pieces!!
Edited by colintownsend (08/15/07 07:52 PM)
_________________________
Flynns Beach, Kirra Beach, Pokolbin, Sydney, Coffs Harbour & Port Macquarie, Ballarat (all WMSP), Victoria & Vancouver (Canada). Hosted friends at San Francisco, Ballarat, Golden Beach.
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#28743 - 08/15/07 07:53 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: Heidi]
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colintownsend
Registered: 01/25/05
Posts: 32
Loc: Sydney, Australia
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I sent my parents there for a week in March in one of the 2 bedroom penthouse suites. They almost bought into worldmark because of it!
Dare I ask, why didn't they buy into WorldMark??
_________________________
Flynns Beach, Kirra Beach, Pokolbin, Sydney, Coffs Harbour & Port Macquarie, Ballarat (all WMSP), Victoria & Vancouver (Canada). Hosted friends at San Francisco, Ballarat, Golden Beach.
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#32894 - 07/06/08 01:46 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: CSTUCKY]
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marissa8082
Registered: 07/06/08
Posts: 14
Loc: Vancouver, WA
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This was one of the best vacations we've ever had. The resort's location was perfect - right next to Fisherman's Wharf and easy walking distance to downtown Victoria. The seaplanes start early in the morning, but my being the mother of 2 young boys, we were always up by that time, so we found them entertaining. It seems like every room has a view of the harbor, which was wonderful to wake up to every morning. The units are smaller than most other 2 bedrooms that I've stayed in, but it was comfortable for our family of 4. Any more than that and it would definitely feel cramped. I would also recommend taking 2 days to see the Butchart Gardens. If you go two days in a row, the second day's admission price is only $3.50 compared to the regular $25.00/day rate. At that rate you can't beat it! The Butterfly Gardens were entertaining for my 3 year old son, but it was small and overpriced in my opinion and I wouldn't go there again. The best meals we had were buying fresh crab from the wharf next door and taking the water taxi across the harbor over to Spinnaker's Pub (or you could walk about 5 miles to get there). The food was phenomenal and the outdoor patio couldn't have been more relaxing or pleasant. A local hangout that we went to was the Crystal Pool. We had some nasty weather when we were there, and this indoor pool was endlessly entertaining for my son. It has a big pool, a child's pool with different built-in water features and also a full-sized waterslide. It was inexpensive and a great option for when the weather turns sour. There is so much to do in Victoria, even with small children. We counted the things still left on our list that we didn't have time to do by the time our week was up - there were 10 things we still wanted to do after 7 days! I'd HIGHLY recommend this resort to anyone, at any time of the year. The only thing I would change would be to spring for the penthouse next time.
_________________________
Resorts visited: Big Bear, Birch Bay, Coeur d'Alene, Depoe Bay, Discovery Bay, Eagle Crest, Leavenworth, Running Y, Seaside, Victoria
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#33054 - 07/13/08 03:59 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: CSTUCKY]
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Craig
Registered: 07/10/04
Posts: 334
Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah
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I just spent several nights at WorldMark Victoria. I took the Victoria Clipper from Seattle to Victoria. It took around 2 1/2 hours each way. The ride was nice. The boat docks about a 10 minute walk from the resort.
The nice thing about the WorldMark Victoria resort is how close it is to everything. Most of the attractions are 10 to 12 minutes to walk to. The resort has a nice outdoor pool and hot tub with plenty of outdoor seating around it. The staff are very friendly and helpful. There is no air conditioning but when I opened the condo door and patio door a sea breeze quickly cooled the unit down to where things were just fine. The place sits near a little fisherman's wharf. At the wharf there is a little seal or some sort of sea creature that is named Sammy. People buy little fish and feed him. He will even do stunts for a fish.
The grocery store is around a one mile walk. It is nice to see the homes as you walk there. If someone needs to you could take a cab. I walked to the store and back with the food I bought.
There is no end to fun things to do in downtown Victoria. The city is really clean and you have a feeling of being safe when you walk around the downtown area. All of the businesses in town took American money. Some did an exchange which cost more but it was nice that they all took the American dollar.
In the downtown area is the Empress Hotel. On that very same block is a bus service that for a low price will offer you round trip transportation to and from Butchard Gardens. I spent my birthday there and had a great time. The lights come on at night and it creates a different look in the gardens. The night I was there they had Saturday night fire works. They lasted 30 minutes. I was told they do this each Saturday but I don't know for sure.
The most beautiful mansion house I have ever toured in my life is Craigdarroch Castle. I walked to it in 45 minutes. If you like mansion houses this one is really great and you can take flash pictures in it. I will plan to go here again if I get back to Victoria.
All in all I was very happy with WorldMark Victoria, the many things to do in town, and the really friendly people.
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#33312 - 07/26/08 04:03 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: CSTUCKY]
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dortiz3710
Registered: 02/11/06
Posts: 3
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We were in Victoria in May for a week. We took our car across on the ferry out of Port Angeles. We had no problem with the parking garage at the resort.
We had a penthouse with wonderful views. The hot tub was to die for. The seaplanes were interesting to watch.
There are a lot of things to do in Victoria. We enjoyed the habor ferries, watching them as well as riding them.
The staff was most helpful, although they were short handed at times.
We will return to Victoria. It's a great resort and nice city to visit.
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#33430 - 08/02/08 10:20 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: dortiz3710]
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ronbo49
Registered: 04/04/06
Posts: 29
Loc: Reno, Nv.
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Read the other posts - there's really not a lot I can add that hasn't already been written .... the best advice....go there, you won't be disappointed...I loved it (seaplanes and all) and I will be back!!!
Edited by ronbo49 (08/02/08 10:21 PM)
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#33519 - 08/08/08 07:55 AM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: ronbo49]
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ronbo49
Registered: 04/04/06
Posts: 29
Loc: Reno, Nv.
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Ok - I guess I will add a little more.....
Worldmark is just a few short blocks and an easy walk to the main Harbour. If you have transportation, the Resort has underground parking, and there are several 'Pay" parking lots on side streets bordering downtown Victoria (and also parking at "The Empress" hotel.
The Days Inn has a very good restaurant with outdoor seating and makes for a good breakfast stop to start the day.
The units are a little smaller than most typical Worldmark locations, but I can't imagine anyone minding that since this is a marvelous location. The staff is very helpful and I had no problem finding the Internet access in the office usually being available. Be sure and check all the coupons for the local restaurants and activities, they have lots and lots of them!
Take the time and read the other posts about Victoria and you won't be disappointed. This is a great location....enjoy!
Other Worldmark vacations: Angels Camp(3), Windsor(3), Las Vegas, Solvang, Seaside OR, Gleneden Beach, Surfside WA, Birch Bay, Arrowpoint, Canmore/Banff
sent others to: Reno, S. Lake Tahoe
next up: Running Y, Leavenworth WA., and West Yellowstone
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#33931 - 09/03/08 07:00 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: CSTUCKY]
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pkm
Registered: 05/05/06
Posts: 2
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We spent only 2 days in Victoria but absolutely love it. I hadn't been to Victoria in about 25 years and had forgotten how pretty it really is. We drove from Everett, WA to Tsawwassen, BC and took the ferry, (about $150 roundtrip for the 2 of us & our car).All in all, it took about 4 hours to get to the resort. The resort staff are great. They were able to give advice on just about everything in Victoria. I have to say though, Victoria is definitely pricey. We spent $25 on just fish & chips, (no drinks), at Fishermans Wharf. Big pieces of fish but not worth the money to me anyway. Our 2 bedroom unit had a view of Fishermans Wharf which was one reason we headed down there our first night. A fun place. The units are fairly small but plenty big for just the 2 of us. We weren't bothered by the seaplanes at all because I turned the fan on & it did a great job of drowning out the outside noises. We visited Butchart Gardens, Butterfly Garden and the Craigdorroch Castle. We only had 2 days so we didn't get to spend a lot of time at each place but they were all 3 great. Both "gardens" have great photo opportunities. Between the ferry ride & the 2 days in Victoria, I took approx. 750 pictures, (thank goodness for digital!!). I can't wait to go again & definitely spend at least 5 days. So much to see that we didn't have a chance to get to.
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#34031 - 09/12/08 05:27 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: CSTUCKY]
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travelbug
Registered: 03/27/04
Posts: 9
Loc: Oregon coast
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We're in a 2 bdrm unit, 9/8-9/15,in the other building from previous poster, we have a side view of the inner harbor and a very tall brick building next door. At least on the sixth floor we're above the shrubs and trees and can see more. The unit and the resort are WM quality.
We took the Coho ferry from Port Angeles. I paid the extra $16 to make a reservation, including that it was $143 RT for two adults and our car. I saw at least 10 cars left behind when the ferry pulled out, perhaps overflow without reservations? We got into line fairly early, were one of the first cars off in Victoria. When we leave Monday we're going to check in extra early then walk over to a cafe for breakfast.
On the way over the ferry captain directed us all over to starboard side, there was a pod of orca whales. He stopped the ferry so we could watch and take pictures.
I agree with it being expensive, we've decided to not do some things because of the cost. That's a nice thing about having the WM condo, we eat breakfast and dinners in.
We did go to Butchart Gardens, recommend getting there when it opens at 9am, by the time we'd made it back to the beginning, about noon, there were at least 10 tour buses full of folks starting out. Since we drove, I used a map to direct Don on the shortest way which isn't the usual for tourists - we didn't see a sign until we were at the garden entrance. We went W. Saalish Rd to Wallace Rd. About where that intersection is, a great farmer's market with good prices on produce and wonderful made to order sandwiches.
Another fun thing we did was the Gorge tour on the little harbor ferry. It was very informative as to the history of Victoria. Be sure to put the self guided tour of the Parliment building on your list of to-do. It's free and a beautiful historic place.
We've had a great time driving around on the back streets and roads, going along the coastline whenever possible. We've explored some nearby lakes and beaches. Downtown Victoria is nice and quite walkable but if you want to get away from people, a car is nice to have.
WM now offers high speed internet in your condo. We brought our laptop.
Sonja & Don
WM Owners since 1994
Edited by travelbug (09/12/08 05:32 PM)
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#36882 - 04/26/09 01:33 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: CSTUCKY]
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amiellen
Registered: 01/30/05
Posts: 125
Loc: san diego
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This is a wonderful location! Right next to the Wharf on the harbor. Good views - I think the end units are all the penthouses so the side ones get a view of one side or the other but not bad. Every day at 10am (we are not early risers on vacations) the cruise ship blows its horn entering the harbor. This was not too loud or annoying and I loved watching this huge ship come into the narrow harbor - a sight! Also, I didn't find the planes or boats to be a noise bother. Hardly heard at all except the cruise horn. The sea planes taxi out beyond the resort before taking off I think.
The unit was fine - typical 2 bd. WM. The pool and hot tub were fine - we used the hot tub one night. Wish it was hotter. A game room would be nice here. There is a workout room. They will store your bags if you arrive before noon on the ferry.
The grocery store is a good 20 minute walk away. Call a cab to go back with your groceries! Canada only sells alcohol in state liquor stores. There is one across from the grocery several blocks away and one in the Days Inn(?)a few blocks away. Also a bank across the street from the grocery. Wifi is available for the WM charge$.
Many merchants will take American dollars but give you Canadian in change. We used our debit/charge card mostly. You are assured the most current exchange rate and we saved while there as the rate was better for US$ at the time. But there is usually an exchange fee of $2 - $3 per transaction added by your credit card.
*If you travel over on the Victoria Clipper from Seattle: Book ahead online! Off-season there is only one trip each day - leaving Seattle at 8am and leaving Victoria 6pm. They can sell out and then you're stuck. Summer season there is two trips each way I think. Check schedules online. Also, they will sell a variety of tours and tickets on the boat from Seattle. I saved money buying the Butchart Gardens tix onboard. I called the WM while en route to compare Big Bus tour tix and they talked me into waiting and buying from them, telling me they had a better discount than the Clipper. Mistake. Cheaper buying on the Clipper. Sort of depends on the exchange rate, but you pay US$ price on the Clipper and Canadian (but with TAXES) at the WM. WM typical discount for everything they offered was only 10%, but added taxes. So if the exhcange rate is slim then it is not really a savings of much if anything.
Overall - this is a great resort and I can't wait to go back to explore more of Victoria/Vancouver Island. There is much to do here depending on the season. Three and half days was too short. We had two days of lovely sun and one day of rain. The Clipper Ferry ride from Seattle is 2.75 hrs. and enjoyable. Not a bad way to get there. We did not take a car over with us - we rented one for a day on island. Easy and not too much $.
_________________________
28 Worldmark Resorts, 2 affiliates, one exchange and counting...
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#37784 - 06/22/09 05:33 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: CSTUCKY]
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gdbjcb62
Registered: 09/13/04
Posts: 11
Loc: Oregon, USA
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BEST MEAL DEAL: By far, our best experience and lunch was the tour of the Parliament building and having lunch in their dining room. You probably should make reservations and you have to do an ID check in for a “pass” into the dinning room. It was our best and least expensive lunch of the entire week in Victoria. Linens and the whole nine yards and still cost us less than $20 with gratuity for two of us. Amazing and almost reason enough to go back to Vic.
Edited by RondaOS (06/24/09 09:07 AM)
_________________________
Gary & June Brown
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#40629 - 02/13/10 08:34 AM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: gdbjcb62]
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LizzyQ
Registered: 03/02/09
Posts: 3
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Victoria was my favorite WM resort so far. We loved it there!
Also, the city of Victoria is very vegetarian friendly, a big bonus for our family
Edited by LizzyQ (02/13/10 08:36 AM)
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#41486 - 04/21/10 09:27 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: CSTUCKY]
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garvey
Registered: 04/21/10
Posts: 1
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We just went to Victoria and had the best time ever!  We stayed in a two bedroom penthouse on the 7th floor, amazing view! Incredible room! The sea planes weren't that bad, kind of fun to watch from the hot tub. We went to the thriftway down the steet and bought steaks, food is very expensive if you eat out. We had a great time and will return again, "soon"! The staff was great, very warm and welcoming. Best trip ever!!
Edited by garvey (04/21/10 09:29 PM)
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#42033 - 06/08/10 09:19 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: CSTUCKY]
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debderos
Registered: 06/08/10
Posts: 1
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We recently stayed at the resort during the Victoria Day weekend. We brought another couple with us and they were very impressed with the resort. We stopped by a couple of hours early just in case our unit was ready. The office staff were so helpful and fun! Everyone gave us ideas on where to eat, and the recommendations we took were really good. We arrived on the Clipper and then rented a car. Although many of the activities are within walking distance, I was really glad that we had rented a car when the weather turned cold and wet..We look forward to returning for a full week sometime..
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#42468 - 07/11/10 12:27 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: CSTUCKY]
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wannabetravelin
Registered: 09/20/06
Posts: 4
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If you're wondering whether or not to go to Victoria, please do! We absolutely love it there, and just got back from our 2nd trip. Even our year and a half old loved it! Every time he could hear a float plane start to take off, he'd run around in a panic looking for someone to pick him up so he could see. We enjoy the fact that we feel entertained by the harbor activity while relaxing on our balcony. If you have the extra credits, it's worth booking the penthouse units for the view if you're going to spend a lot of time in your room. The spa on the deck adds a nice touch, too! There's a wonderful walkway that meanders along the harbor and leads to a oversized lemon down on the waterfront that's a yummy place to get frozen yogurt and all kinds of musicians and street vendors. You can normally find someone feeding the resident seals down on Fisherman's Wharf by Barb's Fish & Chips...
So, Go! It has our vote. A word to the wise, though; book your penthouse as far in advance as possible; a few of the units have the lower rooms roof jutting out and partially blocking the view. Found that out the hard way!
Also! The fireworks on Saturday night at Butchart Gardens are second to none! WOW! What an amazing show! Music and automation make the show the best we've ever seen. Take a blanket to sit on the grass and some coffee as it gets chilly.
Edited by wannabetravelin (07/11/10 12:29 PM)
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#42709 - 07/29/10 05:06 PM
Re: Victoria Resort Review
[Re: CSTUCKY]
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judym29
Registered: 05/02/04
Posts: 26
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Leaving tomorrow after a weeks stay here in Victoria. Had a two bedroom unit. Partial view of the harbor.
The noise from the planes did not really bother us, but we are usually up at 7am anyway.
Biggest complaint about our unit was that the living room felt real small. there was just a small sofa the size of a loveseat and one chair. These rooms may have sleeping capacity for six, but there is no way you could confortably fit that many in here.
The kitchen and bedrooms are good sized, and one of the bathrooms was huge.
Also, there is no air conditioning, which is okay, because it doesn't really get that warm in Victoria, but it would be nice if they had screens on the patio doors so you could get fresh air in the room without letting in bugs.
Easy walk from here to the Inner Harbor, the nearest real grocery store is less than a mile away. We walked it, and it took about 15-20 minutes.
The pool is great for swimming lengths;there seems to be a shortage on chais lounges, but Victoria is hardly a "spend your day at the pool" kind of town.
we had great weather (for victoria) 75 degrees and sunny all week. It does get a little chilly after 5pm, so pack a few warm sweaters.
The Big Bus (a hop on hop off tour bus) stops next door, highly recommended. You can purchase your tickets at the front desk.
Worldmark Victoria has a small workout room; there appears to be no recreation room.
They do have a friendly staff who can make many recommendations for how to spend your time.
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