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Oak
Bay Beach Hotel
by
Barbara Ballard
The hotel has the low ceiling, heavy beamed look
of old England complete with the patterned carpets of a bygone era and even
antique furniture. The rooms, in different configurations and colours reflect
this homey decor. Some of the rooms boast fireplaces and soaker tubs set into
bay windows overlooking the gardens and the ocean. The bathrooms are fresh and
up to date with modern fixtures and amenities.
Bentley’s continues the hotel’s Tudor decor and
high level of hospitality. However, the menu is right up to date with the
finest fresh seafood and Vancouver Island garden fresh edibles. Start with a
Westcoast crabcake with pineapple and Bing cherry coulis or orange walnut salad
with wildberry balsamic dressing. For entrees, along with that old British
standby, prime rib of beef and Yorkshire pudding, there’s Pacific salmon,
roasted lamb sirloin with a sundried tomato herb crust and rosemary mint glaze,
among other choices. The menu varies, depending on the season of the year and
what’s fresh. I particularly liked the way the vegetables were done—just enough
to bring out their full flavour but still crisp. Vegetarians are easily
accommodated in the restaurant with meals just as thoughtfully prepared as
those that include meat.
The hotel runs Pride of Victoria Cruises and
Tours. These are land and sea excursions, described as soft adventure. There’s
whale watching San Juan Island day trips, kayak expeditions and more. I’ve been
on two of their trips and can vouch for the fact they are well run,
entertaining, fun and interesting. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy. Essential Information
The Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Marine Resort is
located at 1175 Beach Drive. Catch #2 bus from downtown. The hotel runs a free
shuttle service to town during high season. Phone them at 250-598-4556 or toll
free at 1-800-668-7758. Email: reservations@oakbaybeachhotel.bc.ca.
Visit their website at www.oakbaybeachhotel.bc.ca
for full details on Cruises and Tours, packages and room prices. Prices range
from $119 to $329 depending on season of year and location/type of room.
Continental breakfast is included in room rates. ©2000 by Barbara Ballard. Reproduction of this
work in whole or in part, including images, and reproduction in electronic
media, without documented permission from the author is prohibited. Images
courtesy Oak Bay Beach Hotel. |
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TM
If you like the look of traditional 1930’s style
English hotels, the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is the place to be. Located on the
waterfront at Oak Bay (a part of Greater Victoria), its garden is a delightful
place to sit and watch the scenic views unfold. 
The staff of the hotel exude old-fashioned
warmth and friendliness. The lobby with its wood burning fireplace is a great
place for the complimentary hot chocolate and homemade cookies served each
evening to guests. Or follow that old English tradition and have afternoon tea
complete with pastries and scones in the restaurant, known as Bentley’s on the
Bay.
If it’s just a snack you want, the Snug lounge
is the perfect place to relax over a pint and a quick bite. It really gives you
the feel of being in an authentic English pub.