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ELEGANT ISLAND RETREATS
Historic Victoria, BC Inns Awarded Five
Star rating by Canada Select
by Barbara Ballard
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
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.
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.
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
home baked
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. Contact Information: Rates from $199.00 to $329.00 Canadian 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. Images courtesy of Abigail’s Hotel Prior House Bed and Breakfast Inn
The self contained Garden Room on the ground
floor once sported a cannon on its small patio when an admiral lived here. Two
bedrooms, a living room with sofa bed, a large kitchen and table make this
ideal for guests wanting an extended stay or several people traveling together. The newest edition to Prior House is the
conversion of the original carriage house into the Music Room, which opens onto
the large brick patio overlooking the garden.
What makes this inn so special is the warmth and
dedication of the innkeepers and owner Candis Cooperrider. They enjoy time
spent with guests and like to feel that a stay at Prior House makes a holiday
special. And it does. Essential Information: Fireplaces in some rooms. A few rooms have
showers only. Smoking outdoors only. The inn assists with arranging tours. Off
street parking. TV in rooms. Special diets accommodated. 1999 rates range from $175 to $270 Canadian in
high season to $130 to $200 in low season. Contact Information: Images courtesy Prior House In Beaconsfield Inn
A stuffed peacock and trickling fountain greet
guests in the cheery sunlit conservatory awash with greenery. Stained glass
windows abound, and comfy wicker furniture completes an ideal sitting area to
enjoy the Inn’s garden views.
Purchased in 1993 by the present owners, Judi
and Con Sollid, it has been beautifully renovated to present 9 guestrooms, each
with its own bathroom. The Sollids have personally chosen the antique pieces of
furniture that now grace the guestrooms. Eight of the luxurious rooms have
Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces. Writing desks, feather duvets and mattresses and
special bathroom amenities add to the comfort. In keeping with the historic
setting of the building, the rooms do not have televisions or phones. The 4th floor suite is a particular
favorite with honeymooners. A cozy window seat looking over the garden and
treetops, a turn-of-the-century canopied bed, a fire to snuggle up to—what more
could one want.
Afternoon tea in the dining room features fresh baked scones,
strawberry jam, cookies, crackers and homemade chutneys. In the morning a
delicious homemade breakfast awaits. Baked goodies may include apple and almond
Danish, coffeecakes or apple and cranberry crisp. Entrees might be French
toast, or perhaps three pepper mushroom and fontina strata, corn fritters with
tomato salsa or potato latkes with chive sauce. Whatever is on offer, it’s sure
to be fresh and something special.
Whichever room you stay in, and whatever season
of the year, the Beaconsfield Inn offers a relaxing visit treasured by
travelers. Essential Information: The Beaconsfield Inn is non-smoking and is not
wheelchair accessible. Parking on premises. Special diets catered to. Breakfast
trays are provided for travelers who have early departures. Local tours can be
booked through the innkeepers. Room prices vary from $150 Cdn. low season to
$350 Cdn. high season. Contact Information: Images by Barbara Ballard ©1999 Barbara Ballard. Reproduction of this work
in whole or in part, including reproduction in electronic media, without
documented permission from the author is prohibited. The author grants Travel
Lady one time North American rights only. |
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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 fulfill 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, Don 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 3 ½ story building received
Heritage Building designation. 
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.
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
minute you step through the door of Prior House Bed & Breakfast Inn, you
are transported to a gracious past of Edwardian luxury. Colonel Edward Prior,
who later became the Lieutenant Governor (the English Crown’s representative in
British Columbia) and Provincial Premier, built Prior House in 1912. While
reflecting the grandeur of its past as a wealthy man’s private residence, it
provides today’s guests with all the modern amenities they expect. 
A spacious entryway and
original warm oak paneling alert guests to the sensuous joys to come. Stained
glass windows look over a stone terrace, lawn and garden. 
Warm firelight in the
parlor reflects the home’s elegant past as guests gather for a convivial chat
while enjoying tea and homemade treats. 
In the cozy library,
guests can pour over the dinner menus of Victoria’s restaurants. The innkeepers
enjoy helping them plan activities for their stay and are knowledgeable guides
to the area.
Each guestroom
is individually and sumptuously decorated to reflect the classic decor of the
home. Honeymooners or those celebrating a special occasion might want to
consider the Royal Suite decorated in restful green and rose. Furnished in
European antiques and containing a fireplace, its bay window looks over the
treetops. The star of the suite is the
capacious bathroom with its mirrored ceiling and walls, crystal chandelier,
large spa tub and wet bar with fridge. Fluffy white towels, bathrobes and British
toiletries add to the elegance.
The 3rd
floor has been turned into the Windsor Suite. Here two separate bedrooms hold
sway along with a large wet bar area, fireplace and marble spa tub. A balcony
provides views to the ocean and Olympic Mountains beyond.
My personal
favorite is the Arbutus Room, a sunny south facing room with an antique
canopied queen bed and a crackling fire for cold nights.
After a restful
night’s sleep under down duvets, guests arise to a full breakfast in the
elegant paneled dining room. Homemade muffins or sweet rolls, baked apples or
fresh fruit of the season start the sumptuous meal. Entrees could be fritatas,
Scottish oat pancakes, waffles or other savories washed down with coffee brewed
from freshly roasted beans. If you prefer, a private breakfast in your room can
be arranged. 
The
Beaconsfield Inn, a 1905 designated heritage property, is located on a quiet,
tree-lined residential street a five minute walk to downtown Victoria, Beacon
Hill Park and the waterfront.
Stepping into
the entrance hall from the conservatory is like turning the clock back to the
Edwardian era of the early 1900’s when the Inn, designed by a famous architect,
Samuel McClure, was built as a bridal gift from a wealthy Victoria mayor to his
daughter . Eleven-foot ceilings and dark wood paneling compliment the antique
sideboard while the warming fireplace adds a welcoming note. 
Two personal
favorites are the Garden Suite and the Emily Carr Suite. The first has two
sitting areas—a cozy one by the fireplace and another overlooking a private
garden patio. The bedroom is separate. 
The Emily
Carr also has a separate bedroom. You can relax in the oversize Jacuzzi tub in
the living area and enjoy the fireplace at the same time.
A Scottish
laird will feel right at home in the library. Leather furniture to sink into,
booklined walls complimented by green plaid wallpaper and a cheery fire are the
perfect setting for an evening sherry before dinner at one of Victoria’s many
restaurants.