The Parkside Hotel & Spa

The hotel offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its spacious, apartment-style suites with full kitchens and a stunning lobby featuring a koi pond and lush indoor gardens. This unique blend creates a serene and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a home-away-from-home experience, business travelers on extended stays, couples looking for a relaxing getaway, and pet owners due to its accommodating policies. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional friendliness of the staff and the hotel's prime location. To enhance your visit, consider inquiring about the daily koi feeding times for a delightful experience, and leverage the full kitchen amenities for added convenience during longer stays. Be aware that the hotel does not have central air conditioning, so requesting fans or being mindful of warmer temperatures is advisable.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests are consistently impressed by the hotel's array of facilities. The magnificent lobby with its koi pond and lush greenery provides a tranquil space for relaxation. The rooftop patio offers a pleasant area for unwinding, with some guests enjoying s'mores and fire pits. For recreation, the hotel boasts a large indoor pool suitable for lap swimming, a spacious hot tub, and a well-equipped fitness center, though some guests noted a few machines were out of service. Complimentary bicycles are available for exploring the city, and a private movie theatre can be rented for unique entertainment. The convenience of EV charging spots is also appreciated by those with electric vehicles.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The accommodations are widely praised for their spaciousness, often featuring separate living/dining areas and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, making them feel like a true home away from home. Most guests find the beds comfortable and appreciate the high-quality linens, ensuring a restful sleep. Many suites include a full kitchen, which is well-equipped for cooking, along with fireplaces and balconies offering pleasant views. Practical amenities like in-suite washer/dryers, deep soaker tubs, and heated bathroom floors are frequently highlighted. However, some guests reported issues with worn furniture and occasional cleanliness concerns, such as debris or hair. A recurring point is the lack of central air conditioning, with fans provided, which can lead to stuffiness during warmer periods. Some noted noise levels from the street or elevators, and a few found the hide-a-bed uncomfortable. The design of some ensuite bathrooms without doors was also a point of contention for some guests.

Dining & Food Quality
While the hotel does not feature a full-service restaurant, guests appreciate the convenience of the on-site cafe, Tre Fantastico, which offers good coffee, snacks, and quick meal options. This cafe is a popular spot for grabbing breakfast or a light bite. Many guests noted that the in-room coffee provided was not to their taste, though the availability of compostable pods and cream was a thoughtful touch. For those looking for more substantial dining within the hotel, take-and-bake pizzas are available for in-room preparation. Given the absence of a traditional restaurant, guests often venture out to explore the numerous dining establishments located within easy walking distance.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous popular attractions. These include downtown Victoria, the Inner Harbour, the Parliament Buildings, the Empress Hotel, and the expansive Beacon Hill Park. Guests also appreciate the proximity to a wide array of restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, and shopping areas. Key cultural sites like the Royal BC Museum and Fisherman's Wharf are also readily accessible on foot. For those traveling by car, underground parking is available and considered convenient and secure, though some guests found the spaces tight and challenging for larger vehicles to maneuver. Despite its central position, the hotel is generally described as being in a quiet neighborhood.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. Guests frequently commend the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to accommodate requests, including early check-ins, late checkouts, and room upgrades. Many reviews highlight specific instances of staff going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, from providing local recommendations to assisting with unexpected needs. While the overall service is overwhelmingly positive, a few guests experienced inconsistencies with housekeeping services, such as rooms not being tidied daily or amenities not being restocked. There were also isolated reports of less positive interactions, including inconsistent greetings or unhelpful responses to specific issues. However, the prevailing sentiment is one of excellent and welcoming service that significantly enhances the guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel is notably pet-friendly, welcoming furry companions and even providing thoughtful touches like dog treat bags and dog beds in pet-designated rooms. Guests appreciate the hotel's commitment to eco-friendly touches, such as wooden keycards, compostable coffee pods, and reusable totes. Unique amenities that enhance the stay include the opportunity for children to feed the koi fish in the lobby pond, the availability of complimentary bicycles for exploring, and the option to rent a private movie theatre. Some guests noted occasional issues such as elevator downtime during their stay, which caused temporary inconvenience. The hotel also offers EV charging for electric vehicles, adding to its modern conveniences.