I've stayed here twice now on visits to Victoria, and both times I've remembered why I fell in love with this city 28 years ago. The Carlton Plaza is a wonderful hotel of vintage quality: it used to be the Olympic Hotel back in my university years. Now under the Best Western banner, it offers a clean, affordable, and friendly place to stay in the downtown core.
During my first visit in November 2010, I was given a top-floor corner suite with an L-shaped balcony, overlooking the intersection of Douglas and Johnson Streets. The suite was huge and well-furnished, and I couldn't believe how little I paid for it!
I was so impressed that I brought my wife with me on my latest trip, in November 2011. This time, we were given a smaller suite on a different corner, overlooking Johnson Street and Broad Street. Outside, the nightclub scene was bustling, but it added to the "city" ambience. Besides, the Best Western staff had supplied ear plugs, just in case it became too noisy! In the morning, I woke up to a view of lower Johnson Street cloaked in fog, with the bridge silhouetted in the distance. Truly a beautiful sight, and all visible from my corner window!
The staff are fantastic: Chris the manager is eager to please, and he appreciates returning customers. The desk clerks were friendly and helpful, and they offered to let me store my baggage at the hotel, even after I'd checked out (just so I could enjoy some sightseeing around the city)!
I look forward to returning to the Best Western Carlton Plaza again, and I join others on Trip Advisor in heartily recommending this hotel.
- Best Western Victoria
- Victoria Best Western
