We spent one week at the Rosewood Victoria Inn in October of 2011. The hotel was warm and welcoming upon arrival, but our room at the top of the stairs was more cozy second hand chic than the antiques that furnished the public rooms. Our room was nonetheless clean and functional, until we discovered that when entering the downstairs foyer, we would be greeted by comforting warmth, but our room was markedly chillier.
We called down several days in a row. The first day they found a way to turn it on, but four hours later we were cold again. We requested heat again and they again turned it on, but by the time it turned itself off the staff was gone for the night. The next morning we went through it again and by afternoon we were told repairmen were on the way. Two days later, after continuing requests, they brought us a small space heater. They were helpful, but we got tired of having to continually be the squeaky wheel for something as basic as heat.
Additionally, when we went down to breakfast the first morning, although we had not specified any particular dietary restrictions, it was very different from our ordinary fare. Biscuits followed by pancakes, or some other starch followed by another carb was the mainstay, after yogurts and other dishes that were just much too sweet for me. Also, my husband was irritated when he was told we were not allowed to sit at a table for two because they would have to make it up again for the next setting, So?
It was interesting, because I do freelance review assignments, and often my directions will include asking to be seated at a different table, or for some other change. The young lady who was our server that morning would have gotten a complete fail. Our happiness was infringing on her ability to control her table service and that was that! So while most of the staff was lovely, the customer's comfort is not EVERYONE's concern.

The breakfast experience tainted our view of the breakfast. We set out to find the best breakfasts on Vancouver Island and found some great spots. We also never participated in tea at the Rosewood because we again did not want to deal with one of the staff there. Between the basics of heat and service, not impressed.
BUT the location is fantastic, with most of Victoria within walking distance and there is a wonderful little pub a half block away for easy dinners or lunch.

We stayed at the Rosewood Victoria Inn in June & found this Inn & surrounding area delightful! All colors of roses were blooming along a white picket fence in the front yard. We had a top floor room with a small porch & refrigerator & microwave. The room was immaculate, nice comfortable bed, & small couch. Our front windows looked out over the street & we loved to hear the clop-clop of the horses as the tourist carriages went pass this historic district. It was fun to listen as the tour guides talked about this Inn as a "romantic" getaway! Breakfast was included with this "time share" for an additional cost which saved us from having to drive or walk to a restaurant every morning. It was fun to meet people from all over the country at breakfast time. The breakfast area is in an addition with sky lights giving it a bright airy feeling. China dishes added to the Victorian atmosphere. Each morning a new breakfast "treat" was eaten. The scones & fruit & egg dishes were good & you could sign up for afternoon tea, which was included, if you so desired. We walked to the Royal British Museum & the inner harbor area. The only negative was the lack of parking space. We ended up parking in the driveway next door which turned out fine since no one else knew to park there. The location was perfect for seeing the city & Parliament buildings. They offer movies & swimming at their "sister" hotel within driving distance. All the staff were very helpful. Do sign up early for breakfast as there is limited space. We would definitely stay here again!

The staff at the Rosewood were exceptional! They were eager to do anything to make our stay more enjoyable. The Inn is in a great location - just a few blocks away from the wharf, museum and other sights in Victoria. Hot breakfast was served in a darling dining area with tables for 4 and 2 with lovely china. Our meal each of the 2 mornings there was very good. The room we had was very spacious and comfortable with a microwave, refrigerator - in cabinets so as not to detract from the ambiance of the room. Some of the furnishings are in bad need of replacement. Upholstered furniture had passed the "shabby chic" stage and were really just worn out! Nonetheless, I would still recommend this Inn. We used RCI points for the room but were charged $13 each for the breakfast which is not optional. That was a bit steep in our opinion. The location cannot be beat. We prefer a neighborhood rather than being in the bustle of things so this provided that and a quick walk to all we were interested in doing.

I am a regular visitor to the Rosewood and have been for years. There are a number of things that are important for the visitor to understand:
1. This is a combination of two older buildings joined together with a common eating area. It is expected that internal and external (street) noise will be an issue for many given its age. This is especially true if you stay in the rooms at the front and under the third floor. Expect it.
2. While billed as a cleaning expense the nightly fees include a breakfast and high tea. I have never attended the tea but it appears very nice. The breakfast has always been very well done and more than adequate but visitors should remember that this is not a restaurant - it is, in effect, a B&B - you get what is being served. Sign up for your preference time early as it fills up. My preference would be for the owners to make this optional.
3. Staff have always been most pleasant and very helpful - I have never experienced a disappointment here.
4. Parking is tight at this location - I would recommend you back into your parking space given this fact.... and oh yes ... beware the tree at the entrance!
5. As mentioned I have been a frequent visitor for many years. I have watched the interior, furniture and appliances age as I have - it is time for a makeover. Enough said.
The location is probably one of the best in the inner harbour as it provides the visitor with easy walking to the greatest places to see and visit in Victoria. If you stay at the Rosewood enjoy the ambiance and Victorian style and accept the noise (including the fire engines) as part of the experience.