The Howard Johnson on Elk Lake Drive in Victoria, in my opinion, can't be beat! We've been staying there during our yearly vacation to BC for around 7 years in a row, and are continually impressed with everything there! To start off, it's location is very nice. It is situated right next to Beaver and Elk lake parks, and is easily accessible from the Patricia Bay Highway. It is about ten minutes away from a small shopping complex, which is a nice bonus if you need that accessible, and there are a couple attractions nearby. The hotel itself is surprisingly nice! Everything looks newly renovated, the lobby is outstanding for the style of hotel, and everything is clean, contemporary, and comfortable. The staff are absolutely wonderful, and we have made good friends with lots of them during all of our visits there. They are always so friendly and helpful and really make you feel like you are at home. The hotel rooms are also fabulous. The beds are very nice, the televisions are newer and in good condition, and the bathrooms are roomy, clean, and comfortable. The hotel also has nice amenities such as free parking under and above ground, an outdoor (seasonal) pool, and an indoor fitness facility. The restaurant (The Lakes) attached to the hotel is also superb and the food and service can't be beat. All in all a very nice hotel, and I'd highly recommend this place to anybody looking for a nice place to stay while in the Victoria area.

Spent two nights here while visiting family over Christmas. First, let me say that the staff were incredibly friendly. Our first night there we were in a room at the front of the hotel. We did not sleep well it was too noisy due to the traffic from the highway. We also found the beds a bit saggy. We requested another room for our second night, this one across the hall facing the back of the hotel. No problems with traffic noise. We did, however, hear our neighbours talking at night. Fortunately, this did not last long and we slept OK. Nevertheless, I don't think one should hear the neighbours talking at all! The heating/airconditioning unit was too noisy - we were cold!

I also did not like being charged extra for having a third person in the room (our daughter) when we had booked two queen beds. We certainly did not get anything extra...no extra towels, etc. As well, the outdoor pool was closed for the season. I think for the price we paid (and for the fact that for very little more we could have stayed at a posher placer downtown) that this HoJo's is not really worth it. It is certainly OK if you want a location away from town, but the poor night's sleep does not make this hotel not a good choice, in my opinion.

Sept 13 a group of us had made an arrangement to stay here for the second time. Reservations were prefect....got room requested...reservations for breakfast was right on....good breakfast and good rooms...friendly staff and helpful!

The hotel is on the edge of Victoria. It is a quiet location that seems safe. There is underground parking which is great in rainy weather. The rooms were clean and the beds very comfortable. Staff were friendly and a problem with our shower curtain was attended to very quickly. I would stay here again because I loved the location. It is just off the Pat Bay highway, on the way in to Victoria from the ferries.