Well the hotel itself seen from the outside really does not describe the interior. The buildingd a pretty old but the inside is fairly new and very well renovated with a modern twist that fits very well with the old. The room I got was not huge but was good enough for one person with a small kitchen with granit countertops, modern fixtures and decent quality kitchen furnishings. The room did have granit floors in the kitchen and bathroom and laminate flooring in the seating and tv area. The bedroom on the other hand had fairly old carpet that could be done without but it was limited to that area. All in all the material aspect of the hotel is nice. Electronic room keys are outdated and are annoying to carry around.

Where I found a very big problem was with the actual service. I arrived very late at the hotel due to delays in my flight so I got there at around 11:45pm - 12:00am only to find the lobby door at the back locked with no one at the desk. I did not know they had another door at the front but it happened to be locked as well. I went back to the car and got on the phone to call the hotel to find myself tslking to an answering machine. Well I sat there for 30-40 minutes before the front desk guy came to see me because he could not call me back since I dialed the 1-800 number and my phone was a long distance for them. He was nice anyways and got me settled in but really a hotel should have someone out front 24/7. The first couple of days, the room was done upon my arrival and everything was nice. The cleaning lady even washed my dishes which I would have done myself but it was nice anyways. After 3-4 days, I noticed when I came in that I only had one new towel and wash cloth instead of two, the table would no longer be cleaned and the bed was not done. Not the biggest problem anyways still but this week starting Monday, All I got was a new towel, wash cloth, dish rag and dish wash cloth and all the rest went to craps. I barely had toilet paper left and kleenex but it was too much to ask for I guess. I had to freakin rashion toilet paper and kleenex to make it to the next morning. I left the empty role there that morning and low and behold, after the cleaning was supposed to be done, my empty roll was still there. Is it too much to ask for? All the other hotels have a spare roll somewhere and replace it when you switch. Isn't making the bed part of the cleaning crews job?

Well this morning checkout was pretty much the same crap. I had to leave at 3:30am to get my flight so I go to the lobby and read the display that says between 11pm and 7am, the door is locked for security so use your room key to enter. I put the room key in and NOTHING! I decided I had enough so I jumped into the car and decided to try the front door as a last resort. At least the front desk guy was there watching tv in the lobby. He opened the door and I proceeded to check out or what I thought would be checking out. Ends up that they don't do checkouts until 7am so I can't get a receipt for my expenses now. I was told they would mail it to me and that he did not know if it was possible to email it. So I left the fax number so they could possibly fax it.

Nice hotel but what a retarded customer service setup they have! I have to go back next week and I will not be staying there. Guess I'll try the Best Western Plus since they offer extended stay rooms as well.

Sorry but bring your customer service up to par with the rest of the hotels! The staff out front were fine but the tools they are given as lacking in a bad way. The overall rating of POOR is really for service as it degrades everything for this experience. Rooms are still really nice and if the problem is the cleaning lady well you need to get rid of him or her ASAP

We stayed for three nights and the large king size bed was very comfortable. The bathroom was fine apart from the lack of space around the sink to put any toiletries. The kitchenette is very well stocked and the fridge is a great size. We had a large room on the first floor wtih a small dining table and two chairs plus another coffee table and two armchairs overlooking the entrance to the reception area. Traffic noise wasn't a problem for us but may be for some. Also having to carry suitcases up stairs was a little inconvenient as there is no elevator.

The location of this place is fantastic, just across the road from Beacon Hill Park which was delightful and a lovely place to take a stroll. Also close to the waterfront and various restaurants.

A great place to stock up on any food requirements is Thrifty Foods at James Bay in Simcoe Street which is a couple of blocks away but worth the walk.

My parents have stayed here during their annual visit to Victoria twice now, and it will likely be their regular spot from now on. The location really can't be better - easy walking distance to the Inner Harbour and downtown; the Royal BC Museum next door; 180-acre Beacon Hill Park across the street; and 10-15 min walk to stunningly scenic Dallas Road waterfront. The room included full kitchen, so my parents could prepare meals and host family in the room. The Inn is friendly, economical, clean and comfortable. My parents had rental bicycles and they were able to store them in a safe place. Big windows facing east and north with views to the park and towards town. There was some traffic noise, and the room was a bit warmer than they liked (their visit was in June). Otherwise I heard no complaints. Other accommodations in the area tend to be high-end hotels; this place has been a quiet favourite of travelers for many years. Their website has more guest comments www.helmsinn.com.

I was traveling with my 85 year old mother and we were given a ground floor 1-bdrm suite that met our needs perfectly. If traveling with someone who doesn't do stairs very well, be sure to ask for this as there are no elevators. The beds were great, the kitchen was surprisingly large and well equipped and the price was excellent, particularly with the winter rates in effect. No view but a very nice patio to be enjoyed in warmer weather. The location is excellent, bordering the Provincial Museum and Beacon Hill Park and within easy walking distance of the Inner Harbor and downtown Victoria.