Lovely location, spectacular potential. Unfortunately, several easily preventable errors were made. First, although the visit was in rainy, dark December and the reservations were made weeks in advance, the heater was completely turned off in the room. It was absolutely frigid, probably 10 degrees C. It took EIGHT HOURS for the room to become habitable since the heater was woefully small. We would have asked for a space heater however by the time we realized it would not heat up in a reasonable time, the housekeeping staff had gone home (6 pm) and we did not want to phone the "emergencies only" number. Bring your long underwear! Which leads to the second problem, no housekeeping was done for our two-night stay. Bed not made, fireplace not restocked with wood, bathroom not refreshed. Bring your own maid! Thirdly, even though we were aware the dining room was closed for December, and taking into account the other issues, the small discount did not compensate. Lastly, the staff were minimally polite bordering on rudeness. They confused our two first names and our two surnames creating a non-existent person, argued about clearly posted prices, were not respectful of a disabled senior, and were indifferent to our politely worded comments regarding the heat. Bring patience!

We were traveling to Vancouver on business and decided to find a unique place for a quick getaway after our business trip. A fellow traveler recommended this place, we had not heard about it as we are not from BC. We decided to book based on her recommendation. What an amazing find.

It was only 15 minutes to the ferry terminal from our Richmond hotel, we caught a ferry for a one hour trip (kind of like a quick and inexpensive cruise), had a one block walk and before our ferry had left the dock we were being checked into this beautiful garden hotel. Fountains and flowers even in October greeted us at the entrance. The staff were welcoming, especially the owner, who had waited to greet us. The room had beautiful furnishings and lighting, it was super clean which I appreciate, and had all the little touches that we've never had in a hotel before but now are a must-have for me: candles, wood-fireplace, local music and local art. And the beds were amazing too: he slept like a baby (thank you!) after a long week of stress.

The next day we had spa treatments that were REAL spa treatments (best massage ever). Dinner was wonderful. Sleep was wonderful. The view was wonderful. We did not want to leave. We bought books at the local book store, a mural book, and presents for everyone at the little gift shop down the street. We will be back, no doubt about that.

Galiano Inn offers an exceptional get-a-way for a couples romantic stay, friends and family get togethers, or for a business retreat. Over the years I've stayed at the Galiano Inn with my husband, with our family, and with business associates. Each and every time we found the amenities and hospitality excellent. The staff is friendly and professional and helpful beyond the regular call of duty. I especially like that it is only a 50 minute ferry ride from the mainland and that you can walk right off the ferry and you are there at your destination. Galiano is an island known for its rustic natural beauty which is carried throughout the resort and spa and the surrounding property. The food and wine selection in the restaurant is exceptional, and we especially enjoy the fire roasted pizza's on the out door patio. Between the amenities at the resort, the community events, and the activities on the island, we find we never run out of things to do. I love Galiano Inn and highly recommend it!

Can you tell we loved this place?!! We loved everything about this hotel:
- Excellent staff (Jen the Kitchen cook who served us in a pinch; Karrieanne for massage; Connie at the front desk and everywhere else in the place, even the smiling helpful gardener who took our luggage from the car, the smiling housekeepers, everyone)
- Excellent food (best BEST steak my husband has ever eaten, he's still talking about it)
- Excellent massage by the waterfall (wow)
- Excellent rooms (super clean, every amenitiy from a REAL fireplace to romantic candles to local CD's)

We loved the super quiet, the eagle in the tree outside our room, the family of otters scampering past us on the dock, the sunrises and sunset (i dont' get it, how can we see both from our room??? that's not possible), the willingness of everyone to make it special for us.
We LOVED this island...and this Inn made it worth the trip.