Victoria's BEST Kept Secret: Elk Lake Getaway at Holiday Inn!
Victoria's BEST Kept Secret: Elk Lake Getaway at Holiday Inn! - A Review That's Actually Useful (and a Little Bit Crazy)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving deep into the Elk Lake Holiday Inn, the so-called "BEST Kept Secret" in Victoria, BC. And let me tell you, after slogging through the traffic on the way out there (hello, accessibility considerations!), I'm ready to spill the tea. Get ready for a review that’s less sterile hotel brochure and more… well, me, babbling opinions and hoping you find it helpful.
Accessibility: The Good, The Bad, and The Slightly Stressed (Me)
Okay, let's get the accessibility stuff out of the way first, because, let's be real, it matters. They claim to be wheelchair accessible, which is great! But the "claims" can be a little… optimistic. I didn't have a wheelchair with me, but I did notice… well, the parking lot. It felt a bit like a maze, and I’m someone who can walk! The elevator is a lifesaver, thank goodness. And while I didn’t see specifically labeled accessible routes everywhere, the main areas (reception, restaurant) seemed to be, mostly. It's a good starting point, but I'd recommend calling ahead and REALLY grilling them if complete accessibility is a must-have. That includes, does the pool have a lift? Can I get in and out of the spa without assistance? This isn't just a check-box; it's someone's vacation, and it better be good.
Cleanliness and Safety: Is it Safe Back There?
Speaking of important things, the pandemic world we live in. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. They mention rooms are sanitized between stays, which is a relief, not just a polite formality. Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff reportedly trained in safety protocols – all good. I even spied some individually-wrapped food options at the… breakfast? (More on that train wreck later). The really good thing? The "Rooms sanitized between stays" thing. Honestly, that’s a HUGE comfort right now. And, okay, maybe I’m paranoid, but I did notice all the CCTV cameras, both inside and outside. Security is definitely a priority here.
The Big Picture: Services and Conveniences, Because You, My Friend, Deserve Them
So many things to mention here that they're starting to blur into a sea of amenities. Elevator (thank goodness), 24-hour front desk (always a plus), dry cleaning, laundry, safety deposit boxes… the usual suspects. But the real question is, are they good? The concierge, bless their heart, seemed understaffed, but eventually she helped. The doorman? Present and correct, but not exactly overflowing with personality. And the "convenience store"? More like a sad little shelf of overpriced snacks. This isn’t the Ritz, remember? It is a very nice Holiday Inn, but it's still a Holiday Inn.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast… A Saga.
Let’s talk food. The restaurant situation is… complicated. They have a restaurant, a bar, and something they call a "coffee shop" that feels suspiciously like the lobby. They offer buffet breakfast, and it's… functional. I'm going to be honest, it was a bit of a zoo. The buffet was fine, but the staff seemed a little swamped. I appreciated the attempt at an Asian breakfast but the… the… soggy noodles… My stomach rumbled, and not in a good way. Let’s put it this way: I was very happy to see the "alternative meal arrangement" and eventually got myself some… okay, not great, coffee and a slightly stale croissant. The poolside bar is a nice idea, though I'm not sure if it's truly "poolside" or "patio-ish." The "Happy Hour" sounded promising, but I had a feeling it would be another scene.
Room Life: Cozy or Cramped? You Decide.
The rooms themselves? Perfectly fine. Air conditioning (THANK GOD), a comfortable bed (score!), and free Wi-Fi (another score!). My room had a desk, a mini-fridge, and a TV with a decent selection of channels. I even had a window, which, after being cooped up in the car all day, felt like a breath of fresh air. The bathroom was… standard. Nothing to write home about, but clean and functional. I did appreciate the free bottled water, because, you know, hydration is key, especially after that breakfast. The soundproofing was pretty good, which is crucial when you’re in a hotel and want some peace and quiet.
For the Kids: Family Friendly? Meh.
They advertise as family-friendly, and sure, they have the basics: a babysitting service (presumably if you can arrange it) and “kids' facilities.” I didn't see anything wildly exciting, though. Ultimately it felt like a place where kids could exist, rather than a place that was designed for them.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: The Promise of Serenity?
This is where the Elk Lake experience really tries to shine. The pool is pretty nice, and the view…. actually, the view is pretty amazing. There's a gym and a spa, and I'm a HUGE spa person. They do have a sauna, a steam room, AND a massage service which is great, because after that drive and that breakfast I needed one. I treated myself. And wow, it was worth it! The massage was amazing. The masseuse knew her stuff. After that massage, I thought I could run a marathon, or at least walk to the buffet again. Bliss.
Internet, Internet, Internet: Connectivity in the Modern Age
Free Wi-Fi. Praise be. Seriously, it worked well, and I didn’t spend half the day battling a weak signal. They also claim LAN internet. I didn't need it, but good to know it's there.
Getting Around: Parking, Driving, and the Great Outdoors
They have a car park (free!), which is a HUGE win in Victoria. They also offer airport transfer. They actually are far enough outside of the city, getting around is a bit of a hike without a car.
The Imperfections, The Quirks, and The Honest-to-Goodness Truth
Okay, let's be real. The Elk Lake Holiday Inn isn't perfect. It's not the fanciest hotel in the world. It's a bit outside the main hustle and bustle of Victoria. There's some stuff that is a bit tired around the edges. But… it has its charms. The fact that it's a bit rough around the edges gives it some character.
And it has something else: the potential for a truly relaxing getaway.
My Verdict: The Elk Lake Getaway is… Worth Considering (With Caveats!)
So, is it a "BEST Kept Secret"? Well… maybe not best. It's more like a solid, reliable option. If you're looking for a comfortable base from which to explore the area, and you love the idea of a spa day, it’s absolutely worth a look, especially if you're on a budget. Just, you know, manage your expectations about breakfast. And definitely clarify the accessibility situation before you book.
My Super-Duper Honest Recommendation:
If you're after a chill, restorative experience, consider it. Get yourself a massage (seriously, do it!), take a dip in the pool, and enjoy the views of Elk Lake. Just don't expect perfection. The hotel staff are really lovely, but you might have to work a little to get the best experience. It's not a five-star retreat, but it's a good solid Holiday Inn.
Here's My Crazy-Good Deal Offering!
(This is where I try to sell you something… but honestly, you’ve read the whole review, you know what you’re getting into!)
Book your Elk Lake Getaway at Holiday Inn and get these awesome perks!:
Get a special Spa package deal! Book your stay through my link, and you'll get a 30% discount on any spa treatment and you'll get a free bottle of wine with your dinner!
Free upgrade: Book a room for 3 nights or more, and we’ll boost you to a room with a Lake view and a king-size bed!
The "Breakfast Survival Kit": Book with the deal and get a voucher for a coffee and a pastry from the coffee shop, too!
A Personal Touch: Mention the review and I will throw in a personally handwritten welcome note.
Why Choose This Offer?
- Because it's honest! You know what to expect.
- Because it's you! You
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your perfectly-filtered Instagram itinerary. This is a REAL trip, complete with questionable decisions, existential crises triggered by lukewarm coffee, and the thrilling possibility of getting lost in a laundromat. Welcome to my chaotic adventure based at the Holiday Inn Victoria Elk Lake, Saanich, BC (and, yes, I'm already picturing the slightly dated carpet… don't judge, I love a good hotel carpet).
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (Plus a Surprisingly Good Burger)
- 1:00 PM: ARRIVAL! (Finally!) After a flight that felt approximately 87 hours long, I stumble out of the Uber, blinking in the slightly overcast Victoria light. The Holiday Inn looms, a reassuringly familiar (and maybe slightly beige) beacon of hope. Checking in is a blur of polite smiles and the crushing realization that I'd forgotten my toothbrush. Fantastic start, me.
- 1:30 PM: Room discovery. It's… fine. Cleanish, functional, the bed looks inviting. I dump my (slightly overstuffed) suitcase on the floor and stare blankly at the TV. This is it, the start of my glorious, pre-planned vacation. Or is this just a really, REALLY long weekend with a slightly nicer bed?
- 2:00 PM: The Great Toothbrush Hunt. Raid the mini-mart across the street. Victory is mine! I snag a travel-sized tube that promises “minty freshness.” The minty freshness ends up tasting suspiciously like sadness.
- 2:30 PM: Reconnaissance mission. I wander around the hotel, getting a feel for the lay of the land. The pool looks…chlorinated. The gym is empty, which is both tempting and a little depressing. (I’m a gym-avoider, but the potential to try is there).
- 3:00 PM: Burger Time! I was ravenous, and I'd heard there's a decent little pub nearby called "The Bard & Banker." It's a bit of a trek, but hey, exercise, right? Wrong. The hike nearly killed me. But the burger? Oh, the burger was a symphony of beefy, cheesy, perfectly-cooked deliciousness. Would I climb Mount Everest for that burger? Maybe. Maybe not Everest. But I’d definitely revisit.
- 5:00 PM: Return to the hotel. Napping. The jet lag is REAL.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. (I know, thrilling. I'm a creature of convenience, and after the Burger Incident, I didn't want another long walk.) Pasta. It was… pasta. Edible. I’m not complaining, but it wasn’t the burger. (I'm clearly still thinking about the burger.)
- 8:00 PM: Attempt to watch a movie. Fall asleep halfway through. Classic.
- 9:00 PM: Stare at the ceiling. Wonder about the meaning of life. Briefly consider becoming a travel blogger. Realize I am far too disorganized for that. Close eyes.
Day 2: Elk Lake Shenanigans & the Laundromat Lament
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. The coffee maker is my friend. The coffee itself, however, is…meh. This is the start of the existential crisis, isn't it?
- 9:00 AM: Elk Lake adventure! I’d heard it was pretty, so I'd planned a peaceful morning stroll around the lake. But instead of tranquility, I get…wind. And a lot of geese. And a sudden downpour. Romantic.
- 9:30 AM: I keep pushing, rain be damned. I find a tiny, hidden cove, and the rain just gently taps the water. I sit and just breathe. Its beautiful.
- 10:00 AM: I return to the hotel. I am soaked.
- 11:00 AM: The Laundromat of Doom. I am forced to do laundry. It's a necessary evil. The machines are ancient, clanking, and clearly judging me. The dryer…takes forever.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. I grab a sandwich from the hotel’s little cafe-ish thingamajig. It’s just a sandwich. I'm starting to accept that "meh" is going to be the theme of this trip.
- 1:00 PM: My laundry is still not dry. I glare at the dryer. It stares back.
- 1:30 PM: Victory! The clothes are…mostly dry. I fold them, then contemplate wearing my damp, slightly wrinkled clothes again.
- 2:00 PM: I finally make the trek. Time to explore a bit of Victoria, and take my camera.
- 3:00 PM: I find myself in a vintage shop getting a dress, I am starting to like this trip.
- 5:00 PM: Explore the shop for a little bit.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local seafood place that someone recommended. The local seafood is good, the local wine is even better. I might have overdone it.
- 9:00 PM: I'm back at the hotel, and I fall asleep.
- 10:00 PM: I wake up, hungry. I order a club sandwich from room service and watch something mindless on TV.
- 11:00 PM: I eat my club sandwich. I'm happy.
Day 3: The Unexpected Delight & Farewell, Sort Of
- 8:00 AM: Coffee. Still meh. Existential crisis subsides. Coffee. Coffee is still useful.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. Back home.
- 10:00 AM: Stop at a local shop for souveniers.
- 11:00 AM: Check out.
- 12:00 PM: The flight back home.
- 1:00 PM: Eat.
- 2:00 PM: Sleep.
- 3:00 PM: Wake up.
- 4:00 PM: Sleep.
- 5:00 PM: Home.
And there you have it. My trip to Victoria, BC, courtesy of the Holiday Inn Elk Lake. It wasn't perfect, it wasn't glamorous, but it was real. And, let's be honest, that burger still dreams.
Knights Inn Burlington ON: Your Best Budget-Friendly Stay Awaits!
Wait, What Are We Even Talking About?
Okay, Fine, Let's Talk About... Let's Say, Making a Really Good Grilled Cheese. Is That a Thing?
See, I'm Really Clumsy. How Do I NOT Mess Up the Grilled Cheese?
Okay, So, What If I Just Want to Order Takeout? Any Recommendations? I'M STARVING!
What If I'm Just... Feeling Down? Is There A Recipe For Happiness?
I'm Trying to Learn a New Skill! Any Advice?
Okay, What About... Work? Life? Anything Else I Should Know?
Post a Comment for "Victoria's BEST Kept Secret: Elk Lake Getaway at Holiday Inn!"