So the Gokul Jewett family is now back from its three day weekend in Vancouver and Victoria! Overall great trip. Here is the trip report on the Victoria Marriott

As everyone here knows, this trip was a special birthday trip for my dad and I had let the Manager at the Victoria Marriott know in advance and also requested REZ for an upgrade, preferably a room with a water view.

When we checked in, I asked for the Manager. She told me that she was not able to give me a suite, but did have a room with a view on the 16th floor - concierge floor. When I went upto the room, I discovered that first it faced a parking lot, not the water and second, the room was very small. It had two double beds and barely enough space for two chairs and a desk. We kept bumping our knees into the table I do want to mention that the room furnishings and the bathroom were all clean and looked new. It was also surprising that the usual platinum touches (water, fruit, a card from the manager, etc) were absent.

At this point, I was a little annoyed. I called the manager and told her this was worse than regular and given that this was a special trip, much below expectations. She was very nice, but kept saying this was the best they could do and all their rooms were same size or smaller. She finally offered to show me some other rooms including a suite. The suite on the 12th floor was much nicer and even though they would not put a roll away in there for fire hazard reasons I took it for the extra space.

I am really surprised she waited until I requested her a third time to even mention the suite. They were probably waiting to sell the suite for a higher price instead of giving it away as an upgrade.

Well, the suite was great - cool plasma T.Vs, updated bathrooms and a great view of the Parliment building and the Fairmont Empress.

Finally, the concierge lounge is on the 16th floor. Staff is okay, efficiency varies. Food was good, but in limited quantities and not refilled after a while. This was also the first place where they did NOT have wine for free at cocktail hour. I was really surprised - Most Marriotts outside the U.S offer atleast wine complimentary during cocktail hour.

Overall, here is the takeaway:

1. Great location and views. Victoria overall is a nice little town for a couple of days.
2. Good lounge, hotel scrimps on food and drinks
3. Rooms are new and updated, but small
4. Do not go here for the service - it was like pulling teeth to get things done

Thanks again for all your suggestions

Harini