Originally Posted by
schriste
I’m curious about this property because I will be in Victoria for 3 days in early July ’07. I checked out the SPG website as well as the developments website and decided against staying. Of course this is based on the website photos and a few reviews over at Trip Advisor that turned me off the property (some sited heavy construction going on, facilities not open yet, a heavily suburban aesthetic and rather sterile and oddly shaped rooms). I must say the golf course looks beautiful, but I don’t play golf.
So I have built in my mind a rather negative perception of the place… but of course I have never been there. Do I need to be reeducated and reconsider staying here?
I just returned form my 4 day stay (see original post) and I can assure you that, although there is substantial construction underway adjacent to the hotel complex, it does not noticeably detract from the hotel experience except that you can see a tower that is still being built nearby and the roads leading into the hotel are a bit chopped up. I think it is important to note that the Westin is a relatively minor part of a multi-billion dollar mixed use development on Bear Mountain that will eventually include something like 1,000 homes and 3,000 condos.
I have no hesitation in reiterating my earlier comments that this hotel is one of the best Westins in North America in terms of facilities, staff, and Platinum Amenities offered. There are several restaurants ranging from fine dining to pub atmosphere, a spa, and a health and fitness club. The location isn't ideal if you want to be downtown, but whether or not you golf (I don't), it's a relaxing property that's well worth checking out.