Downtown Hotels in Victoria, British Columbia

I would recommend the Pendray Inn and Tea House to families who enjoy history and a harbourside setting. The property centres on the 1896 Queen Anne-style Pendray Inn and the 1878 Belleville House, on Victoria's Inner Harbour, so older children get a real sense of the Victorian era. The hot tub and sauna help everyone recover after a day on foot. Rooms are elegant, so it suits calm families better than very young children.

Helm's Inn is an all-suite hotel just outside Beacon Hill Park, and the extra space of a suite is what I would highlight for families. Some suites have kitchenettes or full kitchens, worth requesting if you want to prepare meals. Victoria's Inner Harbour and the Royal British Columbia Museum are a 6-minute walk away, so the main sights are reachable on foot with children. The park next door is ideal for a run-around between visits, and WiFi is free.

I would recommend The Craigmyle Inn to families who like heritage character with practical touches. Craigdarroch Castle is a 3-minute walk, a memorable first outing for children, and some rooms even have castle views. Free laundry and a guest kitchen help on longer trips, and some rooms add a kitchenette. The garden, terrace and BBQ facilities give everyone space in the evening. Each room is individually decorated with an en suite bathroom.

I would recommend the DoubleTree Hotel & Suites Victoria to families who want room to spread out downtown. Half of the accommodations are suites, every unit has a balcony, and many have views, which children enjoy. The Inner Harbour is a 5-minute walk, so the waterfront and its boats are easy to reach. Two restaurants and a bar on site simplify meals, and WiFi is free. Valet parking helps if you arrive by car.

I would consider The Vic for families who want a boutique base in downtown Victoria with easy access to the Inner Harbour, where much of a first visit happens on foot. Pets are accepted, so the family dog can come along. The hotel also gives practical access to Victoria International Airport and to Mayfair Shopping Centre for supplies. The listing gives few room details, so confirm bed layouts for children before booking.

Strathcona Hotel is a historic property in downtown Victoria best known for its rooftop sand volleyball courts, which older children and teenagers may enjoy. I would be honest with families, though: the on-site nightclub sets much of the tone, so it suits parents of teens more than those with young children who need early, quiet nights. Rooms have free WiFi and cable TV, the restaurants cover meals, and Prince of Whales whale-watching tours are a short walk away.

Robin Hood Inn and Suites is a three-star hotel five minutes by car from Victoria city centre, and I would recommend it to active families. It lends complimentary e-bikes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for exploring the surroundings, which children and adults will both enjoy. A continental buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi are included, and guests describe the rooms as spotlessly clean. You will want a car or a bike to reach the centre.

I would suggest the Quality Inn Downtown Inner Harbour to families who want central Victoria on foot. The hotel is two blocks from the Inner Harbour and a five-minute walk from the Royal BC Museum, an easy outing with children. Guestrooms are spacious with free WiFi, and select rooms include kitchenettes for simple meals. The indoor pool works year-round, a fitness center is available, and pets are accepted.