“The James Bay Inn is a fantastic value”

The James Bay is a terrific value. It's centrally located in the heart of Victoria near the harbour, yet far enough down a secondary street that it is quiet. The building has been well-kept, and has the character of old Victoria. Staff were very friendly and helpful as well. My only quibble is that our room was too warm (old-style hot-water heating) and there was no apparent way to adjust the temperature. We kept our window half-open during our stay. Overall, highly recommended.

“Charming and Convenient”

The hotel is a very short walk (3 blocks of residential) to where the Parliament Buildings, BC Museum, Empress Hotel, and harbor intersect. We walked to Courtney St. to a great pub/restaurant, The Sticky Wicket. Desk staff and housekeeping staff were very kind and helpful. Our large room accommodated my grown son and me quite well. Very clean. Our shower was minuscule, but did the job. Our room was situated above the hotel bar and there was a low din of conversation until the bar closed, but I was not bothered by the sound. You might be, therefore ask about that. The hotel is charming and has period character, and there is an oddly very modern restaurant on the ground level. The modernness was fine, just didn't seem to match. However, we had an exceptional three course meal for dinner one night, and a fabulous breakfast one morning (try the crab cakes Benedict). Do not miss going to Butchart Gardens. Word. I chose James Bay Inn because of the reviews, and I am happy to say I am extremely glad I did. Unless you can afford the Empress, you would be wise to stay at this lovely hotel.

“A bit of a gem -- glad I stayed here”

I've been going to Victoria for 41 years (since I was 9) and have stayed at several quality properties there. I've now added this one to my quality list. It has real personality and character -- right down to the slightly squeaky door and floor. My room was on the small side, but since I don't spend much time in it anyway, that works for me. It was completely spotless, fresh and comfortable, with plenty of hot water, water pressure and towels. Had dinner in the restaurant, and it was very good and reasonably priced. Everyone was friendly and polite. For those who haven't been to Victoria before, downtown, the Inner Harbour and numerous attractions are within easy walking distance (4-5 short blocks). Speaking of character (and for those of us who remember when) -- you get a real room key (not one of those plastic cards) and in the desk drawer were two color post cards of the hotel. That's not necessarily a selling point in the overall scheme of things, but it was definitely a nice touch and scored a few extra points with me.

“The Best Deal in Victoria”

We spent 2 lovely days at the James Bay Hotel and enjoyed the entire hotel experience. Yes, there were stairs, but these did not detract from the quality of the hotel itself and the helpfulness of the people who worked there. Quaint, quiet, and convenient are words I would use to characterize the James Bay Hotel. Would highly recommend it.

“Felt like Home”

I really enjoyed that the hotel or more like an Inn had a very homey feeling. The rooms were large and clean. The fact that were situated in a neighborhood gave us a feel of being part of the community. We could look out the big windows in our bedroom and watch and hear the horse drawn carriages. The 'innkeeper' was very helpful and friendly. Something that means a lot to me when I travel. We kept our bikes overnight and before we had to ask where to put them someone was meeting us in the parking lot to open the garage so we could lock them up. It was such a nice easy walk to the waterfront. I would recommend this hotel to others

“Good experience once again!”

We didn't remember from our first visit, but our bed was VERY comfortable. We needed additional pillows & they were readily brought up to us.

“Lodging place of choice in Victoria”

Convenient to the ferry terminals, the inner harbour, and Beacon Hill Park. Attractive hotel in a quiet neighborhood. Good restaurant on site.

“Lovely Place”

We greatly enjoyed our 11 day stay. Visitors must be aware though it was built 1911 and has NO ELEVATOR, the lobby is up one floor and the restaurant is down one flight. There are 3 floors of rooms Excellent location. It is a short walk to the Inner Harbor and many attractions, and close to food stores and laundry. It has an on site restaurant with the best seafood chowder in the world. Staff was knowledgable and very helpful

“Great value hotel”

Stayed Saturday night; did not visit the pub or restaurant so cannot comment except to say did not hear any noise from either. There was plenty of car parking. Room was pretty standard but clean, good bed, free WiFi and the bathroom was immaculate.

“Great hotel at an affordable price!”

We had considered staying at the Empress but were glad we chose the James Bay. We had a large ensuite room at a third of the Empress price with an excellent pub and restaurant on the premises for our first evening after a very tiring journey.