Ghost stories are often associated with many of Victoria’s older accommodations and restaurants. Guests often visit Abigail’s Hotel and ask for ghost stories. The staff are very accommodating. Unfortunately the ghosts were not forthcoming.
Abigail’s Hotel, located just a stones throw away from Victoria’s Inner Harbour is one of Victoria’s most treasured secrets. This is it! Let the cat out! Over 20 years I have been here and drove by it countless times. Each time, I wondered how it was. I’ve been to many old, stately hotels. They were often nice but sometimes disappointing. Abigail’s was different.
We immediately see the English gardens as we pass the hotel’s entrance. The Coach House and Inn look almost identical when we pass them. We couldn’t tell at first sight that the buildings were 50 years apart. Tomas is the extremely friendly front-desk agent who greets us immediately as we pull up to our car. After guiding us to the room, he explains all about the hotel’s services and how we can benefit from them. We prefer breakfast in bed, so we choose to eat with other guests.
The room has everything you could need and is large. It could be the warm and inviting cookies or the comfortable four poster bed in front of the fire place, the luxurious marble ensuite bathroom that includes a Jacuzzi and rainhead shower. The room features rich country furniture, goose down pillows and silk pillows as well as silk bedsheets and throw pillows. The room is very luxurious and comfortable.
You can find refreshments and free hors-d’oeuvres in the library located inside the main building. Within a few minutes, we are able to meet friends from Louisiana, Nevada and Ontario. Tomas will take good care of us.
We take a quick walk to the downtown area for dinner, only 3-4 blocks. For more information, visit Noodle House. We were not expecting much, but we had a wonderful experience. The food was delicious! Although I didn’t expect to spoil my wife with takeout boxes and chopsticks, it was a wonderful experience!
Each morning we enjoy a wonderful gourmet breakfast. The majority of guests will be seated at large tables. Late arrivals are seated at four-person tables and soon join a couple from Oregon. Abigail’s has been designed to allow people to interact and enjoy each others company, adding to the pleasure of our visit. The spacious rooms are ideal for those who want privacy. You can also order breakfast in bed if you wish!
Marion Hansen (general manger) leads us on a guided tour of the hotel after we have had breakfast. Every room has its own unique character, but they all share the same unique touches that make Abigail’s rooms special. The staff from management to housekeeping, marketing and even dining, are all friendly and accommodating. It is difficult to see why anybody would want to stay elsewhere.
Marion tells us about how she invites her neighbors to Christmas dinner. It is obvious how deeply they care. It is clear that the owner is deeply ingrained in every member of staff. This is evident in their attention to detail, both in design and service.
We are given a small giftbag that contains two water bottles, snacks, and a guidebook. “select accommodations”I. I really enjoy working in tourism because it makes me appreciate businesses who take their job seriously. The business is a true success story. “five stars”
Now it’s time to go on a tourist adventure! We chose to go to the Victoria Art Gallery for our day. Abigail and Abigail are just minutes away from the Victoria Art Gallery. It is located in historic Spencer Mansion, Rockland. The gallery features Takao Tanahabe’s artwork, which was born in Seal Cove (British Columbia). He is the recipient of many major awards, and is well-known internationally. The vast and stunning landscape paintings of his art offer a rare view of the sky, land and sea. His paintings are awe inspiring and offer a breathtaking view of Canada, particularly on the West Coast.
For lunch, we continue our exploration and head out to Sidney By the Sea. After having tried many of the nearby restaurants, we’re looking for something different. We were referred to Dakota by a friend at the Victoria Flying Club. We can look out from our table onto the runway so we are able to watch a number of aircraft taxi very close.
They have breakfast every day, and we were told that the breakfasts are award-winning. After making our choice, we enjoy a delicious lunch.
After having lunch, we visit Sidney to do some shopping or touring.
When I get home, I think back to our amazing stay at Abigail’s. It is now that I think about the ghost stories I can tell curious minds. They don’t even need ghosts. Abigail sells herself!
Recollections of Abigail: Peaceful, tranquil, comfortable, luxurious, but not overt, friendly, meeting place, charming and romantic, special. Victoria has the best accommodation!