Hastings House Country House Hotel

We stayed in a Hillside Suite, which was charmingly furnished, and very romantic. The hotel itself is in an idyllic setting and it is tranquil and calming. The restaurant is exceptional, with presentations and menu selections that you might expect in a more urban setting. The service is also very competent and friendly. A special mention for Lindsey in the dining room. We booked the romance getaway package and it was quite complete. Three things that detracted were the unreliable Wi-Fi, the afternoon tea and the air conditioning. Just assume that there isn't any Wi-Fi and you'll be happier. In fact the idyllic setting should encourage you to just leave the damn smart phone turned off. The afternoon tea is advertised to be 3:30 to 4:30. It was far below what should be the standard at a Relaix & Chateau hotel. No finger sandwiches or sweets. Just a tray of grocery store cookies that ran out by 3:50 and were not replenished. The air conditioner in our room was very loud, our own cement mixer. Whenever the compressor is in the room with you it needs to be QUIET. Maybe air conditioning isn't that important most of the year on Salt Spring Island but it was necessary during our stay. Sleep was impossible with this one, a throw back to perhaps a Motel Six from 30 years ago. Hastings House you can do much better.

We stayed at Hastings House for three nights in May, in a Hillside Suite. Located at the edge of the town of Ganges, the hotel’s grounds are lovely and extensive, with a sheep flock and striking ring of tall wood sculptures (the Council of Elders) in the meadow at the entrance. Our suite’s view down the hill through the trees to Ganges Harbor was very nice. The living room, with fireplace, was cozy, and the king-sized bed in the separate bedroom was excellent. The furnishings were unfortunately nothing special; the living room couch and chair were well past rustic into the realm of candidates for the junk heap. The manor house and some of the older buildings scattered about the grounds contain accommodations that allow you to get to the dining rooms in the manor house without too many steps. However, the Hillside Suites are a major climb, and even when you are on the hill you may have to climb an additional flight or two in order to get to or from the entrance to your suite. In addition, the overnight parking for all accommodations seems to be up on the hill, meaning apparently that all guests must hike up and down. When you are walking on the level, you are on gravel – very difficult for the mobility-impaired. The service from the hotel staff left a great deal to be desired. The hotel charges 25CAD per night as a resort fee, so that you have no means to express your dissatisfaction with a small gratuity. It surprised us that the hotel has retained its Relais & Chateaux designation. On the second day of our stay, we returned mid-afternoon from sightseeing to discover that our suite had not been cleaned. We called the reception desk, and immediate service was promised. Someone finally appeared at 5pm. On the first day, we arrived 30 minutes before check-in time. We were given a desultory tour of the grounds. The woman conducted it knew almost nothing about the sculptures scattered around the grounds – notably a kinetic sculpture by the US artist Lyman Whitaker, who is represented by a local Ganges gallery. There were works by a second sculptor, a Canadian of some note, also represented by a local gallery; again, the woman knew nothing about him. The hotel provides morning muffins, before the breakfast room opens. It is a mystery to us why this service does not include paper napkins for one’s hands. None were provided in the muffin basket nor in the room’s minibar. The choices at breakfast are very small in number – three main dishes on the regular menu and one special daily. In addition, the toast served with the English breakfast consists of one slice per person. This seemed truly odd to us. In contrast, the bread offered at dinner was plentiful and excellent – though in the bistro the bread service is not free. We ate dinner in the bistro one evening, and in the fine dining room (the repurposed breakfast room) another evening. The food was excellent, especially a smoked tuna first course, and the two main dishes featuring beef from Alberta and duck breast. We did find the omnipresent Gruyere cheese to be quite amusing. Perhaps the chef shops at the Canadian version of Costco? The bistro featured Gruyere cheese on the mashed potato crust of the shepherd’s pie; the beef main dish in the fine dining room was accompanied by scalloped potatoes with Gruyere. One of the breakfast specials was an egg dish in a ramekin, prominently featuring Gruyere. Where the chef excels is in presentation: the choice of edible flowers adds taste notes that complement the food perfectly. We enjoyed the selection of single malts on offer, and were pleased to experience some wines from British Columbia that we were unfamiliar with – particularly a pinot noir from the Naramata Bench region. Unfortunately, there was not a large selection of local Salt Spring wines.

To truly experience this special property, you want to start by planning how you are going to get to and from Salt Spring Island. There is a direct B.C. ferry (as opposed to the long many stop route) that is not to be missed on a sunny day. Just as wonderful is taking a sea plane either to or from the island. I would take the ferry one way and a sea plane the other. The Inn, itself, is a wonderful place to escape to. The restaurants both provide wonderful food and great service. You have to dine in the fine dining room but, if you are planning 2 nights, try the less formal bistro as well. Both serve superb food. Carefully select your room. If you are thinking of the hillside suites, make sure that you're aware that the Pub is not that far away so you may hear music and noise later at night.

We just enjoyed three nights at Hastings house and it was an amazing experience. The service, food, atmosphere, grounds, room, and comfort of bed were all 5 star. This was our first trip to Salt Spring Island, and it was idyllic. Even though it rained most days, we still enjoyed nice walks, explored the island, visited the artist studios, enjoyed the Saturday market, and just relaxed in front of the fire with a good book. Next time, we will stay longer, and will take advantage of the spa services.

My husband and I eloped to get married at this beautiful hotel this past weekend. Words cannot describe our special day, all because of the perfect location, hotel and genuine and authentic service from all staff but especially Lynsey! I run a luxury hotel so my expectations for my special day were high. I chose this property over any other luxury hotel near or on Vancouver island. I truly know them all. Lynsey is such a huge asset to this property and I was relaxed from the moment we arrived. Zero stress throughout. The food is delicious and carefully and meticulously prepared. Our first night we dined in the bistro and were wowed with the flavours of the food and the overall ambiance. Our server was very good, warm and friendly. 2nd night in the formal dining room and the food was so flavourful and again presentation perfect. At the hotel they have many sustainable practices. With the farm a lot of the food cooked and served is raised or grown on the property. Each morning fresh baked muffins are delivered to your room in a cute little basket. Loved it!!!!! Writing a review cannot give this hotel true justice of perfection and how a hotel should operate. You have to visit so you can see the meaning in my words. My husband and I will return each year. Thank you Hastings house and do not change anything about your wonderful hotel. It's just perfect. Enjoy your stay! Thank you!