Eclectic but pleasant resort on the water by the ferry terminal. Very nice small restaurant and pub. Best room views are at the south end, 2nd and 3rd story. Driving time to Victoria just 15mins. Stay out of the nearby Native Reserve, you will know why if your GPS takes you thru it. Butchart Gardens is only 4-5k away, easy nice drive.

Our family of five went for the new year's buffet. I was shocked there were not replacement plates, that we were expected to use the same plate for any subsequent trips. I had some of the crab legs and nowhere to put the shells in order to go up for other food. The food was tepid at best, even freshly replenished food was nowhere near hot. The service was mediocre also. When we finally did get coffee, top ups did not happen, and I had to ask twice for a second cup. I did notice the staff having healthy chats to one side of the room, there certainly was attention for one another. This service was reflected in the tip.

We had New Years Day Brunch in the Arbutus Room. The selection of food was very good but the dishes were not regularly replaced (had to wait for items to come out- and when they did they weren't very warm) and some sitting were cold. There seemed to be a disconnect between the kitchen and the wait staff. We had to ask for coffee, more water, a side plate, butter. $55 could have included a drip coffee, tea or juice. Service was ok. Overall for $123 for 2, before tip, the experience was mediocre.

This review is strictly for the spa. I live locally and received a gift certificate for the spa. I looked online at the services offered and saw a Mid-Week Special where you would receive a welcome glass of prosecco/red wine, 18% off the cost of any treatment lasting 1hr+ and a 15% discount voucher for the pub. Perfect I thought. I booked for a 1hr deep tissue massage. The massage itself was wonderful - no complaints. However... On arrival - asked which welcome drink I'd prefer. Never received that drink On arrival - was asked to pay the bill - and tip! - seeing as I had one of the later appointments (5pm) In the (surprisingly small) change room - my robe in my designated locker had both belt loops broken and frayed. Also the lockers are small, so if you are local be prepared to squish your shoes and coat. Waiting in the calm waiting area (where the receptionist told me we all practice mindfulness) a random person in street clothes wandered through to go take pictures of the pool area, leaving the door open for me to get the freezing December air blowing on me. Experience was starting to feel surreal by now as I read the 6 month old magazine. After the massage, returned to the change room to find not one single towel anywhere. Went out to the reception but no-one there. Came across a staff member who went off in search of a towel for me, and returned with 1. Just 1 towel, nothing for the other person who had just entered the change room after me. When leaving, I mentioned to the reception that I had not had my welcome drink "Oh yeah - thats my fault..sorry" Well - its hardly my fault is it?! But not to worry, as she'll write a note on my file so I can get one next visit! Also did not receive the advertised 15% voucher for the pub. I emailed the spa, and cc'd the resort that night to offer feedback and to point out how I did not receive what was (and still is) advertised. It has been a week, and I have not heard from anyone. So it is safe to assume, that they are just interested in your money and not any form of customer satisfaction. This customer will never return.

A hidden gem. Beautiful hotel, with the look and feel of a west coast lodge. Beautiful wood and glass. Very comfortable rooms, amazing view, quiet, peaceful, and some of the best seafood I’ve eaten. Very reasonably priced rooms. The pool is only for guests age 18. A negative experience: we were very rushed in the morning, it took 5 minutes to seat us (at 830am and only two people already in the restaurant eating breakfast). Staff were leisurely making coffee for another guest and let us stand and wait. After 5 minutes standing they said we could sit wherever we’d like. Sat down, again waited a few minutes for someone to come to our table. I asked if there was anything they could do to get us some hot breakfast so we could be in/out in 30 minutes. They said no. There was a function going on downstairs and they couldn’t guarantee our timing. So we quickly checked out and left. I love this hotel so it still gets my top marks. But the restaurant service could do so much better. Other service throughout the hotel was perfect (check in and out).