Hotel Grand Pacific

Being right next to the impressive provincial parliament building and directly across the street from the harbor, the Hotel Grand Pacific's location is as good as it gets in Victoria. The building is elegant, yet reserved, which I find to be a great combination. The service was good all the way around, if not quite as friendly as some other stops I made on this trip to Alberta and British Columbia. Special shout out to the lovely room service attendant, who was all smiles and as nice as you find anywhere. She definitely stood out. The room itself was very nicely equipped and offered the full array of amenities, including an electric kettle which is something I personally haven't seen in North America before. The only downside was the bed itself; it was hard as a rock. That being the most important part of a hotel stay to me, I don't believe I would choose the Grand Pacific on future stays in Victoria. I am also glad I had only one night booked, because the quality of the bed would have made me look for somewhere else to stay after the first night.

We stayed here as part of a two week road trip through BC and Alberta. Definitely a low point compared with the many other fine places we stayed in. Unfortunately it started with the Check In. We had carried heavy bags from the Seaplane terminal about 8 minutes walk away and arrived a little hot. The receptionist went through the usual routine and smilingly announced that as I was an I-Prefer member I was entitled to a late check out I enquired when that might be to be told 12.30 - so 30 minutes later than usual. I politely declined. Talk about perks of membership! Having been given the keys, I asked if someone might help us with our bags. The receptionist looked over to the concierge desk which was empty and panicked. Looking around he suggested we might just carry the bags because the room wasn’t far. My wife demurred, he then suggested carrying our bags over to the concierge desk and when someone appeared they could help us. Again my wife demurred. Spying a luggage trolley we asked if we might perhaps use that. Looking frantic he said yes. The trolley had a lock on it so with great heaving we managed to get it across the lobby and loaded our bags onto it. At which point he came out from behind reception and started flapping saying that the non existent concierge would do it (which they did eventually). So hardly a disaster but as first impressions went it wasn’t a winner. Room was dark (being in the eaves) which was disappointing for a harbour view room that I had paid extra for. Then the toilet blocked. The bathroom had the contraptions that they use in hotels where they fear that the clientele is going to steal the shower gel / shampoo. Who knows perhaps that is a common problem at the Hotel Grand Pacific? Overall the hotel looked tired and under invested in, which is a shame as the location is great. On a positive note the service from Kien at the very slow and unimpressive breakfast was at least very polite. So not the worst hotel I have ever stayed in but certainly not the best. I left wishing I had stayed in the Fairmont.

Five star hotel, five star price, two stars service. No onsite parking. We were told to park on street parking overnight and have to wake up at 8am to move the car to another car park. If we park over night on the public car park nearby it will be 3x24 =72 CAD. On the website it said $23 for hotel parking, hence we booked this hotel as we like the location. Room is oldish looking. The bathrobe looked so old and worn we didn’t dare to wear them. No slippers for a five star hotels. Front desk never even bother to reply our email after reservation was booked when enquire about pet. The only plus is the very vibrant and convenient location. Will not stay again.

The staff are amazing. The hotel is beautiful. The beds are comfortable. And they have an amazing pool, hot tub and kids swim area. I requested an adjacent room if possible for my daughter and her family for a few days and the kind and wonderful Jake at the Front Desk made it happen. Everyone here is kind and attentive. We had such a lovely time and the view from our balcony was so beautiful. Shout out to Rex in housekeeping who worked tirelessly and with such a great attitude - very guest oriented at this hotel. It was a dream come true. The rooms have real wood furniture too. Beautiful. Harder to maintain I imagine. Thank you so much, Hotel Grand Pacific. You deserve 10 stars.

Designed to be solid, colonial, quietly confident and elegant the Grand Hotel Pacific hits the mark, in the most part. The location, proximity to all the delights of Victoria and beyond can almost not get beaten The old style elegance looks a bit tired and fusty in parts although wonderfully comfortable and gracious. Our room was delightful with a fabulous outlook. The engagement at reception, valet and concierge was not universally great. This venue deserves staff who can cater for the super busy, quick, sharp business traveller and the weary, befuddled, tired tourist traveller with equal grace, a warm welcome, appropriate engagement and a sense that we all matter. We did not ever feel noticed nor important although everything functioned. Reception, lobby, concierge, valet and parking all fell short on being perfunctory and unengaging and this continued in the restaurant. Victoria is a gorgeous city and the waterfront, harbour, government, legislature, parks and restaurants are unsurpassed. I would probably give this hotel another visit although there are several nearby rivals to grandeur and majesty. I am more likely to look at boutique or an elegant home, all of which could be the province of The Grand Pacific if it worked to improve customer engagement.