Oswego Hotel Victoria: BC's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury Awaits!)
Oswego Hotel Victoria: BC's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury Awaits!) - My Messy, Honest, and Absolutely Human Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or, you know, the perfectly brewed complimentary coffee) on the Oswego Hotel in Victoria, BC. Is it really the "best kept secret"? Let's find out, shall we? This isn't your polished, PR-approved review. This is me – flaws and all – giving you the lowdown. And trust me, I've got opinions.
First Impressions: Access and… Shudders… Finding the Place.
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. I didn't test this specifically with a wheelchair, but the website mentions facilities for disabled guests, and I saw an elevator. Check that box. But finding the place? That's a story. Google Maps tried to send me on a grand tour of Victoria's back alleys. I nearly ended up petting a pigeon before finally stumbling upon the entrance. Location-wise? It’s a bit tucked away, which, on the one hand, adds to the "secret" vibe. On the other hand… make sure you’re not relying on your navigation skills, especially if you're like me and get lost following a breadcrumb trail (which, admittedly, I did try at one point).
Booking Online vs. Reality: Internet Frustration…and Bliss.
Okay, let's talk about the elephant (or maybe the slightly deflated pool toy) in the room: Internet. Their website screams "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!". In reality? The Wi-Fi was… flaky. Sometimes it was lightning-fast, perfect for streaming my favorite cat videos. Other times, it took longer to load a news article than it does for my cat to decide she wants to be petted. They do have Internet [LAN] options…but who travels with a LAN cable anymore? Seriously, Oswego, level up your Wi-Fi game! But, listen, I could still mostly get my Insta game on, which is a win in my book.
Rooms: Cleanliness, Comfort, and My Personal Panic About the Extra Toilet.
The rooms themselves are where Oswego really shines. My room was a non-smoking haven (thank god) and impeccably clean. Like, seriously clean. I'm talking "surgical operating room" clean. They clearly pay HUGE attention to cleanliness and safety. You can even opt-out of room sanitization – which is a nice touch if you're feeling a little germ-averse. They use anti-viral cleaning products, which made me feel a tiny bit secure during the COVID times. The rooms are sanitized between stays, which is reassuring. Bonus points for the Daily housekeeping – the staff did a great job keeping everything immaculate.
Now, about the room… This is where I get a bit…weird. I'm a simple person who loves a good bathroom, but I totally wasn't prepared for the additional toilet. Yes, you read that right! Two thrones in the bathroom! My first emotion? PANIC. Why? Was I missing something? Did I need to learn some sort of fancy "two toilet" protocol? I eventually figured out it was simply a luxurious extra, but it took a solid five minutes of staring and deep breathing. The bathrobes were soft, the complimentary tea was delicious (I needed a lot of it after that toilet incident), and the blackout curtains were a lifesavers for a light-sensitive panda like myself. The extra long bed was heaven, and the desk was perfect for… pretending to work while ordering room service.
Dining: From Room Service Shenanigans to the Unforeseen Vegetarian Triumph.
Let's talk food! Dining, drinking, and snacking…the holy trinity of vacation, isn't it? Room service [24-hour]? YES. And it's glorious! I may have indulged in a late-night burger. No regrets. They do have restaurants, a bar, and a coffee shop, which I did get to experience. I'm a vegetarian, and I was pleasantly surprised by the Vegetarian restaurant. They had a surprising amount of options (including the much-needed salad in the restaurant). The Asian breakfast sounded intriguing, but I chickened out (I played it safe with western breakfast). Bottle of water in the room? Always appreciated!
The Pool: A View to…Well, a Bit of a View
The Swimming pool [outdoor] is a must-see. The Pool with view, while not overlooking the ocean, was still very nice and gave a relaxing vibe. It was a perfect place to unwind after a long day of…well, relaxing.
Ways to Relax: Sauna, Spa, and the Ongoing Quest for Bliss.
Okay, I’m not going to lie, I didn't hit the Sauna or the Spa. I just didn't get the time (or the courage). But they had a Fitness center, so I tried to use it to work off the burger. They offer Massage services, which I would have loved, but I was too busy marveling at the extra toilet.
Services and Conveniences: Luggage Storage, and the Elusive Concierge
The concierge was mostly helpful (though I had some issues getting ahold of them). There's luggage storage, which I definitely used. The daily housekeeping was on point. They have dry cleaning, laundry service, and the usual amenities. The gift/souvenir shop was a nice touch for picking up a last-minute trinket.
For the Kids, & Other Random Tidbits.
I didn't have any kids with me, but they have Babysitting service and Kids meal which might be a win for traveling families. There are shrine and safety deposit boxes. There is also a proposal spot, so there’s that if you're feeling romantic! Safety & Security: A Sense of Calm
They have Security [24-hour], CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, and fire extinguisher and smoke alarms, putting you at ease.
My Take: Worth the Secret-Keeping?
So, is the Oswego Hotel Victoria a "best-kept secret"? Well, it's got its quirks, but overall, I'd say yes. It's a lovely hotel with a fantastic location, that had a great vibe; it is also a great place to go if you don’t mind wandering a little and maybe even getting lost. It's clean, comfortable, and has enough amenities to keep you happy.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. (Minus one star for the Wi-Fi and the initial navigational trauma).
The Messy, Honest, and Absolutely Human Offer for YOU:
Escape to Victoria's Hidden Gem!
Book your stay at the Oswego Hotel Victoria NOW and experience the luxury everyone's whispering about!
Here's what you get:
- Unforgettable Comfort: Sink into those ridiculously comfortable beds, relax with your favorite shows, and indulge in the ultimate unwinding.
- Scrumptious Dining: Savor the flavors with exceptional room service, eat breakfast while viewing the pool and enjoy it all with a coffee.
- Unwind and Recharge: Soak up in the Pool, and treat yourself to a massage or the sauna.
- Peace of Mind: Rest easy with our commitment to Safety and Security!
But wait, there's MORE! Because we know you're reading this honest review, we want to offer you something special!
Use code "SECRETESCAPE" at checkout and receive a FREE upgrade to a room with a view
Don't wait! This deal, like the Oswego, is a secret worth keeping. Book your escape today and see why everyone's talking (and slightly lost) about the Oswego Hotel!
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Zenit Coruña's Unbeatable Luxury Awaits
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on an Oswego Hotel adventure that's gonna be less "polished travel brochure" and more "slightly tipsy postcard from your slightly-too-opinionated aunt." This is going to be messy, gorgeous, and probably involve a lot of coffee. Let's do this!
The Oswego Hotel, Victoria, BC - A Whirlwind of Feels (and Possibly Buttercream)
(Disclaimer: My internal compass is consistently pointing towards "wine o'clock," so bear with me.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great (Over)Planning Debacle
- 1:00 PM - Arrival & Initial "Wow!" Moment (Followed by Immediate "Holy Crap, Did I Pack Enough Socks?" panic):** Okay, so I land in Victoria, buzzing with excitement. Ferry was smooth (thank god, I get seasick on a paddleboat), and the little airport shuttle to the Oswego was a dream. Seriously, the driver had a delightful laugh and a surprisingly deep knowledge of local craft beer. Already a good start. Stepped into the lobby… and BAM. Chic, cozy, smelled faintly of freshly baked bread (I’m pretty sure that's my love language). Check-in was easy. Until I lost my wallet. Panic set in, my breathing went a little crazy, the entire world was going black and white. Found it in the bottom of my bag, and I did a little happy dance right there in front of the desk clerk. He gave me this look, like, “Seen it before.”
- 2:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance & (Attempted) De-Stress Ritual: My room! Oh man, a beautiful, airy, lovely room, with a fireplace. Yes! Fireplace. I'm a sucker for fireplaces. The bed looked like a cloud, and I immediately flopped down, letting out a sigh of pure contentment. My attempts at a 'de-stress ritual' crumbled a the sight of delicious snacks. I had a chocolate croissant, okay?! It was heavenly. I blame jet lag… and the croissant. (And the fact that my luggage felt like it weighed as much as a small elephant. Gotta downsize next time.)
- 3:00 PM - Pre-Dinner Drinks and the "Accidental" Over-Ordering: I had planned to walk around, but then I saw their lounge. A dark, cozy, delicious lounge with a crackling fireplace. A flight of local beers was beckoning. Went there, and ordered an appetizer. Then another. And another. I just kept saying, “Oooo, that looks delicious!” By the time dinner rolled around, I was feeling the effects of the beer.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at "The Courtney Room." My First Epic Fail: So, I had the great idea to try the award-winning restaurant at The Oswego. The Courtney Room. Fancy. I wanted to be all sophisticated. I should have made a reservation. I didn't. They were booked solid. So, fine, I got a seat at the bar. The bartender was super friendly, and I ordered what sounded like a reasonably priced appetizer. (I think it was a grilled octopus. I don't know if I liked it, but it did get me talking with the bartender.) Then: The main course. I went with the recommended fish dish. It arrived looking like a work of art… and tasting like… well, I won't say bad, but not the best. I left most of it. I felt like a proper failure. And the bill? Well, let's just say my credit card is weeping. I'll stick with pub food tomorrow.
Day 2: Embracing the Mess & The Great Fish Incident of '23
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast and the "I Should Have Eaten More at Dinner" Regret: The Oswego does a mean continental breakfast. Loads of coffee, fresh fruit. I started my day with a small feast, because I have learned from my errors. I ate a croissant in front of the fireplace. Felt like I was living in a movie.
- 10:00 AM - The Great Victoria Walkabout (and the Search for the Perfect Coffee): Okay, Time to walk!! Victoria is GORGEOUS. Seriously, picture-postcard gorgeous. The Inner Harbour is bustling, the parliament buildings are stunning, and everywhere you look, there's flowers. And coffee shops! I'm on a mission to find the best one in the city. I got some coffee. Not great coffee, but it was a coffee, and it had lots of cream. I found a bench, watched the buskers, and just… breathed. It's moments like these that make travel worth it.
- 1:00 PM - A Fishy Reunion. I'm giving fish a second chance. After yesterday’s debacle, I’m channeling my inner Gordon Ramsay and tackling fish again. This time, It's at a casual place downtown. I ordered the fish and chips. Simple. Classic. And… it was perfect! Flaky, crispy, and the tartar sauce was a revelation. (Who knew tartar sauce could be so good?!) I sat there, eating it, thinking, “See? You can’t judge a city, or a fish, by one bad experience.”
- 3:00 PM - Book Shopping, and Then My Mind Just Went to Mush: Headed to a bookstore. I found a book I love!. It made me a little emotional, actually. I lost track of time. I spent the entire afternoon in the bookstore.
- 7:00 PM - "Secret" Lounge and the "Let's Not Think About Spending" Rule: Back to the Oswego. Back to the lounge. Decided I'd order another flight of local brews. I met a couple from Ottawa, and we chatted about life and travel. They were lovely. I decided to play it cool and not to think about how broke I was going to be… the beers just floweth when you're surrounded by beautiful scenery and great company.
- 9:00 PM - An Early Night. And the lingering Fishy Thoughts: Decided to call it a night. Back in the room, the fireplace was calling. I'm exhausted. But happy. But… still a little haunted by that fish. Maybe I should have ordered the burger. Or maybe I just need to trust my gut.
Day 3: Farewell (And the Promise to Return, Eventually)
- 9:00 AM - Another Breakfast Bonanza (Because, Priorities!): More coffee. More pastries. More fuel for the (eventually) long journey home.
- 10:00 AM - Late Checkout and The "I Need to Buy a Souvenir" Panic: I lingered in the room, trying to soak up every last ounce of cozy. Checkout. Found some souvenirs.
- 12:00 PM - Departure and the "Victoria, I'll Be Back!" Vow: The taxi ride back to the airport was melancholy. It was a little sad. Victoria, you've got a piece of my heart. The Oswego, especially that lounge, you have a piece of my liver. I'm already plotting my return. Next time, I'll make reservations. And maybe skip the fancy fish.
Postscript: Lesson Learned.
Travel is messy. It's imperfect. It's filled with bad meals, wrong turns, and moments of abject panic. But it's also filled with beauty, laughter, unexpected friendships, and the kind of memories that cling to you like the smell of fresh-baked bread from an Oswego hotel. So, go. Explore. Embrace the mess. And for heaven's sake, make a reservation!
Cheers to the next adventure, and the next glass of wine (or three).
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