Staying at Hotel Grand Pacific Victoria: What We Loved (and Didn’t)

Planning a trip to Victoria, Canada? Let’s talk about the Hotel Grand Pacific—an elegant, pet-friendly hotel in a prime location… with a few quirks you might want to know before booking.

First Impressions: A Room with a View… and Ten Pillows

Right off the ferry and across the street sits the Hotel Grand Pacific, a gorgeous property that makes a striking first impression. We were especially thrilled with our room's private balcony overlooking the bay—watching the ferries glide in and out was easily a highlight. But don't let the polished lobby and beautiful views fool you—comfort, it turns out, doesn’t extend to the mattresses.

The beds were so firm that my daughter requested ten pillows to try crafting her own pillow-top mattress. Creative? Absolutely. Effective? Not so much. If plush bedding is a priority, this might not be your dream hotel—unless, of course, you dream of sleeping on a box spring.

The Stay: Clean, Classy, and Costly

We booked a two-queen room at a rate in the mid to upper $400 CAD range, which translates to roughly $300–$350 USD, depending on the exchange rate. The room was clean, stylish, and well-maintained. It included Wi-Fi and had that polished upscale ambiance you’d expect from a hotel in this price bracket.

Parking was available in an underground garage, but it came at an additional $23 CAD, or you could upgrade to valet for $30 CAD. Not terrible for downtown Victoria, but worth budgeting for.

The hotel is also pet-friendly, which is a big plus for fellow travelers with four-legged companions.

Amenities at Hotel Grand Pacific Victoria: Luxe on the Surface

• Indoor pool and hot tub

• Full-service spa

• Fitness center

• Onsite restaurant and lounge

• Complimentary bike rentals – Yes, they offer free bike rentals that can be reserved for up to 2.5 hours, depending on the season. We would’ve absolutely taken advantage of this if we’d known in advance! We spotted the bikes outside but assumed they came with additional fees. Don’t make the same mistake—ask about it at the front desk.

The hotel delivers on amenities—there’s plenty to do if you’re looking for relaxation between excursions into the city. But again, if you’re hoping for a dreamy night’s sleep after that spa session, be warned: the beds might leave you tossing and turning.

Final Verdict: 3 out of 5 Tin Hearts

While the Hotel Grand Pacific wins points for cleanliness, amenities, and a prime location, the sleep experience was a real letdown for us. For a hotel in this price range, we expected more comfort. If you're the type who could sleep on a rock and still wake up refreshed, this place might be perfect. For the rest of us pillow princesses? Maybe not.

⭐ Would we stay again? No, probably not.

🐾 Who is it best for? Travelers with pets, ferry-goers, and folks who prefer firm beds (or bring their own mattress toppers).

Helpful Travel Tips:

Here are some local insights and practical suggestions from our stay at Hotel Grand Pacific Victoria to help make your trip even more memorable:

• Walkable location – You're within walking distance to the Parliament Buildings, Inner Harbour, Royal BC Museum, and charming Government Street shops.

• Ferry tip – Arrive by ferry from Port Angeles for a scenic journey, complete with potential whale and seal sightings.

• Brunch at Blue Fox Café – A must-visit with fun decor and incredible food. Expect a short wait—but it’s absolutely worth it!

• Miniature World Museum – Located by the Fairmont Empress, this quirky, nostalgic stop is full of tiny dioramas and magic.

• Government House Gardens – Peaceful, free to visit, and full of themed garden areas. Keep an eye out for curious deer.

• Dinner at Bard & Banker – A historic building with a Scottish flair and excellent food. Try to get a table inside to enjoy the old-world atmosphere.

• Street music magic – One night we stumbled upon a local man playing the bagpipes near the harbor. Unexpected, but pure magic.

• Beacon Hill Park & Moss Lady – A tranquil, flower-filled park that’s perfect for wandering. Don’t miss the whimsical Moss Lady sculpture.

• Fisherman’s Wharf – Great for an afternoon stroll among colorful floating homes, snack stops, and ocean views.

• Too tired to go out? – Uber Eats was our savior on two nights. Enjoy pizza or burgers with a view from your balcony.

• Packing tip – If you’re picky about mattresses, consider bringing extra comfort items from home—or go full DIY like we did and request ten pillows to engineer your own pillow-top mattress.

• Want to save money? The best time to visit Victoria for lower hotel rates and fewer crowds is during the slower seasons—April to early June and September to early November. Midweek bookings usually offer the best deals.

Looking for a luxe spot with a stellar view, spa-worthy perks, and close proximity to Victoria’s best sights? Hotel Grand Pacific checks most of the boxes—just maybe not the one labeled “good night’s sleep.” If you’re a firm-mattress fan or don’t mind layering ten pillows for DIY luxury, this could be your perfect base in the city.

Otherwise, come for the views, stay for the location—and maybe pack your own pillow, just in case.

Want more from this adventure? This review is part of a 2-part blog series about our full road trip experience to Victoria, Canada. Click here to read the full travel story and follow along as we share ferry rides, flower gardens, and more unforgettable moments.