Dashwood Manor Seaside Bed & Breakfast

The friendly staff, very good breakfast, and location by the water and park were the bright spots of our five-night stay. We had hoped the Dashwood Manor would live up to the good reviews and quaint photos, but the Park Lane Room was a letdown. The website called it newly decorated, and its pictures didn't match what we found. It's a standard queen room, not a suite, and it needs renovation. We know the house is old and have stayed in similar B&Bs, but this didn't meet the standard of other inns and manors we've visited. It gave us the impression this room is only used when needed. I can't say whether the other standard rooms are better or whether the website photos are accurate for them. The bathroom felt old and worn, with rusty fixtures, a chipped sink, old shutters as vanity doors, and lattice covering a hole where the pipes were. There was mold on the tub, a leaking tub faucet, and a toilet that kept running. The main room's closet door was missing, leaving the track and a view into what could be called a rustic closet. Some blind slats were broken, the area rug was dirty, and the sitting chairs need refreshing. We left the windows open because of a musty smell. The gardens and house entrance could use some attention too. There was no housekeeping during our stay, regardless of its length. We asked for fresh towels, and on the second day they changed the sheets without us asking. At check-in there was one old pillow on each side of the bed; when the sheets were changed, those were replaced with four newer ones. For five nights, the room wasn't stocked with extra towels or shampoo and body wash. If you don't ask, there's no service for a longer stay. We asked to move and offered to pay for an upgrade, but the hotel was full.

The view from our Cambridge Room was stunning, and I already miss it. I brought my lovely husband to Dashwood Hotel for his birthday, and the whole visit felt cozy and delightful, like being in a dreamy historic home. (Lol, I love my own home too!) Breakfast was delicious, and the kind staff gave the place a real family feel. There was a lovely lady from the Philippines and a young lady from Japan. Oh, Dashwood, we'll definitely be back!

Don't overlook this lovely, relaxing place if you're traveling solo. I walked about eight miles a day, ate some great food, then had a soak in the tub after all that hiking. The sheets were super soft, the rooms were comfortable and in wonderful shape, and breakfast was amazing. The staff were so kind and thoughtful. It's easy to get around on foot, and the hotel sits right on the water. Thanks, team!

We picked the Dorset for three nights after stumbling on the Dashwood while figuring out where to stay for our 10th wedding anniversary in Victoria. We were both taken with the building's charm and the attentive staff at breakfast. The house has unique architecture, and every room has its own features. Our room was clean, comfortable, and well cared for. Coffee, tea, and baked goods were available around the clock, a really nice touch. The location on Dallas Rd was perfect for setting off on a seaside bike ride, and we were glad to have free parking behind the house since we brought a car. I highly recommend a stay here!