Oak Bay Beach Hotel

The setting is beautiful, and the service was great. There are two restaurants, FARO and The Snug, and we tried both. I preferred FARO. The spa is lovely, too, with a mineral pool, hot tub, and an ocean-facing sauna. They can bring breakfast to your bedside for an extra charge, which is perfect if you don't want to leave the room.

We've stayed at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel more than a dozen times, and somehow it keeps getting better. This two-night visit over New Year's Eve, which is also my birthday, was exceptional. The festive, opulent decorations made a lovely impression as soon as we arrived, and Dalton at the front desk gave us such a warm welcome. The New Year's party had live music, a joyful countdown, and an elegant but intimate champagne toast at midnight. After the Christmas rush, the warm, restorative spa pools were exactly what we needed. Shane Gould, Director of Operations, also made us feel especially cared for with his personal attention and gracious service. We felt like VIPs. It's a place we return to for rest, celebrations, and genuine hospitality, and this stay was memorable in every way.

The staff were outstanding across the board, from the kind, professional Director of Operations to the concierge team, pool attendants, and everyone else. My favourite part was the mineral pools, hot tubs, and saunas. They were all the perfect temperature and pristinely clean. Going between the brisk ocean air, light cool rain or mist, and soothing hot water was idyllic, with fluffy warm towels for every transition. In the cedar-scented sauna, the huge plexiglass window and skylight looked out toward a rock “island.” I watched sea birds and a seal there, saw stars at night, and spotted otters playing around the rocks on our first day. A huge bald eagle soared over the grounds several afternoons. Our room was gorgeous and comfortable, with a nicely equipped kitchenette where we cooked local delicacies. From the large balcony, we had an incredible ocean view and felt close to the outdoors. Management lent us Scrabble, and my son, my local friend, and I had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon playing on the opulent but comfortable furniture. The trip was a bit unusual because I have a terminal cancer diagnosis, so it was a bucket-list visit. By sheer accident, management found out, and they were extra kind. They even gave my dear son free oranges as he struggles with my eventual fate. There were little acts of kindness here and there, though I'm sure they're always excellent at that. Our main concierge, Dillon, gave us excellent recommendations: the BEST ethical whale watching company, an outstanding sushi place, and advice on the easiest way to Butchart Gardens. He even looked into my odd, out-of-season zip lining question. Oak Bay Beach Hotel deserves all five stars. With an off-season deal and a discount for staying over three nights, it was also great value. I HIGHLY recommend it and have already booked another fairly long stay in May, health permitting. Treat yourself, especially if you're part otter like me. I went to the pools at least twice a day and enjoyed the whole place 100% of the time.

We only had one night and wished we could have stayed longer. The rooms and bathrooms were spotless, including the bathtubs, beds, and linens, and the whole hotel was clean and well kept. The beds and pillows were very comfortable, perfect for a good night's sleep. The ocean view from the pool, warm hot tubs, and beautifully maintained gardens made the stay memorable. We never felt cold, and going back and forth between the pool, hot Jacuzzi, and warm sauna was fantastic. We were there just last week and already miss it. The lobby was gorgeous, with a large fireplace beside the Christmas tree and a navy patterned carpet that gave it a special touch.