Sandman Hotel Victoria

The rooms are spacious and clean, and they made our dogs feel welcome with the cutest little cookies. We stay in hotels a lot, and this has been our favorite by far. Every staff member was wonderful and went out of their way to make us feel at home. We’ll definitely return. I can’t thank them enough.

The pool and hot tub were a real highlight, warm and clean, and open from 8am-10pm. Great after work or a day out. The location is close to downtown and shopping like Mayfair, and the front desk staff were welcoming. Our beds were comfy, and the room had everything we needed: controllable HVAC, microwave, mini fridge, TV, coffee and tea, iron, desk and comfortable chair, plus basic bathroom and shower toiletries. Housekeeping was excellent. Narinder and Rupi worked hard to keep the room spotless, stocked and fresh. Narinder was especially sweet and friendly, and I always enjoyed chatting with her.

For the Christmas season, this was very affordable for Victoria, and the hotel looked fresh and modern, like it had recently been renovated. We stayed four nights as a couple. The gym was especially well equipped for a hotel in this price range, and there was also a pool and hot tub. We didn't get to use the pool or hot tub because they were always crowded. Once, two guests seemed to add soapy products to the tub and use it as their own bubble bath, which was unpleasant, and staff didn't seem to address it. Housekeeping also wasn't automatic each day. We had to request it every morning, something that hadn't been explained at check-in. When we did, the towels were changed and the bed made, but soap and toilet paper weren't replenished unless we asked separately. Good value and a fresh-looking property, though the cleaning process and oversight of shared amenities could be better.

We came from Vancouver to Victoria for a family holiday with our kids, with a confirmed reservation and the trip planned around it. After arriving late at night, tired from travel, we were told the hotel had oversold and had no room for us. There was no backup plan or meaningful help, and no ferries were running at that hour. We were stranded with the children and ended up sleeping in our car, keeping it running all night because it was cold. It was uncomfortable and extremely stressful, and the kids were upset and confused. A special holiday became a nightmare and our trip was ruined by the hotel's poor management. What made it worse was the lack of a proper apology, compensation, follow-up call or accountability. They acted as if this was normal. A hotel that won't honor a confirmed booking can't be trusted. This was completely unacceptable, especially for a family with children. We absolutely do not recommend staying here. Avoid booking if you value your time, money and family vacation.