Well, it isn't the Fairmont Empress... but then again, I paid less for two nights at Swan's than one at the Fairmont. Originally a grain and feed store, the Swan was converted to "condo" style suites with a living area, a kitchen and one or two bedrooms (ours were upstairs). There is only one bath on the ground floor. Overall, the rooms were clean and well appointed with lightly used furniture that gave it a "lived in" look and feel as opposed to being run down. The bath was nice and and having a kitchen can be helpful if you stay awhile. Then again, there are many interesting places to eat, including the Swan Pub downstairs... you might not want to cook. The location borders Chinatown and the Market Square area and is located in a "Heritage" area here in Victoria. We had no problems with parking at the lot across the street and but I would guess that it might be a problem over the weekend. So, if you are looking for an eclectic and funky hotel in the middle of a fun and cool city neighborhood, you could do a lot worse than the Swan. The only downside? No air conditioning so, if you are here in August (like we are during a heat wave), the rooms can be warmer than you may like it. But just crank open the downstairs windows and let the cool evening air come in. No flies or mosquitoes to bother you. And they have plenty of fans available. Also, the water heater is electric and only 30 gallons. Just be creative with showers and don't hog the hot water and everyone should get a nice hot shower. read more

Location is great but the rooms have wooden floors so it sounds like the people from upstairs are echoing into our room. We can also hear the conversation of the people in the room next door! Definitely do not stay here. We can not stay in our room we have to leave. Totally ruined our stay and my partners birthday. This place is made out of cardboard! read more

This hotel is in the heart of the city. We did not have a car and it was the perfect location to experience the city walking. The convenience of being close to every restaurant you could imagine. We took the clipper over from Seattle for our stay and it was only a 15-20 minute walk to the terminal. Great Great hotel. Linens and pillows were very comfortable and the the front desk staff was attentive. We absolutely will be back for a return stay. Here is the view from room 303 read more

Swans Hotel - View from 303 - Hotels Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

Great location. Includes kitchen with cooking gear. Best part is the staff are so friendly and helpful. They really go out of their way to make guests feel like guests. read more

We stopped here for a pre dinner cocktail. Try the old fashioned...they have it on tap! We were seated right away when we walked in, but no one came to rake our order for several minutes. Once we ordered our drinks it was another while to get them. We're not impatient or demanding, but their service could be a little more timely. The Scotch egg was the best I've had. Very good. read more

Swans Hotel - Scotch egg - Hotels Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

A well located and relatively cost effective option for lodging in Victoria, Swans Hotel is a grain and feed operation dating back to the Victorian era, that in modern times functions as a Brew Pub and all Suite Hotel. Swans boasts a downtown Victoria location in historic Chinatown (the oldest in Canada) walking distance to Government Street shops, Munro Books and the Empress Hotel, and offers apartment-like rooms perfect for families traveling together. Granted, the rooms and hotel are darker and some would say dated, (others have described them as cavelike) but this is an original Victorian building. We found Swans to be a good value for all that space (this is not a hotel room, but an mini-apartment) and a good jumping off point for our Victoria adventures. Our loft-like suite did have dated decor (lots of gold brocade and terracotta colors) but they are clean and spacious. The staff is friendly and accomodating, and you can grab a craft beer in the bar and take it up to your room, which in our book is perfect for families traveling with kids who want to chat after the kids head to sleep. Our two bedroom suite included a full bath, kitchen, living room, desk, a dining table for four, a faux fireplace, free wifi, exterior private porch (into a interior courtyard) with (broken) plastic lawn furniture (that could be improved), artwork on the walls, and a second floor loft area with two bedrooms: one with two twin beds with warm duvets and a second room with a gigantic king. Basically, you have an apartment for about $230 a night, plus $9 extra should you need parking. A great value and location, but be sure to get a room in the back to avoid daily live-music. (We didn't hear a peep from our room in the back of the hotel. ) If you stay here, check out the two great coffee shops (Habit and Bean Around the World) within a block, and an excellent breakfast spot (Jam) within walking distance. read more

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Hotel, pub and microbrewery, what's not to like? We've stayed there a couple of times pre-covid, looking forward to our next stay!

Not sure what kind of people reviewed this place that gave gave it good enough reviews to somehow get 4, but the lie. This place is NOT good. The parking is a block away, LITERALLY. The rooms are strange...it has a little kitchenette (bonus) but the building is ancient, rooms are weird, mattresses might be as old as the building and the windows with wood blinds let in so much light that the are practically pointless. The rooms are above a pub so I am sure you know that I am going to tell you how great the music is at 11:30 too... There is this SUPER CREEPY little door on a "makeshift landing/kitchen ceiling" and It leaves a LOT to the imagination...enough to keep you awake at night waiting for something to come out of it...did I mention it is creepy as F#%^? Anyway, the pub is good, food is good...pick a different place.. read more

Spent Christmas here with my family. Just the best spot to have a holiday get away. We rented 4 suites and the Penthouse. It made getting the family together to easy. The staff were so lovely and kind, so we brought the front desk Christmas dinner too. The penthouse was perfect for everyone together, but having other suites nearby was important so kids could get good sleep. All the Condo suites were so clean. Housekeeping here is amazing. Thank you Swans for the amazing Christmas memories. read more

Swans Hotel - The decor was prefect. It was nice to open gifts and make breakfast in the gourmet penthouse kitchen. - Hotels Near Me - Victoria, British Columbia

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I stayed here with my family and it worked out well. It's a 2 bedroom apartment with bedrooms upstairs but the bathroom is downstairs. There is a furnished kitchen (glasses, dishes, silverware), living room area with desk and sofa and an outdoor seating area. As others have mentioned, it is not air conditioned. It was nice with the door open but then you could hear a lot of other people just talking or playing music (not overly loud-noise just carries and the patios are close to others. There were fans provided and a ceiling fan in the living area. The location is good. Chinatown is right there and a walk down Government street takes you past a lot of stores and restaurants to the harbor area, Empress Hotel, Thunderbird Park and Parliament building. There is a brewpub in the hotel which was pretty good but plenty of other options around. It was a comfortable place to stay and reasonably priced for 4 people. read more

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I stayed here last year for a music festival I play at since it's only a short 4 block walk away and I just booked my room again for this year. I was really just looking for a comfortable room at a good price close enough to our performance venue that I wouldn't have to hire a car. What I got was an amazing suite larger than my flat at home with fabulous food and beers as well! I reserved one of the "Entertainment Suites" directly above the pub, since I was performing at a loud show anyway and knew that even if I managed to get back before the pub closed, I wouldn't be going to sleep right off, so I might as well save a bit of money. This ended up being a really fabulous idea! When I came back Friday night, the band was still playing and the pub was completely packed. I got to hear the band from my room at a comfortable volume, yet completely clear as I was directly above the stage. I also managed to have poutine and a pint brought up to me while I enjoyed the last of the entertainment, without having to fight for a spot at the bar! If you're looking to get out and experience all that Victoria has to offer, day or night, this place is right in the middle of it all and the prices can't be beat for the exceptional quality. Once the music was finished, my room was surprisingly quiet for being only one level up from a busy downtown street. The wifi was free and stable, the room was clean and comfortable, everything was functional, and we had so much space that our room became the default hang-out spot before the shows started. It's definitely not the place for a family with children or couples looking for a quiet retreat, but people who enjoy nightlife will not be disappointed. read more

This hotel is a great deal. For a low price, you can get a kitchen, dining area, living room area, and two bedrooms. And it's on two levels! I love having two levels. Someone can watch TV downstairs while I sleep upstairs. Also, while I don't cook, who doesn't like to have a full kitchen to prepare fresh caught seafood. A wonderful value. I recommend paying more and getting the two bedroom. I didn't eat inside the hotel to review the food. read more

Four of us stayed here for a weekend. It's a nice hotel but definitely in need of some updating. However, it was clean. They let us check in at a little after noon because we arrived so early off the Clipper - we sure appreciated that! The staff was so nice and always super helpful! We had the large 2 bedroom suite. The King sized bed was huge and really comfy! The downstairs was large and the kitchen was big too. However, the artwork is weird. Really weird!!! The sound on the TV was HORRIBLE! We had it turned as far up as it goes to 100 and it was still garbled and hard to hear. There was a "Bose" speaker remote but no Bose speaker that we could find and the remote did nothing. Also - DO NOT stay here if it's going to be warm! While there are fans in the rooms which work well, there's no AC. We were lucky that it was only in the low 70's during our stay. Even so, the rooms got quite stuffy. If it'd been any hotter, it would have been miserable. The stairs in our suite were quite hard to navigate as they are narrow and steep. And we thought the top stair was going to give out at any moment because it gave so much when you stepped on it and made a huge creaking noise. The suite is spacious - but it's old. I'm not sure I would stay here again - I think there's probably better value out there. But, if you need something BIG - this might be the place for you. Keeping in mind that it's in need of some serious upgrades. read more

Really, quite lovely, if a bit spartan. Good location, one block from LoJo. No ice machines, but go to the dollar store and pick up an ice tray or two for the freezer and you'll be fine. BEWARE OF WEBSITES THAT SAY THEY HAVE AIR CONDITIONING, THEY DO NOT. This is not normally a problem for most of the year in BC, but in mid summer it can really get steamy. Also, find other parking if you can, the $11/day lot they sell you is tiny and invariably full most of the day. If you have trouble walking, the upstairs loft bedroom will be murder, so be sure to tell them you need a single floor unit well in advance. read more

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This is not hotel it is like a inn the facilities are very very old and smells so bad everywhere and even hot water is not enough. I am so disappointed and not good feeling during my vacation. NOT RECOMMENDED read more

Great little hotel, close to everything. The only reason I am giving 4 stars instead of five is that the rooms are a bit dated to my liking, but I am am spoiled New Yorker. Staff were really friendly and helpful, my only peeve was that the front desk people were always sitting when we spoke and I found it disrespectful. The pub/restaurant had really great food and they even make their own line of beers. The location is a fantastic starting point for anyone that wants to explore Victoria, all major destinations are only a 10 - 15 minute walk. The staff were fantastic at offering suggestions of things to see and do. read more

Swans has amazing suites right in the heart of historic downtown Victoria! Just minutes from the Victoria Harbour and all of the nightlife Victoria has to offer. I enjoyed the live music and home brews at the Brewpub and had a very nice dinner at the Bistro. read more

We were only here for 1 night and stayed in their Hotel. Comfy queen bed with living are with an outdoor patio and kitchenette. Free movies was nice with our room service Delicious pizza and had purchased a Stout growler downstairs when we were eating wings and trying both yummy stouts. Saturday breakfast was delicious as well. We split the frittata and eggs Bennie, Yummm! Great start to our day, We Will Be Back! Cheers! Parking available and walk around town. Float planes landing while we ate breakfast downstairs, that's always a cool addition. Be sure to take an evening carriage ride read more

We had no clue what the Swan was like. We pulled up to what looked like a restaurant. Parking was on the next block around the corner. So we dropped our bags off, while I parked the car. The hotel and adjoining restaurant had a feel of hospitality to them. Our room was adorable. Very warm, cozy feel. Two bedrooms were upstairs and quite large with sky-lights. The only problem was the bathroom was downstairs!! Quite an inconvenience. The kitchen was great; wished we staying longer. Wifi was adequate. There was no air-conditioning, so we left the windows open, and it kept us from roasting. Downtown was nearby. We look forward to staying here again. read more

Came here to get a nights rest before catching a morning ferry. Room next door is pack full of yelling people with music loud enough to shake the walls. At this point I am waiting for the noise cutoff so the hotel will "intervene" as they put it. Review will be updated based on how that goes... read more

Stayed here for 3 days with my wife and two teenage kids. Very happy with our time here. Greeted with a smile...nice big CLEAN room staff was helpful with our tourist questions. Nice brewpub downstairs...nightly music but not too loud. Would stay here again for sure. read more

Quiet room, yet on a busy intersection. Very clean. Nicely equipped kitchen. No air conditioning when hot in Victoria. Convenience of location to all; great people watching and daily drink specials in bar area. Will stay here again. read more

Unpretentious yet nicely renovated with spacious kitchen and dining area. The two bedrooms were upstairs which gave more privacy to the person sleeping on the sofa-bed downstairs. I can easily see you saving a buck by cooking your own meals on a multi-day stay. We only spent one night so we could not take full advantage of that. Our room faced the internal patios which made it dark. It didn't really matter to us but if that's a problem for you, you can get one of the rooms facing the street. read more

We stayed here one night on our vacation on our way from Seattle to Vancouver. Friendly, helpful staff and a great room for the price. We stayed in a studio on the second floor (not above the bar). The room was spacious, comfortable, very clean and updated. Kitchen was a nice plus. Great location for us. We walked from the ferry to the hotel and around town, up to Cook Street and the waterfront. Great experience at a super cute place on the cheap. read more

terrible service, our bills where mixed up and the management escalated the hole instance, we had to talk to the police for half an hour. one of our guests a waiter was charged more than double for his and obviously some one other persons bill. As servers who work in Victoria we would never recommend visiting swans if you wanted a quiet time and a few warm friends to entertain after work. horrible experience, would need an apology from management. read more

We stayed in the 2 bedroom suite/mini apartment the rooms are dark but Clean and roomy, a great space. Wished it had 2 bathrooms for the 4 adults. The Seagulls were VERY annoying! It was hard to sleep because they squawked ALL night long. They are very loud, sitting right outside the windows. The live music was fantastic! We enjoyed the dancing very much. The beer was wonderful and the food was very very good! The service from the waitstaff was just fine and super friendly. The reason I gave only 3 stars is because of the loud seagulls and for Ryan whom runs the front desk. He is condescending and takes any opportunity to make snide and rude remarks just to make you feel you stupid. Not sure why he chose the customer service industry as his job. He clearly does not enjoy people. The location of this Hotel is perfect, we walked everywhere plus it has character and is very clean and super cute. Victoria is a wonderful city to visit. read more

An interesting hotel that feels like apartments that have since been converted. The room we stayed in had two bedrooms (up stairs), a living room (down stairs), and a small kitchen... very spacious, and far better than the usual hotel room. Kitchen included plates/glasses/silverware, microwave, full fridge which was handy for leftovers. Staff was very friendly and helpful. They offered complimentary DVDs at the front desk with good selection; a nice way to end a day of sightseeing. When there was a problem with the DVD, the manager came up personally to troubleshoot the issue. The only downside was no pool, but it wasn't enough to bring down my review from a 5. read more

The hotel and location itself are just fine. Arrived Thursday afternoon, May 26. The young guy at the front desk who checked us in had such an insufferably poor attitude I was astounded, and that alone would be a reason not to return. There was a problem (of my own making) with the reservation - but it was clear he enjoyed the fact that I had a problem, and was lightning quick to tell me there was nothing he could do to assist, all with a snarky smile. Just a horrible introduction to the place. I've had friendlier experiences at travel hostels. We did like the 2-room setup of the suites, and the brewpub was just great all the way around - food, service, and beer. The ESB on nitro was super. A shout out to Tanya T, a super service-oriented waitress there. read more

Whenever my husband & I visit Victoria, Swans is a must! So close to everything downtown. They have the best drinks and food, always consistently good! One of the reasons I have to add is the wait people they have on staff. I want to give a very special compliment to one in particular---Carol Ellington.we always try to get her service station because of her enthusiasm, friendliness, helpfulness , and just an overall Funny and professional person! It is with people like that we always enjoy our time at Swans! Hopefully we will see you again soon (live on the peninsula in the states) PS. Keep up the good work and great food!! read more