Guest Review of the Helm's Inn Victoria
Jan 3, 2011
I always take time to write a review if there is something exceptional about a
business - whether it is on the positive or the negative side.
In the case of the Helm's Inn, which is located on the southern fringe of
downtown Victoria, I feel compelled to comment on the exceptionally positive
aspects of this hotel.
Staying here for a few days in early January, I have observed the following
positive qualities at the Helm's Inn:
-the building is safe and secure
-my room is immaculate and well provisioned
-the front desk staff have all been professional, efficient, friendly, and
polite (I have interacted with Chris, Barry, and Marty on front desk)
-the location is amazing and is only minutes on foot away from Beacon Hill Park,
Victoria's Inner Harbor, the Provincial Legislature, and the Victoria Conference
Center
-the room rate seems remarkably low for this level of quality and service (maybe
off-season plus weak economy = low demand, which forces management to lower
prices)
All of this sounds too good to be true, but are there any negative features of
the Helm's Inn? Yes, there is only one thing I can say on the negative side. The
building I am in (and I believe there are three separate buildings at this
hotel) is undergoing renovations to the Lobby and some of the rooms are
receiving cosmetic upgrades. The construction produces a fair bit of noise
during week day business hours. And since I am working from my room some of the
time, this can be distracting.
However, the management is wise to be renovating now during the off-season, and
the overall quality here is only going to improve with the added investment in
decor.
Specific details of my room are:
-room rate was $76.50 per night before taxes.
-spacious room with single king size bed and an extra fold-down wall bed tucked
away in one of the closets
-kitchenette with scaled down fridge and stove, granite finish counter-top and
tile back-splash, frosted glass upper cabinet doors, dark wood finish laminate
lower cabinet doors, granite finish floor tiles, assortment of dishes and
utensils, coffee and tea are fresh and there is cream and sugar available, tea
pot, kettle, and coffee maker are all supplied and in good order
-wireless internet has a strong signal and good bandwidth
-main area has carpet under the bed and faux hardwood flooring borders the
carpeted area on each side of the room
-writing desk, small dining table, plenty of chairs, two laminate perches on
each side of the bed, good lighting, dresser, TV, plenty of closet space, one
large picture window with functional and tasteful coverings
-bathroom is functional and clean with a regular bathtub/shower, and a humidity
control system
The room is spacious and tastefully decorated, and is essentially an excellent
approximation of what you would find at a much, much more expensive hotel.
Aside from the renovation construction noise, the Helm's Inn has overall an
outstanding value for the level of quality and service.
Guest Review of the Helm's Inn Victoria
Dec 3, 2010
We've stayed at the Helm's Inn twice before but not since they started updating
their rooms. We had previously stayed in one of their studios located in the
main building called Thunderbird but I didn't think to request that type of room
this time. We got the the other kind of room that is like a one bedroom
apartment with the bedroom separate from the sofa, table and kitchen. The large
television is in the kitchen and a small one is in the bedroom. I recommended a
few small changes on their comment card: the tub/shower needs a heavier weight
shower curtain to prevent water spills, needs a floor mat at the front door, and
the bathroom needs brighter lighting. It would be nice if they added a dvd
player too. My husband found the toilet location kind of awkward. It was placed
at an angle with somewhat limited legroom. The hotel is in the process of
remodeling the entire lobby and the rest of the rooms. The studios will keep the
same layout except there will be carpet around the bed, with the rest of the
floor laminate wood. They used to have a fruit basket to greet you but not this
time. I suggested they bring this tradition back. They also charge $5 for a
parking spot but that amount hasn't changed from the last time.
Guest Review of the Helm's Inn Victoria
Nov 13, 2010
I stayed for one night in September at the Helm's Inn. The front desk staff were
incredibly helpful when I arrived and assisted us with getting reservations to
High Tea as well as booking the ferry. Our room was very spacious and clean with
a nice kitchen area. The location is away from the downtown corridor, but still
within walking distance. Despite having a room on the street on the second floor
I did not notice any vehicular noise. The value was decent for being located in
Victoria and the bed was comfortable and we certainly did not have any issues
sleeping. I must complain, however, that when we returned from Butchart Gardens
after the fireworks display there were no parking spaces available. We were told
by staff at the hotel to park in a rather precarious location (not a designated
parking spot) because they did not want to pay for us to park in another
location. I should have argued in hindsight. We woke early and saw a car leaving
and hit our car. This caused a great deal of aggravation during our trip and did
delay many of our planned activities in Victoria (frustrating because we did
only have the one day). Part of our decision for picking the Helm's Inn was
because of the available parking. So, I do warn anyone that should there be a
complete lack of parking spaces at the Helm's Inn, be sure to require staff to
find you a parking spot. It is noted that my two-star rating reflects only the
fact that I had a disappointing visit to Victoria as a result of this incident. |
