The Inn at Laurel Point is a delightful place to stay while in Victoria.  It is located in the Victoria Harbour and is surrounded by water on three sides, Japanese Gardens and most rooms have views of both.  While you are just steps away from the downtown core, it feels as if you are tucked into another area completely as it is out on the point.

Built in 1970’s by Delta Hotels, the Inn was purchased in 1980 by the Arsens who then commissioned architect Arthur Erickson to design a second wing for the hotel. In 2007 the wing was completely renovated and the lobby lounge was turned in Aura, a 66-seat dining venue with a patio looking out onto the Inner Harbour.

The rooms in either wing include maple furniture and chocolate-brown leather chairs with modern lighting and earthy tones on the walls and very comfortable beds with high thread count sheets.

Lots of meeting space means the hotel is good for business conferences and weddings and there is a pool and fitness centre onsite. There are also some large suites with extensive patios perfect for parties. Optional add ons include the in-room spa treatments, with services such as the couples massage; indeed a great place for a romantic getaway.

The restaurant is stellar, Chef Takashi Ito specializes in classic French and Japanese cooking techniques and the menus are seasonal and currently include items such as Thai-style mussels and frites, a taco platter, duck, seafood linguini and playful desserts such as campfire smores.

Pictured above are items the we sampled from the winter menu.