Sometimes, just for the heck of it, my mother and I go on staycations to check out newly opened hotels in our own city. And while rooftop infinity pools and luxurious spa packages are undeniably cool, I still have a soft spot for hotels that ground themselves in local history and culture— much like Abigail’s Hotel in Victoria, which recently snagged the title of the Best Hotel in Canada at this year’s TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. I had the opportunity to stay at Abigail’s with my family last summer, and thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

The Rooms

Located just a stone’s throw away from Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Abigail’s Hotel is a cozy adults-only property housed in a beautifully restored Tudor mansion from the 1930s. 

Abigail’s Hotel has gone through several renovations since its origins as a luxury apartment building in the 1930s, and now houses 30 rooms. Each room features either a queen or king-sized bed, all fitted with soft sheets and plush down duvets, as well as a spacious ensuite bathroom. My partner and I secured an Emerald Room in the Coach House, while my parents were treated to the opulent Bessborough Room in the main building.

The Coach House was significantly quieter than the main building, especially since it consists of only six suites, lending itself to a more private and romantic atmosphere. Upon entering, we were greeted by two plush velvet chairs and a huge electric fireplace. On the table sat a guestbook, which we leafed through throughout our stay, and two homemade oatmeal raisin cranberry cookies that my partner and I devoured almost instantly. 

The bathroom had beautiful emerald-green finishes, and ample storage space for our toiletries. It also featured a bathtub/shower combo that had a sliding glass door—no pesky shower curtains here! For a quick pampering session during your trip, pick up a bath bomb from one of the many wellness shops in Victoria—the cedar eucalyptus bath bomb from Saltspring SoapWorks is a personal favourite.

Meanwhile, my parents lucked out with the Bessborough Room. The 350 square-foot space not only consists of a king-sized bed and a fireplace, but also a wet bar complete with a coffee maker and a mini fridge. The bathroom is also fitted with an air-jet spa tub and a his-and-hers sink— perfect for couples looking to have a relaxing night in.

Both rooms, while decked out in modern amenities, maintain the elegant aesthetic of the 1930s, opting for intricate wallpaper, antique furniture, and full-sized wooden wardrobes. This aesthetic is also present in the lobby and the dining room, creating a seamless blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort.

The Food

A stay at Abigail’s also includes a rotating three-course breakfast menu from Executive Chef Gerald Mayor. The meal starts off with a baked good of the day and a fresh fruit salad, followed by your choice of entree. The options range from a light homemade granola with Greek yogurt to heartier sweet or savoury dishes, which was perfect for us four adults with vastly different breakfast preferences.

For my entree, I opted for sweet, fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with a generous helping of vanilla whipped cream and maple-glazed banana. To balance out the sweet treat, I had a side of the local breakfast sausage, and finished off my meal with a cup of tea. My partner went for the savoury instead: a ham and cheese omelette with sauteed mushrooms and onions, plus a side of fork-tender roasted potatoes.

The hotel also offers a 24-hour library and lounge where you can help yourself to coffee or tea. That afternoon, my mother and I purchased cakes from Dutch Bakery and Diner, and enjoyed them with a cup of tea at the lovely patio outside the main building.

A night at Abigail’s isn’t cheap, with rates starting from $300 a night between June to August, and can go up to $450 if you opt for the luxurious Emerald and Bessborough Rooms. But the exceptional service and gorgeous heritage rooms made our splurge worthwhile.

Details

Address: 906 McClure St, Victoria V8V 3E7

Website: abigailshotel.com