Beautiful cottage in the heart of Victoria. We went to Victoria over xmas to visit my brother who moved there. Being at Maeva's we were 3 minutes away from his house by car and 3 minutes away to downtown Victoria also on Government street but higher up. The harbor was less than a minute away by car. This all meant that we did as much walking as we did driving and really felt that we got the sense of what it is to be in Victoria. A small town with tons of character and the most charming people! I grew up in Canada and was still charmed! The hosts made us feel welcome from the minute we got there and we had complete independence in their guest cottage right behind their house. Came in and out at all times with our keys. Yes it turns out Victoria has a fun nightlife. We spent a couple nights at the Bard & Banker and even went to a 90s dance party at Lucky Bar. Back to the cottage, a gas fireplace provided heat and ambiance and we had a blast wrapping up our presents there with the fire and our spotify music streamed through our hosts' wifi. Spend xmas eve at the Butchart Gardens which our hosts confirmed would be magical. It was! Back in NYC now for a very different experience. But we're so happy we went with the cottage in Victoria. We had been tempted by lofts in chinatown and more modern dwellings. But of that none is new. The cottage will forever stay in our memory as the way to experience Victoria like a local. Thank you both for making us feel so welcome and at the same time for giving us our independence in the space.