My husband and I stayed here for a surprise weekend in Victoria for his birthday, and this location was really incredible.
Yates has some amazing eateries, we loved being able to walk around to so many shops and waterfront spots right from the loft.
The roof was neat to go on, we tried to soak up the sunsets and brought cheese cake up there to share that we got from the QV café a street or two over (v yum btw, and huge selection of breakfasts like bennies too); so the roof is great vibe.
We also really appreciated the parking lot directly across the road. Originally I wondered if it would be a hassle, but it was so easy in and out, and our parking was extremely cheap for the whole weekend with the rates they give. I’m used to parking in Vancouver and how much that can cost- but seriously this rocked. Evenings were free, and Sunday was even free for us (tho I don’t know if that’s a weekly deal or something specific that weekend). We even rented mopeds from Cycle BC (which I very highly recommend, they are so fun and simple to ride, especially to see parliament when it’s lit up at night if you get the 24h option); the walk to there was only 10 minutes from the loft, and the parkade has plenty of parking for the mopeds too.
We loved the brick in the apartment, the warm glow of the lights instead of industrial white, and all the pillows. The fresh air coming in the window and patio was so nice, tho the seagulls could be loud at times. We ourselves didn’t mind, but if you do I’d suggest bringing earplugs?
I was surprised with the selection of spices, enjoyed the coffee and tea, and loved the coziness of the bed. It was nice that sugar was provided for the warm drinks, and little touches like grilling tools if we used the bbq on the roof (we didn’t, perhaps next time).
I was wondering if I should bring my own shampoo because often when it is provided, it’s in tiny bottles and lasts two showers. However these bottles were big, are ethical and refillable so I liked that there was more than enough for multiple days of showers, and that I didn’t have to compromise my hair and use a chemical filled shampoo/ conditioner.
We did wish for a little more room in the bathroom for our toiletries, but the cup provided to hold the toothpaste and brushes was very handy.
The host Robyn was excellent at communicating, and I really appreciated my transaction with her. When we stayed there, the loft had been recently sold and she worked really hard to ready it for us. The wifi was getting swapped and the crew coming didn’t show in time for our stay, so she came by and dropped off a iPad with unlimited data so we could still watch shows and save our phone data. It would be all set up now, but even when something like that happened for us, we were still taken care of. We really appreciated the extra touches she put in there and the host that she was. She also swapped out some of the art that was originally there, and I loved the one above the bed- so beautiful. The new picture above the couch too was very appreciated, the old painting was 4 shots of Marilyn Monroe in different colours and trying to go to bed with her staring you down was the only meh part I thought the loft would have. Not anymore tho lol.
All in all, a really wonderful stay, and home away from home. We would absolutely stay here again.