Love this place! So warm, private, and well-equipped, and it's just a couple of blocks from downtown. The hosts were both so kind and so relaxed about our stay. They really set the stage for what proved to be a romantic and truly private getaway in the heart of quaint, old-world, residential Victoria.

My partner and I have been going on winter holiday in Victoria for many years. We've stayed in quite a variety of places, from budget hotels in busy downtown to nearby B&Bs and even a few stays in nicer, upscale hotels. This place now easily ranks as one of our top favorites. Nowadays I have to cook for myself while traveling (medical issues), and this place served us perfectly well. There's a Thrifty Foods grocer just a few blocks west, and there you'll find some higher-end, boutique grocers, bakers, and the like. As for the kitchen, expect to find all the basic essentials of any well-equipped cottage. (I'm assuming here, if you're on holiday, you're not trying to make truffle-stuffed e kya kway with summer vegetable terrine. Stick with simple home-style foods, and you should be fine.)

My favorite aspect of the place, besides the lovely hosts: The building is completely separate from their main house. You'll feel as if you've cozied up inside your own, private house (albeit a rather small, hobbit house). All the better, you can slip out a back gate and onto a lightly used back-street, allowing you to come and go at any time without bothering the hosts.

One important tip: The house manual stated that we might find easier parking on nearby Toronto. If you park there, be sure to only park in the temporary spots, not the residential-only spots, and be ready to move your car as needed. The hosts can forgive certain parking tickets, but apparently ONLY if you get one while parked in front of their house, which happens to be marked 'Residential Only'. This is confusing, I know. Ask your host if you don't understand. (Or better yet, be a foot passenger on the ferry; Victoria is a great place for walking.)

Least favorite? Hmmm, guess it would have to be the single, small couch, which faces the kitchen, and with no rug on the floor. The couch is comfy, and if you happen to be there with a partner, a little creative use of pillows and comforters should buy you a nice place to curl up together or to watch a movie. You just might get a crook in your neck if it turns out to be a long one. (Movie, that is. And they do have quite a few of those.)