I regret having to make this review less than flattering.
When we looked on Airbnb for this place we only got one choice of room, in an Edwardian home, and as the description showed “1912 Edwardian house in quiet neighborhood, 5 minutes walk to downtown. Romantic room with private bathroom, Jacuzzi and fireplace.”
Cheaper alternatives were to be had, but we looked forward to this lovely-looking house and the breakfast, which was listed under amenities. The building itself is a beautiful example of a period house and both outside and inside has been well-maintained, lovingly decorated with authentic period pieces, and the 2 top level floors all had wonderful rooms. The outside space and gardens are also beautiful, and the location very good and convenient. The only small issues we had, for both rooms, was the lack of of accessible and adequate power sockets. Plus little space for hanging up towels and few hooks. The modernist artwork is out of place in these surroundings. I would like to mention that everything was very clean and the original wooden floors were wonderful!
The staff was extremely friendly and kind and the breakfast was adequate and nicely presented. Being listed under amenities, together with Wifi, parking, etc. the assumption was that it was included in the price, but it wasn’t. Only after making the booking were we informed that breakfast would be extra $18 per person.
The main complaint is that the reservation was based on ‘misleading’ information. Marketa was shown the link we had for the rooms, and all it showed was the Edwardian type. Otherwise, we would have stayed at a regular hotel or guesthouse.
This is the response we got after the reservation was confirmed Oct. 12:
“Hello Roland, we do have some rooms with Jacuzzi, but the room you booked is a room with a private bathroom. I did check the listing again. I am not sure why the image you sent to pop up. It is not showing on my side. Anyway, I want you to be happy and I am glad that you mentioned the Jacuzzi, rather than coming here and being disappointed. I put you in a room with a Jacuzzi ( no extra charge) for the first 3 nights. It is not available the last night so you would have to move. I hope that is ok with you.”
There was no indication of any other type of room we would be getting, so we were certain we reserved one of the lovely Edwardian rooms, as advertised. The room we were moved to was similar to many cheaper hotel and motel options, and does not fit into this house at all. Although we appreciated the gesture of ‘upgrading’ us to room #3 on the top floor, we did not expect to be moved to the rather unappealing and standard room #1 on the street-level floor. This came as quite a shock, and if this had been the room that we were originally supposed to have reserved, we would not have stayed at the house.
Overall, it seems you cannot be guaranteed the room you ’think’ you reserved, unless you specify or know in advance the types of rooms available. Although this property had much in its favour, I would not return, based on our experience there. Having all the relevant information and details up front before making a reservation is especially important for travellers these days, and it is noted that a more thorough listing of the rooms is now in place via the actual web site.
Our visit to Victoria was a nice getaway, and it is unfortunate that the last night especially, put a damper on our stay there.