Hotel Rialto

The immediate impression I got of the Rialto Hotel was how clean it was. It was bright and elegant. The room was elegantly furnished. The only downside was that the windows were really dirty so it wasn't pleasant to look outside; however, that wasn't really a big deal for us. The hotel is conveniently located next to a couple of bus stops, so access to the harbour, Empress hotel, Legislature, Government Street, etc, was remarkably easy on transit - not even a 5-minute commute. I would recommend the Rialto to anyone planning to visit Victoria.

On June 21st my wife and I checked in The Hotel Rialto anticipating two days of jazz, food, and destination photography at the Hatley Castle and Buchart Gardens. Jayden and Kelvin completed our registration process and had us set up in room 203 within a matter of minutes. Shortly, however, I realized I was going to need a special accommodation not available in that specific room. On my way to the business center I asked if other accommodations could be made for the second night of our stay. That I could adapt but that our vacation would probably be compromised if that were extended to two. Kelvin and Jayden proposed an immediate solution that would involve moving to an alternative room for that very evening. I was hesitant because we had already moved into one room for which the Hotel Rialto would loose that night's income. My proposal was that we would stay in our original room and change quarters the following evening. One night's discomfort for me, no lost revenue for the hotel. Jayden and Kelvin would not hear of it. They actually wanted to physically assist us in an immediate move to alternate quarters. Whereas we did turn down their offer to move us, we did move ourselves to room 106 where we have spent two wonderful nights. My point is, your staff pounced on this opportunity to provide legendary service to a customer and make alternative accommodations for a perfectly adequate room but for my own special needs.

I have come here to attend a conference at Westin Harbor. The hotel is within walking distance from conference venue, not too far from Stanley Park and right in the heart of food and shopping on Robson street. While it is on the street, the rooms are further from the street, so its not as if street buzz can be heard in the rooms. The rooms are in a quiet part and the Forage restaurant which is a part of the hotel is mainly street facing. There are small thoughtful things that do not cost much but make a difference- like the coffee service with freshly brewed coffee in the morning ( I have never looked forward to making coffee using the normally poor functioning and not clean coffee makers in hotel rooms). There is a clean coffee maker too in the room. There is water on each floor and bottles to fill up so you don't end up using mineral water bottles, recycling and waste separation containers in the rooms which made me feel that the hotel actually cares about little things that add to big things. Phone calls within Canada and States are included in room rates. And to top it all, there is a welcoming area with complimentary wine tasting from 5-6 pm in the lobby and a very enthusiastic hostess.

We were upgraded to a suite, which was very comfortable and clean. Nicely appointed with couches, a dining table, kitchenette, very comfortable beds, nice bathroom and shower. The young guy at the desk was really nice and helpful. You get a $10 voucher for breakfast, which doesn't really cover the whole cost, but most of it, depending on what you order. Would have been nice if the breakfast menu included fruit. The hotel is in a transitional neighborhood: Douglas St and City Hall Park are both pretty sketchy with homeless folks and derelict buildings. But even just half a block away, the neighborhood gets much nicer. Easy walking distance to Chinatown, Inner Harbour.

Overall we really enjoyed our stay at the Rialto. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star rating is mainly due to it's location. The hotel seems out of place with the surrounding neighbourhood which is a little bit sketchy in parts although once you walk a block to the main downtown area, all is good. The restaurant was excellent and we really enjoyed the tapas that we ordered, especially the Korean Wings, they were delicious as was the complimentary cheese plate that the hotel offers at check-in. Also loved the cocktail that the bartender can whip up personally for you if you give him the basic details of your liquor of choice and whether you want it sweet or sour - he makes up a cocktail on the spot and mine was fantastic! The breakfasts in the café section were also very good and the added coupons for that were a nice touch. Check-in was smooth and the staff were always pleasant. Overall I would still highly recommend the Rialto as a pretty affordable and super clean and well maintained hotel in Victoria... just keep to the main downtown tourist area and don't venture towards the city hall area near the hotel.