Humboldt House B&B in Victoria

This past weekend John and I were put up in Humboldt House B&B in Victoria. It was my first-ever Bed & Breakfast experience and it certainly set the bar rather high for any future B&B stays.

We crossed over to the Island on last ferry but were able to call ahead and make arrangements for our after-hours arrival. The instructions were clear, concise, and we were still able to select our breakfast choices for the morning from the sign-up sheet that was left out for us.

Humboldt House, which was built in 1893 and is one of Victoria’s Historic Inns, has themed rooms — from “Edward’s Room”, to the “Gazebo Room”, and the “Oriental Room” where John and I stayed. Antique furnishings, wood-burning fireplaces, framed jade art pieces, and wooden shutters set a very Victorian tone while the jacuzzi tub, king sized bed and free wifi provided some necessary modern elements for a couple like us.

Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

I read reviews ahead of time and every single one I could find raved about the breakfast. After selecting your menu choice the night before via the sign up sheet in the downstairs hall, breakfast is delivered to your room in the most creative and non-obtrusive way possible. Our room had a little cabinet on the counter with a trap door to the hallway. At our selected breakfast time the little door in the hallway opened up and you could hear items being placed inside the cabinet. A friendly tap at the door announced that breakfast had arrived and when I opened the cabinet, it contained a giant basket full of goodies.

Coffee, orange juice, cream, sugar, syrup, mugs, glasses, freshly-baked croissants, a fruit plate, and our meals (we went with eggs benedict and the fruit crepes).

There is a personal touch to everything at Humboldt House — from the sherry in the library, to the homemade baked goods that fill the entire house with warm, comforting aromas each morning.

We were so busy with weekend that we didn’t even get the chance to meet the innkeeper, who was so helpful on the phone prior to our arrival. A guest book in our room was filled with comments from visitors who traveled from Russia, Germany, Switzerland, Colorado and Florida. They all sang the praises of Humboldt House as a romantic destination and we can agree, it’s mighty charming.

There wasn’t a TV or telephone in our room and honestly, I didn’t miss them. This is an ultimate getaway spot however being just two blocks from the downtown hustle and bustle you never feel isolated or disconnected. I quickly came to realize that a Humboldt House isn’t just a B&B for honeymooners or those in their golden years. It’s a unique, clever, thoughtful, and comfortable place to rest your head when visiting our province’s capital.

Disclosure: Humboldt House was a sponsor of WordCamp Victoria, where I was a speaker. I was not asked or obligated to write about my experience.