Revisiting Humboldt House Bed & Breakfast in Victoria

Two years ago John and I had our first Bed & Breakfast experience at Humboldt House in Victoria. The historic 1893 inn exceeded any expectations we had and we have yet to experience another bed and breakfast quite like it. We returned this past weekend as WordCamp Victoria put me up at Humboldt House for being a speaker. This time we tried the Gazebo Room (having previously stayed in the Oriental Room) to get another feel of the luxurious accommodations.

Homemade chocolate truffles and a small bottle of bubbly awaits every guest and each room at Humboldt House has a jacuzzi tub, wood-burning fireplaces, a guest journal, complimentary WIFI and parking, and a CD player with iPod dock.

There are three rooms on the main floor along with a library where you can do some reading or enjoy some brandy that’s left out for guests, and three rooms on the top floor.

The Gazebo Room features floral prints, greenery, a lace bed canopy, and a ceiling that reaches up to a point making it the largest room in the house. Kicking off our shoes and settling in for the night, we huddled together with flutes of prosecco as the fire crackled and popped. It was good to be back.

When we first arrived we signed the breakfast sheet which is located in the foyer. We jotted down our desired breakfast time and made our selection from the menu. Eggs benedict, crepes two ways, or continental. Free-range eggs from Highland Ranch Farm, Fair-Trade coffee from Level Ground Trading Co., fresh herbs and produce from their own garden.

The hot meal (accompanied by fruits, croissants, and tea or coffee) is great but it’s the delivery method that makes me giddy. I like to call it a “magic cubby”, they call it a “two-way pantry” and I’ve heard it’s called a “butler’s pantry”. Basically there is a small door in the hallway that opens up to a cupboard that also has a door on the inide of the room. In the morning your breakfast basket is delivered into that cupboard and quick ‘tap tap’ lets you know it has arrived. I may have also referred to this as “Breakfast Santa“.

Pulling John out from under the goose-down comforter was quite a feat but I won him over when he laid eyes on the bounty from the basket that I setup on the glass-top table by the window. Lighting another fire in the morning to warm up, sipping hot coffee, a warm and crumbly croissant, we really didn’t want to leave.

We appreciate the little things at Humboldt House. The wood-burning fireplace, the hot breakfast, the free WIFI, and its convenient location being about 5 minutes walking distance from downtown Victoria. You could lock yourselves away with the comforts of your room or explore the city all day and return to soak in the tub. It’s a destination and an accommodation, with modern conveniences and classic comfort.

Victoria is a beautiful city to visit in the spring and summer with all of its gardens and blossoms however you can get great deals on rooms during the off-season — and lighting that wood fireplace ands so much warmth to an already comfortable and romantic stay.

From October 16 to April 30 (Sun-Thu) the Gazebo Room in which we stayed can be booked for $189* CDN a night (breakfast and everything I mentioned is included for all guests). They do have packages, last-minute specials and great rates on the other rooms starting at $145. *Check the online reservation system for the most accurate pricing information.