Old bones beneath multiple renovations, this place is showing its age. I recently stayed here while others in my party stayed at the nearby Marriott.

It was a really hot summer's day and the management asks not to set the air-conditioning at less than 70 to avoid an a/c freeze-up issue. It made for a hot night and restless sleep.

The elevator is tiny and slow. It reminded me of the lift in a small French hotel.

The bed was less comfortable than usual at this chain. The fixtures and decor in my room were dated though the cosmetic stuff like bedspreads was standard Best Western issue.

The valet parking is the best I've witnessed.
The WiFi worked well.
Breakfast is not included in the room price.
Friendly, helpful staff.

All in all it was OK but for an extra $35 a night I could have stayed in a more comfortable spot.

Value is the big draw here, plus the uniformly excellent staff and great location on Johnson Street with its cool, nearby boutiques. Most space for the money in Victoria's Downtown area. Functional décor is clean and comfortable. We were content for 4 nights here. Family and budget-friendly. I'd stay there again.

Location: Harbor area is a quick walk; 7-11 is on the corner, bank, drugstore, post office and Victoria’s tiny Chinatown are 1-2 blocks. No view, and not Johnson St.’s prettiest block, but SO convenient to everything.

Bathroom: tiny but immaculate, the tub was literally shining. There was almost no room by sink for toiletries, but the lighting was great. Shampoo, conditioner and body wash come from a wall dispenser. No lotion.

Room size: Our Jr. Suite held 2 comfortable double beds, a pullout Queen sofa bed and a rollaway twin, in addition to the useful little kitchenette. It was a little cozy, but made buying an extra room for my huge teenagers unnecessary. Plenty of comfy pillows.

Staff: At check-in Lina escorted us to our room to make sure it was perfect, gave us excellent restaurant recommendations and directions, and cheerfully answered all questions. Thanks, Lina, you rock! Housekeeping sometimes arrived in late afternoon, but were thorough.

Noise: our room, 408, faced the street and trucks were sometimes heard thundering down the road. However, despite the vending and ice machines a few steps down the hallway, there was virtually no noise from inside the hotel itself. Vending & ice machines also on 6th floor.

Dining we enjoyed:
Pagliacci's – GREAT pasta dinner! On Broad St.
Mo:Le – creative breakfasts & lunch – 1.5 blocks away on Pandora
Serous Coffee – yes, it is!
Willy’s – For breakfast, on Johnson St.
Swan’s – for tasting flights of microbrews & good food

We always stay at the Best Western Carlton Plaza and have always had a great experience. But, this time, the beds were uncomfortable and the room seemed cramped and tiny for the two of us. We will stay again, but the three days there were not what we were expecting