Prior House Bed & Breakfast Inn, Victoria

I have just spent 7 weeks in the most wonderful Bed and Breakfast in Victoria, BC. Prior House is a beautiful heritage house filled with the charm of a century ago. It combines this old charm with the exceptional warm hospitality of its owner, Candis Cooperrider....who also provides delicious breakfasts and afternoon teas. My room was decorated in rich heritage fabrics and colours and had a fireplace and a spectacular view across trees to the sea and the snow capped Olympic mountains. Prior House has a gracious living room, library, traditional oak panelled dining room and a large, lovely garden for the use of the guests, and is situated in a perfect central location in peaceful, quiet Rockland. I can't recommend it highly enough.

My partner and I arrived in Victoria for a very short stay--two nights and one day--and found that we had been badly misled about our hotel, which was just terrible! What a great blessing that turned out to be, when we relocated to the Prior House on a moment's notice and were received so warmly by the truly hospitable innkeeper, Candis Cooperrider, who seems to take genuine delight in anticipating every need a traveler might have, in her imposing 1912 manor house surrounded by immaculate gardens. We arrived just in time for a lovely afternoon tea, with the dilemma of whether to take it in the library, or on the terrace, or in the gardens.... Then, we chose a glorious suite, two huge and wonderfully furnished rooms, with a view of the Gulf and the islands beyond from grand windows. Where to have dinner? Candis suggested what turned out to be one of the best meals we've had anywhere, at Cafe Brio, so we ate there both nights. Allergic to the down of the comforter and pillows piled high on the beautiful bed? No problem--changed in a flash! Breakfast was made to order, served on freshly pressed linen tablecloths and under a Venetian chandelier. We spent our one full day in Victoria visiting the wonderful Butchart Gardens--so on our return, we found a bouquet of peonies from the Prior House gardens by our bedside, to continue the glories of the day. Our much-too-quick departure, after our second restful night, was very early, but Candis was awaiting us with a picnic breakfast at the crack of dawn. We hesitate to say so, in case Candis is eavesdropping, but she is dreadfully undercharging. It doesn't get better at this price, anywhere.

The Prior House is a gracious bed and breakfast in an historic building, centrally located. Everything about it is perfect: from the gourmet breakfasts and afternoon teas, to the hospitable and helpful innkeeper, to the attractive rooms and sitting rooms, to the gorgeous gardens. It certainly earns all the high ratings it has received.