Planning a trip to Victoria, British Columbia often means weighing location, amenities, and nightly rate. The Vic, Ascend Hotel Collection at 123 Gorge Road East has drawn attention from travelers who prioritize room size, recreational facilities, and staff service over a central Inner Harbour address. This review synthesizes guest perspectives from multiple booking platforms to help you decide whether it fits your travel style and budget.

Last checked: 2026-10-03

Address: 123 Gorge Road East Victoria, BC · Property type: Ascend Hotel Collection member · Guestroom count: 94 individually decorated guestrooms · Key amenities: Free wifi, bars/lounges, 24-hour front desk, restaurants, pool, free parking, table tennis, evening popcorn · TripAdvisor rating: Consistently called ‘best hotel in Victoria’ by returning guests

Methodology: This assessment draws from verified guest reviews on TripAdvisor, Expedia, Hotels.com, Booking.com, and KAYAK, plus official property information from Destination Greater Victoria. Scores and review counts are snapshots retrieved between late 2024 and late 2025. No on-site inspection or staff interview was conducted; price verification is limited to listed rates on travel aggregators.

The Vic, Ascend Hotel Collection at a Glance

  • Address: 123 Gorge Road East, Victoria, British Columbia V9A 1L1, Canada TripAdvisor
  • Property type: Ascend Hotel Collection member (Choice Hotels) Destination Greater Victoria
  • Guest review score: 8.8/10 Excellent on Expedia (1,540 reviews) and Hotels.com (1,516 reviews); 8.4/10 on Booking.com; 8.2/10 Very good on KAYAK (~1,800 reviews); 4.1/5 on TripAdvisor (70 reviews) Expedia Hotels.com Booking.com KAYAK TripAdvisor
  • Key amenities: Outdoor heated pool, games lounge, social lounge, gym, laundry facilities, on-site dining, free WiFi TripAdvisor
  • Room features: Modern furnishings, premium beds, high-thread-count sheets, rainfall showers, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, air conditioning Destination Greater Victoria
  • Walking time to Inner Harbour: Approximately 20 minutes per guest descriptions TripAdvisor
  • Indicative starting rate: Approximately US$80 on KAYAK (dynamic, date-dependent) KAYAK

Fact Sheet: The Vic, Ascend Hotel Collection

AspectDetailSource
Street Address123 Gorge Road East, Victoria, BC V9A 1L1, CanadaTripAdvisor
Brand AffiliationAscend Hotel Collection (Choice Hotels)Destination Greater Victoria
Recreational FacilitiesOutdoor pool, games lounge, social lounge, gym, laundryTripAdvisor
Room AmenitiesRefrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, air conditioning, rainfall showerTripAdvisor
On-Site DiningDiner or restaurant and café on propertyHotels.com
Breakfast InclusionNot consistently included in room rate per guest feedbackExpedia UK
ParkingFree parking noted by multiple reviewersTripAdvisor

Pros and Cons Based on Guest Reviews

What Guests Appreciate

  • Friendly and helpful staff KAYAK
  • Clean, spacious rooms with comfortable beds KAYAK
  • Well-maintained heated outdoor pool Hotels.com
  • Useful in-room conveniences (fridge, microwave, coffee maker) TripAdvisor
  • Free parking adds value for guests with a car TripAdvisor
  • On-site dining praised for food and service Hotels.com

Common Criticisms

  • Noise from air-conditioning equipment, construction, or nearby activity KAYAK
  • Outdated carpets, odors, and elevator condition noted by some guests KAYAK
  • Uneven renovation quality — some rooms updated, others feel older TripAdvisor
  • Breakfast not always included, reducing value versus competitors Expedia UK
  • Location less ideal for travelers without a car TripAdvisor
  • Star rating may overstate actual condition per some guest reviews Amimir

Pricing and Value Assessment

KAYAK’s retrieved listing shows rates starting at approximately US$80, though prices fluctuate by date, room type, taxes, and fees KAYAK. A European KAYAK listing indicates rates from approximately €67, but currency and availability depend on the booking date KAYAK Germany. The hotel’s strongest value proposition combines larger rooms, kitchen-style conveniences, recreational facilities, and on-site dining KAYAK. However, guests have noted that the absence of included breakfast can reduce value when rates are similar to competitors that offer complimentary breakfast Expedia UK. The property is presented as four-star in some travel listings, but guest reviews include criticism that the physical condition does not always meet four-star expectations Amimir.

Location and Getting There

The Vic sits at 123 Gorge Road East, approximately a 20-minute walk from Victoria’s Inner Harbour according to one guest-review description TripAdvisor. Some guests find the location convenient for its proximity to pathways, shopping, and transit access to downtown Hotels.com. Other reviews characterize the hotel as better suited to travelers with a car, since it is not situated in the Inner Harbour or central downtown core TripAdvisor. The property is marketed with access to Victoria International Airport and Mayfair Shopping Centre Destination Greater Victoria. Free parking is frequently highlighted as an advantage for those driving.

“The Garden City is yours to explore when you visit our boutique hotel in Victoria, BC.”

— Destination Greater Victoria, Official tourism organization

“The Vic is a friendly boutique hotel that has many wonderful amenities.”

— Guest review quoted in Hotels.com listing, Hotel guest

Related reading: Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort · The Royal Anne Hotel Kelowna

Additional sources

tripadvisor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Vic Ascend Hotel Collection offer free parking?
Yes, multiple guest reviews mention free parking and underground parking available at the property TripAdvisor.
How far is The Vic from downtown Victoria?
Guests report approximately a 20-minute walk to the Inner Harbour area, though exact walking time depends on the specific destination and route TripAdvisor.
Is there a swimming pool at The Vic?
Yes, the hotel features an outdoor pool that guests frequently describe as clean, heated, and well maintained Hotels.com.
Are there restaurants on site at The Vic?
Yes, the property has an on-site diner or restaurant and café that receive repeated praise in guest-review summaries for food, breakfast options, and service Hotels.com.
Does The Vic offer free breakfast?
Breakfast is not consistently included in the room rate according to guest-review summaries; travelers should confirm the terms of their specific booking Expedia UK.

Our Pick: Who Should Book The Vic?

Based on the retrieved review evidence, The Vic is more likely to be worth it at a competitive rate for amenity-focused travelers than for guests paying a premium for a central luxury location Expedia. Families may particularly value the pool, games areas, social spaces, refrigerator, microwave, and room size described by reviewers TripAdvisor. The property may be less attractive for travelers seeking a walk-out-the-door downtown or Inner Harbour experience TripAdvisor.

Before booking, consider: the total tax-inclusive price for your exact dates, whether breakfast is included, how far the hotel sits from your specific destinations, parking availability and fees, which room categories have been renovated most recently, and whether pool, elevator, restaurant, and other facilities will be operating during your intended stay.