StarwoodGuy: Victoria Work Trip Westin Bear Mountain

Just had a quick work trip to home in Victoria. A nice easy trip on the Victoria Clipper high speed service from Seattle to Victoria. A 2 hour and forty-five minute trip with the voyage at around $125.00 return which is a great option for a day trip or weekend getaway to either Victoria or Seattle.

The low Canadian dollar still made for a great and inexpensive trip. I needed a rental car since I had several site visits for work which made the somewhat far our of town location of the Westin Bear Mountain almost a non-issue.

I have posted quite a bit on the hotel before and on the great golfing, hiking, gym and other amenities. The main Clubhouse building is currently having the rooms renovated, though I am not certain why, the hotel was still in great condition with some of the largest rooms and well stocked kitchens I have evern seen at a Starwood Property.

I was out for work meetings a great deal of the time or with friends and family so I did not eat at the hotel on this trip though the brunch has always been great there, but I did use the extensive gym a few times as well as the heated outdoor pool and spa. There is quite a lot of construction in the entire Bear Mountain complex with new homes and condominiums going up currently.

I also stopped in just down the road at the Four Points by Sheraton. Just what you expect, more basic but business efficient. The small gym is 24 hours though, but typically there is very little price difference between the two properties, though there is a resort fee for the Westin. In most cases I would suggest Bear Mountain still, the Four Points is next to the busy Costco.

In addition to work, friends, and family I did manage a hike up Mt. Doug, a walk around the Inner Harbour, the ocean route, Cook St. Village, and downtown and China Town, stopping at some of my favorite restaurants and stores. I also had breakfast at the Bengal Lounge at the Fairmont Empress to have a final meal there since the famous and historic restaurant is being closed down as the new owners are modernizing much of the property in similar fashion to the Fairmont Vancouver. Sad for those of us with memories of drinks and curry in the Bengal Lounge, but I suppose times change. Pop in by April 30th before the closing!

As always a great stay at the Westin Bear Mountain, always very relaxing after a long work day!