James Bay Inn Hotel, Suites & Cottages

If you’re the kind of person who prefers hospitality to amenity, the James Bay Inn is absolutely for you. I was only in town for a few days for work, but the Inn gave me that all-too-rare travel pleasure: the sense of arriving not at a property, but at a place; of staying somewhere, not just anywhere. Yes, it’s an old hotel, with all that entails, and it’s priced accordingly. But I left feeling I got great value on comfort, cleanliness, and location alone. The luxury of this place is its warmth: the kind that doesn’t feel rehearsed, and that lingers with you after you’ve checked out.

always love staying at the james bay inn! i've been going here for many years with my parents and now with my partner. staff are always friendly and accommodating (shoutout to heddie for being the best). despite being so close to downtown, it is settled in the quiet neighbourhood of james bay. we love it here! thank as always

Let's be clear, this hotel won't be for everyone. If you need a shiny new hotel with cloned rooms, then this isn't the place for you. If you don't mind a few inconveniences (like no elevator) but a place with character, friendly staff, great location and a reasonable price then this place will fit the bill. Also note, there's no A/C so summer months could be a challenge.

Just got back from 5 glorious days and nights in Victoria staying in the James Bay Inn cottage. From the minute I checked in, I knew I had made such a great choice. With thousands of places to stay in Victoria, this was my first time choosing the James Bay Inn. Right from check-in, the friendliness of staff and high-quality of service was something that really stood out to me. I had the pleasure of interacting with a couple of front desk staff and staff in the pub and they were all so welcoming. The cottage was absolutely perfect for our stay. I loved having all of the amenities of a cute little house and the amazing proximity to downtown. We walked everywhere. The beds were super comfortable and the cottage was spotless. I honestly didn’t want to leave and can’t wait to return again soon. Well done James Bay Inn.

I stayed here for 4 nights. As a former resident of Victoria, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here. If you love quaint and charming places, this is a must stay. Rooms: I had a queen bed in a comfy room. The room was clean and well kept thanks to the amazing job of the housekeeper! Service: 5/5 excellent service with a restaurant located downstairs. Location: 5/5 located in an excellent neighborhood that was quiet and safe to walk around at night. Only a 10 minute walk to the Inner harbour area. It is near the ocean and Beacon Hill Park! There’s free parking next to the building. The lobby is beautiful with many replica artworks of Emily Carr’s paintings. Since it is an old building, there are 12 steps leading up to the front entrance.

Would stay here again! Great location (15min walk to The Empress), quiet area (I am a light sleeper), comfortable bed and pillows, lovely warm room (we stayed in November, so warmth was good--I hate being cold!), and it was SPOTLESSLY CLEAN. Absolutely spotless. The staff were friendly and professional (Front Desk Staffer, pronounced Had-ee was particularly great) and there are added benefits like tea and coffee in the Reception area each morning. For the price, this place is a gem. Some reviews have said that that the decor is out-dated - but I don't care if there is a 1990's looking blanket so long as I sleep well and it is clean. This place is apparently the 2nd oldest hotel in Victoria and it is a heritage gem. I loved it.

Our stay at the James Bay Inn was nothing short of amazing. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm, genuine hospitality — the staff here truly go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and cared for. The customer service was exceptional across the board. The inn itself is absolutely charming — full of character, history, and thoughtful details. The textures, colors, and classic decor give it a unique personality that you just don’t find in chain hotels. It’s cozy, clean, and full of warmth, both in ambiance and attitude. Our room was adorable and comfortable, with just the right blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. You can feel the history in the walls, yet everything is so well-maintained and fresh. We would 100% stay here again and will absolutely recommend it to friends and family visiting Victoria. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. A true gem!

Really nice old school style hotel in a quiet residential area but just a few minutes walk from downtown Victoria, so the location is perfect. It was really neat hearing carriage horses clip-clopping down the street. The staff were friendly and efficient. My room was one of the smaller ones, but I thought it was really roomy and clean. No issues with the TV, wifi or the bathroom. This hotel is also pretty affordable in an expensive city like Victoria. Highly recommended!