A quick search of Victoria alone shows over fifty different hotels – how is one to make an informed decision about which resort to stay at on Vancouver Island?

Possibly the most important aspect to choosing a good place to rest your head is to narrow down your specific location within your preferred town or city first, and then begin your quest for the perfect hotel or resort after that decision is made. Think of it like choosing a micro-location. Ask yourself and your travel partners questions like:

• Do we want to stay in a hotel on or near the ocean?
• Will we have a vehicle? If not, do we want to stay at a resort that is within walking distance to the town or city's main shopping area?
• How much privacy and open space would we like to have during our stay?

After you've narrowed down your micro-location preference, ask yourself a few of the following questions before researching different properties:

1. What is the difference between a hotel and resort - which should I choose?
   The answer, unfortunately, varies from property to property. It is usually the case that resorts offer additional services like an on site restaurant, or a spa facility. To make things confusing, accommodation providers labeled as a hotel may offer these extra services too. As always, do your research and don't assume anything.
2. What sort of nightly price range should I be looking for?
   Nightly prices vary dramatically from season to season.
   Summer
   Summer on Vancouver Island is absolutely stunning. This is the best season for weather and ocean conditions and it's a great time to vacation here. Naturally, this is also the most expensive time of year the stay in hotels. Expect rates from $120 - $500, depending on the location and amenities at the resort. Make sure to reserve your room well in advance if you are planning a vacation during July and August.
   Winter
   The winter season is almost always the most inexpensive season on the island, and – not coincidentally – is also the stormiest time of year. We think the winter on Vancouver Island is truly lovely: storms, snow on the mountains and the possibility of a calm, warm stretch of weather makes for a magical vacation. Expect rates from $60 - $300 and remember that it is rare to see fully booked hotels this time of year, so the properties definitely appreciate your business.
   Spring & Fall
   Expect variable weather in these two "Shoulder Seasons". Temperatures will likely not drop be below freezing, but rain is a real possibility. It's not unusual to have a week-long sunny stretch in these two seasons, at which time the phones at hotels and resorts across Vancouver Island start to ring. The island can be especially lovely in September and October, which is becoming a popular time to vacation here. The accommodation prices are usually in-between typical winter and summer rates (hence the phrase 'shoulder season'). Expect room rates from $80 - $350, depending on your level of luxury.
3. What are my options for different types of accommodation?
   Hotels and resorts provide exceptional value and usually deliver fantastic service. But if you can't find a hotel that suits your needs, remember that Vancouver Island has a tremendous variety of nightly rental options to choose from. While researching your best options, have a look at rental homes and cabins, which provide a different experience than hotels, but may suit your vacation goals just fine.