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Reviews of Private garden retreat with king size bed, full kitchen, private patio 00036281

Private garden retreat with king size bed, full kitchen, private patio 00036281
Victoria, BC

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 97 out of 112 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 112 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 112 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 112 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 112 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl W.

Liked: Cleanliness
What a gem!
Location, location, location! This wonderful little property was 1 1/2 blocks from the Parliament Buildings. There was easy access to everything downtown and waterfront. It was quiet, elegant, and comfortable. Diane was right on site, and available for questions. Off street parking was available. The kitchen was well-equipped, and the private garden was wonderful! We cannot speak highly enough of this property.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marianne B., Lumby, BC

Liked: Cleanliness
Great spot!!
We really enjoyed our stay. This space is clean, comfortable and well kept. I would absolutely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne P.

Liked: Cleanliness
James Bay Gem
This was the perfect home away from home. We enjoyed the proximity to everything (so central). It is an easy walk to everywhere we wanted to go and when we ventured further, the bus was so close. The cottage had everything and more than we needed. It was super comfy and cozy! Dianne is the perfect hostess - always checking in to ensure that all is well, giving us other activity options and just her overall welcoming spirit - we feel we have known her for years and we hope that will come true! -- Yvonne & Mike
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul R., Grand Marais, Minnesota, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Consistently Excellent
Enjoy the peaceful courtyard and immerse yourself in, the James Bay neigbourhood. We have stayed on this property multiple times and have always been pleased.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Allan C., Penticton, BC, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Very nice cottage in location near downtown Victoria. Host Dianne is very helpful and accommodating.
Stayed 31 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jackie F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy spot
Great property in quiet neighborhood.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

David A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Vacation
Great convenient location.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joel T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location in James Bay
The garden suite was perfect for my wife and I! During our stay, we were able to walk everywhere we wanted from this location which was extremely convenient. The suite had all the amenities we needed and it was nice and private. The front entrance of the unit is located inside of a shared backyard area but the suit itself has a nice private outdoor area attached at the back.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great September Getaway
The cottage was lovely, with very nice private garden deck. We will definitely stay again.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous cottage within walking distance of bay
Fabulous place to stay, everything you need, on a quiet residential street just a couple of blocks off the harbour and easy walking to multitude of places. Very straightforward check in with info provided several days in advance. Very comfortable bed and sofa and well provisioned kitchen and shower room. Own private garden space. Exactly what we wanted as a base for a couple of days to come and go from after touring round for 2 weeks. Don’t miss this gem of a place.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Geoffrey S.

Liked: Cleanliness
private garden cottage
has everything you need
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Garden retreat stay
We absolutely loved the guest cottage. Everything we needed was provided. Very nice to have Dianne, our host, nearby. Wonderful neighborhood within walking distance to everything. Nice to not need a vehicle! We hope to stay there again.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cindi D.

Liked: Cleanliness
All we wanted!
Nice comfy separate house and garden with dining/lounge. Location was within walking distance of all of the downtown sites. Good coffee and restaurants in the neighborhood. Host was very helpful with directions and recommendations. Highly recommend this rental!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

James M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous Garden Cottage
My wife and I really enjoyed our stay at the garden cottage. The cottage had everything we needed: king-sized bed, full kitchen, comfortable sitting area, and bathroom. The cottage was beautifully decorated and the appliances were like new. The cottage is within easy walking distance from downtown Victoria. We really appreciated the chocolate brownies upon arrival!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Randy K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice cottage in great location!
Stayed four days in probably the best possible location for visiting downtown Victoria. Two block walk to a clipper ferry was a nice bonus
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

dale f.

Liked: Cleanliness
GOOD STAY IN MAY
Dianne was an accomodating, interesting host/hostess. The suite was somewhat cramped but very clean. Our dog enjoyed her stay. Shower terrific. Bed comfy. Patio private. However, lots was going on outside the suite - renovations, folks coming and going, and, I think, garden/horticulture folks doing some planting. Handy location. Better than most hotel rooms. Peace Dianne.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful experience
This was an amazing location and exceptional accommodation. Diane thought of everything and we needed absolutely nothing. Will definitely be coming back.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul R., Grand Marais, Minnesota, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful and Energized at the same time.
In the heart of James Bay, there is no lack of things to do or see. But Diane has set up the guest cottage as a true retreat. The private patio is something you will not find at other properties in the area. The property and neighbourhood has more flowers than most city parks.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lei Leng O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for Victoria
Location was great as it's walkable to so many places. We loved the well furnished private patio and the well supplied kitchen with very thoughtful touches like cold filter water in the fridge, popcorn and chocolate fudge. Loved the fact organic and or sustainable soap, laundry soap and dish soap used and recycling in place! Would definitely want to stay here again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Winter in Victoria
We stay at this property on every trip to Vancouver Island and would not stay anywhere else. Great cottage; very clean, comfortable and outstanding location in the City.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Short Winter Get Away
We stay here every visit to Victoria and would not stay anywhere else. The cottage is very clean and just the right size for the two of us. It is also in a location in James Bay that makes everything convenient.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terri B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Location
This one-bedroom unit (unattached behind main house) provided for a wonderful short trip to Victoria. The unit is well-stocked with kitchen serving dishes, silverware, cookware, etc. the king-sized bed is very comfortable and there is a private deck area in the back that would be wonderful for warmer weather visits. I highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leah E., Calgary

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful location
This is a great spot in a wonderful location. Walking distance to so many things! They also have a lovely patio for the cottage which was very private. We had our dog with us and down the street is a dog park which he loved. If you are looking for privacy in a homey place. You gotta book here.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sue M., North Vancouver, BC Canada

Liked: Cleanliness
So comfortable with all the extras
Dianne's place is where I stay each time I visit my girls here in Victoria. Her place is well stocked with the usual items and a few extras. Everything works well, the parking is very convenient and as I usually work while I am here the fast and reliable internet is great! And the brownies are a real treat. Sue
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sharon K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location
Wonderful place, great location. Owner was friendly and responsive to our needs. Would definitely stay there again!!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Manon R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Such a great place, with a great host and great location
We had a wonderful stay in Dianne's house. Everything was perfect. She was really friendly and helpful. I will recommend 100% this place as it has all you need and more !
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome Location & Fantastic Unit
Location in James Bay was walking distance to Victoria and the ocean - really lovely neighborhood. The garden cottage was so comfortable - the bed was amazing, just like home! Extremely well stocked kitchen with every utensil you would need and a BBQ. Made dinner there and it was great. Thank your to the Hostess Diane, who was warm & friendly and so helpful. Would definitely stay here again!!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Shannon G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best Location James Bay
This was our second stay and we will be back! Dianne is a wonderful host and the cottage is a special place with every amenity supplied. Beds and pillows so comfortable and clean!! See you next year!!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Constance G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay in Victoria
We really enjoyed our stay at this topnotch conversion in Victoria. Close to everything, yet quiet. On the owner's property, yet private. We appreciated all the small touches that made it feel like home - fully stocked kitchen and bath, end tables and lights, luggage rack, flowers!. And, of course, friendly puppies! And a wonderful, friendly, hostess! Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sasha R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Home away from home
This was our second time staying and once again we loved it. Cozy, tidy, well stocked and the location is wonderful. The private patio is such a special touch. The neighborhood is quiet yet close to everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sharon M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Spot
Couldn’t be in a better location. The property was very comfortable with everything we needed for a comfortable stay including our own beautiful private courtyard and access to the main courtyard anytime. The host Dianne was very accommodating with our dog and very friendly. We loved that she had extra items in the kitchen (coffee, creamers, oil, spices, condiments) and many other extras that made cooking and staying there so much easier. Additional bonus was a washer/dryer and she even provided laundry detergent. We would definitely recommend this spot and look forward to coming back one day.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sue M., North Vancouver, BC Canada

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing stay again!
I love Diane’s place! I have stayed here before and it never disappoints! Great outdoor space on the front and back. Every appliance you can imagine in the full stocked Kitchen. Coffee, tea, cream, condiments, olive oil, oatmeal, a few spices and rice. Oh! And my daughter visits and loves the brownies:)) Sue xo
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sue S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely, secluded bib
Lovely quiet sheltered bib. I stayed in the Garden suite with a private patio at the back which was wonderful for the dog. I was having hardwood installed in my house so my dads were uncertain. The manager and staff could not have been more cooperative and kind during the entire process. I want to thank them for a wonderful stay at their bib and will certainly recommend to everyone!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jeri B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
It was perfect for the two of us and our dogs, clean and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Shizuko A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect retreat
The place was everything I expected. Great location, too!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kiri W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely place to stay! Close to harbour and easy to get to and from. The animals were an added bonus.
Lovely place to stay! Close to harbour and easy to get to and from. The animals were an added bonus.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

k m.

Friendly garden home in James Bay
We had a great time at Diane’s play in Victoria. It’s a perfect location. We loved the outdoor space and everyone was super friendly. Our kids loved the little dogs and the cats too!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Jim R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Garden Delight
Great place that has a beautiful private garden, cozy feeling and wonderful host! Looking forward to it being our home away from home for our future trips to Victoria.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Kimberly S.

Victoria BC
Wonderful location on quite street within blocks of many sites.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Cheryl M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous location
We enjoyed walking from this extremely well located cozy guest cottage in the James Bay Area. An off-leash park is close by; the Dallas Road ocean side walk is just minutes away; the James Bay shopping area makes grocery shopping easy; the fresh fish market is in the neighbourhood. Inside, the bed is great and the kitchen well equipped with new pots and pans and a 'snazzy' kettle. Dianne is a conscientious host who attended to our needs promptly. Thank you, Dianne. We wish for you a great summer!
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2022

8/10 Good

Lori B., Brandon Manitoba

Location was the best
The location in James Bay was perfect. Within walking distance of Dallas road and downtown. The garden suite is perfect for 2 people. There was 3 of us and it was crowded. The suite has 2 lovely outdoor spaces, that would be nice in the summer. The internet was iffy at times and the tv options we not great. My husband is a news hound and a hockey fan. We couldn’t get either. The cleanliness ofthe suite really was just ok. There seemed to be a mold issue around windows, doors and in the washing machine. As far as Covid cleaning goes…. I don’t think that happened. We found a chocolate covered almond stuck to a blanket so that was obviously not washed. Moldy salsa left in the fridge. Some of the dishes had to be rewashed. The beds were super comfy. Even the pull out couch. Everything you ever needed is provided, but too much of it was on the counter. Not enough space to cook a meal. We unfortunately had the pipes freeze due to an unusual cold snap. Over all, this would be the perfect place. Just needs a few changes in cleaning.
Stayed 14 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jan 2022
Thanks for your feedback and a new cleaner has been hired.

10/10 Excellent

Jamie L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice home away from home nestled in James Bay
We really enjoyed our stay. The cottage is quiet and private and walking distance to the Inner Harbour and all the things going on there. Restaurants, groceries and liquor all close by. Raining the whole time we were there, so didn't get to enjoy the private patio and barbeque at the back of the unit but it would be great in better weather. Thank you for a wonderful experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joanne R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved our stay!
The property is located in the heart of James Bay with easy walking distance to harbour, downtown, Beacon Hill Park. Too bad is was November, because there was lovely back patio. If you are travelling with a pet, easy access to the outdoors. Thank you!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2021

8/10 Good

Lindsey R.

Awesome location
Responsive host. Cleanliness left a little to be desired, there was quite a bit of splatter in the bathroom. Over all good stay, we just probably caught the cleaners on a bad day.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Oct 2021
wow so appreciate you letting me know as I will make sure the bathroom is 5 star and without your feedback I may not have known.

10/10 Excellent

Paul R., Grand Marais, Minnesota, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Embrace the Neighbourhood!
The guesthouse is in a one-of-a-kind setting. Walking distance to the "lively" part of town, while being secluded in a quiet, tree-lined neighbourhood. The private patio with seating and grill add to the tuck-away feel.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Carol & Jason S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome location!!
When visiting Victoria, you cannot beat this location. The suite is a great size for a couple with a lovely outdoor space. Our pup was able to join us which was awesome. Linens are great and the bed was super comfy. Diane, the host, was extremely informative and offered some great advice on locals places to visit.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Neil and Sandi B., Edmonton

Liked: Cleanliness
Memorable stay
We had a lovely and very comfortable stay at Dianne’s place. Our unit was luxurious! We had our doggo with us snd she and Dianne’s dogs/cats got along great. She told us to the local park to run the dogs and have us lots of info on Victoria and the joys of island life! We won’t soon forget our visit. Thanks Diannez
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shannon G.

Liked: Cleanliness
the best
Difficult to say goodbye to Dianne and the magical property. Really don’t want to leave and that says it all…
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nancy P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Women Reconnecting
I booked The Garden Retreat as a place to reconnect with a close group of old friends and it was perfect. We immediately felt at home as we checked ourselves in to this clean, bright and attractive space and settled in for a catch up visit on the cozy, private back deck. We appreciated deluxe and thoughtful touches like cushy sheets and towels and fresh roses so perfect we could hardly believe they were real. The kitchen was well stocked and organized. We enjoyed making meals here together. The location was very convenient: a 5-10 minute walk to the ocean and the breakwater, coffee, groceries, great restaurants, downtown shops. James Bay is a quiet and pretty neighbourhood itself. The pull out sofa was reasonably comfortable as sofa beds go (maybe best for one sleeper, or two who don’t mind getting cozy) but the king bed was definitely the winner in terms of comfort-we agreed that it was one of the best beds we had ever slept in. Our quiet canine guest was happy to meet Dianne’s sweet pups and gorgeous cat family in the back yard garden, as were we. Dianne is a friendly, helpful and relaxed host and we really enjoyed meeting and chatting with her through the week. She has made it very easy to self-navigate the stay with clear labels and a handy, clear list of instructions, tips and neighbourhood suggestions but she was also easy to approach in person with questions as they came up. She was generous with the space, moving the barbecue for us and inviting us to pick some fresh veggies and herbs for our dinner. We had a fabulous stay full of laughter, long conversations and good energy and would wholeheartedly recommend and return to this property.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jean N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location
Enjoyed our stay, perfect neighbourhood, fully equipped kitchen, comfortable bed., and the private back deck, The grandkids especially appreciated visiting the hosts two small dogs in the backyard.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021