Reviews & Testimonials
****see also 14 more recent Reviews at VRBO 98974 ****
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Everything and more 5/5
This rental property will not disappoint. Everything in more than is in the ad is what you will find here. The owners are there for you if there are problems and happy to make sure that your stay is fantastic. You need to look no further.
- Stayed: Oct 2020
- Submitted: Oct 16, 2020 by Caroline K, Kelowna BC
- Source: vrbo
A comfy, cozy harbourfront suite 5/5 My wife and I just finished off a very enjoyable 6-night stay at the Mermaid Suite in Victoria, BC. Great location to watch the rowers, barges, and other happenings in the Upper Harbour. and within walking distance of the entire Victoria harbourfront and downtown. Plenty of great restaurants within a short stroll. We did a lot of walking around different parts of the harbour, as well as along the oceanfront.
- Stayed: Oct 2020
- Submitted: Oct 16, 2020 by Tyler H, Rocky View County, AB Canada
- Source: vrbo
Lovely condo
Thank you Colleen and Don. Our two months in your lovely condo have passed so quickly We have enjoyed staying here so much. It is far superior to any place we have stayed before. We look forward to returning.
- Stayed: Jan/Feb 2019
- Submitted: Mar 2, 2019 by GH, Edmonton
- Source: this website
Great place to stay 5 stars
Great location, nice accommodations, and great people to work with.
- Stayed: October 2018
- Submitted: Oct 31, 2018 by Tom & Cheryl, Utah
- Source: VRBO
Ideal Condo on Victoria's Harbor 5 stars
The Mermaid Suite is in an ideal location for visitors to the beautiful city of Victoria. The condo is a comfortable, clean and well organized open concept living space with a well equipped kitchen. It's right on the harbor with a sea taxi station within steps of the front door; and walking distance to China Town for groceries and excellent restaurants. From the balcony you can see the new Johnson Bridge which is beautiful when lit up at night. We highly recommend having Jane pick visitors up from the airport. It was wonderful to be able to stop for groceries on the way in. She gave us detailed information about condo access, and suggestions for activities. Great communication with the owners Colleen and Don. Communication and arrangements for renting went very smoothly. I would definitely recommend the Mermaid Suite to friends and would stay there again. I recommend the Gorge Tour which was lovely, and walking the many beautiful trails. Restaurants: Nautical Nellie's, Finns, 10, The Empress for cocktails, The Fish Hook (located on the main floor of the building). Many thanks to Jane, Colleen and Don!
- Stayed: October 2018
- Submitted: Oct 15, 2018 by Nona W. Edmonton
- Source: VRBO
Great place, location views and experience. you cant go wrong 5 stars
Wonderful. Perfect place to spend or 30th wedding anniversary! Don, Colleen, and Jane were awesome. Victoria is my new favorite city.
- Stayed: September 2018
- Submitted: Sep 10, 2018 by Dan S., Hayden, Idaho
- Source: VRBO
Magnificent! 5 stars
Stay was outstanding. All recommendations for activities by the owner exceeded all expectations. The condo was lovely, extremely accessible to activities and extremely safe. I would stay again
- Stayed: August 2018
- Submitted: Sep 20, 2018 by Marva L., Kansas City
- Source: VRBO
Waterfront luxury downtown 5 stars
Excellent location: directly on the water with no road in between, close to great selection of good restaurants (including 2 onsite), walk to Empress/Royal BC Museum/downtown/Chinatown, and water taxi right in front. Western facing balcony for sunsets. Fun to watch rowers, kayakers, blue drawbridge, tugboats, etc. Condo was well appointed and comfortable for our week. We will recommend it to friends. Jerry and Renee
- Stayed: August 2018
- Submitted: Aug 30, 2018 by Jerry & Renee, Malibu, CA
- Source: VRBO
High end condo with a very reasonable rate 5 stars
When the day is done, a glass of wine and supper is layed
What better place to relax and enjoy life is the Mermaid
That touch of relaxed elegance surrounds the guest
With everything required to feel "just the best"
Past visitors know this is a hidden jewel
Not to be shared but savored, save for that poor fool
Who gave it all away by praise, posts and other devices.
That now make it difficult to like all other places
This is the one that stands out from all others
No need to check, take my word as a brother
Who has stayed near and far but is always amazed.
Just how fine it is, to come home to the Mermaid
- Stayed: August 2018
- Submitted: Sep 2, 2018 by RepeaterJim, from B.C..
- Source: VRBO
Just as advertised 5 stars
Great location walking distance to harbour and waking pathways.Nice to have secure parking for our car and for us as well. Jane the manager showed us around. Many resturants really close. Great place to stay in Victoria
- Stayed: Sep 2017
- Submitted: Oct 1, 2017 by Virginia, Okotoks, Alberta
- Source: VRBO
Perfect waterfront condo! 5 stars
The condo was in a perfect location for walking, using the harbor ferries, eating, & shopping. Great view & very comfortable. Having Jane pick us up & take us shopping before settling in was a treat. We enjoyed talking with her & knowing we had a ride back to the ferry at the end of our stay. The Mermaid Suite rates 5 stars with us. Thanks so much for sharing it.
- Stayed: May 2017
- Submitted: May 30, 2017 by Cheryl, Bend, Oregon
- Source: VRBO
Perfection: Waterfront Luxury Downtown 5 stars
There is NOTHING that could of improved our stay at the Mermaid Suite - beautifully decorated, on the water, comfortable furnishings and extremely peaceful. We always say we are not staying anywhere that is not at least as nice as home - in this instance we would have to say even better! We were warmly greeted by Francis and his assistant Keith who made us feel as though we were the most important people who ever stayed there. Also, his information on all things "condo" related was very helpful and explicit. As we had previously resided in Victoria we did not do a great deal of "tourist" related outings, but did enjoy our walks to the beautiful Fisherman's Wharf and took the water taxi right to our door - or so it seemed. The choice of coffee shops, restaurants, is within easy walking distance and all are great. Enjoyed a meal in Chinatown and of course like most travelers found our favorite coffee shop, less then a five minute walk away. We did not have a car for the first three days and this certainly did not hinder us enjoying the area. The owner, Colleen, is so attentive to all the details ensuring that you, the guest, have a wonderful time and enjoy beautiful Victoria to the max. I know it seems almost impossible to rate a condo as perfect, however this one definitely rates that review. As if we required any more for the perfect holiday - seven days of perfect weather awaited us. Thanks to Colleen and her very efficient team.
- Stayed: June 2015
- Submitted: June 15, 2015 by C2 in Lethbridge, AB
- Source: VRBO
Perfect! 5 stars
My husband and I traveled to Victoria to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary. I found the Mermaid Suite on VRBO and after reading all the five star reviews and seeing the pictures, I decided to reserve the condo. Our flight arrived around 8:00 PM and it was really nice to know that Francis (concierge) was going to pick us up and take us back to the airport. We stopped on the way to the condo to pick up some groceries. When we arrived, he showed us around and made sure that we were comfortably settled before he left. We enjoyed nine days of exploring the city and coming back to our "home away from home". The location is perfect. We walked everywhere. Sometimes we took the water taxis located just a few steps from the condo. We took the CVS tour to the Butchart Gardens and the Hop On Hop Off (Greyline) bus to the Abkhazi Garden and Teahouse. Fisherman's wharf is just a water taxi ride away. It is a great place to see the floating houses and have a bite to eat. The Flying Otter Grill was our favorite place to eat. Playing music bingo at Belleville's on Wednesday night was great fun! We attended The Church of Our Lord on Sunday. It was a wonderful service and we were greeted warmly. We totally enjoyed our stay in this vibrant city. The people are friendly, the views are spectacular, and the condo offers every convenience and comfort. Colleen checked in with us by email every few days to make sure we were comfortable. She was also available to suggest places to see. We enjoyed every minute of our stay...even the weather blessed us!
- Stayed: May 2015
- Submitted: June 8, 2015 by SecondHoneymooners, Michigan
- Source: VRBO
Waterfront Mermaid Condo 5 stars
Our week long stay in the Mermaid Suite was certainly memorable. The view from our balcony was of special interest/eye catching /colorful water taxis coming & going, students rowing practice all keeping us entertained. All the needs and comforts were provided for in this suite including all the literature which was a great help for places to eat & sights to see. One restaurant we especially enjoyed was the "Point To Point" you recommended in Sooke, well worth the visit .Ambience delightful, food excellent.
- Stayed: May 2015
- Submitted: June 7, 2015 by Ronald J, Kauai, Hawaii
- Source: VRBO
Waterfront Mermaid Condo 5 stars
This place was perfect for our 5 day stay. Centrally located within walking distance to downtown Victoria and all the many things to do there. Beautiful view from condo balcony of the harbor. Loved seeing the water taxis come and go and the rowing crews. Our hosts left us a welcoming bottle of champagne, and the condo had everything we could need. Our concierge Francis made checking in a breeze and gave us a lot useful local information. We highly recommend this VRBO rental and definitely will stay here again next time we come for an extended visit.
- Stayed: May 2015
- Submitted: May 31, 2015 by Carol K, Chandler, AZ
- Source: VRBO
AMAZING ACCOMMODATIONS, AMAZING EXPERIENCE
Guest: Sherry and Dennis, Alberta
Date of Stay: 06/13/12 Review Submitted: 08/06/12
Hello, Colleen! We LOVED LOVED LOVED Victoria and our amazing accommodations!
It has been 17 years since we have been there and it
was like seeing it all new again....hmmm, must be our age.. Francis was
wonderful - picked us up at the airport, gave us the option of the scenic road
into Victoria which was beautiful, and showed us around the suite, the parking
and the building. We were able to come in to the condo so early because they had
just finished cleaning from the previous renters. You have a beautiful property
there, and so very convenient to everything. We love walking and in fact did not
even rent a car until our last evening so we could go to the gardens, etc. on
the way to the airport the next day. We walked to Craigdarragh, walked to
Fishermans Wharf, Westbay Marina, the beach, and everything was breathtaking.
The weather was quite cool but that did not matter at all. We spent one cooler
windy day at the museum and took in 3 Imax shows, and one Saturday was quite
rainy so we spent most of the day relaxing in our -home-. I read an entire book
from your selection there and Dennis enjoyed channel surfing.....just like at
home! And yes, even though it was chilly, we still sat on the balcony with our
wine and snacks and took in the amazing view and constant activity on the water!
We did find a favorite place where we felt so at home.....Swans Hotel. Always
entertaining there, and through extensive testing at various locations Dennis
proclaimed their Seafood Chowder as the best in Victoria! We truly loved all the
little brewhouses we checked out as well. I have already referred you and
Francis as well to some people we met there from Indiana. They go to Victoria
about once a year and were this year staying at Executive House. When we told
them how great your place was, they took down the info so hopefully they will
end up there one day. I have attached a few photos just in case you need some
for testimonials! Thank you again, Colleen - it was an amazing experience and
was so very true to your website description - much appreciated! Sherry
BREATHTAKING SCENERY, COMFORTABLE STAY
Guest: Yvonne and Don, NC
Date of Stay: 07/01/12 Review Submitted: 07/13/12
Hello Colleen, Thank you so much for your farewell note. We had such a
wonderful time in Victoria, and so enjoyed exploring the island.
We spent Canada Day down by the Inner Harbor and
celebrated your beautiful country with everyone there. It was a sunny, beautiful
day, and we ended it sipping the champagne you provided - thank you - while
sitting on the balcony watching the fireworks. It was a fun day. We spent one
day driving along the west coast and another driving along the east coast. We
visited Chemainus and saw all the wall murals and had lunch in Nanaimo at a
wonderful little Greek restaurant called Asteras Greek Taverna. We visited
Butchart Gardens -incredible-walked along the Dallas Road paths, and spent lots
of time walking downtown and exploring all the little shops and alleys. The
location of the condo was absolutely perfect! We ate lunch at Canoe on our
first day, and had dinner at Ulla, my favorite place for Halibut. We also ate
dinners at Spinnakers - took the water taxi which was fun - the Black Olive, and
Il Terrazzo. We were blessed with beautiful weather while in Victoria. The
scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Don and I have traveled extensively and I
can honestly say that Vancouver Island is one of the most naturally beautiful
places we have ever been. A one week stay really was not long enough, and we
have already talked about coming back. We so enjoyed staying in the Mermaid
Suite. We had everything we needed and felt very comfortable while there. It was
fun to watch all the activity on the harbor in the evenings, and soothing to
hear the call of the gulls. We have visited many places in Europe and Canada,
all of them beautiful, but I told Don that if I could relocate to anywhere in
the world, I believe I would choose Victoria. Thank you again, for providing
such a lovely place to stay while enjoying Victoria and the island.
Another great stay in your condo – our second home. Francis had everything clean and ready for our arrival. We love Victoria and find something new every year. Hopefully, we will be back again next March. Thank you."
- Gaetan & Rita, Sudbury, ON
Your condo is beautiful, but your location is even better. We walked and biked the nearby trails along the water, went whale watching directly from the condo pier, walked to the float plane terminal to spend a day in Vancouver after an early morning 20 minute flight into that harbour, and walked to Via Rail to take the historic train up to Qualicum through gorgeous scenery for the day. We had an amazing time without needing a car. Thank you.
- Anne & Dwayne, Edmonton, AB
Thank you for being such gracious hosts. We really enjoyed a huge variety of activities thanks to your suggestions-walking trails along the Galloping Goose and Lochside Trails, the gorgeous Songhees harbour walk, the floral beauty of Beacon Hill Park, and all along the cliffs above the Pacific on Dallas Road looking towards the mountain tops of Washington state. We enjoyed all of the restaurants you suggested that we tried plus others we added to your list for future guests. We will be back!
- Sue & Larry, Denver, CO
What a wonderful time we've had in this beautiful city! Your condo, our home away from home,has been perfect. The personal interest you have shown in our comfort makes us feel special...you would make great friends! We have enjoyed all we've done here.
- Shannon & Tom, KS
This was our first visit to Victoria, and we truly enjoyed our 8 days here. Your condo is so beautifully furnished and appointed that it was like being in a lovely home rather than a claustrophobic hotel room. We loved seeing the water just outside every room and from the balcony, and being so close to the downtown that we didn't need a car. Thank you so much for your hospitality.
- Linda & Richard, Bel Air, CA
My husband and I, and our two daughters stayed at the condo for five nights. The experience exceeded our expectations in every way. The owner was so gracious in helping me plan our vacation in Victoria, and upon arrival, the property manager was also delightful and wanted to help in every way that he could. The photographs of the condo are very nice, but the condo is much nicer than photographs are able to show. The view of the harbor is lovely at all times of the day and night, and the condo is beautifully appointed with lovely decor. Although we had a rental car, we never needed it in Victoria as the condo is within walking distance of everything. We used our car to travel up-island and to visit Buchart Gardens, but walked to all of the restaurants and museums downtown. I highly recommend this lovely condo and hope to stay there again sometime in the future.
- Kristina, San Diego, CA
Firstly let me say what a lovely place you have in BC and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. My only disappointment was not getting to a supermarket and buy some of the lovely goodies available here and preparing them but it didn't happen - made for no dishes so that was a plus. We ate at Canoe which was very good. Breakfast at Willies was one of the nicest we had. Fish and chips up Haultain street also very good and great local atmosphere.
- Sally & Neil, New Zealand
Thank you for the lovely welcome and great place, we enjoyed ourselves in Victoria and the condo was very convenient to the college. We shared the champagne last night with our friends, the partners in the school, to celebrate the completion of this phase of the program. They all liked this place and hope to use it again. Hope we can visit again some time. Thanks for your warm welcome and thoughtful amenities.
- Kathleen & Joseph, Mt Shasta, CA
We truly enjoyed our month away starting with our 10 day comfortable stay at your condo. Victoria was beautiful and we tried our best to see and do as much as possible. Per your recommendation we enjoyed the dramatic Butchart Gardens and Fireworks. Biking, walking the waterfront walks (we appreciated the splashes of color of the 100's of 'hanging baskets' & gardens). We were intrigued by the Tibet exhibit at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria (we were in Tibet last year). We enjoyed our travels around the island: Sidney, Sooke, Duncan (Totem Pole tour) and Chemaninus Murals. Another favorite was the excellent presentation at the Centre of the Universe and its Observatory - The Parliament Tour was also well done. During the Holiday Weekend it was fun to see the 'Antique Boat' show and the Jazz/Music Fest. Our favorite eating establishments were: Dim Sum lunch at Don Mee's and sunsets at Spinnakers. We enjoyed our adventures but it was always welcoming to come home to our comfortable condo. The charming eclectic decor was so cozy and pleasing. We enjoyed drinking your 'Welcome' Champagne on the balcony...watching the sunset and rowers.
- Angela & Frank, Williamsburg, VA
Our family had a wonderful time in Victoria, and a great part was due to having such a comfortable place to crash after long days of sight seeing. Thank you so much for all your help,and hospitality. If it were not for all the space and the lovely view, our vacation wouldn't have been half as fun. I look froward to us coming back to stay at the Mermaid.
- Marco & family, Mexico
Many thanks for this fabulous condo from where we have gone crabbing at the Sooke pier, swimming in the Pacific, to the Imax and to the excellent BC museum which has impressive displays.The proximity to everything here has added to our enjoyment. You have a very special place here.
- Dianne & Richard, Toronto, ON
I spent a week in late November 2010, and it was the perfect apartment to keep warm during the snowstorm! Warm and cozy with the fireplace, and I could bundle up and walk to most of the places I wanted to go to. The parking space was a bonus, knowing I wouldn't have to worry about finding parking upon return after going out for the day. Francis, (who met me to show me around and give me keys) was extremely helpful and kind. Highly recommended, I hope to return for a visit again!
- Teena, Seattle, WA
Beautiful, Classy, Comfortable! If you want to stay at a beautiful place, this is it! There is nothing to criticize. Colleen and Don have decorated it beautifully, with many pieces from their various travels. There are comfortable chairs and sofa, the bed is extremely comfortable, and the entire condo is so well appointed, you won't want for anything. The location is GREAT - on the water, close to shops and restaurants. Francis, from Executive Concierge, met us to give us a review of the condo, the property, keys, and show us our wine!!. He was very thorough (we tried to get him to stay for dinner and cook for us!!) and encouraged us to call with any problems or questions (we didn't have any). We took Colleen's recommendation for dinner at Lure and we had a great meal. We also took her recommendation for "artisan jewelry" (I always try to buy something local everyplace I visit). I am thrilled with my purchase (Colleen, I will send you a picture soon!). Idar was a great shop - met Idar himself and got wonderful attention and service. Victoria is very walkable and this unit is situated perfectly. I can't say enough positive things about this property. We have stayed at many VRBO properties and this is one of the best. We hope to come back to Victoria!!
- Sue G. Memphis, TN Stayed: September 2014
Great Location, great view, very comfortable appartment. We enjoyed our stay very much and recommend it as a good location to explore everything around Victoria within easy walking distance. The appartment is also very well equiped, clean and comfortable. The owners were very helpful in preparing our trip to Victoria with a lot of helpful tips.
- Gesa, Frankfurt
I have been coming to Victoria every year for several years and I finally found a place that feels like a home away from home. Last year, I had rented another unit in the same building. This unit is much bigger, actually has a bedroom (rather than just a studio) and faces the Upper Harbour. It also has a secured parking spot. The place has everything that I needed and shopping was nearby. It is a short walk to everything, including the Inner Harbour. There is also a Water Taxi stop just outside the building, which came in handy. Colleen is extremely friendly and helpful, as is Francis, the condo manager. They made everything perfect for my vacation. I am so happy that I no longer have to keep looking for a different place. This is where I will be staying on all of my future trips
- Greg, Roseville, CA
BREATHTAKING SCENERY, COMFORTABLE STAY
Guest: Yvonne and Don, NC
Date of Stay: 07/01/12 Review Submitted: 07/13/12
Hello Colleen, Thank you so much for your farewell note. We had such a
wonderful time in Victoria, and so enjoyed exploring the island.
We spent Canada Day down by the Inner Harbor and
celebrated your beautiful country with everyone there. It was a sunny, beautiful
day, and we ended it sipping the champagne you provided - thank you - while
sitting on the balcony watching the fireworks. It was a fun day. We spent one
day driving along the west coast and another driving along the east coast. We
visited Chemainus and saw all the wall murals and had lunch in Nanaimo at a
wonderful little Greek restaurant called Asteras Greek Taverna. We visited
Butchart Gardens -incredible-walked along the Dallas Road paths, and spent lots
of time walking downtown and exploring all the little shops and alleys. The
location of the condo was absolutely perfect! We ate lunch at Canoe on our
first day, and had dinner at Ulla, my favorite place for Halibut. We also ate
dinners at Spinnakers - took the water taxi which was fun - the Black Olive, and
Il Terrazzo. We were blessed with beautiful weather while in Victoria. The
scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Don and I have traveled extensively and I
can honestly say that Vancouver Island is one of the most naturally beautiful
places we have ever been. A one week stay really was not long enough, and we
have already talked about coming back. We so enjoyed staying in the Mermaid
Suite. We had everything we needed and felt very comfortable while there. It was
fun to watch all the activity on the harbor in the evenings, and soothing to
hear the call of the gulls. We have visited many places in Europe and Canada,
all of them beautiful, but I told Don that if I could relocate to anywhere in
the world, I believe I would choose Victoria. Thank you again, for providing
such a lovely place to stay while enjoying Victoria and the island.
AMAZING ACCOMMODATIONS, AMAZING EXPERIENCE
Guest: Sherry and Dennis, Alberta
Date of Stay: 06/13/12 Review Submitted: 08/06/12
Hello, Colleen! We LOVED LOVED LOVED Victoria and our amazing accommodations!
It has been 17 years since we have been there and it
was like seeing it all new again....hmmm, must be our age.. Francis was
wonderful - picked us up at the airport, gave us the option of the scenic road
into Victoria which was beautiful, and showed us around the suite, the parking
and the building. We were able to come in to the condo so early because they had
just finished cleaning from the previous renters. You have a beautiful property
there, and so very convenient to everything. We love walking and in fact did not
even rent a car until our last evening so we could go to the gardens, etc. on
the way to the airport the next day. We walked to Craigdarragh, walked to
Fishermans Wharf, Westbay Marina, the beach, and everything was breathtaking.
The weather was quite cool but that did not matter at all. We spent one cooler
windy day at the museum and took in 3 Imax shows, and one Saturday was quite
rainy so we spent most of the day relaxing in our -home-. I read an entire book
from your selection there and Dennis enjoyed channel surfing.....just like at
home! And yes, even though it was chilly, we still sat on the balcony with our
wine and snacksand took in the amazing view and constant activity on the water!
We did find a favorite place where we felt so at home.....Swans Hotel. Always
entertaining there, and through extensive testing at various locations Dennis
proclaimed their Seafood Chowder as the best in Victoria! We truly loved all the
little brewhouses we checked out as well. I have already referred you and
Francis as well to some people we met there from Indiana. They go to Victoria
about once a year and were this year staying at Executive House. When we told
them how great your place was, they took down the info so hopefully they will
end up there one day. I have attached a few photos just in case you need some
for testimonials! Thank you again, Colleen - it was an amazing experience and
was so very true to your website description - much appreciated! Sherry
Call today for reservations
760-406-3828 from the US or 613-794-2568 from Canada
or Contact us by Email
We look forward to accommodating you
or Contact us by Email
We look forward to accommodating you