Located in downtown Victoria BC, at the base of Chinatown, the Swans Hotel building was built in 1913. At that time, the area was a hotbed of secret societies, underground activity, and a liquor distillery. Today, while shaped by our colourful history, our neighbourhood is welcoming for tourists from near and far.
Swans Hotel has been restored as a 31 room boutique hotel with much of the original brick and wood beams featured throughout the suites. Suites built for entertaining or relaxing. Spaces that showcase original artworks, exposed industrial beams, high ceilings, and lofts. Swans Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Victoria BC and is walkable to countless restaurants, breweries, shops, and attractions.
Swans Hotel has been restored as a 31 room boutique hotel with much of the original brick and wood beams featured throughout the suites. Suites built for entertaining or relaxing. Spaces that showcase original artworks, exposed industrial beams, high ceilings, and lofts. Swans Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Victoria BC and is walkable to countless restaurants, breweries, shops, and attractions.
Services
Our guests enjoy views of the iconic Victoria BC harbour, character buildings, and Johnson Street Bridge. The Swans building was originally built in 1913 and renovated from a warehouse into loft apartments in 1987, later the apartments were converted into the Swans Hotel suites.
Each suite is still equipped with a full kitchen, features original art from the founder's personal collection, and showcases the original brick and wood beams that give the building so much character.Backing on to the oldest Chinatown in Canada, there are countless old stories of underground activity that litter the narrative of this area.
Each suite is still equipped with a full kitchen, features original art from the founder's personal collection, and showcases the original brick and wood beams that give the building so much character.Backing on to the oldest Chinatown in Canada, there are countless old stories of underground activity that litter the narrative of this area.
In a building with so much history, it's hard to be boring. Each suite features different artwork that belonged to Swans founder, Michael Williams. His collection is showcased throughout the hotel rooms and no two rooms are alike. Exposed industrial beams, brickwork, 14-foot ceilings and split level lofts make up the foundation of most suites.
Reviews (28)
Danielle Petersen
Nov 11, 2021
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Sawyer Swan
Oct 11, 2021
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Elana Tassone
Sep 25, 2021
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Tristan Harrison
Sep 16, 2021
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Justine Wendland
Jul 29, 2021
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We celebrated a very special event in the penthouse at Swans with catering and drinks from the pub. It was absolutely outstanding! The staff made ever effort to make our dream event come true, the food was delicious, hot and fresh. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to celebrate in a unique, unobstructed waterfront view from the rooftop or inside.
Wayne Lundeberg
Jun 11, 2021
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Best place to stay in Victoria. A suite with full kitchen is less than most basic hotel rooms. The location is great, in Chinatown, and although there is not parking on-site they have parking (extra charge) only 1 block away. Either cook yourself, eat in restaurants or order take out from many hotels nearby. Nice early morning walks along Inner Harbour or Songhees.
Jason Finnerty
Sep 17, 2019
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Mark Turnbull
Jul 18, 2019
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Jessica C.
Sep 21, 2018
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Not sure what kind of people reviewed this place that gave gave it good enough reviews to somehow get 4, but the lie.
This place is NOT good. The parking is a block away, LITERALLY.
The rooms are strange...it has a little kitchenette (bonus) but the building is ancient, rooms are weird, mattresses might be as old as the building and the windows with wood blinds let in so much light that the are practically pointless. The rooms are above a pub so I am sure you know that I am going to tell you how great the music is at 11:30 too...
There is this SUPER CREEPY little door on a "makeshift landing
This place is NOT good. The parking is a block away, LITERALLY.
The rooms are strange...it has a little kitchenette (bonus) but the building is ancient, rooms are weird, mattresses might be as old as the building and the windows with wood blinds let in so much light that the are practically pointless. The rooms are above a pub so I am sure you know that I am going to tell you how great the music is at 11:30 too...
There is this SUPER CREEPY little door on a "makeshift landing
Dave G.
Aug 17, 2018
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Well, it isn't the Fairmont Empress... but then again, I paid less for two nights at Swan's than one at the Fairmont.
Originally a grain and feed store, the Swan was converted to "condo" style suites with a living area, a kitchen and one or two bedrooms (ours were upstairs). There is only one bath on the ground floor. Overall, the rooms were clean and well appointed with lightly used furniture that gave it a "lived in" look and feel as opposed to being run down. The bath was nice and and having a kitchen can be helpful if you stay awhile. Then again, there are
Originally a grain and feed store, the Swan was converted to "condo" style suites with a living area, a kitchen and one or two bedrooms (ours were upstairs). There is only one bath on the ground floor. Overall, the rooms were clean and well appointed with lightly used furniture that gave it a "lived in" look and feel as opposed to being run down. The bath was nice and and having a kitchen can be helpful if you stay awhile. Then again, there are
Eduardo C.
Aug 12, 2018
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Unpretentious yet nicely renovated with spacious kitchen and dining area. The two bedrooms were upstairs which gave more privacy to the person sleeping on the sofa-bed downstairs. I can easily see you saving a buck by cooking your own meals on a multi-day stay. We only spent one night so we could not take full advantage of that. Our room faced the internal patios which made it dark. It didn't really matter to us but if that's a problem for you, you can get one of the rooms facing the street.
Hyunjin J.
May 04, 2018
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Betsy B.
Aug 04, 2017
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I stayed here with my family and it worked out well. It's a 2 bedroom apartment with bedrooms upstairs but the bathroom is downstairs. There is a furnished kitchen (glasses, dishes, silverware), living room area with desk and sofa and an outdoor seating area. As others have mentioned, it is not air conditioned. It was nice with the door open but then you could hear a lot of other people just talking or playing music (not overly loud-noise just carries and the patios are close to others. There were fans provided and a ceiling fan in the living area. The location is good. Chinatown is
Seth H.
Apr 12, 2017
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An interesting hotel that feels like apartments that have since been converted. The room we stayed in had two bedrooms (up stairs), a living room (down stairs), and a small kitchen... very spacious, and far better than the usual hotel room. Kitchen included plates/glasses/silverware, microwave, full fridge which was handy for leftovers. Staff was very friendly and helpful. They offered complimentary DVDs at the front desk with good selection; a nice way to end a day of sightseeing. When there was a problem with the DVD, the manager came up personally to troubleshoot the issue. The only downside
P. B.
Mar 18, 2017
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We were only here for 1 night and stayed in their Hotel. Comfy queen bed with living are with an outdoor patio and kitchenette. Free movies was nice with our room service Delicious pizza and had purchased a Stout growler downstairs when we were eating wings and trying both yummy stouts.
Saturday breakfast was delicious as well. We split the frittata and eggs Bennie, Yummm! Great start to our day, We Will Be Back! Cheers!
Parking available and walk around town.
Float planes landing while we ate breakfast downstairs, that's always a cool addition. Be sure to take an evening carriage ride
Saturday breakfast was delicious as well. We split the frittata and eggs Bennie, Yummm! Great start to our day, We Will Be Back! Cheers!
Parking available and walk around town.
Float planes landing while we ate breakfast downstairs, that's always a cool addition. Be sure to take an evening carriage ride
Brian F.
Oct 16, 2016
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Zaphod B.
Jun 28, 2016
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Really, quite lovely, if a bit spartan. Good location, one block from LoJo. No ice machines, but go to the dollar store and pick up an ice tray or two for the freezer and you'll be fine. BEWARE OF WEBSITES THAT SAY THEY HAVE AIR CONDITIONING, THEY DO NOT. This is not normally a problem for most of the year in BC, but in mid summer it can really get steamy. Also, find other parking if you can, the $11/day lot they sell you is tiny and invariably full most of the day. If you have trouble walking, the upstairs loft bedroom will be murder, so be sure to tell them you need a single floor unit well
Mr. Average Guy X.
Jun 12, 2016
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The hotel and location itself are just fine. Arrived Thursday afternoon, May 26. The young guy at the front desk who checked us in had such an insufferably poor attitude I was astounded, and that alone would be a reason not to return. There was a problem (of my own making) with the reservation - but it was clear he enjoyed the fact that I had a problem, and was lightning quick to tell me there was nothing he could do to assist, all with a snarky smile. Just a horrible introduction to the place. I've had friendlier experiences at travel hostels. We did like the 2-room setup of the suites
Laura S.
Aug 20, 2014
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Four of us stayed here for a weekend. It's a nice hotel but definitely in need of some updating. However, it was clean.
They let us check in at a little after noon because we arrived so early off the Clipper - we sure appreciated that! The staff was so nice and always super helpful!
We had the large 2 bedroom suite. The King sized bed was huge and really comfy! The downstairs was large and the kitchen was big too.
However, the artwork is weird. Really weird!!!
The sound on the TV was HORRIBLE! We had it turned as far up as it goes to 100 and it was still garbled and hard to
They let us check in at a little after noon because we arrived so early off the Clipper - we sure appreciated that! The staff was so nice and always super helpful!
We had the large 2 bedroom suite. The King sized bed was huge and really comfy! The downstairs was large and the kitchen was big too.
However, the artwork is weird. Really weird!!!
The sound on the TV was HORRIBLE! We had it turned as far up as it goes to 100 and it was still garbled and hard to
Greg L.
Apr 17, 2014
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Suzanne M.
Oct 22, 2013
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We stayed here one night on our vacation on our way from Seattle to Vancouver. Friendly, helpful staff and a great room for the price. We stayed in a studio on the second floor (not above the bar). The room was spacious, comfortable, very clean and updated. Kitchen was a nice plus. Great location for us. We walked from the ferry to the hotel and around town, up to Cook Street and the waterfront. Great experience at a super cute place on the cheap.
Viki O.
Aug 19, 2013
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We stayed in the 2 bedroom suite/mini apartment the rooms are dark but Clean and roomy, a great space. Wished it had 2 bathrooms for the 4 adults. The Seagulls were VERY annoying! It was hard to sleep because they squawked ALL night long. They are very loud, sitting right outside the windows. The live music was fantastic! We enjoyed the dancing very much. The beer was wonderful and the food was very very good! The service from the waitstaff was just fine and super friendly. The reason I gave only 3 stars is because of the loud seagulls and for Ryan whom runs the front desk. He is condescending
Wellington J.
Jul 13, 2013
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We had no clue what the Swan was like. We pulled up to what looked like a restaurant. Parking was on the next block around the corner. So we dropped our bags off, while I parked the car. The hotel and adjoining restaurant had a feel of hospitality to them. Our room was adorable. Very warm, cozy feel. Two bedrooms were upstairs and quite large with sky-lights. The only problem was the bathroom was downstairs!! Quite an inconvenience. The kitchen was great; wished we staying longer. Wifi was adequate. There was no air-conditioning, so we left the windows open, and it kept us from roasting. Downtown
Lynn S.
Jul 02, 2013
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Rachel H.
May 28, 2013
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A well located and relatively cost effective option for lodging in Victoria, Swans Hotel is a grain and feed operation dating back to the Victorian era, that in modern times functions as a Brew Pub and all Suite Hotel.
Swans boasts a downtown Victoria location in historic Chinatown (the oldest in Canada) walking distance to Government Street shops, Munro Books and the Empress Hotel, and offers apartment-like rooms perfect for families traveling together. Granted, the rooms and hotel are darker and some would say dated, (others have described them as cavelike) but this is an original Victorian
Swans boasts a downtown Victoria location in historic Chinatown (the oldest in Canada) walking distance to Government Street shops, Munro Books and the Empress Hotel, and offers apartment-like rooms perfect for families traveling together. Granted, the rooms and hotel are darker and some would say dated, (others have described them as cavelike) but this is an original Victorian
Matthew F.
Jan 06, 2013
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Great little hotel, close to everything.
The only reason I am giving 4 stars instead of five is that the rooms are a bit dated to my liking, but I am am spoiled New Yorker.
Staff were really friendly and helpful, my only peeve was that the front desk people were always sitting when we spoke and I found it disrespectful.
The pub/restaurant had really great food and they even make their own line of beers.
The location is a fantastic starting point for anyone that wants to explore Victoria, all major destinations are only a 10 - 15 minute walk.
The staff were fantastic at offering suggestions
The only reason I am giving 4 stars instead of five is that the rooms are a bit dated to my liking, but I am am spoiled New Yorker.
Staff were really friendly and helpful, my only peeve was that the front desk people were always sitting when we spoke and I found it disrespectful.
The pub/restaurant had really great food and they even make their own line of beers.
The location is a fantastic starting point for anyone that wants to explore Victoria, all major destinations are only a 10 - 15 minute walk.
The staff were fantastic at offering suggestions
Jesika M.
Apr 18, 2011
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I stayed here last year for a music festival I play at since it's only a short 4 block walk away and I just booked my room again for this year. I was really just looking for a comfortable room at a good price close enough to our performance venue that I wouldn't have to hire a car. What I got was an amazing suite larger than my flat at home with fabulous food and beers as well!
I reserved one of the "Entertainment Suites" directly above the pub, since I was performing at a loud show anyway and knew that even if I managed to get back before the pub closed, I wouldn't be
I reserved one of the "Entertainment Suites" directly above the pub, since I was performing at a loud show anyway and knew that even if I managed to get back before the pub closed, I wouldn't be
Ryan R.
Mar 14, 2011
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This hotel is a great deal. For a low price, you can get a kitchen, dining area, living room area, and two bedrooms. And it's on two levels!
I love having two levels. Someone can watch TV downstairs while I sleep upstairs. Also, while I don't cook, who doesn't like to have a full kitchen to prepare fresh caught seafood.
A wonderful value. I recommend paying more and getting the two bedroom.
I didn't eat inside the hotel to review the food.
I love having two levels. Someone can watch TV downstairs while I sleep upstairs. Also, while I don't cook, who doesn't like to have a full kitchen to prepare fresh caught seafood.
A wonderful value. I recommend paying more and getting the two bedroom.
I didn't eat inside the hotel to review the food.
