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- Inn at Laurel Point overlooks Victoria's Inner Harbor
What more can be said about a hotel that consistently ranks as one of Conde' Nast's Top 25 hotels?
It depends on how you look at it. In keeping with a less is more tradition, a lot less – i.e. more - can be said about the Inn at Laurel Point.
Let's begin with the “less” part. In fact zero. As in carbon-neutral and zero net emissions, that's what the Inn at Laurel Point can boast of. Even more, Victoria, B.C.'s Inn at Laurel Point is the first and only carbon-neutral hotel property in the entire province.
Not bad for an independently owned, super stylish and serene hotel. It also graces Victoria's, one of the prettiest cities in North America, Inner Harbor where boats are moored and sea planes land and lift off to paint in the scenic background – seemingly just for you – as you relax on your chocolate leather couches in your airy room suite and sip your Silk Road custom-blended Euphoria Tea.
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- Room Suite at Inn at Laurel Point
Eco-Chic Traveling
Travelers today, it has been well-noted, seek the eco choice. What has been lessening these days is the distance between the Eco Traveler and the Traveler who chooses to go “eco.” This discerning consumer generally requires top-quality accommodations and service, delivered with a green twist.
The Inn at Laurel Point does all this. Mind you, likely you will choose to stay there again in a heartbeat simply because it is one of the most enticingly beautiful coastal urban properties you will ever see. It is, as people say, “the whole package.” And your soul will breathe a sigh of tranquility when you remember that the Inn has a 4 Green Keys Eco rating, one of only eleven properties in all of Greater Victoria.
You will notice the bike racks outside as pleasant hotel staff greet you with the Inn's paperless check-in and hand you your eco-friendly room key. As you walk the wide, gradually inclining hall whose one whole side is floor-to-ceiling glass windows that overlook Victoria's Inner Harbor, you may pause to glance at Aura's organic menu, to tickle your appetite for dinner.
Aura is the acclaimed on-site restaurant at the Inn at Laurel Point run by Executive Chef Brad Horen and Sous Chef Patrick Gayler, both of whom were chosen earlier this year to represent Culinary Team Canada as they work towards competing in the World Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany in 2012. Chef Horen is no stranger to awards, in 2007 he earned the Canadian Chef of the Year title.
Aura's menu is stocked with organic, fresh, local ingredients. Something that Vancouver Island is renowned for, their “locavorism.” Aura blends these ingredients with Japanese and European flavors. Chef Horen and Junko Sadahiro, his wife, are proud new parents who often combine their talents in the kitchen as well and indeed she is well respected as a master Sugar Artist. By the way, guests frequently comment how “kid friendly” the Inn is.
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- Japanese Garden at Inn at Laurel Point
Recommended for your stay at the Inn is the Erickson Wing where each and every one of the 65 ultra-luxurious suites and studio suites have private balconies offering vista-like views of the Japanese Garden below and the Victoria Clipper sea planes in the harbor; the Legislative Building and downtown Victoria are also within view. Arthur Erickson designed the wing in 1989 to resemble the prow of a cruise ship overlooking the water. When Conde' Nast awarded the Inn at Laurel Point its Canada's Top 25 Hotel designation, it was back in 2007, before the hotel's $5 million upgrade. The Inn has always been superlative, and it has since become even that much better.
Of course you will find high-speed internet available for your instant access, but what might surprise you is their in-room Spa services including a Bath Concierge which comes in two choices - one is chilled wine and chocolate...the other is for you to discover for yourself.
Molton Brown and Aveda bath products are liberally provided for your extended pampering. Bath concierge followed with room service, how luxurious!
There is one more thing about the Inn at Laurel Point that makes its “Stay Different” motto so perfectly fitting. This one is a real zinger, especially considering the property is owned by a private family. In 2008, they partnered with BC Cancer Agency, in honor of the late owner, Mrs. Artie Arsens. Under this partnership the Inn offers the Courage Rate to cancer patients and their families who are undergoing care at the Victoria BC Cancer Agency. The discounted rates are exceedingly affordable and the Inn has even made a small number of rooms available complimentary for patients and their families wherever BC Cancer Agency administrators see fit.
For more information on the hotel and for reservations: http://www.laurelpoint.com
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