Old-fashioned elegance. Pet-friendly.
I selected this hotel for a short (two-night) jaunt to Victoria, mainly based on location, value, and pet-friendly rooms (my Scottie dog is a fine road trip companion). It was a good match for my tastes. I like distinctive hotel properties that combine old-fashioned charm with updated comfort. Hotel Rialto excels in those qualities. The king-bedded room was well-appointed, clean, quiet, centrally air conditioned, roomy, and elegant. The location is within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and Victoria’s cultural activities. My dog was welcomed with treats, a water bowl in the room, and smiles from the friendly staff (they were nice to me, too).
Like nearly every city in North America, Victoria is dealing with a mentally ill and/or addicted homeless population. The hotel’s proximity to City Hall (across the street) and social services means that there’s a greater concentration of the down-and-out nearby. I didn’t feel unsafe, but it’s unfortunate to encounter society’s failure in an otherwise charming city.