Wessex Inn By The Sea

2.0 star property
Hotel in Cowichan Bay with free parking

Photo gallery for Wessex Inn By The Sea

Beach/ocean view
1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Exterior
 Two Queen, kitchenette
Exterior

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View map
1846 Cowichan Bay Rd., Cowichan Bay, BC, V0R 1N0
  • Place, Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Arthur Vickers Gallery
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Victoria, BC (YYJ-Victoria Intl.)
    ‪65 min drive‬

Room options

One Queen, kitchenette

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(54 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Shower/bath combination
  • 23 sq m
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(41 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
  • 23 sq m
  • Partial sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Two Queen, kitchenette

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Shower/bath combination
  • 23 sq m
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the area

Cowichan Bay

Wessex Inn By The Sea places you steps from Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre and within a 10-minute stroll of Cowichan Wooden Boat Society. Highlights at this hotel include in-room free WiFi and balconies. .This pet-friendly hotel offers free WiFi in public areas. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .In proximity to this Cowichan Bay hotel you'll find Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal.

What's nearby

  • Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Cowichan Wooden Boat Society - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Arthur Vickers Gallery - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Victoria Harbour - 52 min drive - 70.1 km

Getting around

  • Victoria, BC (YYJ-Victoria Intl.) - 64 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Small Block Brewery - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Cobblestone Pub - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪White Spot - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Tim Hortons - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Wessex Inn By The Sea

Hotel in Cowichan Bay with free parking
WiFi is free in public spaces. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Cowichan Bay hotel.

  • 1 building
  • 29 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Smoking in designated areas
Wessex Inn By The Sea offers 29 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Rooms open to balconies. Flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Guests can make use of the in-room fridges and microwaves. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is offered on request and an iron/ironing board can be requested.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Designated smoking areas (fines apply)

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Freezer
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Full payment must be made by credit card prior to closing to arrange after-hours check-in. If payment cannot be processed for any reason, after-hours check-ins will not be permitted. Guests arriving after hours must come to front desk the next day, regardless of length of stay, to complete registration.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: CAD 20 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child 11 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: CAD 20 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.

We should mention

  • Please note that this property can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
  • One child aged 11 years old or younger stays free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Alcohol isn't served at Wessex Inn By The Sea.

Property is also known as

Wessex Inn
Wessex Inn Sea
Wessex Inn Sea Cowichan Bay
Wessex Sea
Wessex Sea Cowichan Bay
Wessex Inn By The Sea Hotel
Wessex Inn By The Sea Cowichan Bay
Wessex Inn By The Sea Hotel Cowichan Bay

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Wessex Inn By The Sea?

Wessex Inn By The Sea offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Wessex Inn By The Sea?

Yep, Wessex Inn By The Sea has a free self car park.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Wessex Inn By The Sea?

No, Wessex Inn By The Sea does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Wessex Inn By The Sea?

Check-in begins at 3 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Wessex Inn By The Sea Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 507 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 328 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 102 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 40 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 24 out of 1001 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Clinton

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Located across from Cowichan Bay, not a bad view. The manager was super friendly and accommodating. It looks like they are renovating the exterior so the upkeep is improving. Room was very clean and I will stay again if passing through.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roy Calvin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Michael was a great host
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent place to stay in Cowichan Bay

My wife & I stayed in a nicely renovated room on the top floor overlooking Cowichan Bay which is literally across the street ( Awesome view!). The queen size bed was very comfortable. The room had air conditioning which was a savior as a heat wave was in place. In addition free soda and bottled water were included(No limit) Excellent location, walking distance to numerous restaurants, coffee houses, park and marina. Lastly, but important to mention is Michael the manager. Michael was very friendly, personable, and definitely went out of his way to accommodate us. This man deserves a raise!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Tammy

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
The proximity to the water was awesome but the rooms definitely could use an upgrade. It’s a unique property and very old but doesn’t seem like they have put much work into the upkeep. Our room was clean but the beds were not very comfortable, new mattresses would be great. Staff was very helpful and nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location, excellent staff
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Chantel

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Bathroom smelt like urine, can hear the people in the next room, carpets were dirty. You could see through the door when it was closed and the safety latch on the inside was nothing short of laughable. Staff was excellent,and room was affordable.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jody

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, quiet. Beautiful view of the bay. Cute little town.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Debbie

Travelled with partner
Beds and showers were great! Love the open fridge with beverages
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

isaiah

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very friendly. Beautiful quiet area to stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vera

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff, especially Michael, were so friendly and helpful to all of our needs. It felt like being at home! We also appreciated being able to sit outside our suite with a beautiful view of the ocean. We would definitely return to Wessex Inn by the Sea.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patsy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was spacious and clean with an unexpected kitchenette. Very friendly staff. Great value for dollars spent.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Elham

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
My stay at this hotel was extremely disappointing. The rooms were dirty and nothing like the photos shown on their website. The staff were unprofessional and disrespectful. Promised services, such as high-speed internet and daily cleaning, were not provided.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Wendy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Having paid almost $300/night expecting a “quaint” seaside accommodation not 5 star luxury we were greeted by Michael (for which all comments in prior reviews is accurate on his warm welcome). We were not prepared for what we saw the moment we opened the door. The room was beyond “tired” .. duct tape holding the flooring down, stained linens and pillows, dirty walls with holes, door frames coming off and stained carpets. It was disgusting. We arrived late and after spending 40 minutes on line searching for another accommodation, went to our car where we luckily had towels and pillows we could use. Seriously had “Bates Motel” vibe complete with tourism books dating back to 2020 Needless to say, first thing in the morning.. went to desk where Michael apologized - there is no way on earth that staff here don’t know the terrible condition of the space. Michael advised that they had 4 “renovated” rooms however would have to call ownership for approval. I suggested I would gladly call “ownership” if we weren’t moved. This property is a “buyer beware” with the “non-renovated” rooms condemned. The renovated rooms have new flooring, paint, bathrooms and mattresses however all the old beat up hard furnishings remain The ONLY reason this place is likely still in business is Michael the Manager is clearly doing all he can to make the best out of a terrible property
Door frame falling off
Duct tape flooring
Was something trying to get in or out?
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ivy

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonderful experience at Wessex Inn. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with everything we needed for a pleasant stay. The location is perfect — close to local attractions and with beautiful surroundings. A special thank you to Michael at the front desk, who was incredibly helpful and provided outstanding service throughout our stay. His friendly attitude and willingness to assist made us feel truly welcome. Highly recommend this hotel for anyone visiting the area!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

April

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Felt clean, quiet and comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laila

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very kind manager, clean room, water view!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely stay in Cowichan

Nice little motel, beautiful view and newly renovated rooms, everything you need for a nights stay or longer. Owner was extremely pleasant and couldn’t do enough for us. Nice pubs in Cowichan Bay serving good beer and reasonably priced pub fare.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

andrew

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

tom

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous location. Amazing staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

scott

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The facility is older but the staff really care about making sure your stay is exceptional
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hong

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The reception staff are very friendly and helpful!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Al and Mo

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025