Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Ryan B.
7 Sept 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Mermaid Retreat is THE place to stay for a single or couple in Victoria. The spotlessly clean and comfortable apartment was perfect for my extended stay. The bed was comfortable, the kitchen was fully equipped for cooking and cleaning, the bath had soaps, shampoo, and conditioner, and there was detergent and dryer sheets provided for the laundry.The location can't be beat. It's in the Chinatown area with many multicultural restaurants within a few blocks to choose from. It's a pleasant 1 km walk to the harbor area tourist attractions. The Galloping Goose Trail and the Songhees Walkway (a wonderful 6 km RT waterfront path that's mostly away from traffic) start just across the Johnson Street drawbridge. The view from the Juliet balcony is over the bridge to inner Victoria Harbor so you can watch all the harbor activity and enjoy the beautiful lights at night.A couple of things to keep in mind ... you will get some road noise (and possibly noise from the shipyard across the waterway) when the balcony door is open, which it will need to be if you are visiting during the summer as the apartment faces to the south and warms up until mid afternoon. There was a nice breeze most days and the 2 fans helped pull in cool air but it was still regularly warmer inside than outside (but never over 80F).Grace was the perfect host ... she responded to my messages almost before I'd finished them.Would I book the Mermaid Retreat again for a short or extended stay? In a heartbeat!
Ryan B.
Stayed 35 nights in Jul 2026