Joan Brown's Bed and Breakfast en Victoria

Step back in time to an English Manor. Beautiful decorated with large rooms and 14 feet ceilings. Joan your hostess will great and treat you like family. I have never stayed in a house like this. Large grounds. I highly recommend it you won’t be disappointed.

It was Labour Day weekend, and we discovered upon arrival that the high end resort in Mahalat that we had booked weeks earlier had erroneously cancelled our three night reservation!! The city was booked solid, and we were literally homeless. The place we planned to stay the following week had no space but knew Joan and offered to contact her on our behalf. Luckily Joan had a room available, and we were so thankful just to have a place to stay, we didn’t even ask for details. Well…we drove up, walked in and fell in love with the place. We quickly felt that we were likely to enjoy ourselves here more than where we had originally booked. Joan saw how stressed I was when we arrived and invited us into her kitchen for a martini. We quickly felt like old friends and had the most enjoyable three days. The mansion is stunning—an elegant return to yesteryear. Our room was squeaky clean and comfortable, breakfast in the gorgeous dining room was delicious and plentiful, the library was available to watch tv or read; it was all just lovely!! We don’t typically stay in B&Bs but this experience was a delight, and we have a new friend in Joan. Thank you, Connie and John.

My wife, Julie, and I arrived at Joan's elegant, yet very comfortable, home expecting nice accommodations, but instead were astounded (yes...) at the incredible room we stayed in - the Blue Room. It was beyond comfortable; it was luxurious and at a very reasonable price, about $150 US/night. But, excellent accommodations can be ruined if the proprietor is unfriendly or unresponsive service-wise. Ms. Brown is the definition of professionalism and (we must mention) provided the most elegant breakfast we have ever eaten. The dining room is comfortable, but elegant, furnished with antiques and art. We ate on English china with silver flatware (no silver plate here!). If you want fabulous surroundings, an elegant (and interesting) hostess at a reasonable price, Joan Brown's is definitely the place to stay. We will be back.

My wife, Julie, and I stayed with Joan in August (2019) and were more or less bowled over by the comfort and elegance of our accommodations in the "Blue Room." The house is architecturally interesting and beautiful, and filled with antiques. The dining room has quite possibly the most beautiful stained glass windows that we have seen in a home. Our room was amazing, and furnished with antiques and art. Breakfast is multi-course and simply wonderful. It is served in the comfortable and antique-furnished dining room on English china and sterling silver (no silver plate here), and was delicious. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Joan is absolutely delightful - both service oriented and interesting to visit with. It is said that "To be rude is very bad, but to be boring is unforgiveable!" Joan is both polite, and fascinating to talk to. What a wonderful stay! Highly recommended.

I spent a week at Joan Brown's B&B while in Victoria recently on family business. The house is conveniently located, walking distance to downtown, and is a stately, historic property in one of Victoria's nicest neighbourhoods. Parking is on the street, but it's safe and there are no time restrictions. The wifi worked well. Joan's breakfasts were very tasty, and beautifully served. The bed was comfortable and I slept well. Other guests were very quiet. My room had a private bath, a plus in a B&B. I found Joan to be an engaging host, always charming and pleasant. The last guest in is expected to turn out the lights - so remember to check to see if your name is the only one on the clipboard by the door that's not been struck out!

I adore Joan! I stayed here for two nights with my work team on a strategic retreat. It's a beautiful old colonial house in a gorgeous neighbourhood filled with lovely gardens, bees, deer, strolling people who smile and say hello, and within 7 minutes of downtown by car. Joan's home is full of art, keepsakes, photographs, books, cds, bedrooms and bathrooms and a large garden with a couple of seating areas for reading, chatting and just relaxing. Though my favourite place in the entire house is the kitchen - it's homey, and Joan is there :) She does most of the baking and cooking, and works hard to be as environmentally friendly as possible, which I appreciate very much. The breakfasts are beautiful and generous. Lovely fruit plate, and one morning it was eggs cooked in bell peppers and baked with cheese on a potato patty with a tomato & salsa on the side, and the next was the biggest waffle with the best bacon I have ever had along with homemade rhubarb sauce. There are no locks on the doors to the bedrooms, as someone mentioned, and it's not massive ensuite bathrooms people have become accustomed to in opulent hotels or chain suites... it's homey, interesting period rooms that attract people I feel safe and comfortable around, and Joan is always nearby. Highly recommended! Tell her I sent you!

A friend of our family referred us to this B&B since it’s in his neighborhood. We were very impressed by this old English style building and Joan’s hospitality on our first & second day; Joan even offered us a Port shot. However, Joan all of a sudden has turned to be a miserable & unreasonable person; apparently she showed us unacceptable attitude with very grumpy temper on the third day. Our family end up with having cold coffee and didn’t have breakfast at all. This unpleasant experience ruined our last day on the Labour Day long weekend. We for sure won’t return in the future.

We have stayed with Joan for many years and this time brought our friends from Portland with us. What wonderful hospitality, as usual! So glad Renne and family are here to add to our wonderful stay. Breakfast was fabulous, beds so comfortable and such a treat to visit, yet again, with Joan. Can't recommend this B&B highly enough!