Awards Archives » Magnolia Hotel & Spa

October 18, 2023

Magnolia Hotel & Spa Celebrates 25 Years with Continued Award Success

By Sophie Jones on Awards, Press Release

Victoria, British Columbia (October 3rd, 2023): Victoria’s Magnolia Hotel & Spa is celebrating another big award win, following the announcement of Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards earlier today. Named #11 best hotel in Western Canada with a score of 93.62/100, up three places from last year, the hotel continues to impress travelers, looking for boutique guest-rooms, personalized service and thoughtfully curated experiences. In addition, Victoria claimed the top spot as #1 in the Best Small Cities category.

“This month marks exactly 25 years since our opening date and we’re thrilled to add this particular title to our annual collection of awards for the seventh time,” says Bill Lewis, general manager of the Magnolia Hotel & Spa. “These impressive accolades are a testament to our incredible team, each of whom prioritizes our guest experience at every level. We’re truly thankful to all of our guests who voted for us and to the team at Condé Nast Traveler for their continued support.”

More than 520,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers’ Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest-running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. The 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler’s website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue.

To mark the hotel’s silver anniversary, the team has partnered with the Okanagan’s Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards to create Celebrate Fitz Brut, a traditional method sparkling wine made from 100% estate-grown grapes. Balanced and bright, the wine features aromatics of Asian pear and lemon peel and a palate of crunchy stonefruit and crisp red apple. A blend of 73% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir and 2% Meunier, aged on lees in bottle for a minimum of three years, Celebrate is available to purchase in the hotel’s mini bar and enjoy in The Courtney Room.

This fall, guests can book directly and enjoy the Explore Victoria package with 10% off the Best Available Rate and a $50 per night credit for hotel services, including dining at The Courtney Room, wellness treatments at The Spa Magnolia, valet parking and mini bar treats. Continental breakfast and complimentary use of the hotel’s bikes and e-bikes is also included. Rates start from $359.10 per night. For more details, visit www.magnoliahotel.com/specials.

For more information about Magnolia Hotel & Spa and to book your stay, visit magnoliahotel.com.

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October 18, 2023

Magnolia Hotel & Spa Named #7 Favourite City Hotel in Canada

By Sophie Jones on Awards, Press Release

Victoria, British Columbia (July 12th, 2023): The Magnolia Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of Victoria, continues to be recognized as one of the top 10 Favourite City Hotels in Canada by Travel + Leisure. In the 2023 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, announced yesterday, the multi-award-winning hotel secured the #7 spot in the prestigious list, with a score of 92.00/100.

The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards are highly regarded in the travel industry, as they are based on the opinions and experiences of nearly 165,000 Travel + Leisure readers. This year’s survey saw a significant increase of almost 25 percent in participation compared to pre-pandemic levels, with over 685,000 votes cast across various categories, including hotels, cities, and cruise lines.

As the only hotel on Vancouver Island to be featured in the top 10, the Magnolia Hotel & Spa stands out as a premier destination for travelers seeking personalized service, boutique style and an authentic experience.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by Travel + Leisure and its readers as one of the top city hotels in Canada,” said Bill Lewis, General Manager of the Magnolia Hotel & Spa. “This accolade is the icing on the cake of our 25th year and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who consistently go above and beyond to provide exceptional service and create memorable moments for our guests.”

One of the key factors that sets the Magnolia Hotel & Spa apart is its dedication to crafting unique experiences for its guests. The hotel offers a selection of Curated Trails themed maps, allowing visitors to explore the vibrant city of Victoria and coastal communities beyond and discover its hidden gems. From craft breweries to beautiful boutiques, the maps offer a glimpse into the rich culture, vibrant culinary scene and natural beauty that southern Vancouver Island has to offer.

Travel + Leisure readers also voted Victoria as one of their top five favorite cities in Canada of 2023, with the city securing the #2 spot. This recognition further solidifies Victoria’s status as a must-visit destination, and the Magnolia Hotel & Spa as the perfect choice for discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.

To celebrate, the hotel is offering an Explore Victoria package with 10% off the best available rate for summer stays and a $50 per night credit for hotel services, including dining at The Courtney Room, wellness treatments at The Spa Magnolia, valet parking and mini bar treats, including the hotel’s signature Celebrate Fitz Brut, a collaboration with Fitzpatrick Estate Winery. Continental breakfast and complimentary use of the hotel’s bikes and e-bikes is also included. For more details, visit www.magnoliahotel.com/specials.

The full result list will be published in the August 2023 issue of Travel + Leisure and available online at www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-2023

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June 30, 2023

The Courtney Room Wins a Hat-Trick of Awards

By Sophie Jones on Awards, Press Release

Victoria, BC (June 30th, 2023): Marking its fifth year in 2023, The Courtney Room in the heart of Victoria has recently landed a number of notable awards, recognizing not just Chef Brian Tesolin’s delicious food but also the restaurant’s world-class wine and cocktail programs and the talent behind them.

The sommelier team, lead by wine director, Colin Davidson, received a coveted Gold accreditation in the 2023 Wine Program Excellence Awards, one of nine restaurants in the province and the only Victoria restaurant to do so. The annual Wine Program Excellence Awards, announced at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, pays tribute to restaurants with original and creative wine programs.

The restaurant’s bar team, led by bar manager Anton Wilson, was recognized in the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s 17th annual Spirited Awards® as a regional top ten honouree, Best International Hotel Bar – Canada. The annual Spirited Awards celebrates global excellence in the drinks industry and the professionals, organizations and establishments shaping the cocktail community.

In this week’s YAM Magazine 2023 Restaurant Awards, The Courtney Room was announced winners of the Best Happy Hour and Best Sommelier / Wine Program categories and runner up for both Best West Coast Contemporary and Outstanding Service. Honouring the very best of Victoria and Southern Vancouver Island’s culinary scene, the awards are decided by a highly respected group of local culinary ambassadors.

Inspired by the region’s freshest produce, The Courtney Room’s menu reflects the very best of the season. A new Features sheet offers a Steak Selection from either Atlantic Blue Dot Reserve (Prince Edward Island) or MacLeod’s Leap (Alberta) and Daily Sides, including Roasted Carrots with umami glaze, Reggiano and walnuts; Glazed Red Beets with celtuce, orange and cashew; and Local Hakurei Turnip with house-made kimchi and furikake, celebrating ingredients from Littlest Acres and Square Root Farms on the Saanich Peninsula.

To make a reservation or to learn more, visit www.thecourtneyroom.com.

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About The Courtney RoomOld world meets new at The Courtney Room in Victoria, B.C., named one of Canada’s Best New Restaurant (2018 #10), included in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants (2019 #94), Tales of the Cocktail Foundation 2023 Spirited Awards® Regional Honouree for Best International Hotel Bar for Canada (2023) and a Gold tier wine program recognized at the Vancouver Wine Festival Wine Program Excellence Awards (2023). Born of the desire to showcase the best of the region, The Courtney Room is a modern dining space focused on genuine and thoughtful hospitality. Savour Pacific Northwest cuisine with bright flavours from both land and sea. Menus showcase local seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on Vancouver Island sourcing and partnerships. Elevate the every day with quality ingredients, thoughtful service and impeccably prepared, seasonal fine dining. www.thecourtneyroom.com

Media Contact:
Hawksworth Communications
Marisa Cuglietta
604.609.6678 | 778.987.3707
marisa@hawksworth.ca

July 13, 2022

Magnolia Hotel & Spa recognized as #4 Best City Hotel in Canada

By ronette on Awards, Press Release

Travel + Leisure announces World’s Best Awards 2022

Victoria, BC (July 13th, 2022): Magnolia Hotel & Spa is thrilled to be named #4 Best City Hotel in Canada, as voted for by Travel + Leisure readers, with an overall score of 93.60.

Every year the readers of Travel + Leisure, the largest travel magazine brand in the United States, vote on their favourite hotels, resorts, destinations and travel brands and the winners are announced in the annual World’s Best Awards.

“We are truly honoured to be included in this landmark list, especially when placed alongside such incredible company,” says Bill Lewis, general manager of the Magnolia Hotel & Spa. “We’d like to thank each guest who took the time to vote for us, as well as our talented and dedicated team who deserve every ounce of this recognition.”

According to Travel + Leisure correspondent Liz Cantrell: “In choosing the best city hotels in Canada, readers prioritized service and location. In the port city of Victoria, British Columbia, that meant proximity to the picturesque harbor, which serves as a jumping-off point for whale-watching tours. Of the No. 4 Magnolia Hotel and Spa, one traveler said, “Every staff member we came in contact with was exceptional. Will be back for sure and have told my friends about it.”

The category showcases excellence in Canadian city accommodation and features just one other boutique hotel, Auberge Saint-Antoine in Quebec City (#1). Other luxury properties include the Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver (#2) and the Ritz Carlton Montreal (#5). Victoria was recognized as #3 Best City in Canada and Vancouver Island secured #3 Best Island in Canada.

The full result list will be published in the August 2022 issue of Travel + Leisure and available online at www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest

It’s been another impressive year for the 64-room boutique hotel, with other recent awards including #5 Top Hotel in Canada in the 2022 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards and #1 in the Best West Coast Contemporary category for The Courtney Room in the YAM Magazine Best Restaurant Awards 2022.

To toast these incredible accomplishments, Magnolia Hotel & Spa is offering a Celebrate Package, available to book by July 21st, 2022. The package includes 25% off the Best Available Rate, $25 per night dining credit to use in The Courtney Room and a bottle of sparkling wine in the room. Available for stays from July 25th to October 31st, 2022, subject to availability. To book, visit www.magnoliahotel.com or call 1.877.624.6654.

The Magnolia Hotel & Spa’s commitment to providing guests with an unrivaled luxury boutique accommodation experience in the heart of the city has positioned the property as Victoria’s most award-winning boutique hotel. With a highly personalized customer service promise and central location only steps from Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour, the Magnolia Hotel & Spa provides a home away from home in British Columbia’s picture-perfect capital city. Unique details set the hotel apart, including a collection of Curated Trail Maps, offering guests the opportunity to explore the city’s hidden gems independently and at their own pace, The Courtney Room restaurant focusing on produce from Vancouver Island farms, and the Spa Magnolia, both located off the hotel’s lobby.

Supporting images for media can be accessed here. -30- Image credit: Magnolia Hotel & Spa, Dasha Armstrong About The Magnolia Hotel & Spa
Just steps from Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour, the Magnolia Hotel & Spa wins over guests with its unbeatable location and service. #4 Best City Hotel in Canada in the 2022 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, #5 Top Hotel in Canada in the 2022 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, #4 Top Hotel in Canada in Condé Nast Traveler 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards, and consistently recognized by Forbes, and Condé Nast Johansens. The Magnolia Hotel & Spa is one block from the Inner Harbour and moments from the city’s best restaurants, shops and entertainment – exactly where you want to be during a stay in Victoria. Home to The Courtney Room, voted #10 in Air Canada’s Best New Restaurant Awards 2018 and winner of the Best West Coast Contemporary category in the YAM Magazine Best Restaurant Awards 2022, and conscious wellness spa, The Spa Magnolia.

Website: magnoliahotel.com
Instagram: @magnoliahotel
Facebook: Facebook.com/MagnoliaHotelVictoria
Twitter: @MagnoliaHtl

Media Contact
Hawksworth Communications
Marisa Cuglietta
778.987.3707 | marisa@hawksworth.ca

February 21, 2018

Forbes honours Magnolia Hotel & Spa with its fifth consecutive four-star rating

By jen on Awards, Press Release

em>Victoria’s leading boutique hotel recognized for its commitment to luxury

Victoria, B.C. (February 21, 2018): As a leading authority in the travel industry, Forbes Travel Guide released their 2018 Star Ratings for hotels, restaurants and spas across the world, this week. Magnolia Hotel & Spa is proud to be listed with a four-star rating for its fifth year in a row, one of only four properties on Vancouver Island to meet the rigorous standards.

The rating echoes Magnolia Hotel & Spa’s commitment to providing guests with a truly curated Victoria getaway. Located in the heart of the city, just steps away from the scenic Inner Harbour and the best shopping and eateries, the hotel offers guests the comfort of convenience, alongside a warm and welcoming ambience, guest-tailored service and thoughtful amenities to enhance each guest’s stay, from the moment they step through the door.

“As one of the world’s most recognized travel authorities, it is such an honour to be so highly-regarded by Forbes,” says general manager, Bill Lewis. “I’d like to thank our dedicated and talented team for ensuring the highest standards in hospitality are consistently exceeded, as well as our guests for their continuous support, as we enter our 20th year of operation.”

With a list of over 900 criteria considered in the ranking system, Forbes Travel Guide has been the gold standard in the hospitality industry since 1958.

“We are pleased to honour the 2018 Star Rating recipients, an exceptional collection of hotels, restaurants and spas that demonstrate a strong culture of service,” said Gerard J. Inzerillo, Chief Executive Officer of Forbes Travel Guide.

“In an online environment of confusion and clutter, Forbes Travel Guide is the most trusted source of information to assist guests in making informed decisions,” Inzerillo said. “These properties, the largest and most global group in the company’s history, achieve an impeccable standard of excellence in hospitality, underscoring our overall mission of positively contributing to the international tourism industry as well as individual hotel experience. We are proud to congratulate everyone associated with the prestigious properties recognized today.”

For a detailed explanation of how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, click here.

August 4, 2017

Magnolia Hotel & Spa named #1 City Hotel in Canada in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2017

By jen on Awards

Magnolia Hotel & Spa is thrilled to be named #1 city hotel in Canada, as voted for by Travel + Leisure readers, with an overall score of 93.69.

Every year the readers of Travel + Leisure, the largest travel magazine brand in the United States, vote on their favourite destinations and hotels in the World’s Best Awards readers’ survey.

“We are absolutely overjoyed to be named as the top hotel in Canada for city accommodation,” says Magnolia Hotel & Spa’s general manager, Bill Lewis, who will travel to New York to attend the winners’ reception. “It’s an amazing achievement and it means so much that our guests, and readers of Travel + Leisure, have voted for us to win this prestigious award.”

According to Travel + Leisure correspondent Stirling Kelso: “Every stay feels personalized thanks to complimentary amenities (breakfast bites in the lobby; cruiser bikes and detailed neighborhood maps to explore town) and a staff that’s happy to fulfill special requests ranging from fresh flower deliveries to decadent bubble baths”.

Travel + Leisure August 2017 © Time Inc. Affluent Media Group. Travel + Leisure® and World’s Best Awards are trademarks of Time Inc Affluent Media Group and are used under License. Travel + Leisure and Time Inc. Affluent Media Group are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Magnolia Hotel & Spa.

October 21, 2016

Magnolia Hotel & Spa shines in the Condé Nast Traveler 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards

By jen on Awards, News Article

Victoria’s leading boutique hotel continues to triumph in 2016’s annual international travel awards, this time securing the position of #2 hotel in Canada (excluding Vancouver) in the 29th annual Conde Nast Traveler 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards with a score of 95.93.

Moving up from #4 position in the 2015 awards to their highest position yet, the 64-room boutique Magnolia Hotel & Spa continues to be recognized as one of the finest in the country for service excellence and guest experience. Quebec’s Manoir Hovey secured the well-deserved top spot and Victoria was ranked as #7 top city in the world.

“We are truly honored to be in such incredible company as one of Canada’s top hotels,” says Magnolia Hotel & Spa’s general manager, Bill Lewis. “I can’t thank our guests enough for continuing to recognize our hotel as one of the best in the world.”

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and recognize the very best of travel. Over 300,000 dedicated readers – nearly twice as many as last year – cast votes for 7,394 hotels, 606 cities, 500 cruise ships and 236 islands. The result? The 1,402 best travel experiences in the world.

The Awards will be announced in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler, on newsstands nationwide on October 25, 2016 with the full list published exclusively online at www.CNTraveler.com/rca.

About The Magnolia Hotel & Spa

Just steps from Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour, The Magnolia Hotel & Spa wins over guests with its unbeatable location and service. #2 in the Conde Nast Traveler 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards, #7 in the Travel + Leisure World Best Awards 2016 – Top Hotel in Canada, and consistently recognized by Forbes, Conde Nast Johansens and in the annual TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice® awards, the Magnolia Hotel & Spa is one block from the Inner Harbour and the city’s best restaurants, shops and entertainment – exactly where you want to be during a stay in Victoria.

About Condé Nast Traveler

As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. Condé Nast Traveler is the most trusted and celebrated name in travel with 6 National Magazine Award wins and 26 nominations in its 28-year history. Advertising Age named Pilar Guzmán Editor of the Year in 2014 and CNTraveler.com attained 4 Webby Awards since 2015.

Published October, 2016 by MyVanCity.ca