Gatsby Mansion Inn (309 Belleville St., 250/388-9191 or 800/563-9656, www.gatsbymansion.com, from $255 s, $265 d) has a central position across from the Inner Harbour. Dating to 1897, this magnificent 20-room property has been elegantly restored, with stained-glass windows, a magnificent fireplace, lots of exposed wood, crystal chandeliers under a gabled roof, and antiques decorating every corner. Afternoon tea is served in a comfortable lounge area off the lobby, and the restaurant has a nice veranda.

The Magnolia Hotel & Spa (623 Courtney St., 250/381-0999 or 877/624-6654, www.magnoliahotel.com, $279 s or d) is a European-style boutique hotel just up the hill from the harbor. It features an elegant interior with mahogany-paneled walls, Persian rugs, chandeliers, a gold-leafed ceiling, and fresh flowers throughout public areas. The rooms themselves are each elegantly furnished and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, heritage-style furniture in a contemporary room layout, richly colored fabrics, down duvets, wireless Internet, and coffee-making facilities. Rates include a light breakfast, daily newspaper, passes to a nearby fitness facility, and, unlike most other downtown hotels, free parking.

Possessing a prime waterfront position next to the Parliament Buildings is the Hotel Grand Pacific (463 Belleville St., 250/386-0450 or 800/228-5151, www.hotelgrandpacific.com, $260 s or d). Aside from more than 300 rooms, this property is also home to Spa at the Grand, a health club, a variety of restaurants and lounges, and a currency exchange. All rooms are well appointed, spacious, and have small, private balconies.