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There's no 'I'm bored' heard at Hotel Zed

Retro-inspired hotel in Victoria offers everything from free bikes to a water slide to a games room

My grandson Carter might only be eight-years old, but when it comes to hotels he has a definite preference.

“Are we going to Hotel Zed?” he asked during our pre-Christmas visit to Victoria.

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The Zedstream is a vintage Airstream trailer available to rent at Hotel Zed Victoria. Photo Sandra Thomas

After explaining we were not in fact heading to Hotel Zed this visit, but instead to a resort closer to his home considered more upscale than the quirky, vintage-inspired property we had recently visited, his disappointment was obvious. And I knew exactly where he was coming from. Especially when you consider that during our last visit to Hotel Zed on Douglas Street we stayed in the Zedstream, a retrofitted vintage Airstream trailer that sits at the back of the property, a stone’s throw from the pool and waterslide.

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The interior of the Zedstream at Hotel Zed Victoria.

After arriving at the hotel, and with the rain taking a break, Carter immediately took to the tether ball set adjacent to our Airstream while I unpacked. The interior of the trailer is decorated with a lot of pink, purple and gold reminiscent of a 1970s rec room and includes a queen-size bed, a couch that converts into a bed, two TVs, a mini fridge, shower and of course, a rotary phone.

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A how-to video for rotary phones can be found on Hotel Zed's website. There's a rotary phone in every room of the hotel.

Hotel Zed is famous for its rotary phones and includes a “how-to” video on its website for guests with no clue as to what they’re looking at. Bright pink and blue Adirondack chairs scattered across the wooden deck were a welcome contrast to the grey day we were experiencing.

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Brightly coloured Adirondack chairs on the patio of the Zedstream. Photo Sandra Thomas

After unpacking, Carter and I headed for the lobby, a place he likes to visit and where he began to tap out a story on one of the vintage typewriters available to guests while I took a short break and enjoyed a cup of tea. Also in the lobby is a turntable (with headphones) and a collection of records, board games — including the always-popular Operation -- comic books and free tea and coffee.

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The lobby at Hotel Zed Victoria offers games, typewriters, turntables and free coffee and tea.

There are no coffee makers in the rooms, but guests are welcome to help themselves at the coffee station. The lobby is also where guests can sign out a bike or longboard to borrow at no charge, along with helmets and locks. Kids and tandem bikes are also available for free so no one gets left behind.

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Hotel Zed uses two classic Volkswagen to shuttle guests around.

Hotel Zed also has two classic Volkswagen vans available to shuttle guests where they need to go for free, which is great if you’re heading downtown for drinks and dinner. And did I mention it’s free to park? An anomaly when you consider the exorbitant rates many hotels and resorts charge over and above your room.

We were waiting for my son and his wife to arrive from work before going swimming, so after checking out everything in the lobby — and getting a start on his new novel — Carter and I headed downstairs to the Ping Pong Lounge where he took great pleasure in beating me — game after game. It’s safe to say we likely did more ball chasing and laughing than real playing, but it was time well spent with my grandson. The lounge also includes two side-by-side Wii stations and games.

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The pool at Hotel Zed Victoria.

But then the rest of the family arrived and we headed to the pool, which also has a hot tub and covered waterslide dubbed the Zedinator, which starts outside but ends up in a splash pool inside.

After everyone had their fill of swimming, soaking and sliding, we changed and headed to the Ruby inside the hotel's lobby for dinner. The thoughtful menu is described as a cross between a New York-style rotisserie and an Austin-style breakfast joint that offers everything from duck confit hash or duck poutine to breakfast tacos to sandwiches to chicken and waffles, which I can highly recommend. The Ruby’s rotisserie chicken is made from farm fresh birds from the Fraser Valley that have never been frozen. And, after finishing his dinner, Carter was able to go back to the typewriter just a few feet away to continue writing while we enjoyed a drink so there was no reason to rush.  

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The exterior of Hotel Zed Victoria on a sunny day.

The great thing about Hotel Zed is there’s so much to do, no matter what the weather is doing outside, I’ve never once heard “I’m bored” from my grandson. And that alone, makes this pet-friendly property one a great choice for families, singles and couples.

sthomas@vancourier.com

@sthomas10