Madrona Valley Farm Bed & Breakfast
Hotel Bed & Morgenmad 171 Chu-An Dr, V8K 1H9, Canada
Contact & Hours
171 Chu-An Dr, British Columbia V8K 1H9 Canada
Nearby Attractions
Reviews (4)
Terrible B & B experience
I grew up SSI. I love the place. However, you don't realize how rude people are there until you go back as a " tourist ". Some years ago - last minute we thought we'd check the Tourist Info and ask if there was anything available. This place had an opening. We thought great! Went down there and the look on their faces when they saw us. They looked at us like, " You can't afford to stay here! You're just kids! " The woman actually told us she needed to see our ID's. (We were in our early to mid-20's at the time.) These people just looked us over AND looked us over. They said they were fine with accepting a cheque from my husband. Well an hour later after " deliberating " they decided that " NO " they would not accept a cheque. Why? The woman's answer was, " I don't want to get hosed! This is my lively hood. This is my family. " So we had to drive all the way back to town and take all the money we could out of the ATM. We felt INCREDIBLY unwelcome there. The next day my husband told them this and they basically said, " There is a two week cancellation notice. If you leave we are just going to charge your credit card for the next day. " It was obvious they didn't want us there but very obvious where their priorities were. We spent as much time away from the B & B as we could. The worst part of this whole experience was that the only reason we were on the Island was because our father had recently passed away. His wishes were for his ashes to be thrown into the ocean, so we thought we'd take them to where some of our happiest times were spent. These people made a sad experience into a absolutely TERRIBLE one. Yes we were young, but we were all very quiet, courteous, and easy going people with money to spend! If you'd like to be greeted with ageism, assumptions and lack of trust go ahead and stay here. This Bed & BREAKFAST is nothing special and at $150 dollars a night (at the time) we thought it was a complete joke that breakfast was an extra $30 each. Thanks for NOTHING!
meh - great location, lousy hosts
The location is truly lovely. The farmhouse and the valley are idyllic. We stayed in a small cottage which is probably fine for a couple but felt very cramped for a family. The main room was tiny. The hosts were more disengaged than any I have ever experienced. Once we were checked in we were no more than grunted at by either of the owners. We felt like an intrusion and that we were only there to fund their farming life, not as guests (which is what I think you normally hope for when staying at a small place). The wife was harried and the husband was rude. We didn't know that end of the island very well and asked for guidance and got none. The kids enjoyed seeing the garden snakes. Aside from that it was big disappointment.
Great if you are into Organic Farming
Recently returned from this B & B and like most lodging in Vancouver Island area it seems it had its good points and bad points. Rooms are either in the main Victorian or in two outbuildings described as cottages that definitely are not. Our " cottage, " really a renovated carriage house, had a pleasant but small first floor with dining / main room and small kitchen all in one space. Upstairs was a very small bedroom - attic-style with eaves and a small bathroom. While the space was adequate it was small and the windows were oddly placed so as to have a view of almost nothing. The linens, beds, cooking and tableware items could all be described as eclectic or haphazard -depending on your mood. The other lodgings consist of relatively nice Victorian rooms in the main house and another renovated outbuilding space akin to sleeping in an attic. Nothing could be described as plush or frilly like one might be used to seeing in a B & B. What you are really getting is a experience similar to a European farmhouse vacation. The farmers - Jean-Marie and Michael - are very engaging and have an amazing organic farm. You can literally pick your way around the five or so acres of fruit trees and vegetable gardens - all of amazingly high quality. Michael is an author of some renown in the world of food. Jean-Marie makes an incredible breakfast with all the ingredients. It's basically like being invited over to their house - and paying for it. But they are very good company. The prices seem a tad high for what was delivered. Then again things on Saltspring Island in general are expensive. The island is a lot of fun and a worthwhile vacation stop for a few days of relaxation and interaction with the " natives " - kind of like a Berkeley of Canada - smart people, committed organic farmers, foodies, many artists, vintners - an eclectic crowd and a very nice place.
Organic farm provided a great retreat!
My husband and I recently had the good fortune to stay at the Madrona Valley Farm Bed & Breakfast during our trip to Salt Spring Island in July 2006. We stayed in the wonderful cottage. Every morning, we were treated to a creative and filling organic breakfast (fresh berries, yogurt, homemade baked goods and farm fresh eggs, asparagus... everything was from the farm!). The B & B was incredibly clean and the property was outstanding. We really enjoyed meeting Jeanne Marie, Micheal, Aaron and Benjamin. Our stay was absolutely delightful!