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100,00th Tree Planted on Seychelles Island Paradise

Where: Aarti Chambers 206, Victoria, Seychelles

Sometimes, that old adage, "Can't see the forest for the trees in the way" can take on a positive connotation. We've made puns about hotels taking the LEED and recently reported on Kimpton's initiative to plant a billion trees in Brazil, and in the same spirit, Seychelles' Fregate Island Private Resort is marking a significant ecological milestone: They recently planted the 100,000th tree in their endemic hardwood program.

The program is part of Fregate's efforts to become carbon neutral, which in broad terms refers to achieving zero carbon emissions. Hoping to replenish what was destroyed when Seychelles was colonized—namely local forestation that was replaced by coconut trees—Fregate sought to bring back natural flora and fauna to the area. The 100,000th tree was a Ficus, which normally thrives in rocky underground environments like those on Seychelles. The trees are said to reach heights of 50 to 65 feet and grow remarkably quickly.

And, lest you think that the resort is one of those hypocritical businesses whose real estate is taking over the island while claiming to save it, not that their buildings only occupy five percent of the island, leaving the remaining 95 percent untouched.

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Tags: Pacific Northwest Hotel Guide / High Tea Hotels / Victoria Hotels / British Columbia Hotels / Fairmont Hotels / → All Tags

Pacific Northwest Hotel Guide :: Bubblegum Tea at the Empress in Victoria

Where: 721 Government Street , Victoria, BC, Canada, V8W 1W5

HotelChatter contributing editor Tim Leffel is moving around British Columbia and Alberta in Canada, seeing the hotel scene from a family travel perspective. All prices are in Canadian dollars--which currently trade slightly higher than U.S. dollars. Enjoy.

Where would the original grand hotel in the most British town in British Columbia be without high tea in the afternoon?

The Empress Hotel opened in 1909 in the style of an Edwardian chateau and hosted a steady stream of British royalty and celebrities. It went through several rounds of additions and renovations and became part of the newly formed Fairmont chain in 1999, when the Canadian Pacific railway company spun off its hotels and rebranded them.

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Tags: Victoria Hotel Reviews / Vancouver Island Hotels / British Columbia Hotels / Killer View / Hotel Video Tours / → All Tags

Pacific Northwest Hotel Guide:: The Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria, BC

Where: 463 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8V 1X3

HotelChatter contributing editor Tim Leffel is moving around British Columbia and Alberta in Canada, seeing the hotel scene from a family travel perspective. All prices are in Canadian dollars--which currently trade slightly higher than U.S. dollars. Enjoy.

The Inner Harbour of Victoria, on Vancouver Island in Canada is a hub of activity. Seaplanes land and take off, whale watching tours go in and out, and Little "pickle boats" circle it all on tours. It's easy to catch the action from Hotel Grand Pacific, where nearly every room has a killer view (more than half facing the harbour) and each one has a balcony.

The video tour here is actually from a lower third-floor room, but with a wall of windows and two balconies, suite number 352 is sweet indeed.

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Beer Lovers and Mice Drink Together at Swans Suite Hotel

Where: 506 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8W 1N6

Although not a mancation offer, it does seem that Swans Suite Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia had the male species in mind with the creation of their Beer Lovers Getaway.

From now through December 28th, men can surprise their ladies with two nights in a loft suite, a brewery tour in town or tour of the hotel's own brewery, a selection of beer upon arrival, dinner with a six beer sampler, live music at the brewpub, and continental breakfast (no beer mentioned here seems like a copout.) For $220 this weekend of bloated bellies and belches can be yours.

In truth, the reviews of this hotel's beer are top notch and the package has nothing to do with football so we'll assign it as a good one for couples.

Or maybe not. Unless you are really into beer, you may want to consider BYOB at a different hotel in Victoria as apparently the smell of yeast attracts rodents:

This property has mice. Be advised. My family and I were very excited for our stay at the SWANS after having read all the glowing reviews. We were in 3 different suites in this hotel and all 3 had mice.

Image via jlvelazquez/flickr

Related Stories:
· Swans Suite Hotel Reviews [TripAdvisor]

Tags: Miscellaneous / → All Tags

The Fairmont Loves Basset Hounds

Where: 721 Government St, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8W 1W5

A HotelChatter reader tipped us off to a new way to snag a free night at the Empress Hotel in Vancouver--turn yourself into a Basset Hound.

Lucy, a two-year-old basset hound wondered up to the hotel just before midnight last Wednesday night with no owner in sight, the dog was treated to a bed, blankets, a water bowl, and dog treats.

More than a day later the dogs owner, who had tied Lucy up outside a nearby restaurant, claimed Lucy from the hotel.

Sounds like the Empress treated the hound better than they treat some guests.

Related Stories:
·   Fairmont Empress Reviews [TripAdvisor]