Oak Bay Beach Hotel

I recently visited the Oak Bay Beach Hotel Spa for a Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) appointment, and unfortunately, my experience fell far below my expectations. As someone who frequents hotel spas for relaxation and serenity, I was disappointed with several aspects of my visit.

Firstly, I was surprised to discover that I had to pay an additional $30.00 for pool access after my treatment. Usually, access to the pool and other amenities is included when booking a spa appointment, so this extra charge felt unnecessary.

Upon entering the pool area, I was immediately struck by the lack of peace and tranquility. A large group of people had gathered and were extremely loud, which greatly diminished the relaxing ambiance I had hoped for. Considering it was Pride Week in Victoria, I had expected the hotel to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all guests, but unfortunately, this was not the case. Even though the space is advertised as 18 plus and a quiet area, there was no enforcement of these rules for this disruptive group.

Furthermore, the showers in the men's change room were poorly maintained. The doors lacked locks, and one of them was constantly sliding open, compromising privacy and making the experience quite uncomfortable. Additionally, the fact that guests were constantly streaming in and out of the change room to use the single bathroom created a sense of chaos and lack of consideration for others. This situation was particularly disheartening during Pride Week when a safe and inclusive space should have been a top priority.

I shared my disappointment with the spa supervisor, who acknowledged that the group was problematic but didn't take any action beyond that. Unsatisfied, I approached the front desk to speak with a manager, but unfortunately, the hotel manager wasn’t available at the time. I left my contact information, but I never received any follow-up communication.

Overall, my experience at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel Spa during Pride Week was disappointing. The lack of a peaceful and serene environment, coupled with inappropriate comments and inadequate facilities, left me feeling unwelcome and unsafe. I hope that the hotel takes these concerns seriously and makes the necessary improvements to create a more inclusive and enjoyable experience for all guests in the future.

I would not recommend the spa or hotel to any queer person trying to relax and feel safe.