The Surf Hotel is an architectural fixture on Victoria’s Dallas Road waterfront. A visually appealing anomaly among the residential units lining the road.
The motel was built in 1960 by a Saskatchewan farmer Peter Mangelson who had been spending his winters in Victoria. He spent $3500.00 for the lot.
The building was designed by architect Bob Siddall, who designed other local projects including UVIC’s McPherson Library.
There are only 14 units in the building and they were built with kitchenettes and mailboxes in case the motel didn’t work as a business and needed to be converted to apartments..
Mangelson ran the motel with his wife Alice and family until the mid-70’s when one of their sons took over the business.
Rooms rented for $8.00 a night when the motel opened in 1960, this year high season rates are $155.00 a night.
You can check out the hotel here.
I shot this motel just a few days back myself! Just took one shot… your post here is a wonderful trek down memory lane with some GREAT shots, Don! I love the combination of vignettes with the wider shots that include context; absolutely top drawer my friend!
We are interested to rent a suite for the month of March. Do you have any rooms with complete kitchens? Any with 2 bathrooms or a separate bedroom? Can you tell us what the rate would be for one month, March? or, if we got the right suite, Feb and March.
Thanks and I hope you are around to answer this query
John Campbell, sorry I just had to reply so that you are not disappointed. This is a blog, nothing to do with the Motel. You will wan to contact the Motel directly so you can have your questions answered.
Good luck.