In 1954 the St James Hotel became the Royal Olympic Hotel and operated as such until 1989 when it joined the world’s largest hotel chain - Best Western.

If you’re passing by the hotel at 642 Johnson St, drop in to see our new Front Desk.  It was installed on Jan 23, 2008 with a minimum of disruption to our guests.

In 1912 the Titanic went down and the St James Hotel went up at 642 Johnson St.

The hotel was originally owned by the St James Ltd which was formed by Charles Hayward and Frank S. Barnard on Dec 02, 1911. Charles Hayward had also served as Mayor of Victoria from 1900 to 1902.

On October 17, 1912, the hotel received an order of 107 wall beds from a firm in Vancouver.  We are pleased to advise our guests that the beds have been replaced many times since then.

 During the early years, the basement was rented to Ms. K McCluskey who operated a bar. Although the hotel no longer operates a bar, our staff are happy to direct our guests to many great bars and lounges within easy walking distance of the hotel.

The St James Hotel was owned by the St James Corporation until 1936.  Today it is owned by Mayfair Hotels and Resorts Ltd.

The phone number for the hotel in early 1953 was G1187.  Today, you can contact us on our toll-free number 800-663-7241

Ever wonder how some people travel and seemingly get almost everything paid for? Discover insider’s secrets and tips on how to do it with the Insider’s Hotel Tips Newsletter.

We are green key rated - Check it out.

The Tall Ships are returning to Victoria on June 26 to 29, 2008.  Book your room soon as hotels in Victoria were very full when the Tall Ships were here in 2005.

Victoria will be the only Canadian port where you can experience the full compliment of Tall Ships ® participating in the 2008 event.