Abigail’s Hotel Stuns the Hospitality World by Taking the Number One Spot in Canada on TripAdvisor!

Published on December 9, 2025

When you think of the best hotels in Canada, what comes to mind? Maybe the grand luxury chains, towering resorts, or well-known names that have been serving guests for decades. But in 2025, a 30-room boutique hotel from the charming city of Victoria has taken the crown, surpassing many of the country’s most famous luxury properties. This is the incredible story of Abigail’s Hotel, a place that has been ranked the 1 best hotel in Canada by TripAdvisor’s prestigious 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best. The win is not just a number, but a huge milestone in the world of small, independent hotels, and it offers a powerful lesson in customer service, personalized experience, and the importance of history and community.

How Abigail’s Hotel Took the Top Spot

The journey of Abigail’s Hotel from a small boutique inn to the best hotel in Canada is one of perseverance, passion, and excellence. The tiny hotel in Victoria outshone luxury chains, luxury resorts, and large hotel brands across the country to secure the top spot in TripAdvisor’s “Best of the Best” awards.

TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best recognition is one of the highest honours in the hospitality industry. To receive this recognition, a hotel needs to demonstrate the highest levels of guest satisfaction and consistently positive reviews. Less than 1% of TripAdvisor’s 8 million listings worldwide are given this title, making it an incredibly prestigious honour.

Abigail’s Hotel earned this top ranking based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings collected over a year. This was further strengthened by an additional editorial review process that ensured only the most outstanding properties received the title.

A Look Back: The Legacy of Abigail’s Hotel

Abigail’s Hotel, built in 1930, holds a significant place in Victoria’s history. Originally constructed as the Bessborough Apartments, the building was converted into a heritage inn in 1985. Its Tudor-style architecture stands as a proud testament to Victoria’s past, with the property earning official heritage designation from the City of Victoria in 2018.

Today, the hotel has 30 guest rooms spread across three buildings, with an expansion completed in 2023. Despite its modest size, Abigail’s Hotel offers a truly exceptional experience, proving that bigger isn’t always better.

Overcoming the Pandemic: Abigail’s Hotel Rises Again

Like many businesses, Abigail’s Hotel faced major challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The hotel was forced to close for three months in 2020, and when it did reopen, it operated with a reduced staff for over a year. However, 2023 marked a turning point. Occupancy levels returned to pre-pandemic numbers, and the hotel completed its planned expansion.

This success is a testament to the hotel’s resilience and the hard work of its dedicated team. The ability to bounce back from such a difficult time is no small feat, and it highlights the importance of perseverance, even for small businesses in the hospitality sector.

What Makes Abigail’s Hotel Stand Out?

The secret to Abigail’s Hotel’s success lies in its personalized service. Unlike larger, impersonal hotel chains, Abigail’s Hotel thrives on its small size, which allows the team to provide an experience that feels much more like home than a generic hotel room. Guests often return to find that staff members know their names and remember their preferences. This level of personal attention creates a loyal customer base, and many guests find themselves returning time and time again.

The hotel’s daily three-course breakfast is another highlight, offering guests an exceptional start to their day. Included in the room rate, it’s a wonderful perk that adds a touch of luxury to the stay. The evening appetizers served during the hotel’s social hour are another great way to meet fellow guests and unwind after a day of exploring Victoria.

The staff’s dedication to providing the highest level of service is clear in the numerous positive reviews left by guests. Abigail’s Hotel’s TripAdvisor profile is filled with glowing feedback about the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. For many guests, it’s the service that truly sets the hotel apart from other accommodations.

The Heart of Abigail’s Hotel: Its Team

At the core of Abigail’s Hotel’s success is its team. General Manager Allison Fairhurst explained that the hotel prides itself on making every guest feel like a returning guest, ensuring that every stay is the best they’ve ever had. This focus on personalised service is key to the hotel’s continued success, especially when it comes to fostering long-term guest relationships.

Fairhurst’s vision for Abigail’s Hotel has been one of consistency, quality, and attention to detail. By maintaining records of individual guest preferences, Abigail’s Hotel ensures that each visit feels personal, unique, and special.

This guest-first approach is also reflected in the hotel’s consistent top rankings in previous TripAdvisor awards, including #1 Most Romantic Hotel, Best Hotel for Sleep, and #1 Small Hotel in Canada. These achievements further highlight the hotel’s dedication to providing an outstanding guest experience.

The Rising Trend of Boutique Hotels in Canada

Abigail’s Hotel’s triumph serves as a powerful reminder of the growing appeal of boutique hotels in Canada. In recent years, many travellers have been seeking smaller, more unique accommodations rather than traditional hotel chains. Boutique hotels offer a more intimate, personalised experience, and guests appreciate the charm and character that larger hotels often lack.

This trend is particularly strong in Canada’s vibrant tourism sector, where travellers increasingly want to connect with the local culture and history of the places they visit. Hotels like Abigail’s Hotel, with its strong ties to the heritage of Victoria, offer visitors an authentic experience that larger hotels simply can’t replicate.

Boutique hotels also have an advantage when it comes to providing a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere. With fewer rooms and a smaller staff, these hotels can offer a more bespoke service that makes guests feel more like family than customers.

The Importance of Customer Reviews in Today’s Hotel Industry

In today’s digital age, online reviews play a crucial role in the success of any business, particularly in the hospitality industry. With millions of people using websites like TripAdvisor to make travel decisions, a hotel’s online reputation can make or break its business.

Abigail’s Hotel’s success on TripAdvisor is a result of its dedication to providing excellent service, but it’s also a reflection of the power of customer reviews. Guests today have more influence than ever before. With just a few clicks, they can share their experiences with the world, helping other travellers make informed decisions.

By consistently delivering excellent service, Abigail’s Hotel has earned the trust and loyalty of its guests, resulting in an impressive number of positive reviews. These reviews are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team, and they’ve played a crucial role in the hotel’s rise to the top.

What’s Next for Abigail’s Hotel?

With its recent success, Abigail’s Hotel shows no signs of slowing down. The hotel’s expansion, completed in 2023, has given it more capacity to welcome guests, and it continues to invest in improving the guest experience.

The focus remains on personal service, and the hotel’s team is committed to maintaining the high standards that have earned them the #1 spot on TripAdvisor. The hotel’s dedication to its guests, combined with its rich history and heritage, will ensure that Abigail’s Hotel remains one of Victoria’s most beloved and celebrated properties for many years to come.

Abigail’s Hotel – A New Benchmark for Small Hotels in Canada

Abigail’s Hotel’s victory in TripAdvisor’s 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards marks an exciting milestone for small hotels in Canada. The success of this 30-room boutique property demonstrates that size is not the determining factor when it comes to offering exceptional service and a memorable guest experience.

With a focus on personalised service, a commitment to quality, and a rich history, Abigail’s Hotel has proven that small businesses can thrive, even in a competitive industry dominated by large hotel chains. The hotel’s success is not just about being the best in Canada – it’s a shining example of how dedication, hard work, and a strong team can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

For anyone planning a trip to Victoria, Abigail’s Hotel is now the place to stay – a small, historic gem that outshines even the biggest luxury chains.