Poolside Hideaway – Melrose Basement

Tucked into the lower level of a lovingly renovated 1930s heritage home on Shelbourne Street, this basement suite has its own private entrance — and one very good reason to book any time of year: a heated pool that stays open through every Victoria season, sealed inside a geodesic dome for winter warmth and opened wide to the sky come summer.

Sleep in Comfort Two bedrooms each come with a queen bed, and a sofa bed in the shared living room stretches capacity to seven guests, so a family reunion or a group of friends traveling together doesn't have to split up. The lower-level layout keeps the sleeping quarters set apart from the comings and goings of the main house above, giving you a quiet retreat to come back to after a day out.

Gather & Unwind The suite's living area and kitchen give you room to cook, relax, and regroup between pool sessions. But the real gathering spot is outside: slip into the heated pool whenever the mood strikes, whether that's a crisp evening under the dome or a sun-drenched afternoon with the cover rolled back. Laundry is accessible on-site, so longer stays stay easy.

Adventure at Your Doorstep Shelbourne Street puts you within easy reach of Victoria's east side. Camosun College's Lansdowne campus and the shops and cafés along Hillside Avenue are a short drive away, and Cedar Hill's golf course and recreation centre give you room to stretch your legs. The University of Victoria and the trails of Mount Douglas Park are both within easy striking distance, and downtown Victoria's Inner Harbour and Beacon Hill Park are a straightforward drive across town whenever you're ready for the water views.

Thoughtful Touches Check-in is entirely self-serve — a smartlock gets you into the suite any time after 4:00 PM, no coordinating keys required. Free parking is available right on the property, and a dedicated workspace means you can answer a few emails before heading out for the day. Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are installed for peace of mind.

Come for the pool. Stay for the quiet, private corner of Victoria you get to call home for a few days.