Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria
About the Hotel
The Fairmont Empress Hotel, often referred to as 'Canada's Castle on the Coast', has been a landmark in Victoria, British Columbia since its opening in 1908. This historic hotel combines turn-of-the-century elegance with modern refinements, making it a significant cultural icon in the region. Guests can experience luxurious accommodations and indulge in the time-honored tradition of Afternoon Tea in the Lobby Lounge. Its prime location offers stunning views of the Inner Harbour and easy access to Vancouver Island's most iconic sights.
Location
Situated in the heart of Victoria, the Fairmont Empress Hotel serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the city's rich history and natural beauty. It is within walking distance to attractions like Beacon Hill Park, Chinatown, and the Victoria Bug Zoo. Transportation options include easy access to local bus routes and tour services, facilitating exploration beyond the hotel. The hotel's distinguished position by the Inner Harbour underscores its significance as a destination for travelers.
Rooms
Elegant and richly decorated rooms reflect Vancouver Island's natural beauty, featuring sleek furnishings and modern marble bathrooms. Many rooms include amenities such as flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, and complimentary toiletries. Premium accommodations on the Fairmont Gold Floor provide added luxury with exclusive access to a concierge lounge offering complimentary services. Some suites provide picturesque views of the harbour, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Eat & Drink
Dining at the Fairmont Empress includes the award-winning Q at the Empress, renowned for its creative cuisine inspired by the Pacific Northwest. Guests can enjoy traditional Afternoon Tea with exquisite china gifted by Queen Elizabeth II, featuring freshly baked scones and an array of 21 loose-leaf teas. Seasonal culinary creations by Executive Chef Morgan Wilson showcase local ingredients, emphasizing a 'culinary style without borders'. Various dining options ensure a variety of delectable experiences throughout the hotel.
Leisure & Business
The Willow Stream Spa offers unique West Coast treatments, making it a tranquil retreat dedicated to holistic wellness. The hotel's fitness facilities and resources cater to both leisure and business travelers. For those hosting events, the Crystal Ballroom provides an elegant space that can accommodate weddings and corporate functions seamlessly. Winston, the hotel's canine ambassador, enhances the local experience by providing cozy companionship to guests.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Allergy-free rooms
- Lift
- Currency exchange
- ATM/Cash machine
- Barber shop
- Vending machines
- Smoke detectors
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
Sports & Fitness
- Fitness centre
- Cycling
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Valet parking
- Pet amenities available
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Car hire
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Welcome drink
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Special diet menus
Business
- Business centre
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Babysitting/Child services
- Children's menu
- Children's pool
Spa & Leisure
- Indoor swimming pool
- Sun loungers
- Garden area
- Spa & wellness centre
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Jacuzzi
- Massage
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- Direct dial telephone
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
The hotel had faux heritage features in the rooms, like a fake fireplace, but the view was nice. Unfortunately, there were issues with a leaky shower and noisy air conditioning. The location was convenient for exploring the downtown area, but some aspects didn't live up to their heritage description.
My stay at the hotel had its ups and downs. The rooms were spacious, clean, and comfortable, with a great view, but lacked soundproofing, which was disappointing given the high cost per night. The service was fantastic, making me feel welcomed and attended to quickly, but the dining experience fell short in terms of speed and menu options.
I had a fantastic stay at this hotel. The rooms were spacious, clean, and well-equipped with a mini fridge, coffee maker, and complimentary bottled water. The harbor view added a lovely touch. However, the lack of in-room wifi was a downside for me.
The hotel was rather lovely, but a few aspects could be improved. The rooms, although cozy, lacked extra mirrors and had some issues with the air conditioning and shower. On the bright side, the carpet was nice. The service was a mix of lovely and slightly rude interactions. The location is superb, right on the Inner Harbor in charming Victoria. The dining experience had its ups and downs, with slow service and an odd menu. However, the fresh pastries were enjoyed.
The hotel offered a fabulous stay, with a wonderful view of the Harbour, king-sized bed, two full bathrooms, and a sitting room in the room, but the small high-set windows made it feel a bit claustrophobic. The service was fantastic, with cheerful and helpful staff, though I found the room's space utilization disappointing. The location was very central with many nearby shops and dining options, making it convenient. The facilities were top-notch for a luxurious experience.
The hotel room was quite spacious, with a large sitting area and three comfy chairs along with a desk. However, the ongoing renovations impacted the quality of services like afternoon tea. The room felt like it was undergoing building work upheaval.
My stay at the hotel was exceptional! The rooms were incredibly comfortable, spacious, and just couldn't have been better. The service was impeccably professional with a perfect balance of formality and friendliness. The location was ideal for meeting up with friends and going out for dinner. However, the dining experience was underwhelming with slow service and an odd menu. Overall, a great experience with a few minor drawbacks.
I had a mixed experience at the hotel. The rooms were spacious and well-equipped with many amenities, but unfortunately, they were not soundproof, allowing noise from the hallway and outside to disturb my stay. The service was friendly and accommodating, making my check-in smooth and enjoyable. The location was convenient for exploring the waterfront and nearby attractions, although some noise disturbances were present. The dining experience was pleasant overall, with a slight delay in using the Nespresso machine. The facilities were adequate, though there were some minor inconveniences.
The hotel's location opposite Victoria Harbour is excellent, with shops and restaurants at the doorstep. The service was welcoming, although some staff lacked knowledge on certain amenities. The dining experience was enjoyable, despite minor issues with the coffee machine. The rooms were cramped for two people and did not match the website description.
The hotel's location is just perfect, right on the waterfront with a short walk to the ferry and downtown. The service is top-notch, with a compassionate touch that made us feel truly welcome. The dining experience was delicious, although there were some minor issues initially. However, the rooms had some safety concerns for elderly visitors and faux features that didn't align with the heritage description.
My stay at the hotel was a mix of positives and negatives. The rooms were smaller than expected, especially the bathroom, yet with attention to detail, they offered a great view of the harbor. The service had ups and downs, with routine mishaps but also moments of exceptional competence and friendliness. The location was perfect, right in the heart of Victoria, making it easy to explore the city, but it felt a bit lacking for the price charged. The dining experience was a highlight, with fabulous food served in an elegant old dining room. Overall, a stay with both highs and lows.
The hotel focuses more on the impressive lobby and restaurant lighting rather than the room comfort, which felt a bit cramped and dark. The location is superb overlooking the harbor, near key attractions, but the room lacks basic amenities like a fridge, stove, or microwave.
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