Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria, Victoria
About the Hotel
The Fairmont Empress Hotel is a historic landmark located in Victoria, Canada, known for its elegant architecture and stunning views over the Inner Harbour. It has been a premier destination for guests since 1908, serving iconic afternoon tea and hosting numerous dignitaries and celebrities. The hotel seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern updates, retaining its position as a cultural symbol of opulence on Vancouver Island. The addition of high-quality amenities and a dedicated staff enhances the overall guest experience.
Location
Fairmont Empress is strategically located near iconic attractions such as the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the Royal BC Museum. The hotel's prime position along the Inner Harbour provides easy access to public transport options and scenic walking paths. Guests can explore nearby parks and waterfront areas or take advantage of guided tours to experience the beauty of Vancouver Island. The international staff are available to assist with transportation arrangements and recommendations.
Rooms
The rooms at Fairmont Empress feature elegant décor that reflects the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Guest accommodations offer modern amenities, including flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, and air conditioning. Many rooms provide stunning views of the city or the inner courtyard, while some suites include separate living areas and luxurious touches. Marble bathrooms are equipped with rainfall showers, providing a blend of comfort and sophistication for all guests.
Eat & Drink
Dining at the Fairmont Empress includes the renowned Q at the Empress restaurant, which emphasizes seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. Guests can indulge in Afternoon Tea in the elegant Lobby Lounge, served on exquisite china gifted by Queen Elizabeth II. The menu features creative bites curated by Executive Chef Morgan Wilson, alongside signature dishes that highlight the Pacific Northwest's culinary diversity. Seasonal offerings include a 'Turkey to Go' menu for special occasions.
Leisure & Business
The award-winning Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Empress is distinguished for its unique West Coast treatments, promoting holistic well-being. Guests can unwind in the spa or enjoy wellness programs and signature treatments that incorporate local elements. For business needs, the hotel provides comprehensive facilities, including event spaces and meeting rooms, making it suitable for both leisure and business travelers. The Fairmont Gold Floor offers exclusive access to additional services and amenities.
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
- Baggage storage
- Locker room
- Allergy-free rooms
- Elevator
- Currency exchange
- ATM/Cash machine
- Barber shop
- Vending machines
- Smoke detectors
- Electric vehicle charging station
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
Sports & Fitness
- Fitness center
- Cycling
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Valet parking
- Pet amenities available
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Car rental
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Welcome drink
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Special diet menus
Business
- Business center
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cribs
- Babysitting/Child services
- Children's menu
- Children's pool
Spa & Leisure
- Indoor swimming pool
- Sun loungers
- Garden area
- Spa & wellness center
- 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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