FAIRMONT EMPRESS HOTEL, Victoria – Your ideal downtown stay
Hotel Overview
Fairmont Empress Hotel - Luxury historic hotel with award-winning spa near Victoria Inner Harbour
Located in downtown Victoria overlooking the Inner Harbour, this historic hotel has operated since 1908. The property features an award-winning Willow Stream Spa with locally-inspired treatments, an indoor heated swimming pool, whirlpool, and fitness center. Dining options include Q at the Empress restaurant serving Pacific Northwest cuisine, Afternoon Tea service with 21 varieties of loose leaf tea, and The Veranda patio with harbour views. The hotel offers 24-hour front desk service, concierge service, meeting facilities, and pet-friendly accommodations. Afternoon Tea has been served for over 100 years using china gifted by King George VI in 1939.
Additional perks of the hotel
Complimentary guest BMW bicycles available
Electric car charging station and valet parking
Pet-friendly with custom pet beds and bowls provided
Helijet terminal located 1 mile from property
Winston, the hotel's canine ambassador available for walks
Rooftop bee hives producing honey for hotel use
Heritage building with Crystal Ballroom event space
Multilingual international staff including Clef d'Or concierge
Accommodation Options
The hotel offers 431 guest rooms and suites with views of the Inner Harbour, city, or courtyard. Rooms feature modern marble bathrooms with rainfall showers, Fairmont Gold rooms include access to a private lounge with complimentary breakfast and evening canapés. The Fairmont Gold Suite accommodates up to 5 guests with 2 bedrooms and a living room with sofa bed. All rooms include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and coffee makers.
Other conveniences
Windows on two sides in some suites framing harbour views
Sofa beds available in certain room categories
Connecting rooms available for families
Ironing facilities and trouser presses in rooms
Bathrobes and slippers provided
Executive lounge access in Fairmont Gold rooms
Complimentary high-speed internet access
24-hour room service available
Choose Your Room
Room Rates & Availability Tracker
Transportation Tips
Transportation Options
Amenities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- On-site car park
- Handicap 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
- Wi-Fi in rooms
- 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
Hotel Location
Guest Reviews & 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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