Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Exterior photo This is a photo of a grand, historic-looking building, likely a large hotel or an important civic structure.

Here is a detailed description:

**Architecture and Style:**
*   The main structure is very imposing, featuring **ornate, European-style arcFairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Exterior photo This is a photograph of an elegant and cozy setting, likely a cafe, lounge, or hotel dining area, featuring a tea service.

**Here's a detailed description:**

*   **Setting and Ambiance:** The scene is set on a polished, light-colored marble table. Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Exterior photo This is a photograph of a modern, well-equipped gym or fitness center.

The space is spacious and contemporary, featuring a dark, sleek aesthetic with grey flooring and neutral-toned walls. The lighting is bright and professional, illuminating the ex

FAIRMONT EMPRESS HOTEL, Victoria – Your ideal downtown stay

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From$139 /night
Check-in
19Jul
Check-out
20Jul
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Overview

721 Government Street, Victoria, V8W 1W5
-
Next to the Inner Harbour
Great
8.9
9.1
/10
4.3
4.5
/5

5-star historic hotel overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbour

Accommodations

Fairmont Empress offers 431 guest rooms and suites, each designed with a unique touch that showcases stunning views of the Inner Harbour, city, or courtyard. The Fairmont Gold experience includes exclusive access to a private lounge, complimentary breakfast, and evening canapes. Enhanced room options provide spa-like bathrooms alongside high-quality amenities.

Dining

The hotel features Q at the Empress, which serves seasonally inspired Pacific Northwest cuisine. Afternoon Tea at The Empress has been a celebrated tradition for over a century, featuring freshly baked scones and a selection of fine teas. Guests can also enjoy dining on The Veranda, offering views of Victoria's harbor.

Wellness

Fairmont Empress's Fairmont Spa provides a range of treatments emphasizing holistic wellbeing, including body scrubs and registered massage therapy sessions. The spa's amenities include a mineral bath whirlpool, steam room, and Finnish-style sauna designed for refreshment and relaxation. Access to health club facilities and programs promote wellness and fitness.

Location and Accessibility

Fairmont Empress is situated in downtown Victoria, steps away from British Columbia's Parliament Buildings and other cultural attractions. Transportation options include Helijet service from downtown Vancouver, making travel convenient for guests. The hotel is also pet-friendly, providing welcome amenities for furry companions.

Family Experiences

Fairmont Empress welcomes families with spacious accommodations and the 'Kids Rule the Castle' package, offering daily breakfast and scavenger hunts. Amenities designed for younger travelers include cribs, high chairs, and kids' Fairmont robes available upon request. Special children's activities enrich the family experience.

Highlights

Location: steps away from British Columbia's Parliament Buildings

Dining: Q at the Empress with Pacific Northwest cuisine

Wellness: Fairmont Spa with holistic treatments

Family: Kids Rule the Castle package

Must-do experiences

  • Visit Butchart Gardens for breathtaking floral displays.
  • Try the local fish and chips at Red Fish Blue Fish on the harbor.
  • Explore the Royal BC Museum for a deep dive into local history.
  • Stroll through the Inner Harbour and admire the Fairmont Empress.
  • Discover hidden art at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.

Choose Your Room

Our listed hotels offer a variety of room types—double rooms, family suites, or deluxe options—all with features like breakfast, flexible cancellation policies, and exclusive deals.
  • Junior Suite City View 1 King
    2 persons
    38 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Executive Suite City View 1 King
    2 persons
    38 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King
    2 persons
    42 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
Show all rooms

Room Rates & Availability Tracker

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Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities

Thoughtful hotel amenities for a comfortable stay
Facilities: Perfect
9.0/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • 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

  • 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
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Dining Onsite

At the Fairmont Empress Hotel, dining transforms into a rich tapestry of local flavors and elegant ambiance, where guests can indulge in beautifully crafted dishes. Signature offerings showcase the best of Pacific Northwest cuisine, artfully prepared by Executive Chef Morgan Wilson in stunning surroundings that encourage relaxation and enjoyment.
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo The Crystal Ballroom
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo The photo shows a beautifully decorated room, likely for a wedding reception or a formal event. The room is long and rectangular, with white walls and a striking blue and white patterned ceiling. The ceiling is ornate, featuring a grid of panels with
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo The photo shows a luxurious and spacious hotel lobby or lounge area. The space is characterized by tall, ornate white columns with Corinthian capitals, creating a grand and elegant atmosphere. 

The floor is a mix of polished wooden floors and a patt

Q at The Empress

American with Pacific Northwest influences
Ambiance
An elegant space that combines turn-of-the-century charm with modern refinement.
Key Offerings
Experience creative bites like avocado toast and egg white frittata, complemented by extraordinary cocktails, including signature drinks served with luxurious accompaniments like gold dusted macarons.
Reservation
Recommended
Hours vary; check locally for specifics.

Lobby Lounge

Light bites and afternoon teas
Ambiance
A bright and airy lounge channeling a turn-of-the-century elegance, featuring the mellow sounds of live classical piano.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere perfect for sipping expertly crafted cocktails or savoring delightful light fare while taking in stunning views.
Reservation
Not needed
Hours vary; check locally for specifics.

Location

721 Government Street, Victoria, V8W 1W5
Explore Victoria
Explore Victoria
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Royal BC Museum
Royal BC Museum
5 minutes' walk
Indigenous history and natural wonders showcase within the museum. Perfect for families and history buffs.
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
4 minutes' walk
Impressive architecture and guided tours highlight the political history of the region.
Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park
19 minutes' walk
Stunning gardens, playgrounds, and petting zoos provide family-friendly activities in a beautiful setting.
Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle
5 minutes' drive
Victorian-era mansion with rich history and exquisite architecture. Guided tours available.
Water Taxi Tours
2 minutes' walk
Scenic rides through the Inner Harbour. Ideal for viewing marine life and coastal landscapes.
Yoga on the Beach
15 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga sessions offered at nearby Ross Bay Beach. Classes vary by season; check schedule.
Biking at Clover Point Park
25 minutes' walk
Biking path along the coast with stunning ocean views. Rentals available nearby for convenience.
Q at The Empress
1 minute' walk
Modern Canadian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Reservations recommended for dinner.
Milestones
3 minutes' walk
Casual atmosphere with a diverse menu, including gluten-free options. Family-friendly environment.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
4 minutes' walk
Italian favorites served in a historic setting. Offers vegetarian choices and a relaxed dining experience.
Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
4 minutes' drive
Venues for concerts and sporting events. Check the schedule for family-friendly shows.
Victoria Bug Zoo
Victoria Bug Zoo
5 minutes' walk
Interactive and educational fun for all ages. Home to various bug species and special events.
Chinatown
Chinatown
13 minutes' walk
Vibrant cultural hub with shops and eateries. Enjoy local art festivals and street performances.
Transportation Tips
  • City Centre
    Victoria 10 min  ·  2700 ft
  • Airports
    Victoria Inner Harbour (YWH) 6 min  ·  1700 ft
    Victoria (YYJ) 40 min  ·  16.4 mi
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site at true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, German, Spanish, Italian, Danish, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Malay, Tagalog / Filipino
Year renovated:
2009
Number of floors:
8
Number of rooms:
394

Guest Reviews & Ratings

What Guests Are Saying?
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Fairmont Empress stands out with its central location, offering easy access to nearby shops and the harbor. Many guests find the gardens meticulously maintained, showcasing beautiful flowers and greenery. Indulging in the High Tea is a common and delightful experience. Some guests have noted that rooms can be small.
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Review score
Based on 2612 verified reviews
9.1 /10
Perfect
88 %
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Location
9.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.5/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Perfect location
Spotlessly clean rooms
Helpful staff
Stylish restaurant
Comfortable stay
Cons
Hallway noise
Price tag
Complicated check-in
Guest reviews
based on 2612 reviews
9.1/10
based on 5060 reviews
4/5
based on 1241 reviews
8.9/10
Catherine from Canada
fairmont city view 1 queen
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 21, 2026
8.8/10

historical charm with minor drawbacks

beautiful gardens excellent location really good service helpful recommendations
the gardens were meticulously maintained, showcasing a wide variety of flowers and greenery. the location was excellent, near many shops. the gold level concierge provided really good service. the staff anticipated my needs and offered helpful recommendations for excursions.
The air conditioning felt inadequate in public areas. I found it uncomfortably warm outside my room. This was a minor inconvenience, but it detracted slightly from the overall experience.
Dining
9/10
The lounge offered many fancy non alcoholic options. I found this a good surprise. the tea service was a highlight, the variety of teas available was extensive. breakfast service took over 30 minutes. This was a letdown
Service
8/10
the staff was generally warm and cute. the concierge helped book excursions, they answered questions efficiently. turndown service added a nice touch each evening. some front desk employees looked cold and unpleasant.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel has on-site shops that offer a variety of goods, including teas and toiletries. the pool was reserved at times for lane swimming. the grounds were beautiful. there are bee hives on site that produce honey.
Rooms
9/10
the room had a comfortable bed. housekeeping was thorough and caring. the room was a bit small, but it had high ceilings. the bathroom toiletries included lovely smelling shampoo!
0 Helpful
|
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Questions of the users
About Fairmont Empress Hotel
Are the rates displayed in Canadian Dollars or US Dollars?
12 November 2024
Rates are presented in Canadian Dollars.
Is there a room option with kitchen facilities or a microwave available?
15 January 2025
A Governor General Suite features a kitchenette, and additional microwaves can be provided upon request, subject to availability.
Is it possible to reserve adjoining rooms for a larger family group?
23 February 2025
Adjoining rooms are available by booking a Fairmont King and a Deluxe room with 2 Queen beds. This combination needs to be confirmed based on availability during the booking process.
Can you provide me with details about the spa services offered?
02 March 2025
For comprehensive information and to make an appointment, please check the Willow Stream Spa section on the website.
What perks are included when I book a Fairmont Gold room?
10 March 2025
Fairmont Gold reservations come with complimentary breakfast for two, evening canapés, access to a private lounge, and dedicated concierge services.
Are pets allowed on the property?
08 April 2025
Pets are welcome at the hotel, but must not be left unattended in rooms and cannot access dining and wellness areas.
Are all hotel amenities like the pool and fitness center currently operational?
15 April 2025
Yes, amenities including the indoor pool, fitness center, and spa are open, with the spa operating from Wednesday through Sunday.
Is parking available at the property, and is it complimentary?
22 May 2025
Parking is available at a rate of $33.00 per night, and the hotel is pet-friendly without extra fees.
Can you tell me the difference between a city view room and a Fairmont city view room?
30 May 2025
There's no distinction in terms of features; both types represent the same room category.
Does the room rate cover breakfast services?
10 June 2025
Room rates do not include breakfast. Breakfast is served a la carte and is available in-house.
At what time does breakfast service start each day?
18 June 2025
Breakfast is served daily from 6:30 am at Restaurant Q and through In-Room Dining.
Are there any room options available that feature balconies?
25 June 2025
Unfortunately, there are no rooms with balcony options at Fairmont Empress.
Is there a discount available for ferry tickets when booking a stay?
05 July 2025
Unfortunately, there are no discount programs with BC Ferries associated with stays at Fairmont Empress.
Is there a pet policy that allows multiple pets to stay in a single room?
15 July 2025
Yes, the hotel welcomes two pets in one room at no additional charge; just inform during booking.

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