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Fairmont Empress Hotel
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75 photos
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Exterior photo The photo shows a luxurious bathroom with a modern and elegant design. The color palette is primarily soft neutrals with contrasting dark gray marble accents. The main features include a large, white freestanding bathtub positioned on the left side Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Exterior photo The photo shows a well-equipped gym with a modern and sleek design. The space is primarily in grayscale, with subtle hints of warmer tones coming from some equipment and lighting. In the foreground, several treadmills are lined up, facing the vieweFairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Exterior photo A woman is relaxing in a hotel bed, enjoying a breakfast tray. She is lying comfortably on her side, smiling at the camera. She has short brown hair and is wearing a white bathrobe. On the tray, there's a bowl of colorful fruit salad, a small dish
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From139US$ /night
Check-in
19Apr2026Select date
Check-out
20Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Overview

721 Government Street, Victoria, Canada, V8W 1W5
-
Next to the Inner Harbour
Great
8.9
9.1
/10
4.3
4.4
/5

Loved by Fairmont Empress Hotel guests

  • Gold lounge access
  • World class staff
  • Amazing building
  • Nice experience
  • Delicious food
  • Harbour view
"Tea at the Empress is expectional."
Marjolaine from Canada
read full review
"Some rooms get you into the 'gold concierge' lounge which was a great experience in hospitality."
Brian from Italy
read full review
"The lounge is what is worth it's weight in gold."
Karen B from Canada
read full review

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.
View all

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
Junior Suite City View 1 King
2 persons
410 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Coffee machine
Heating
room details
Executive Suite City View 1 King
Executive Suite City View 1 King
2 persons
410 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Coffee machine
Heating
room details
One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King
One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King
2 persons
455 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Coffee machine
Heating
room details
Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King
Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King
2 persons
420 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Coffee machine
Heating
room details
Click button to see more rooms
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Room Rates & Availability Tracker

Find Deals for Your Travel Dates

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 photo captures a luxurious and elegant interior, likely a hotel lobby or a high-end cafe. The space is characterized by tall, white Corinthian columns that create a sense of grandeur and spaciousness. These columns are interspersed throughout the
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo The photo shows a spacious and elegant restaurant with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The interior boasts high ceilings with exposed dark wooden beams, creating a sense of grandeur. Large, modern pendant lights with white fabric shades hang from the ce
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo The Crystal Ballroom

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.

Hotel Location

721 Government Street, Victoria, Canada, V8W 1W5
Map view
721 Government Street, Victoria, Canada, V8W 1W5
City landmarks
Park
Beacon Hill Park
5100 ft
Castle
Craigdarroch Castle
1.4 mi
Park
Fisherman's Wharf Park
4600 ft
Museum
Helmcken House
2100 ft
Stadium
Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
5100 ft
Landmark
The Maritime Museum of British Columbia
3500 ft
Landmark
Chinatown
3300 ft
Church
St Andrew's Cathedral
2700 ft
Landmark
Craigflower Manor and Schoolhouse
4900 ft
Public Building
Victoria City Hall
3500 ft
Landmark
Black Ball Ferry Line
2400 ft
Landmark
Old Town
2100 ft
Landmark
Terry Fox Statue
5000 ft
Landmark
Fan Tan Alley
3100 ft
Church
Christ Church Cathedral
3000 ft
Garden
Government House
1.5 mi
Museum
Emily Carr House
3000 ft
Landmark
Point Ellice House
1.5 mi
Nearby
Museum
Royal BC Museum
1300 ft
Public Building
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
1100 ft
Victoria
Inner Harbour
500 ft
Museum
Miniature World
1000 ft
Zoo
Victoria Bug Zoo
1200 ft
Victoria
Government Street
1100 ft
Square
Bastion Square
1700 ft
Shopping Area
The Bay Centre
1800 ft
St-Ann's Academy Office 835 Humboldt St 2nd Floor
St. Ann's Academy National Historic Site
1900 ft
Gallery
Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature
1200 ft
Government Street and Belleville Street
Emily Carr Statue
500 ft
Victoria
Wharf Street
1700 ft
Restaurants
Q at The Empress
100 ft
721 Government St The Fairmont Empress
The Tea Lobby
100 ft
721 Government St
Milestones
600 ft
812 Wharf St
The Old Spaghetti Factory
1100 ft
703 Douglas Street
Bartholomew's English-Style Pub
1300 ft
777 Douglas St Entrance on Humboldt Street
Steamship Grill & Bar
1100 ft
470 Belleville Street
Browns Socialhouse
1200 ft
809 Douglas St
Milano
800 ft
817 Government St
The Courtney Room
1100 ft
619 Courtney Street
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
Q at The Empress
1 minute' walk
Modern Canadian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Reservations recommended for dinner.
Milestones
Milestones
3 minutes' walk
Casual atmosphere with a diverse menu, including gluten-free options. Family-friendly environment.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
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
Victoria10 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 CAD 35 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in 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 1671 verified reviews
9.0/10
Perfect
88%
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Location
9.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.6/10
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 1671 reviews
9.0/10
based on 5060 reviews
4/5
based on 1277 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 gardensexcellent locationreally good servicehelpful 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 was 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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Check-in
19Apr2026Select date
Check-out
20Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
  • Overview
  • Rooms
  • Price calendar
  • Amenities
  • Location
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