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Fairmont Empress

4.5 star property
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Fairmont Empress

Exterior
Ocean views, serves lunch and dinner
Lobby
Lobby
Ocean views, serves lunch and dinner

Reviews

9.0 out of 10

Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Spa
    Spa
  • Bar
    Bar
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Hot tub
    Hot tub
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Gym
    Gym

Explore the area

Map
721 Government St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W5
  • Government Street
    1 min walk
  • Royal BC Museum
    3 min walk
  • Victoria Bug Zoo
    3 min walk
  • Victoria, BC (YWH-Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base)
    4 min walk

Room options

View all photos for Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 2 Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 2 Queen

  • 35 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Fairmont Gold Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Gold Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

  • 30 sq m
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

  • 49 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Harbour View 1 Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Harbour View 1 Queen

  • 26 sq m
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Fairmont City View 1 Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont City View 1 Queen

  • 26 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

  • 36 sq m
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe City View 1 King

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe City View 1 King

  • 36 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 1 King

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 1 King

  • 35 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Gold, Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, City View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Gold, Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, City View

  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Gold Harbour View 1 King

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Gold Harbour View 1 King

  • 30 sq m
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite City View 1 King

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Junior Suite City View 1 King

  • 42 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Gold City View 1 King

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Gold City View 1 King

  • 28 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Executive Suite City View 1 King

32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, TV, pay films

Executive Suite City View 1 King

  • 44 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe City View 2 Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe City View 2 Queen

  • 31 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Fairmont City View 2 Double

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont City View 2 Double

  • 22 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King | Living area

One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

  • 51 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe City View 1 Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe City View 1 Queen

  • 36 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Fairmont City View 1 King

Fairmont City View 1 King

Fairmont City View 1 King

  • 26 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Victoria

Fairmont Empress is in the heart of Victoria, within a 5-minute walk of Maritime Museum of British Columbia and Victoria Bug Zoo. .This eco-certified hotel is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from British Columbia Parliament Building and 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Victoria Harbour.

What's nearby

  • Royal BC Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • British Columbia Parliament Building - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Victoria Harbour - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Chinatown - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

  • Victoria, BC (YWH-Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base) - 1 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Milestones - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Q Restaurant at the Empress - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Tea at the Empress - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Chocolats Favoris - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Fairmont Empress

Edwardian Victoria hotel connected to the convention center, steps from Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Fairmont Empress offers 431 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and safes. Beds feature premium bedding. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels and pay movies. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries.

In-room wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps) is available for a surcharge. Business-friendly amenities include desks, desk chairs, and phones. Additionally, rooms include complimentary newspapers and coffee/tea makers. Hypo-allergenic bedding, change of towels, and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

An indoor pool and a spa tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a health club and a sauna.

Children under 16 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, health club, fitness facility, or spa tub without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Willow Stream Spa has 11 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages, and Swedish massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and hydrotherapy. The spa is equipped with a sauna, a spa tub, and a steam room. The spa is open daily. Children under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa without adult supervision. Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa. There are hot springs/mineral springs on site.
Make yourself at home in one of the 431 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Wireless internet access (surcharge) keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including a health club, an indoor pool, and a spa tub. Additional features at this Edwardian hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.
Satisfy your appetite with American cuisine at Q at the Empress, one of the hotel's 2 restaurants. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. Full breakfasts are available daily from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and express check-in. Planning an event in Victoria? This hotel has 22604 square feet (2100 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and meeting rooms. Guests may use a cruise ship terminal shuttle for a surcharge, and self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Full breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 6:30 AM and 11:00 AM.
Q at the Empress - Overlooking the ocean and garden, this restaurant specializes in American cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available. Reservations are required.
Lobby Lounge - Overlooking the ocean and garden, this restaurant specializes in American cuisine and serves lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Q Bar - Overlooking the ocean and garden, this bar specializes in American cuisine and serves lunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). Open daily.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Biosphere, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.
The property is a member of Historic Hotels of the World.

Languages

Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Danish, English, Filipino, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi (CAD 14.95 per night)
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and public transport

  • Self parking on site (CAD 35.00 per day; includes in/out privileges)
  • Valet parking on site (CAD 49.00 per day; includes in/out privileges)
  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Cruise terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Ferry terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Limo/town car service

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast available for a fee daily 6:30 AM–11:00 AM: CAD 20-40 for adults and CAD 10-20 for children
  • 2 restaurants
  • 1 bar
  • Coffee/tea in a common area

Restaurants on site

  • Q at the Empress
  • Lobby Lounge
  • Q Bar

Things to do

  • Bike rentals
  • Fitness centre
  • Full-service spa
  • Indoor pool
  • Motorised watercraft
  • Sauna
  • Shopping
  • A hot tub
  • Steam room

Family friendly

  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Travel cot

Conveniences

  • ATM/banking services
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Lift
  • Free newspapers in reception
  • Front-desk safe
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Vending machine
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels (on request)
  • Concierge services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry-cleaning service
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business centre
  • Conference space (22604 square feet)
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Pool sunloungers
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Spa

  • 11 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body treatments
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment room(s)
  • Facials
  • Hot springs/mineral springs
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Massage - deep-tissue
  • Massage - hot stone
  • Massage - prenatal
  • Massage - sports
  • Massage - Swedish
  • Massage/treatment rooms
  • Sauna
  • Spa open daily
  • Hot tub
  • Steam room

Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices available
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible (may have limits)

More

  • 100% renewable energy
  • At least 80% of lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers
  • Biodegradable drinking straws
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drinks bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups only
  • Reusable tableware only
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Air conditioning
  • Bed sheets
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Portable fan
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Bath or shower
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV
  • TV channels
  • Films for purchase

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Minibar

More

  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products provided
  • Energy-saving switches
  • Free newspapers
  • Iron/ironing board
  • LED light bulbs
  • Phone
  • Recycling
  • Safe
  • Slippers
  • Water-efficient showers only
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 19

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

The following facilities or services will be unavailable from January 6 2025 to January 17 2025 (dates subject to change):
  • Hot springs
  • Recreation facilities
  • Sauna
  • Swimming pool

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets stay free
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
3 children, up to the age of 17 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately CAD 20 to 40 for adults, and CAD 10 to 20 for children
  • Fee for in-room wireless internet: CAD 14.95 per night (rates may vary)
  • Self parking fee: CAD 35.00 per day (in/out privileges)
  • Valet parking fee: CAD 49.00 per day (in/out privileges)
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of ALLSAFE (Accor Hotels)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
The photos are representative of rooms offered and may differ from the actual room received.

We should mention

Pool access available from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Children under 16 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, health club, fitness facility, or spa tub without adult supervision
Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa, and guests under 18 years old are only allowed with adult supervision
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Empress Fairmont
Fairmont Empress
Fairmont Empress Hotel
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Fairmont Empress Victoria
Empress Hotel Victoria
Fairmont Hotel Empress
Fairmont Hotel Victoria
Fairmont Victoria
The Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Victoria Fairmont
The Fairmont Empress
Fairmont Empress Hotel
Fairmont Empress Victoria
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria

Fairmont Empress Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 1156 out of 1651 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 271 out of 1651 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 130 out of 1651 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 51 out of 1651 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 43 out of 1651 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Shelly

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful gardens and updated interiors with stunning views of the harbor, great live music, people watching and high tea.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Super special staff! Friendly. Go out of their way to help you.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gregory S

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Top notch experience throughout a 3 night stay. Got us in quickly the day we arrived (before check in time) and gave us an extra hour past check out time to enjoy breakfast the day we left. Best hotel bed I have slept in over the last several years. Can be pricey of course but if you are there for short stay I recommend you splurge and try it. Old classic luxury hotels often have a problem when they update their rooms balancing between modernizing and retaining the charm of the original but the Empress has nailed it. . The only improvement I could really suggest would be the window coverings but they were ok as well. And YEAH for windows that open!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Nicole

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
Staff were cold and cranky - no smiles. Except in the tea and dining are - they were fab!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Brenda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Iconic
Food was just ok. High tea was lovely. Location outstanding
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

keith

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique & unusual hotel, lots of ornate furnishings. Great gym and pool. Parking is easy and choice of foods is good. The best thing is the well manicured grounds with lots of flowers. The staff are great & will attend to your needs. The bad thing is the price.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Zerai

Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Staff & service
It was in a great location to access anything close by. However, only because we had kids with us, the check in process needed to be approved by a manager that the receptionist needed to go and talk to the manager about it in person. Not sure if she could not say what she wanted to say to the manager in front of me over the phone. That whole process gave me the impression that they were not trying to welcome us. In addition, I signed up for a city view room and they gave us rooms facing the back of the property overlooking the old roof of the building.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Travelled with group
Liked: Amenities
Great location easily walkable and hotel wonderful.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Sergio

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Myra

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hyun, Gilbert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Fairmont Empress is a beautiful hotel. An experience everyone should have when in Victoria.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Trang

Liked: Cleanliness
Flowers around property
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Top tier hotel in the heart of the Victoria marina
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rhodena

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful! Service was amazing. A must stay!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maria del Rosario, San Antonio

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Excellent service.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Location
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Jack

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I felt that the price is based on reputation rather than value. For 700 plus dollars per night you would expect to get a better view than looking on the near by buildings roof
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Austin A

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very beautiful place to visit and felt very safe
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Connie, Calgary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I spent 4 days in this iconic hotel Aug 12 -16 to celebrate my 64th birthday. I wanted to visit Victoria one more time. I spent August on the Island in my youth camping on Qualicum Beach. I have been very ill the past 3 years, I was missing birthdays with my nephew, his 26th the day before. We are Leo's who love luxury. My niece & fiancé moved to Victoria for school and won't come home, they have inspired us all. I wanted to spoil them fierce they are my heart and my nephew is my soul mate. I wanted to make a new memory with him because we lost my sister 6 yrs ago. We were magical trio of fun. The Empress from the moment you arrive is also magic, the gardens, views, staff, lobbies, decor, dining, bar & other guests are perfection. Everyone visiting this property is instantly transported to joyous & peaceful. The staff at the Empress masterfully welcomes you & takes care of you at every level. The dining is superb from breakfast til dinner and we had every Empress gin cocktail they create (my goal). This is place is worth every penny so by all means splurge & treat yourself at least once in your life.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mimi, Prineville

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best beautiful place!! Gold level is the best with wonderful staff!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

John

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Easy walkable areas BUT full of non hotel guest groups and non guest people in all areas. Guests were advised to show room key to enter the hotel and that never once was asked of us. I felt unsafe and areas were definitely not quiet. Went to tea and the bathroom close by was filled by non hotel or tea guests. It was very dirty. And unfortunately we won’t be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shazia

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024