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

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

Explore the area

Map
721 Government St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W5
  • Government Street
    1 min walk
  • Q Restaurant at the Empress
    1 min walk
  • Victoria Bus Station
    4 min walk
  • Victoria, BC (YWH-Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base)
    4 min walk

Room options

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 2 Queen

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

Fairmont Gold Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

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

Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

  • 49 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Harbour View 1 Queen

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

Fairmont City View 1 Queen

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

Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

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

Deluxe City View 1 King

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

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 1 King

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

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

  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Fairmont Gold Harbour View 1 King

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

Junior Suite City View 1 King

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

Fairmont Gold City View 1 King

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

Executive Suite City View 1 King

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

Deluxe City View 2 Queen

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

Fairmont City View 2 Double

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

One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

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

Deluxe City View 1 Queen

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

Fairmont City View 1 King

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

Similar properties

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
  • British Columbia Parliament Building - 4 min walk
  • Victoria Harbour - 6 min walk
  • Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal - 9 min walk
  • Chinatown - 10 min walk

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. 1214 out of 1720 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 278 out of 1720 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 133 out of 1720 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 51 out of 1720 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 44 out of 1720 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

Joan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel in a great location
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

John

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My stay at the Fairmont Empress was nothing short of amazing! The hotel is absolutely beautiful, with stunning grounds covered in vibrant flowers that made every walk outside feel magical. Our room was incredibly well-appointed, and the bed was so comfortable, making it easy to relax after a long day of exploring. The spa was a real highlight—such a rejuvenating experience, and I highly recommend it for anyone visiting. And to top it all off, the bar was iconic. On our last night, we stopped in for dessert and port, which was the perfect way to end our stay. I can’t recommend the Fairmont Empress enough. It’s an unforgettable experience from start to finish!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

sandra

Travelled with group
This hotel was beautiful before the 2016 Reno but is exceptional now. The 1906 charm is still there and the surrounding gardens are perfectly maintained.we enjoyed our stay very much
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Desmond

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Empress still grand
Stayed on the Fairmont Gold level with breakfast included. The breakfast was generous with many different food items on offer except for a limited selection of egg dishes. The hotel has been recently refurbished. Only regret we had was the decision by the hotel to eliminate bath tubs in favour of showers. The check in for the Gold level is on a different floor from the main check-in. Supposedly, this is to ensure a more exclusive service but in practice it means making one’s way through a maze of hallways to arrive at what is a simple lectern with a screen attached. Half the time there was no one staffing this station. We checked out at the main check out with no problems.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amit, Redmond

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

Alethea

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Michael

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

8/10 Good

Daniel

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
excellent location and good upkeep of facilities despite the age.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joseph, LEXINGTON

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is beautifully renovated and yet retains a british decor. The gardens are breathtaking and our room was perfect. Spring for a harbor view! The whole experience was refined and the utmost of comfort!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

John

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

BRIAN D.

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
There is a very good reason this hotel wins awards! It’s wonderful!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

RICHARD ALLEN

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

10/10 Excellent

Dave

Travelled with partner
Beautiful old school Fairmount hotel. Upgraded and very nice. Loved it
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Siiri

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Hotel was amazing and the service was top notch.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was perfect
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Rishab

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
Was'nt the best experience
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Simon

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff & service were great, but the room on the 'Gold' level was somewhat underwhelming for the price. We had a few issues which were addressed by the staff in a timely manner; which was appreciated. Food was 7/10. (we had breakfast daily, and dinner at the Q Restaurant). Overall, the product is decent, but at this price point, some might expect a little more.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janice

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the proximity to shopping and restaurants. Loves that we could walk along the waterfront in both directions. We were offered the Gold option and it was a wonderful experience! I highly recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024