Fairmont Empress Hotel

Fairmont Empress Hotel descritpion

Overlooking Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour, this historic hotel features extensive spa treatments and a selection of on-site restaurants. The Royal British Columbia Museum is a 5-minute walk away.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel’s elegantly decorated rooms include a plush sitting area and windows that open out. Each includes cable TV and an in-room coffee maker.
The Empress holds traditional afternoon tea in a special lobby with views of the harbor. The Bengal Lounge provides a curry buffet and the Empress Room serves fine international cuisine.
Guests can admire the Victorian architecture and stained glass ceiling of the lobby or swim in the indoor pool. Willow Stream Spa includes a sauna, hot tub and fitness center.
The Empress Fairmont Hotel is a 4-minute walk from the Royal London Wax Museum. The Maritime Museum of BC is just over half a mile away.

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Facilities of Fairmont Empress Hotel

Pets ：Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Breakfast in the Room | Restaurant with Dining Menu | Special Diet Meals (upon request)

Internet ：Wired internet is available in the hotel rooms and costs CAD 15 per 24 hours. | WiFi is available in all areas and costs CAD 15 per 24 hours.

Parking ：Public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and costs CAD 30 per day. | Private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and costs CAD 30 per day.

Reviews for Fairmont Empress Hotel

Review 1：The current renovations (which I was not informed about) are at least ten years past due. My room was really fine till I stepped in the bathroom. It was borderline disgusting like it belonged in a low cost motel. I remember sitting in there one morning on a twenty year old American Standard toilet looking at the cheap tub liner and forty year old tiles and crumbling grout, caulking deficiencies and even soap scum on the glass shelf. Not to mention the colored water that came out of the taps due to iron pipes in the building. I would also hope that the renovations include dual or triple glazed windows so future second floor guests can sleep uninterrupted from the noises of the street below.

Review 2：The history and the decor of this hotel is truly beautiful. The location and the amenities are equally stunning.

Review 3：Significant amount of construction taking place right now, it's important work that needs to be done so I was willing to tolerate the noise and look of it.

Review 4：The hotel still has it's old world charm and spectacular service. Management of the hotel is excellent and the many improvements being made to the hotel will guarantee it's success in the years going forward. The choice of restaurants is great and the Bengal Lounge is still true to it's self after all these years, a wonderful place to meet and eat.

Review 5：The renovations to the front of the property and the lack of availability at the hotel restaurants

Review 6：The hotel is really a treasure and something I will always cherish. The staff was perfect and they had carolers walking the halls and a stocking on our door Christmas morning.

Review 7：The historic Empress Hotel has been lovingly preserved and cared for. The old world elegance is everywhere. High tea was the best I've experienced anywhere. Christmas morning crawlers sang in the halls and hung stockings filled with goodies!

Review 8：Minor inconvenience with some renovations being done while we stayed there, which will only make the property that much more spectacular I am sure!

Review 9：Amazing property with such a rich history right in the downtown core - so convenient!

Review 10：No bad experience. My friend and I were able to stay at the Empress only because of a special price offer obtained in October. Ordinarily we cannot afford to stay there.

Review 11：Beautiful old hotel--many architectural features to admire. And sitting there watching the harbor was a delight.

Review 12：a few things in our room were overlooked, a broken lamp There should be free wifi like every other hotel

Review 13：The charm and beauty of the empress can never be replicated by any hotel! Its why we come! Its a relic! A landmark extradonnaire. We especially love the music at the Bengal lounge and all the staff are amazing.

Review 14：They are remodeling currently and I understand why, we were there during a really windy/rainy storm and the windows leaked water and the wind was very loud from inside. Am sure they will have this updated when the remodel is finished.

Review 15：We truly enjoyed the staff and their eagerness to make our stay easier and more enjoyable. The location of The Empress is fantastic because there are so many places within walking distance. No construction noise from our room.

Review 16：For a 5 stars hotel the bathrooms are tiny. You can barely unpack your stuff on the sink counter. Any hotel of this standing should offer free wifi

Review 17：Great location

Review 18：We were not able to secure a sitting for afternoon Tea. I would have like to been able to borrow a wheelchair to assist my 87 yr old father. I was allow to use it in the hotel but not outside.

Review 19：Staying at the Empress is like taking a wonderful step back in time. The character and beauty of this old building is magnificent.

Review 20：The location was amazing!!!! Close to everything and the staff was so wonderful and really took care of us! The hotel offers everything you could ever need and is beautiful!

Review 21：The restaurant and bar was a bit pricy.

Review 22：Loved the atmosphere of the hotel. Easy walking distance to everything. Enjoyed the scenic view and very friendly and informative staff who made you feel at home.

Review 23：There is a limited number of restaurants or lounges in the hotel so became a little boring after the first couple of visits to these.

Review 24：The location is excellent being right at the harbour and downtown. The hotel is a beautiful old lady with so much history.

Review 25：The staff were superb and attentive; the room was delightfully old fashioned and pretty. The bed was so comfortable I found it hard to get out of but it squeaked if you so much as looked at it - the only quibble in a lovely stay.

Review 26：See opposite and I am trying to be kind and reasonable

Review 27：The furniture in the bedrooms were chipped and probably installed when he hotel was first built. Reception staff have a 'like it or leave it' and inflexible attitude. No toilets anywhere near reception. The Hotel is living on its reputation for afternoon teas but definitely not on its rooms or hotel facilities. It is simply fading away. No more, enough said, never again, There are far better places at less Can $400+ per night which the Fairmount Empress charged me.....and breakfast was extra!

Review 28：The bathroom size. No air conditioning. Too expensive. Construction outside most rooms, the view and noise of that construction.

Review 29：The beautiful exterior. The historical building.

Review 30：From the folks who checked us in to the people who cleaned our rooms, all of them seemed sincere in wanting everything to b e just right, which we really appreciated.

Review 31：The first room we were given was directly over very noisy airconditioning units. We requested a move but our second room was only a slight improvement with a fan cutting in and out all night waking us on a number of occasions. Unimpressed that you had to pay for wifi given the room rate.

Review 32：Great location right on the waterfront.

Review 33：The sink was very low and the room simply furnished. The room was suppose to be a $500.00 room for 50% off. I have stayed at Delta, Best Western Plus and Grand Pacific in Victoria. All better value for the money. If I had paid $500.00 for that room I would have felt cheated.

Review 34：Location was excellent.

Review 35：Excellent service and help from Michelle Adriano and Keely Davis. I had a family member with a disability and they went above and beyond to help me make her comfortable and safe. These two employees are phenominal. They not only listened to my needs but went out of their way to meet and exceed my expectations. They actually made my trip as being a caretaker can be exhausting and it was so nice to have them take care of me! Thank you so much Michelle and Keely. You made my trip!

Review 36：When they discovered that we had celebrated our honeymoon there years ago they upgraded our room to a lovely suite facing the harbor. They also left us an anniversary card made of chocolate with a piece of cake.

Review 37：It is very pricey (although the food and services are top-notch).

Review 38：Excellent staff, very friends and helpful! The location is very convenient and if you are not traveling with a car the hotel's transportation is very accommodating. Wonderful place to stay!

Review 39：No one approached us to help with luggage upon arrival. The first room we were assigned was horrible so I asked for another room. Said we needed to upgrade. Next room was a little better but still terrible for a room that was costing us $500 a night. Terrible pillows, no mini bar (I drink a lot of water), windows open with no screen (a seagull flew up and sat on the ledge and we were concerned he would fly in). Glad to leave and get back to an amazing hotel in Vancouver!

Review 40：The location

Review 41：The. confusion amongst hotel staff made my stay inconvienant and well I didn't feel that "Fairmont Special Vibe" i usually do because of this.

Review 42：The Bengal Lounge for drinks and Indian dinner was superb, the waiter Lorean was amazing!

Review 43：not really bad, but all the tub bathrooms the tubs had no anti slip coating and no safety rails to get in or out of the tubs. How the inspection for safety missed this is a wounder .Otherwise terrific

Review 44：terrific location and staff

Review 45：I had to pay $13.95 for WiFi as it wasn't free. Prices were outrageously high. $100.00 for four coffees with liquor and four small desserts. Really!

Review 46：Location of hotel to downtown was fantastic!

Review 47：Hair in the bathtub, sink was leaking down the wall. For 600$/night you do expect a little more. When we mentioned the issues there was a polite apology but that was all. In general the room was in need of significant improvements.

Review 48：It is The Empress, a beautiful and impressive hotel.

Review 49：Room was too warm, no air conditioning. Ceiling fan was years overdue for dusting.

Review 50：Classic hotel. Excellent staff, always willing to assist. Perfect location.

Review 51：It's not that I did not like but the concierge was not the most helpful. She was. It able to answer questions about returning to Vancouver and did not offer to find out.

Review 52：Your hotel is beautiful but quite expensive., even for one night.

Review 53：We were travelling across country following the Canadian Pacific Railway and its history. The Fairmont Empress was the perfect place to end our journey. The staff was amazing at helping us discover the history and mystery of this amazing hotel. Thank-you for Fairmont Victoria!!

Review 54：Very underwhelming experience for a Fairmont. There is no AC - we were told to use a fan and a bucket of ice. The amenities on site were lacking for a young family.

Review 55：The location was good.

Review 56：Did not like the fact that free wifi was not available in the room. And did not like the fact that I was charged so much for parking.

Review 57：Loved the location. The room was very clean and the grounds beautiful.

Review 58：Difficulty in getting a valet for our car late at night.

Review 59：Everything: It's location, it's history, it's architecture, it's staff, it's high tea, it's food, and of course it's unforgettable harbor & Parliament Building views!!

Review 60：high tea sandwiches and desserts were not tasty at all. The staff in the Empress Room for breakfast was rude. The rooms were old, beds were sinking in middle and at the bathroom entrance -- we tripped over the threshold multiple times.

Review 61：The location and outside of property was beautiful.

Review 62：Terrible wifi and you charge for it!!! It's inconsistent, low speedand expensive. I won't stay in a Fairmont hotel ever again if youcontinue this. Four Seasons does the same and I haven't stayedthere in years.

Review 63：Location close to marina and city center.

Review 64：There was a jazz band playing in rhe lounge below put room until 10:30 pm - very disturbing - would not expect this in any hotel but especially a high end one

Review 65：Loved the valet parking option/ location wS central to everything we wanted to see / staff greeted you when you arrived

Review 66：Room was a little cramped and not the harbour view we had requested. No air conditioning.

Review 67：Location especially for Canada Day celebrations , ambiance and service.

Review 68：My wife was not too empressed with the room and I as a 30 year experience decorator found the room in a serious Need of renovation,bad paint job,broken window seals,chipped paint everywhere,bathroom tiles of the cheapest kind,this room was no better than a hotel 8 and very small.etc.that being said we would gladly return just for the wonderful service and care you staff provided to us Thank you again. Rene and Egie Menard. Was also not too empressed

Review 69：Your staff is your greatest richness

Review 70：It was very hot during our stay and there was no air conditioning.

Review 71：We received top notch service from your staff on the gold 2nd floor that we have never received from any other facility that we have stayed at before.

Review 72：Overly pricey; reserved room months in advance yet had a view of the building next door under renovation. The room was extremely warm, and there was no A/C; just a small fan. Construction noise woke us up at 7:00. Bathroom was tiny with no space to put toiletries. I hate paying for WiFi when less expensive hotels provide it for free.

Review 73：Location was perfect. The hotel exterior and public areas are lovely and well preserved. Bed extra comfy.

Review 74：small bathroom , had to set most toiletries on floor , parking was very expensive , should be included in the rate you pay , as well as the wifi and no air conditioning . We have stayed at other Fairmont hotels and we were very happy , but we won't be back to this hotel .

Review 75：Location

Review 76：The room was incredibly small...no closet...no place to put your suitcase. They modernized a classic hotel to just average. Charging for wifi just so you join their point plan..cheap.

Review 77：The location was excellent. The service was good.

Review 78：During three weeks driving in Canada and Washington this was the only hotel that charged for internet. We advised them of this and they offered to delete the charge from our account. However I Would strongly advise them to review their policy.

Review 79：We had a good sized second floor room with two queen beds. Two large windows overlooked Humboldt Street. The room included two armchairs, a coffee table and desk. We enjoyed our stay.

Review 80：No air conditioning?!?! Seriously? My friend and I were staying here and we were both 7+ months pregnant. I never would have guessed I needed to ask for a room with a/c. Plus the window only opened a crack. They did move us from a room on 5th floor to 2nd floor. Which was a bit cooler, not much. Very surprising I never read this is reviews! Also common bathrooms sparse and dirty! Expensive wifi and parking too!

Review 81：nothing except you need to sign in for their membership for free wifi!!

Review 82：Staff they were so helpful and friendly!!!!you will be very well taken care of.

Review 83：Wifi! Wish it could be free

Review 84：The atmosphere of the room with it's two windows with those white curtains blowing from the wind coming though the room with white beds

Review 85：The hotel is a little stuffy, but I expected that and it was part of the experience. The famous high tea was just ok - - very expensive and the food wasn't amazing. I went for the experience as muich as the 3-tiered serving platter of goodies, after all. I'd have been better off enjoying the room and experience with just a pot of tea. Breakfast in the dining room was another lovely experience, but slow and pricey so not a good option if you're in a hurry.

Review 86：This is one of those very special places where the hotel itself is part of the vacation. 'tho I arrived early in the day (by a very convenient float plane that docked just across from the hotel!) I was given a room. For a very reasonable cost, my room was on the 7th floor of the older towers with a stellar view of the harbor and all of the events that unfolded there on Victoria Day. It was hard to tear myself away , in fact! The room itself was a little small with charming decor, a couch and comfortable arm chair, and very high comfortable bed. Not a lavish or luxury room, but the fantastic location, view, and comfort coupled with the reasonable cost made it a winner! I especially liked the Bengal bar (for drinks, curry buffet, live music) and dinner on the veranda - - the food was great (an outstanding pizza), the view was perfect (of the sun setting across the harbor and the beautifully lit Parliament Building) and the wool throw nice against the evening chill.

Review 87：Our view from our room was disappointing--we looked out on a maintenance area with large air conditioners or motor units.

Review 88：The graciousness and attentiveness of the staff.

Review 89：Some younger people were partying next room but the staff got things under control as soon as they were notified. Top marks to the Night Security Man.

Review 90：It makes you feel important. Great place to recharge your batteries.

Review 91：Rooms were too modest for the price. Also, we had two rooms and there was a lot of dust on the furniture, lights fixtures and baseboards. Very surprised by that.

Review 92：The architectural details and view of the harbor.

Review 93：Bengal room .. Service poor and the food (steak) was really bad .. Tough like shoe leather and expensive !!

Review 94：Liked our view and our concierge floor where we had breakfast!

Review 95：The extra fee's when you pay is too much, I felt like I was being cheated by the extra fee's.

Review 96：Had a harbour view which was awesome for taking pictures. Location can't get any closer than this place it's in the center of it all.

Review 97：I went out of my way to book a room with a single queen bed with a harbour view because Valentine's Day is my gf's bday but ended up with a two bed room with a view of the parking garage. A little disappointing but still a very comfortable room.

Review 98：The staff was very efficient and seemed happy. The room was very soundproof and solid obviously very well crafted a long time ago.

Review 99：For the price, rooms at the Empress should really include in-room wifi. You are, however, able to get free wifi for your first stay by signing up for the free Fairmont President's Club loyalty program. I recommend signing up for this ahead of time.

Review 100：Exceedingly helpful and friendly front desk staff, concierge. Room was very clean and comfortable, no complaints about our stay.

Review 101：Location and view from room over waterfront was magic. Decor suited us and level of service was excellent, staff very attentive. General ambience was very pleasing. Made most welcome.

Review 102：We came for a reading break and looked for a reading room.Your photo gallery showed an inviting library/lounge with comfy chairs and warm fireplace. In reality, the room was unavailable to us. A sneak view revealed a dank, dark, north facing, cold room with no visable appeal. Disappointing !!

Review 103：Great view if the harbour

Review 104：The room at 1 in the morning got a super strong smell of pufume or finger nail polish remover that it was hard for me to sleep so I went out to the chairs by the elevator and opened the window there and spent a few hours there before I was able the go back to the room.

Review 105：I loved the Fairmont experience I have stayed several times @the palasor in Calgary this as the first time in Victoria

Review 106：View of harbour. We upgraded for a very reasonable rate per night. Breakfast room is beautiful with lovely staff. Checking in and out smooth. Worth the time to sign up for Presidents Club to get free wifi. Excellent choices for breakfast. The Afternoon Tea is a lovely experience.

Review 107：For $219 the standard room is extremely small and doesn't have a fridge/stove/microwave etc. At least you get to say you stayed there.

Review 108：I was a little upset at first because it seemed like I had to pay for wifi but when I checked out the guy removed my wifi charge so I was happy about that.

Review 109：Need a few more details to be handled in rooms to be a top hotel and a few more building amenities to be on par with other similar world class hotels like a sports bar atmosphere

Review 110：Dino was great help in getting plane tickets Very courteous staff. Food was excellent.

Review 111：We stayed two nights and upon arrival we decided to pay to upgrade our room. The room was tired, paintwork chipped, could not open the window. Glass had been put onto the top of the coffee table and desk, but had not been cleaned underneath. During supper in the Bengal Lounge a mouse (Yes a Mouse at "The Empress" !!!!) ran passed my chair twice. It was the last thing I had expected to see at "The Empress", the lady next to us was not happy she does not like mice!!! Upon telling the waiter, he seemed not to be surprised. Also I was amazed that there was no free internet in our upgraded room. They wanted 15$ a day or 23$ (high speed) a day for the internet. Everywhere else travelling across Canada the internet had been free!!! Time for The Empress to get into the 21st Century.

Review 112：Afternoon Tea, very good and catered for my Lactose Intolerance. The Position overlooking the harbour. The history of the Empress.

Review 113：The room we were given through booking.com was definitely of an inferior quality. It had no view, was next to 6 very large aircon units and had a malfunctioning toilet. Fortunately we were able to change rooms for our second night.

Review 114：This is an excellent hotel. We had stayed there before and knew about its qualities. Previously the concierge booked our room when we were staying at another Fairmont hotel.

Review 115：Historic hotel with a pedigree of famous visitors; super location on the harbor, close to museums and restaurants; comfortable room/bed with a view; great shops; yummy food and drinks (and live jazz) at the Bengal Lounge.

Review 116：Bed Toilet was leaking all night long! When I checked in I asked for a late check out and I agreed to pay the extra fee. Some one came into my room at 1 without knocking at the door to see if we had checked out already. My husband had to remind them that we had payed the extra fee to stay until 3pm, then they remembered! really! coming into someones room without a knock because you did not write down things clear from the beginning!

Review 117：The location.the staff, the luxury and the upgrade all created a lifetime memory which will allow us to return at every opportunity in our future lives. Barry, Glasgow. (Scotland).

Review 118：The only thing to really note was the room. It was pretty pricy to stay here and the room was bleh. nothing fancy. Not run down or anything but for the price would have liked a little more.

Review 119：Staff was wonderful. Clean. within walking distance of everything and the bus stop is 1 block away which we took to Butchart gardens.

Review 120：the "turning down of the beds" is optional - we did not ask for it, thinking it would cost more $ - the hotel should make it clear, that this option is "no extra charge" ! - because of this, we did not get "ice" twice a day, a chocolate on our pillow, or complimentary slippers! - also, the floor tiles in the womens' health club area/swimming pool change area & pool area need to be properly cleaned, as the floor looks awfully unclean ! - oh, & my husband loves his morning coffee, but he said their room coffee was not good; too strong! other that that, we loved the hotel experience!

Review 121：beautiful, historic surroundings, with stunning, old world elegance! - welcoming, hospitable staff who worked to make our stay extra special! - upgraded to an elegant room with a view! - great shops, pool & spa, restaurants, flower gardens, & tours available on site - truly, the most memorable, elegant, scrumptious anniversary dinner we have had so far! - location is right in the heart/tourist hub of Victoria, so easy access to all the popular sites! - and yes, we hope to return to this lovely hotel in the future!

Review 122：Room was very warm. No air conditioning. House keeping was poor. Toilet did not flush properly. Food and beverages were extremely over priced and over rated. We paid for the "Fairmont" name not the quality we expected.

Review 123：Location was excellent

Review 124：The room and bathroom were badly outdated. The architectural integrity could be maintained, but the rooms and bathrooms need to be brought forward in time. Tiny bathroom could be expanded, using some of the wasted space in the bedroom. No longer worth the price.

Review 125：Grand, iconic hotel with a great history. Very good service.

Review 126：History of the building and the architecture. The location was ideal for everything and there was a wonderful view of the harbor. Staff was helpful. Price was expensive, but reasonable for "what you got."

Review 127：Wi-fi not free unless you're a member. Room boring and odd shape. Rubbish view Overpriced by a long way. No real character - try Whistler for a better experience. Or even The Gatsby Mansion.

Review 128：Afternoon tea. There was a safe

Review 129：The first room we were given was small and had 2 twin beds even though we booked a room with a queen bed. This was rectified when we went back to the check in desk. The 2nd room was much better. Parking and movies expensive.

Review 130：Beautiful historic building with a great location. This is what you pay for.

Review 131：Checkin was easy, location fantastic, beds and pillows very comfortable, towels fluffy. We had been in Vancouver for two weeks and literally only had 24 hours to spend in Victoria, we had a great time and the location of the Fairmont Empress is perfect. We will tell all our Family and friends , thank you from Australia.

Review 132：We frequently stay in Victoria to visit family. We usually choose Royal Scot because you get a 1 bedroom suite for 1/2 the cost of the Fairmont. And the location is almost the same.

Review 133：Elegant property, great location, but overpriced.

Review 134：I know the hotel is a historic hotel but seemed dated. Thought the decor in the rooms could be a little nicer. We arrived to a very dirty room. The dust on the ceiling fan looked as though it hasn't been cleaned in 6 months there were chunks of dust falling off. The smoke alarm was going off in the room when we arrived as well. The staff did address these issues but something like this should never happen, especially at The Empress.

Review 135：Staff was great. The grounds and location were fantastic.

The Fine Print

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.The property will be undergoing renovations from Mon, Oct 12, 2015 until Sat, Apr 30, 2016. During this period, guests may experience some noise or light disturbances, and some hotel facilities and services may not be available.