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Fairmont Empress
4 stars

Fairmont Empress

721 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5, Canada
Victoria, Canada
See location+1 250 384 8111
From
$189
Cheapest

rate per night

8.9
Very good
based on 1651 reviews
1,651 reviews
Room type
Provider
Nightly total
Deluxe room
$189
Queen room
$202
Double room
$205
104 more Fairmont Empress deals
104 more Fairmont Empress deals

Photos of Fairmont Empress

Overview

For travelers going to British Columbia, finding the best place to stay may not be the easiest task. That is why the Fairmont Empress is a great choice! It opened in 1908 and overlooks the inner harbor. It was newly renovated in 2017 and millions of dollars were spent on this extravagant renovation.

The spa at the Fairmont Empress is one of the main reasons that guests choose to stay here. Guests who are truly looking for a way to relax love taking advantage of the spas services. The spa offers treatments such as body scrubs, facials, scrubs, polishes, massages, couples packages, men’s treatments, manicures, and pedicures.

Every room at the Fairmont Empress features Wi-Fi, air conditioning, in-room safe, terry bathrobes, flat screen televisions, coffee maker, tea kettle, luxurious linens, and a decorative fireplace.

Guests can dine at the Fairmont Empress in many of the eateries here. Q at the Empress, Q Bar, Lobby Lounge, Tea at the Empress, The Veranda, and Empress Torte are all available to guests here.

There is so much to do in British Columbia and the Fairmont Empress is close to it all. Guests can visit Butchart Gardens, Craigdarroch Castle, Emily Carr House, Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Rodd Hill, Royal British Columbia Museum, and Miniature world.

Guests will get excellent amenities here and the staff is one of a kind! The Fairmont Empress makes every guest feel like they are in their home away from home. This is hospitality like no other and guests will know exactly where to stay the next time they are in British Columbia.

8.9
Very good rating
Based on 1,651 verified guest reviews

Latest deals for Fairmont Empress

Thu 9/25
Fri 9/26
Queen room
1 queen bed
$202
nightly with fees
bed type unknown
$206
nightly with fees
1 queen bed
$214
nightly with fees
Executive room
1 king bed
$333
nightly with fees
1 king bed
$552
nightly with fees
bed type unknown
$693
nightly with fees
Double room
1 twin bed
$205
nightly with fees
2 double beds
$225
nightly with fees
1 king bed
$258
nightly with fees
Standard room
bed type unknown
$209
nightly with fees
bed type unknown
$243
nightly with fees
King room
1 king bed
$269
nightly with fees
1 king bed
$293
nightly with fees
1 king bed
$297
nightly with fees
Deluxe room
bed type unknown
$189
nightly with fees
1 queen bed
$252
nightly with fees
1 twin bed
$263
nightly with fees
*Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.
Prices are based on 1 night, including fees but not including taxes.

Amenities at Fairmont Empress

  • Indoor pool
  • Spa and wellness center
  • Fitness center
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Room service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Coffee machine
  • Valet parking
  • Business center

Basics

  • Wi-Fi available in all areas
  • Internet
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Free toiletries
  • Smoke alarms
  • Heating
  • Air-conditioned
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Linens
  • Towels
  • Shampoo
  • Body soap
  • Trash cans
  • Conditioner

Services and conveniences

  • ATM on-site
  • Business center
  • Car rental
  • Wake-up service
  • Concierge service
  • Currency exchange on-site
  • Meeting/Banquet facilities
  • Room service
  • Key card access
  • Express check-out
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • 24hr front desk
  • Safety deposit box

Dining

  • Wine glasses
  • Electric kettle
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Food can be delivered to guest accommodation
  • Minibar
  • Microwave
  • Kettle
  • Refrigerator
  • Coffee machine
  • Vending machine (drinks)

General

  • Executive lounge access
  • Family rooms
  • Interconnected room(s) available
  • Lockers
  • Storage available
  • Seating area
  • Slippers
  • Sofa
  • Telephone
  • Carpeted
  • City view

Accessibility and suitability

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Hypoallergenic pillow
  • No smoking
  • Non-feather pillow
  • Designated smoking area
  • Pets allowed on request. Charges may apply.
  • Increased accessibility
  • Elevator
  • Allergy-free room

Pool and spa

  • Heated pool
  • Spa
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool
  • Spa and wellness center
  • Massage
  • Sauna

Media and entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Cable or satellite TV
  • Pay-per-view channels
  • Radio
  • TV

Bathroom

  • Hairdryer
  • Bathrobe
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Toilet paper

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Ironing service
  • Laundry service
  • Pants press
  • Iron and ironing board

Things to do

  • Gift shop
  • Eco tourism
  • Bicycle rental
  • Cycling
  • Beauty salon

Bedroom

  • Feather pillow
  • Alarm clock
  • Sofa bed
  • Wardrobe or closet

Family friendly

  • Babysitting or child care
  • Cribs available
  • Child pool
  • Kids meals

Parking and transportation

  • Parking
  • Airport shuttle
  • Valet parking

Outdoor

  • Garden
  • Terrace/Patio

Workspace

  • Fax/photocopying
  • Desk

Health and safety

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Safe

Fitness

  • Fitness center

Reviews of Fairmont Empress

8.9
Very good
1651 verified ratings
Wonderful
953
Very good
249
Good
162
Okay
118
Fair
92
Mediocre
29
Poor
48

Summary of reviews

Guests say
Guests generally appreciated the hotel's excellent location, cleanliness, and friendly service. Many reviews highlighted the spacious rooms and beautiful surroundings, making it a pleasant stay. However, some guests faced issues with pricing and service inconsistencies, particularly regarding room amenities and billing errors.
AI-Generated from customer reviews
Cleanliness10 out of 10
Location10 out of 10
Service9.5 out of 10
Room Size9 out of 10
Value for Price2.5 out of 10
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All reviews

10
Wonderful
Craig, Jul 2025
Best hotel I'm town.
10
Wonderful
Mariano, Apr 2024
Impeccable service at every turn.
10
Wonderful
Anne, Oct 2023
It has a nice pool and hot tub. The bathroom has been upgraded. Having tea in the Tea Room was great .
10
Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2023
the entire experience was superb! from the moment we checked in Mike T. our Bellman, made sure we were happy. The first room we checked into was small with a lovely harbor view. i did'nt like it, The hotel was full. He negotiated with the front desk manager to change our room 3 days later to a lovely room on the 5th floor. He then followed up and made sure all was right. The front desk clerks dont...
Read more
9.4
Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2019
Cons (-) It’s a great old building and staffed with excellent people. At triple the cost of most hotels are we getting triple the returns on our money? Hard to answer.
10
Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2019
Pros (+) The staff was extremely friendly and helpful! The hotel is in the heart of downtown Victoria so we were able to walk almost everywhere.
Cons (-) We got a knock on our door after 9pm for turn down service which normally wouldn't be a problem but our children were sleeping at the time.
9.7
Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2019
Pros (+) We spent Christmas there and they provided us with a stocking on our door for Christmas Day. The staff was extremely helpful at every opportunity, and very responsive to our needs.
Cons (-) My only smallest complaint would be the expense. The hotel is very expensive, but the service largely drives that expense and it really made for a wonderful experience for me and my wife.
6.0
Okay
Anonymous, Aug 2017
Pros (+) Beds were nice and comfortable, Bartenders were great and had suggestions to get value for your money.
Cons (-) Price was excessive compared to other hotels in the area. Considering the price, wifi was not included.
8.0
Very good
Jaime, Aug 2017
Cons (-) I have a problem with the ATM but they did not help me at all. They only said that the ATM is not of the hotel ,but I think they have to be more helpful in this cases.
6.2
Okay
John, Jan 2017
Pros (+) Location and views are fantastic. I love these old-style character hotels.
Cons (-) Not up to the standards of other Fairmont Hotels we've stayed in. They messed up our meal reservations and even messed up the correction, so we never did eat there. Some staff really didn't seem to know what they were doing or could even answer or questions properly and never offered to find anything our or get back to us.

Location

721 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5

What's nearby

  • Royal BC Museum230 yd
  • British Columbia Parliament Buildings318 yd
  • Greater Victoria Public Library365 yd
  • Royal Theatre0.3 mi
  • St. Andrew's Cathedral0.3 mi
  • Christ Church Cathedral0.4 mi
  • BC Ferries0.4 mi
  • Chinatown0.5 mi
  • Emily Carr House0.6 mi
  • Ogden Point1.1 mi
  • Craigdarroch Castle1.1 mi
  • Government House1.2 mi

Policies

Check-in/Check-out

Check in anytime after 4:00 PM, check out anytime before 11:00 AM

Cancellation/prepayment

Cancellation/prepayment policies vary by room type and provider.

Essential information about Fairmont Empress

Low season

High season

Average price (weeknight)

Average price (weekend night)

January
June
$399
$452
Cheapest month to stay with an average 51% drop in price.
Most expensive month to stay with an average 32% rise in price.
Average Sun - Thu price over the last 2 weeks.
Average Fri & Sat price over the last 2 weeks.

When to book a room at Fairmont Empress

Price per night. Prices are not fixed and may vary with time.
Average nightly price per month
Average nightly price

KAYAK's top tips for your stay at Fairmont Empress

  • If you’re after a cheap room at Fairmont Empress, then you should consider staying during the low season. The cheapest deals can generally be found in January and December.
  • Prices can also vary depending on which day of the week you stay. For the best room deals at Fairmont Empress, plan to stay on a Monday or Tuesday. The most expensive day is usually Saturday.
  • The cheapest price a room at Fairmont Empress was booked for on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $304, while the most expensive was $772.
  • How long should you stay at Fairmont Empress? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 2 days.
See more tips

FAQs when booking at Fairmont Empress

  • What are the best rooms to stay in at the Fairmont Empress?

    To stay in a room that is affordable yet scenic, book the Fairmont Harbor View Room, an elegant choice that has windows that directly overlook the water, as well as a small sitting area and work desk. If you will be staying at the Fairmont Empress with your family, consider booking the Deluxe Room, a choice that can fit up to four people and ranges in size from 330 to 430 sq ft.

  • What fitness amenities and activities are offered by the Fairmont Empress for guests?

    If you forgot to pack your workout equipment or would just simply like to be able to have a private workout in your room, there is the Fairmont Fit program, which will provide you with items such as yoga mats, an MP3 player, and workout clothes for a small additional charge. To explore the surrounding region while simultaneously burning some calories, rent one of the BMW cruise bicycles that are available for all guests for free from the front desk of the Fairmont Empress.

  • What are the most popular spa treatments among guests at the Fairmont Empress?

    For guests that would like to reduce the signs of aging and clean out their pores, make a reservation for the Rose Infinity Advanced Facial, a service that will help to boost the production of new skin cells and get rid of wrinkles. If your skin is feeling dull and dehydrated, opt for the Eucalyptus Body Scrub, a sea salt exfoliation treatment that will improve blood circulation and nourish your entire body. To rid your body of stress and allow yourself to unwind, there is the Stress Relief massage that lasts for either 60 or 90min and focuses on your main tension points.

  • What wedding amenities are there for couples to book through the Fairmont Empress?

    When you book your wedding at the Fairmont Empress, you will automatically be provided with several amenities and services, including a wedding menu tasting, a wedding coordinator, a 1h open bar, and a selection of 4 and 5 course menus to choose from. Additional amenities can be booked, such as a custom-made wedding cake, a cocktail hour before the reception, a sparkling wine toast, and wine for each guest to drink during dinner. The hotel also has a list of preferred photographers, musicians, and florists that they can help connect you with.

  • What is the best way for visitors to go from Vancouver International Airport to the Fairmont Empress?

    Due to the distance between the two locations, the best way to travel from Vancouver International Airport to the Fairmont Empress is by driving, which will take you approximately 2h 50min to 3h. While public transportation is also an option, it is important to keep in mind that it will take you upwards of 4h. It is possible to book a private shuttle service and doing so will cost you around 80 CAD per person in a shared van (approximately 60 USD). (Prices checked 15/08/19).

  • Where is Fairmont Empress located?

    Fairmont Empress is located at 721 Government Street in Downtown, 0.4 miles from the center of Victoria. Royal BC Museum is the closest landmark to Fairmont Empress.

  • When is check-in time and check-out time at Fairmont Empress?

    Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM at Fairmont Empress.

  • Does Fairmont Empress offer free Wi-Fi?

    Yes, Fairmont Empress offers free Wi-Fi.

  • How far is Fairmont Empress from the airport?

    Fairmont Empress is 0.3 miles from Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base. Fairmont Empress is 15.8 miles from Victoria Intl.

  • Does Fairmont Empress have a pool?

    Yes, Fairmont Empress has a pool onsite.

  • How does KAYAK find such great Fairmont Empress hotel deals?

    KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at Fairmont Empress in Victoria and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at Fairmont Empress and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for Fairmont Empress.

See more FAQs

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Waterfalls Hotel in Downtown With Stunning Views!
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4-star hotel
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2-star hotel
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4-star hotel
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Good to know

Value for money

Distance to city center

Nearest Airport

Distance to airport

8.0
0.4 mi
Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base
0.3 mi

Everything you need to know for your stay in Victoria

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