Impeccable service at every turn.
4 stars
Fairmont Empress
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.
Latest deals for Fairmont Empress
*Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.
Prices are based on 1 night, not including taxes and fees
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
Parking and transportation
- Parking
- EV charging station
- Airport shuttle
- Valet parking
Bedroom
- Feather pillow
- Alarm clock
- Sofa bed
- Wardrobe or closet
Family friendly
- Babysitting or child care
- Cribs available
- Child pool
- Kids meals
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
1571 verified ratings
Wonderful
898
Very good
239
Good
160
Okay
113
Fair
88
Mediocre
29
Poor
44
Summary of reviews
Guests say
Guests appreciated the hotel's great location and friendly service, highlighting the lovely decor and atmosphere. However, many reviews pointed out issues with cleanliness, small room sizes, and concerns about the value for the price paid, especially in comparison to other hotels in the area.AI-Generated from customer reviews
Reviews(10)
Q&A(5)
Tips(10)
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Score by provider
8.9 out of 10
62 reviews
9.1 out of 10
16 reviews
All reviews
It has a nice pool and hot tub. The bathroom has been upgraded. Having tea in the Tea Room was great .
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...
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pros (+) The rooms are really beautiful.
Cons (-) The facility is under complete renovation. It wasn't as grand as you'd expect. Although the rooms are super nice, I think for the price there are a million better deals to be had. It's slightly over hyped in my opinion.
The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information.See more
They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.
What are the dining options available at Fairmont Empress?
Guests at Fairmont Empress can dine at Q at the Empress, Q Bar, Lobby Lounge, Tea at the Empress, The Veranda, and Empress Torte.
What can guests expect from the spa at Fairmont Empress?
The spa at Fairmont Empress offers a range of treatments including body scrubs, facials, massages, couples packages, men’s treatments, manicures, and pedicures, providing guests with a relaxing experience.
What are the nearby attractions close to Fairmont Empress?
Fairmont Empress is conveniently located near attractions such as Butchart Gardens, Craigdarroch Castle, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Royal British Columbia Museum.
How is the staff at Fairmont Empress described by guests?
Guests have consistently praised the highly professional and friendly staff at Fairmont Empress, making every guest feel valued and well taken care of.
What are the common concerns about the rooms at Fairmont Empress?
Some guests have mentioned concerns about the room size and amenities, such as the small bathrooms and the need for better sound and temperature isolation.
The questions and answers provided in this section are generated by an artificial intelligence model based on a summarization of user hotel reviews and hotel information.See more
They offer insights and recommendations from previous guests and hotel information to help future visitors enhance their stay at the hotel.
Book a Room with a View
Several guests mentioned that the views from the rooms were spectacular. Opting for a room with a balcony facing the fountain comes highly recommended.
Take Advantage of the Spa
Guests rave about the spa services, particularly the massages and body treatments. Consider booking a relaxing spa session during your stay.
Explore Nearby Attractions
The hotel's proximity to attractions like Butchart Gardens, Craigdarroch Castle, and Miniature World makes it a convenient choice for sightseeing. Plan your visit to these attractions during your stay.
Consider Upgrading to Gold Level
Guests who stayed in the Gold level rooms were impressed with the additional amenities and personalized service. If you're looking for an extra special experience, consider upgrading.
Be Mindful of Noise
Some guests reported noise disturbances, particularly from nearby construction and street noise. Light sleepers may want to request a room away from potential sources of noise.
Check for Special Offers
Some guests mentioned receiving special treats or amenities for special occasions such as birthdays. Inquire about any special offers or packages when booking your stay.
Take Note of Room Features
Guests appreciated the in-room amenities such as the Nespresso machine, comfortable beds, and harbor views. Consider these features when selecting your room.
Plan for Dining
While some guests enjoyed the dining options, others found the food overpriced or the service lacking. Consider exploring nearby dining options as well.
Utilize the Concierge Service
The concierge service was praised for its helpfulness and local knowledge. Don't hesitate to seek their assistance for recommendations and reservations.
Be Informed About Additional Costs
Some guests were surprised by extra fees for parking and taxes. It's advisable to inquire about any additional costs to avoid unexpected expenses.
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 | February |
|---|---|
High season | August |
Average price (weeknight) | $396 |
Average price (weekend night) | $435 |
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
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Value for money | 8.1 |
|---|---|
Distance to city center | 0.4 mi |
Nearest Airport | Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base |
Distance to airport | 0.3 mi |
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