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.
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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 seem to have much authority to do any thing out of the way and give up easily. this is why it was so great Mike knew what to do to make our weeklong stay a remarkable experience. He told us of some nice restaurants and sights to see. we try to avoid tourist traps and he certainly helped with this. we would happily return to the Empress sometime soon.
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.
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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.
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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.
Check-in/Check-out | Check in anytime after 4:00 PM, check out anytime before 11:00 AM |
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Cancellation/prepayment | Cancellation/prepayment policies vary by room type and provider. |
Low season | March |
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High season | September |
Average price (weeknight) | $282 |
Average price (weekend night) | $256 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Fairmont Empress is located at 721 Government Street in Downtown, 0.4 miles from the center of Victoria. Miniature World is the closest landmark to Fairmont Empress.
Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM at Fairmont Empress.
Yes, Fairmont Empress offers free Wi-Fi.
Fairmont Empress is 0.5 miles from Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base. Fairmont Empress is 16.1 miles from Victoria Intl.
Yes, Fairmont Empress has a pool onsite.
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.
Value for money | 7.6 |
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Distance to city center | 0.4 mi |
Nearest Airport | Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base |
Distance to airport | 0.2 mi |