Basic Information
The Fairmont Empress, formerly known as The Empress, is a luxurious hotel located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Situated at 721 Government Street in Downtown Victoria, this iconic property overlooks the city’s sparkling Inner Harbour.
Unique Features
Known as “Canada’s Castle on the Coast,” the Fairmont Empress is a National Historic Site dating back to 1908. This Châteauesque-styled building is renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture.
- Recognized as one of the Top 21 Iconic Hotels in the World by National Geographic Traveler magazine
- Honoured with Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Award for Top 3 City Hotels in Canada
- Named on the Condé Nast Readers Choice and Gold List
Accommodations
The hotel offers 437 well-appointed, air-conditioned guest rooms and suites, many featuring magnificent views of the harbour, city, and gardens. Room types include:
- Fairmont Gold rooms and suites with exclusive lounge access
- Deluxe rooms with designated sitting and lounging spaces
- One and two-bedroom suites for additional space and comfort
Amenities and Services
Fairmont Empress provides a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable stay:
- Concierge services
- Bell and porter services
- Housekeeping
- Laundry services
- Pet-friendly accommodations
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Bicycle rentals
Dining Options
The hotel boasts several dining venues offering uniquely Canadian and West Coast-inspired cuisine:
- The world-famous “Tea at the Empress” served in the elegant Lobby Lounge
- Multiple restaurants offering stunning harbour views and flavourful food
- Curated cocktails and thoughtful service
Recreation and Leisure
The award-winning Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Empress offers a serene retreat for guests:
- Recognized by Condé Nast as a Top Resort Spa in Canada
- Named in Spas of America Top 100 Spas of the Americas
- Signature West Coast treatments
Business Facilities
The Empress has been a celebrated destination for important meetings for over a century. The hotel is connected to the Victoria Conference Centre, providing catering services for events.
Nearby Attractions
The hotel’s prime location offers easy access to various attractions:
- British Columbia Parliament Buildings
- Maritime Museum of British Columbia
- Victoria Bug Zoo
- Numerous shops, museums, galleries, and parks
Transportation
Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is approximately 30 minutes drive from Fairmont Empress. The hotel is easily accessible by car, float plane, or helicopter from Vancouver.
Guest Reviews
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 5362 reviews, guests rave about Fairmont Empress:
“Friendly and helpful staff, perfect location, beautiful rooms, terrific amenities.”
“The Empress is newly renovated while still keeping the grandeur of the original style. Every touch was thoughtful, and everyone I interacted with was kind.”