SD › Victoria Hotels › Fairmont Empress Review
Updated: April 19, 2022
By Santorini Dave
Essentials
• Location: Government Street right opposite the harbor.
• Hotel website: fairmont.com
• Hotel phone: 250-384-8111
• Check prices for Fairmont Empress
The iconic Fairmont Empress hotel is located on the Inner Harbour in downtown.
Fairmont Empress – Historic and luxurious 464-room hotel in the heart of downtown Victoria with exceptional views of the vibrant and colorful Inner Harbour. The guest rooms are well-appointed with contemporary décor and ritzy accents. Their award-winning spa, sophisticated restaurants and Q Bar, and afternoon tea are all impressive. Unique to this hotel are the many children’s activities such as Prince and Princess Tea for ages 5-12 years, activity packs and scavenger hunts, and children’s bathrobes. The hotel amenities are superb: a large heated indoor pool, whirlpool, steam room, sauna, kids’ pool, gym, and several gift shops. Guests can upgrade to Fairmont Gold featuring a private check-in area, complimentary continental breakfast, all day snacks and beverages, evening appetizers, and an honesty bar in the exclusive and posh Gold Lounge. Pets are allowed in select rooms.
See Also
- Best Hotels in Victoria
- Best Hotels in Victoria for Families
- Where to Stay in Victoria
- Victoria Hotel Map
Fairmont Empress – Location
- Area: Prime downtown Victoria facing the Inner Harbour.
- Address: 721 Government Street.
- Nearest Bus Stop: Douglas at Courtney stop is opposite the hotel.
- How to Get There: Victoria International Airport is 27 km from the hotel. Victoria Harbour Airport with its seaplane services is just 500m away.
- Handy to: Victoria Ferry Terminal, Victoria Harbour Airport, The Bateman Gallery, The Maritime Museum of British Columbia, Miniature World, Royal BC Museum, IMAX, Beacon Hill Park.
Fairmont Empress – The Basics
- Ages: All ages allowed. Cribs are available. There are many children’s activities and programs, including Prince and Princess Afternoon Tea for ages 5-12.
- Pet Policy: Pets allowed. $25 per night per dog. Pet sitters are available for a fee. Note: pets cannot be left unattended in the room. Also available upon request are bed basket, food and water dishes, dry food, bottled water, treats, pet waste disposal bags, and litter boxes.
- View: Rooms located at the front of hotel offer magnificent views of the Inner Harbour.
- Parking: Valet parking at $33 plus tax per night.
- Nice Perks: Complimentary bicycles available on first come, first serve basis (for loyalty program members).
- When to Book: 3 months in advance.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: 250-384-8111
- Email: theempress@fairmont.com
- Website: fairmont.com
Fairmont Empress – Amenities
- Pool: Indoor heated pool, whirlpool, and children’s heated wading pool. Sauna and steam room.
- Spa: Award-winning Willow Stream Spa. One of Victoria’s most luxurious full-service spas.
- Fitness Center: Gym is average size. Some natural light. Open daily from 5 am to 11 pm.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: None.
Fairmont Empress – Food and Drink
- Restaurants: Q at the Empress – Upscale contemporary restaurant specializing in Pacific Northwest cuisine using fressh sustainable ingredients. Breakfast 7 am-11 am. Dinner 5:30 pm-9:30 pm. Children’s menu available. • Lobby Lounge – Tea at the Empress includes a superb collection of teas, sweets, and savories served in the lobby lounge from 11 am-4 pm. Reservations recommended. • Veranda – Outdoor patio with magnificent views of the harbor. Food and drinks are served from the Q Bar menu.
- Lounge/Bar: Q Bar – One of Canada’s best bars, serving magnificent cocktails. Open daily 11:30 am-12 am. Children permitted until 9 pm.
- Breakfast: Complimentary only for Fairmont Gold level guests.
- Room Service: Available daily from 7 am-10 pm.
Fairmont Empress – Rooms
- Room Types: Fairmont Double Room • Fairmont Queen • Deluxe Room Two Queen • Deluxe King Room • Deluxe Harbor View Room • Junior Suite King • Junior Harbor View Suite • Signature King Room • Signature One Bedroom Harbor View Suite • Executive Suite King • Fairmont Gold Rooms: King Room • One Bedroom Suite • Harbor View King • List of all Rooms
- Smoking Rooms: The Fairmont Empress is 100% smoke free.
- Best Room: Royal Suite.
Fairmont Empress – What’s Nearby
Best Nearby Restaurants
- Il Covo Trattoria: Charming atmosphere and delicious Italian fare.
- Nourish Kitchen & Café: Cozy café with farm fresh healthy eats including gluten-free and vegan options, set in a heritage house in James Bay.
Fairmont Empress – The Hotel
The majestic Fairmont Empress hotel is a Victoria landmark and a National Historic Site.
The entrance of the hotel is just as impressive.
The bright lobby is massive.
The reception area is minimal and functional.
The Fairmont Queen room is their basic standard room.
The bathroom is modern but small.
The elegant corridors feature dark wallpapers.
Hotel guests can upgrade to Fairmont Gold level. This is the private Gold level Reception/Check-in desk and Concierge service.
The Gold Lounge is exclusive for all guests who have upgraded to Fairmont Gold level and offers complimentary continental breakfast, afternoon snacks and beverages, evening appetizers, and an Honesty Bar.
The Gold Lounge has plenty of comfortable seating.
Fairmont Gold Lounge’s exclusive outdoor patio overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
The Fairmont Empress Q Restaurant offers upscale dining.
The Q Bar is open daily till 11 pm.
Afternoon Tea is served in the Lobby Lounge. Reservations are recommended.
A well-stocked bar is located on one side of the Lobby Lounge.
The indoor pool and whirlpool are open daily between 5 am and 1 am.
There is a separate indoor hot tub as well.
The well-equipped hotel gym offers complimentary citrus infused water and fruit.
The Willow Stream Spa is an award-winning full-service spa. Minimum age is 18. Guests 16-18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
A small hot tub is located within the spa.
Numerous shops are onsite selling clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Winston is the hotel’s adorable ambassador, always ready to give snuggles, and can often be found in the hotel lobby.
The view of the Inner Harbour from the hotel is memorable. Check rates and availability: Fairmont Empress
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