Fairmont Empress

4.5 star property

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Photo gallery for Fairmont Empress

Exterior
Lobby
Ocean views, serves lunch and dinner
Meeting facility
Lobby

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

$187
includes taxes & fees
Nov 30 - Dec 1

Explore the area

View in a map
721 Government St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W5
  • Place, Government Street
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, British Columbia Parliament Building
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Victoria Harbour
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Airport, Victoria, BC (YYJ-Victoria Intl.)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Room options

Fairmont City View 2 Double

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(94 reviews)
  • 240 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Double Beds

Deluxe City View 2 Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(46 reviews)
  • 334 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Fairmont Gold Harbour View 1 King

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(21 reviews)
  • 323 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont City View 1 Queen

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(77 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe City View 1 King

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(22 reviews)
  • 382 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold City View 1 King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(17 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Junior Suite City View 1 King

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 452 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 549 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont City View 1 King

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(141 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe City View 1 Queen

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(9 reviews)
  • 382 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Executive Suite City View 1 King

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 474 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 1 King

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • 377 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 2 Queen

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 377 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 522 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 323 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Harbour View 1 Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(22 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(22 reviews)
  • 382 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold City View 1 Queen

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

One Bedroom Harbour View Suite 1 King

  • 548 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold Harbour View Executive Suite 1 King

  • 419 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Executive Suite City View 2 Queen

  • 409 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

Signature Harbour View 1 King

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 344 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Harbour View 1 Queen

  • 344 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Harbour View 2 Queen

  • 376 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Similar properties

About this property

Fairmont Empress

Victoria hotel connected to the convention center, steps from Maritime Museum of British Columbia
2 restaurants, a full-service spa, and an indoor pool are available at this hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a health club, a bar/lounge, and a sauna are onsite. Housekeeping is available on request.
Fairmont Empress offers 431 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and safes. Pillowtop beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels and pay movies. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries.

In-room wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps) is available for a surcharge. Business-friendly amenities include desks, desk chairs, and phones. Additionally, rooms include complimentary newspapers and coffee/tea makers. Hypo-allergenic bedding, change of towels, and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

An indoor pool, a children's pool, and a hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a health club and a sauna.

Children under 16 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, health club, fitness facility, or hot tub without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

The onsite spa has 11 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages, and Swedish massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and hydrotherapy. The spa is equipped with a sauna, a hot tub, and a steam room. The spa is open daily. Children under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa without adult supervision. Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa. There are hot springs/mineral springs on site.
In addition to a full-service spa, Fairmont Empress features an indoor pool and a health club. Dining is available at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Wireless Internet access is complimentary.

This hotel offers access to a 24-hour business center, meeting rooms, and limo/town car service. Event facilities measuring 22600 square feet (2100 square meters) include a conference center. This Edwardian hotel also offers a children's pool, a hot tub, and a sauna. Onsite parking is available (surcharge), along with a car charging station.

Fairmont Empress has designated areas for smoking.

Full breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 6:30 AM and 11:00 AM.
Q at the Empress - Overlooking the ocean and garden, this restaurant specializes in American cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available. Reservations are required.
Lobby Lounge - Overlooking the ocean and garden, this restaurant specializes in American cuisine and serves lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Q Bar - Overlooking the ocean and garden, this bar specializes in American cuisine and serves lunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). Open daily.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Key Global, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.
The property is a member of Historic Hotels of the World.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi (CAD 14.95 per night)
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Cruise terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Ferry terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Limo/town car service
  • Self parking on site (CAD 37 per day; includes in/out privileges)
  • Valet parking on site (CAD 51 per day; includes in/out privileges)

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: CAD 20 to 40 for adults and CAD 10 to 20 for children
  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Lobby Lounge
  • Q at the Empress
  • Q Bar

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Children's pool
  • Designer stores
  • Full-service spa
  • Health club
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool
  • Sauna
  • Shopping mall
  • Steam room

Family friendly

  • Children's pool
  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • Conference center (22,600 square feet of space)
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the waterfront
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Full-service spa

  • 11 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Hot tub
  • Hot/mineral springs
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Prenatal massages
  • Sauna
  • Spa open daily
  • Sports massages
  • Steam room
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 100% renewable energy
  • 8 floors
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1908
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Edwardian architecture
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels
  • Pay movies

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Portable fan
  • Recycling
  • Safe
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 19

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets stay free
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
3 children, up to the age of 17 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately CAD 20 to 40 for adults, and CAD 10 to 20 for children
  • Fee for in-room wireless internet: CAD 14.95 per night (rates may vary)
  • Self parking fee: CAD 37.00 per day (in/out privileges)
  • Valet parking fee: CAD 51.00 per day (in/out privileges)
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of ALLSAFE (Accor Hotels)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
The photos are representative of rooms offered and may differ from the actual room received.

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Children under 16 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, health club, fitness facility, or hot tub without adult supervision
Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa, and guests under 18 years old are only allowed with adult supervision
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Empress Fairmont
Fairmont Empress
Fairmont Empress Hotel
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Fairmont Empress Victoria
Empress Hotel Victoria
Fairmont Hotel Empress
Fairmont Hotel Victoria
Fairmont Victoria
The Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Victoria Fairmont
The Fairmont Empress
Fairmont Empress Hotel
Fairmont Empress Victoria
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria

Fairmont Empress Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 1820 out of 2444 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 349 out of 2444 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 163 out of 2444 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 59 out of 2444 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 53 out of 2444 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Isaac

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael P

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
What is not to like about the Empress Hotel. I have loved it since my first visit 50 years ago.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary, DEERFIELD BEACH

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
High tea wa excellent a bucket list item
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roben Jr

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was at the center of everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shawna

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing hotel with beautiful spaces, lovely views, lively (hopping) bar scene, great food - and oh, the tea service... worth every penny for the incredible offerings (including vegetarian and gluten free!). Loved my stay at this iconic hotel and hope to be back, soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michell

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful old world ambiance, but the rooms are absolutely modern. The woodworking in the lobby is a must-see. Easy walking distance to Old Town. High tea at the Empress should be on your bucket list!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Mesfin

Traveled with family
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous property with beautiful gardens. Perfect location.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rosanna

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property, fantastic staff, great location! Couldn’t ask for more!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent for families
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Holly

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved the hotel overall just want to call out two things. 1. Early check in equated to a room not totally clean. There weren’t any coffee cups for the coffee in the room and water left behind in ice bucket. 2. Our room faced the loading and delivery area in the back. So not comfortable to leave blinds open. Also I woke up to garbage truck sounds it was loud and didn’t get to sleep in as planned.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great iconic hotel

This hotel lived up to its reputation with beautiful rooms and grounds. Lovely afternoon tea service. Loved the harbor location close to everything in Victoria.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Was very surprised that our bathroom door was broken. Someone was sent immediately to fix it after we checked in. Was unable to. Got to know more about my husband of 30 years that weekend than I expected to. When checking out was more surprised when we mentioned it that they didn’t seem too concerned about it.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Harpreet

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with group, Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Azar, Edmonton

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Carpet in the hallway outside the room was stained/weary from traffic
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

The grandest hotel in the Capital!

Beautifully restored and updated historic hotel in a primo location. Bus from Vancouver ferry arrives alongside. A little stuffy yet lite and beachy chill as well. You gotta do the afternoon tea. Be ready to feel the vibe.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline, Mississauga

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura, Langley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stewart

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was disappointed when we checked in we called after arriving at 11:00 am and enquired about an early check in we were told they will try but pls check back later. We arrived at the hotel for check in shortly after 3 pm they said the room isn’t ready and they took our cell number and said they will let us know when it’s ready. Shortly after 4 Pm I checked back at the desk and they said they basically forgot about us and gave us another room.They gave us a voucher for a free drink, not the service you would expect at this level of hotel. We dined in the Q for breakfast the first morning great food and service, the second morning they mistakenly added us to a group and we found the service at the table was subpar. We had to ask for coffee refill, there was no condiments or Jams brought to the table until it was requested. At the end of the meal they put our bill onto the group and it took an extended amount of time to get that sorted out. The next day I ordered the ham and brie omelet but it was dry and the ham was diced can ham. We did enjoy our reservation for the tearoom.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful stay

We were upgraded to a room with an ocean view. It was so lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Geat convenient place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kyle

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best hotel ever.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

George

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a magnificent older hotel property. The best parts are those that have been left in their original condition. The remodeled lobby, etc are nice but nowhere near as elegant as the original. By modern standards the room was small, and the bathroom just adequate. But that’s what all hotels used to be like. The Q restaurant was splendid and the food was excellent. The menu could have been more extensive. The Gold option amenities were well worth the price and very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cecylia

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025