Fairmont Empress is impossible to overlook. Not only is it regally situated on the Inner Harbour of Victoria, the picturesque capital of British Columbia, but it is also an imposing National Historic Site that has attracted kings, queens and celebrities since it opened in 1908.
Named for Queen Victoria, the Empress is steeped in delightfully eccentric English character. During Prohibition, Winston Churchill was served brandy in a teapot. Bob Hope chose his room based on the quality of the carpet for putting. Lassie romped on the lawns.
The old grand dame completed a $60 million transformation in 2017 that showcases a dazzling new lobby, a refreshed Willow Stream Spa, 464 new-look rooms and much more.
Named for Queen Victoria, the Empress is steeped in delightfully eccentric English character. During Prohibition, Winston Churchill was served brandy in a teapot. Bob Hope chose his room based on the quality of the carpet for putting. Lassie romped on the lawns.
The old grand dame completed a $60 million transformation in 2017 that showcases a dazzling new lobby, a refreshed Willow Stream Spa, 464 new-look rooms and much more.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The 11-treatment room Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Empress offers 85 spa services as well as some seriously luxe amenities, including a Finnish sauna, steam room and mineral pool.
- A short stroll leads to the Royal BC Museum, dozens of eateries and shops and the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, particularly attractive at night, outlined by 3,560 lights.
- In the hotel’s lush gardens reside four hives of industrious bees. Their honey enhances the afternoon tea, various pastries and the Empress’ own craft-brew honey lager.
- You can waltz into dawn in the Crystal Ballroom, the largest ballroom in Victoria, and one of 22 meeting rooms.
- Those who have overindulged can atone in the comprehensive fitness center and swimming pool.
Things to Know
- Tea at the Empress is wildly popular — plan on making reservations in advance.
- One of the most popular treatments at the Willow Stream Spa is the Honey Ginger Elixir, a full-body exfoliation and massage featuring honey from the Empress’ own hives.
- The Empress also conveniently connects to the Victoria Conference Centre.
The Rooms
- Redone guest rooms are awash in contemporary neutral grays, whites and dark browns and manage to maintain a classic, elegant feel despite modern amenities.
- Views are lovely, ranging from the harbor to the city to the hotel’s courtyard.
- Heading the list of 400-plus rooms is the luxurious Royal Suite at 1,600 square feet.
- Those seeking extra pampering can also book into Fairmont Gold, a special hotel within the hotel with 65 rooms, separate check-in, a private lounge, a concierge, complimentary breakfast and more perks.
The Restaurants
- Q at the Empress, a bold restaurant and the centerpiece of the reborn Victoria hotel, serves Pacific Northwest cuisine.
- The chef is constantly seeking innovative, tasty ways to present octopus, salmon, oysters and halibut, all freshly caught from the surrounding sea.
- At Q Bar, sip creative cocktails like the Northwest Collins featuring local Victoria Gin and sweetened fir sprig while savoring fresh seafood and charcuterie and cheese boards.
- Held in the newly redone Lobby Lounge, Tea at the Empress involves sipping one of 21 loose-leaf teas while your table overflows with house-made scones, pastries, clotted creams and strawberry preserves with fresh lavender.
Getting There
721 Government Street, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W-1W5
TEL866-540-4429
TEL866-540-4429
TEL250-384-8111
TEL250-384-8111
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
YYJ (28-35 min)
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