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Fairmont Empress

Property class: 4.5

Photo gallery for Fairmont Empress

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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
721 Government St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W5
  • Place, Government Street
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Royal BC Museum
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, British Columbia Parliament Building
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Airport, Victoria, BC (YWH-Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base)
    ‪4 min walk‬

Room options

View all photos for Fairmont City View 2 Double

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Fairmont City View 2 Double

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(106 reviews)
  • City view
  • 22 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Deluxe City View 2 Queen

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Deluxe City View 2 Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(51 reviews)
  • City view
  • 31 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Fairmont Gold Harbour View 1 King

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Fairmont Gold Harbour View 1 King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(29 reviews)
  • Harbor view
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont City View 1 Queen

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Fairmont City View 1 Queen

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(91 reviews)
  • City view
  • 26 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe City View 1 King

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Deluxe City View 1 King

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(37 reviews)
  • City view
  • 36 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Gold City View 1 King

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Fairmont Gold City View 1 King

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(20 reviews)
  • City view
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite City View 1 King

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Junior Suite City View 1 King

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

View all photos for Fairmont City View 1 King

Fairmont City View 1 King

Fairmont City View 1 King

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(152 reviews)
  • City view
  • 26 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe City View 1 Queen

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Deluxe City View 1 Queen

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(10 reviews)
  • City view
  • 36 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Executive Suite City View 1 King

32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, TV, pay films

Executive Suite City View 1 King

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • City view
  • 44 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 1 King

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 1 King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(11 reviews)
  • City view
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 2 Queen

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 2 Queen

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • City view
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 49 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Gold Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Fairmont Gold Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • Harbor view
  • 30 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Harbour View 1 Queen

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Fairmont Harbour View 1 Queen

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(26 reviews)
  • Harbor view
  • 26 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(24 reviews)
  • Harbor view
  • 36 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Gold City View 1 Queen

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Fairmont Gold City View 1 Queen

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • City view
  • 28 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Gold Harbour View Executive Suite 1 King

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Fairmont Gold Harbour View Executive Suite 1 King

  • Harbor view
  • 39 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Signature Harbour View 1 King

32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels, TV, pay films

Signature Harbour View 1 King

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Harbor view
  • 32 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Harbour View 2 Queen

Premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, minibar

Deluxe Harbour View 2 Queen

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Harbor view
  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Similar properties

Exterior
Hotel Grand Pacific
Inner Harbour
  • Pool
  • Spa pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Kids’ pool
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 3,501 reviews
The price is NZ$436
includes taxes & fees
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About the area

Victoria

With a stay at Fairmont Empress, you'll be centrally located in Victoria, steps from Maritime Museum of British Columbia and within a 5-minute walk of British Columbia Parliament Building. .This family-friendly hotel is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Victoria Bug Zoo and 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Victoria Harbour.

What's nearby

  • Government Street - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Royal BC Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Victoria Conference Centre - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • British Columbia Parliament Building - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Chinatown - 12 min walk - 1.0 km

Getting around

  • Victoria Intl. Airport (YYJ) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Sticky Wicket Bar & Restaurant - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Tractor - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Old Spaghetti Factory - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Q At The Empress - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Fairmont Empress

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.
Make yourself at home in one of the 431 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and flat-screen televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Wireless internet access (surcharge) keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature designer toiletries and hair dryers.
Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including a health club, an indoor pool, and a hot tub. Additional features at this Edwardian hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.
Satisfy your appetite with American cuisine at Q at the Empress, one of the hotel's 2 restaurants. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. Full breakfasts are available daily from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and express check-in. Planning an event in Victoria? This hotel has 22600 square feet (2100 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and meeting rooms. Guests may use a cruise ship terminal shuttle for a surcharge, and self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
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

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 transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Cruise terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Ferry terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Limo/town car service
  • Parking on site (CAD 39 per day; includes in/out privileges)
  • Valet parking on site (CAD 53 per day; includes in/out privileges)
  • Limited on-site valet and self parking

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
  • Indoor pool (guest access)
  • Sauna
  • Shopping centre
  • 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 centre
  • Conference centre (22,600 square foot 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 lift

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 organised 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

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

Entertainment

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

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

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 39.00 per day (in/out privileges)
  • Valet parking fee: CAD 53.00 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. 2059 out of 2746 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 386 out of 2746 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 185 out of 2746 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 64 out of 2746 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 52 out of 2746 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Aaron

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Sally

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel and wonderful staff
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Tatiana

We had a great weekend in Victoria , staying at Empress was a wonderful experience, although we used to more modern and spacious hotels in Victoria but this has special ambiance and breathtaking views.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adrian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
A good reminder of what grand old hotels can be.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fairmont stays are always 10/10. The Empress staff in the hotel and spa went above and beyond making our stay memorable
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Hesam

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Clean, spacious rooms. Room service was good.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room was fine. Nothing exceptional though. It was a fancy old school hotel. But, what really made the stay fun was the warmth and the friendliness of the staff. From the maids to the doorman. Everyone, was on the same page... trying to make our stay special.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Echo

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

JENNIFER

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Clean room Pleasant staff Heating was very loud when it came on Disappointed that the pool wasn’t open
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Blake, Hamilton

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Fahim

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jaclyn

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Bradley at the high tea was amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Gurman

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kelli

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Large, clean, well appointed room. Lovely high tea. Concierge was excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Caitlin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was nice and clean. Loved my stay at the Empress, beautiful hotel and I enjoyed the stores they have available, purchased some items at the tea shop and clothing store only suggestion is that they could put the warmer plush robes to wear in the rooms, instead of just the towel robes.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kris

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We really enjoyed our recent stay at the Fairmont Empress. It’s obviously a beautiful, historic building, but the atmosphere felt welcoming rather than stuffy. Our room was comfortable and well-maintained, and the location right on the harbor made it easy to walk to dinner and explore the city. The staff were professional and helpful whenever we needed anything. Overall, a very solid, high-quality experience in Victoria.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Felicia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Tiara

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Matthias

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Not clean and getting old
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Sean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

CARSON

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and comfortable rooms. Friendly staff and convenient location!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Terrence

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent as always
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Russell

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026