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Fairmont Empress

4.5 star property

Photo gallery for Fairmont Empress

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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Map
721 Government St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W5
  • British Columbia Parliament Building
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Victoria Harbour
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Victoria, BC (YYJ-Victoria Intl.)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 2 Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 2 Queen

  • 35 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Fairmont Gold Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Gold Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

  • 30 sq m
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

  • 49 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Harbour View 1 Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Harbour View 1 Queen

  • 26 sq m
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Fairmont City View 1 Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont City View 1 Queen

  • 26 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

  • 36 sq m
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe City View 1 King

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe City View 1 King

  • 36 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 1 King

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 1 King

  • 35 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Gold, Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, City View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Gold, Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, City View

  • 28 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Gold Harbour View 1 King

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Gold Harbour View 1 King

  • 30 sq m
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite City View 1 King

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Junior Suite City View 1 King

  • 42 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fairmont Gold City View 1 King

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont Gold City View 1 King

  • 28 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King 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

  • 44 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe City View 2 Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe City View 2 Queen

  • 31 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Fairmont City View 2 Double

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Fairmont City View 2 Double

  • 22 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King | Living area

One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

  • 51 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe City View 1 Queen

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe City View 1 Queen

  • 36 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Fairmont City View 1 King

Fairmont City View 1 King

Fairmont City View 1 King

  • 26 sq m
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, (2144)
The price is NZ$685
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includes taxes & fees
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About the area

Victoria

Fairmont Empress is in the heart of Victoria, within a 5-minute walk of Maritime Museum of British Columbia and Victoria Bug Zoo. .This family-friendly hotel is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from British Columbia Parliament Building and 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Victoria Harbour.

What's nearby

  • Royal BC Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • British Columbia Parliament Building - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Victoria Harbour - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Chinatown - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

  • Victoria Intl. Airport (YYJ) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Milestones - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Q Restaurant at the Empress - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Tea at the Empress - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Chocolats Favoris - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Fairmont Empress

Edwardian Victoria hotel connected to the convention center, steps from Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Fairmont Empress offers 431 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and safes. Beds feature 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. 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. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
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

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Biosphere, 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.

Languages

Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Danish, English, Filipino, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish

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 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 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

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • 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

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 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. 1434 out of 1997 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 312 out of 1997 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 143 out of 1997 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 61 out of 1997 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 47 out of 1997 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cindy

It is a lovely property and everyone is friendly
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josh

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Yvonne

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Only feedback I have is that finding washrooms is a challenge and the hotel does not meet any current accessibility standards. Lots of stairs so anyone not fully mobile would struggle.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Christopher

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

Terrible hotel

Got double charged for all in room dining services. And the room was way overpriced.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Skyler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Huge bug found while sleeping
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julia

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Julie

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Cathy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It is beautiful and i would stay again. The lobby underwhelming but this hotel has been renovated from its original and i believe they painted over all the beautiful wood ext. It still has old world charm and the room was immaculate but the sinks are really low like elementary school height😆however despite renovations i guess somethings had to stay old and people were short then? Windows do not open but the view was gorgeous. One thing i suggest to the hotel is to provide a map when checking guests in. It is a really big hotel and boy did we get lost. We had an appointment at the spa and ran 15m late. All and all it is a classic hotel with a reputation and a past that makes this hotel a must see. Staff were pleasant and hotel was clean! Very clean. Thanks for having us!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tia

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

Beautiful Hotel

Such a beautiful hotel! The room was comfortable and clean. The gym and pool facilities were great.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, B.C. is truly an "Empress" in every respect. Perched above a lovely harbor on Vancouver Island with a view of the Parliament, this is an impeccable hotel steeped in old world charm and character. I cannot speak highly enough of the gracious service. My husband and I had a small issue after a late arrival and the management spared no effort to quickly assist us. Five Stars is not enough!! We will return again for a longer stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was extremely warm and welcoming. Made us feel right at home. Great location and convenient bus transportation.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Aditya

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved being right at the inner harbor. So many things to do in this area
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

ANDREW

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Didnt like very noisy children/people in adjoining rooms. Room setup, very small bathroom, tv could not be viewed properly while in bed, turned away for dinner when there were clearly empty tables in dining room. Manager did offer to move rooms. Ice/cold water machine broken
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Francis

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Elin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, wonderful staff, and very comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ilana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edwin

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

Empress stay

Very good overall. Bathroom very small.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah, Kailua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather

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