Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Exterior photo This is a photo of a grand, historic-looking building, likely a large hotel or an important civic structure.

Here is a detailed description:

**Architecture and Style:**
*   The main structure is very imposing, featuring **ornate, European-style arcFairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Exterior photo This is a photograph of an elegant and cozy setting, likely a cafe, lounge, or hotel dining area, featuring a tea service.

**Here's a detailed description:**

*   **Setting and Ambiance:** The scene is set on a polished, light-colored marble table. Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Exterior photo This is a photograph of a modern, well-equipped gym or fitness center.

The space is spacious and contemporary, featuring a dark, sleek aesthetic with grey flooring and neutral-toned walls. The lighting is bright and professional, illuminating the ex

FAIRMONT EMPRESS HOTEL, Victoria

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From$139 /night
Check-in
18Jul
Check-out
19Jul
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Details

721 Government Street, Victoria, V8W 1W5
-
Next to the Inner Harbour
Great
8.9
9.1
/10
4.3
4.5
/5

Historic waterfront hotel with a century-old afternoon tea tradition

Rooms & Suites

The hotel offers 431 guest rooms and suites, many with views of the Inner Harbour or the city. Upgrading to Fairmont Gold provides access to a private lounge on the 4th floor with a terrace overlooking the harbour, plus complimentary breakfast and light fare throughout the day. All rooms include plush seating areas, cable TV, and in-room coffee makers, while the Fairmont Gold rooms add spa-like bathrooms and turn-down service.

Dining & Afternoon Tea

The hotel hosts a traditional afternoon tea served on Royal China in the Empress Tea Room, with harbour views and gluten-free options available. Q at the Empress restaurant offers Pacific Northwest cuisine with an award-winning wine list, using local ingredients. The bar serves fish and chips praised as some of the best in Victoria, alongside live guitar during happy hour.

Spa & Wellness

Willow Stream Spa has been named Top Resort Spa in Canada and ranks among the Spas of America Top 100 Spas of the Americas. Treatments include hot-stone massage, facials, and West Coast-inspired body rituals using local ingredients. The spa also has a sauna, steam room, hot tub, and a fitness centre, plus two indoor heated pools - one for adults and one for children.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The hotel sits directly on the Inner Harbour, a 4-minute walk from the Royal British Columbia Museum and the Royal London Wax Museum. Beacon Hill Park and the Maritime Museum of BC are within 1 km. Victoria International Airport is 27 km away, about 30 minutes by car, and the hotel provides valet parking with electric vehicle charging stations.

Family & Pet Services

Children have access to a dedicated kids' pool, babysitting services, and a children's wading pool. Pets stay free and receive a welcome amenity, pet bowls, and pet baskets upon arrival. The hotel also offers bicycle rentals for exploring the city, and family rooms are available with connecting options.

Highlights

Awards: Top Resort Spa in Canada & Spas of America Top 100

Signature Experience: Afternoon tea on Royal China

Rooms: 431 guest rooms, Fairmont Gold upgrade available

Spa: Willow Stream Spa with sauna, steam room, hot tub

Dining: Q at the Empress, Pacific Northwest cuisine

Location: Directly on Inner Harbour, steps from Royal BC Museum

Family: Kids' pool, babysitting, pet-friendly

“This grande dame elegantly blends historic charm with modern luxury, and its Inner Harbour location places guests near Victoria's best attractions. The afternoon tea, served on Royal China, remains an iconic experience. I think it's the ideal spot for romantic getaways and luxurious family vacations.”
Hotel logo
Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown

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Choose from double rooms, family suites, and premium stays. Enjoy breakfast, flexible cancellations, and exclusive deals.
  • Junior Suite City View 1 King
    2 persons
    38 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Executive Suite City View 1 King
    2 persons
    38 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King
    2 persons
    42 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
Show all rooms

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Hotel has comfortable rooms, premium services, and a prime downtown location
Facilities: Perfect
9.0/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Lift
  • Currency exchange
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Barber shop
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Cycling

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Babysitting/Child services
  • Children's menu
  • Children's pool

Spa & Leisure

  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Sun loungers
  • Garden area
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Steam room
  • Jacuzzi
  • Massage

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Direct dial telephone
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

At Victoria's Fairmont Empress Hotel, guests can indulge in an exquisite dining experience at the award-winning Q at The Empress and the elegant Lobby Lounge. Dishes crafted by renowned Executive Chef Morgan Wilson celebrate the vibrant flavors of the Pacific Northwest, showcasing the best of local ingredients in a refined yet inviting setting.
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo The Crystal Ballroom
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo The photo shows a beautifully decorated room, likely for a wedding reception or a formal event. The room is long and rectangular, with white walls and a striking blue and white patterned ceiling. The ceiling is ornate, featuring a grid of panels with
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo The photo shows a luxurious and spacious hotel lobby or lounge area. The space is characterized by tall, ornate white columns with Corinthian capitals, creating a grand and elegant atmosphere. 

The floor is a mix of polished wooden floors and a patt

Q at The Empress

American with Pacific Northwest influences
Ambiance
A sophisticated setting defined by elegance and modern refinement, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
Key Offerings
Savor creative bites like avo toast and egg white frittata with local mushrooms, complemented by luxurious cocktails featuring gold-dusted macarons. Chef Wilson's culinary philosophy shines through in every dish, embodying a journey without borders.
Reservation
Recommended
Hours vary

Lobby Lounge

Light bites and cocktails
Ambiance
An airy space exuding turn-of-the-century elegance, enhanced by the mellow notes of live classical piano music for a serene dining experience.
Key Offerings
Take in stunning views while enjoying thoughtfully crafted cocktails and exquisite treat accompaniments, ensuring each visit feels special and indulgent.
Reservation
Not needed
Hours vary

Location

721 Government Street, Victoria, V8W 1W5
Explore Victoria
Explore Victoria
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Royal BC Museum
Royal BC Museum
5 minutes walking
A premier cultural institution showcasing British Columbia's history through exciting exhibits and artifacts.
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
4 minutes walking
An architectural masterpiece offering guided tours and beautiful gardens, overlooking the Inner Harbour.
Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park
19 minutes walking
A vast park featuring walking trails, gardens, and a petting zoo, perfect for relaxation and family fun.
Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle
30 minutes walking
A historic mansion with stunning architecture and gardens, showcasing Victorian-era decor and lifestyle.
Kayaking at Fisherman's Wharf
17 minutes walking
Enjoy kayaking in the harbor with rentals available. Perfect for thrill-seekers looking to explore the waters.
Yoga in Beacon Hill Park
19 minutes walking
Serene outdoor yoga sessions available in the park. A great option for relaxation amidst nature.
Q at The Empress
1 minute walking
An elegant dining experience featuring local ingredients and seasonal dishes, perfect for a special evening.
Milestones
3 minutes walking
A casual eatery offering a diverse menu with favorites like burgers and pasta, suitable for families.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
4 minutes walking
Family-friendly restaurant known for its pasta dishes and charming atmosphere, connecting diners to heritage.
Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
19 minutes walking
A bustling venue hosting concerts and sports events, vibrant nightlife atmosphere with something for everyone.
Chinatown Night Market
13 minutes walking
An evening market featuring local crafts, food stalls, and live music, family-friendly and lively atmosphere.
Getting around <br />
  • City Centre
    Victoria 10 min  ·  2700 ft
  • Airports
    Victoria Inner Harbour (YWH) 6 min  ·  1700 ft
    Victoria (YYJ) 40 min  ·  16.4 mi
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site at true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, German, Spanish, Italian, Danish, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Malay, Tagalog / Filipino
Year renovated:
2009
Number of floors:
8
Number of rooms:
394

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Fairmont Empress Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Fairmont Empress enjoys a prime, central location near the harbor, making attractions like the parliament building easily accessible. Many guests appreciate the spacious rooms and comfortable beds, some also mentioning the renovated Gold lounge with its good selection of food for breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres. While most found the hotel excellent for its age, a few guests have noted that some rooms could use updating. Overall, its classic aesthetic and proximity to shops and restaurants make it a delightful experience.
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Review score
Based on 2612 verified reviews
9.1 /10
Perfect
88 %
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Location
9.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.5/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Gold Level service
Comfortable bed
Helpful staff
Grand entrance
Cons
Cramped suite
Unclean windows
Slow check-in
Guest reviews
based on 2612 reviews
9.1/10
based on 5060 reviews
4/5
based on 1244 reviews
8.9/10
Dale from Canada
Family with children
Fairmont City View 1 Queen
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: October 17, 2025
7/10

A Satisfactory Visit

central location clean room great housekeeping cramped pool bland food limited seating
The location of this hotel is prime. It is central to many attractions. The room was very clean! Housekeeping did a great job.
The pool felt cramped. It was also quite noisy. I did not enjoy it. The food in the lounge was bland. The patio seating was limited because of umbrellas.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Fairmont Empress Hotel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Does Fairmont Empress Hotel have a swimming pool?
Guests can enjoy an indoor heated swimming pool available year-round.
What types of spa services are offered at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
The award-winning Willow Stream Spa offers signature West Coast treatments unique to the region.
Which nearby attractions can be easily accessed from Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Royal BC Museum (0.5 km), Miniature World (0.5 km), and the Maritime Museum of BC (less than 1 km).
What dining options are available at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
The hotel features on-site dining at Q at the Empress and offers a traditional afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge.
What are some of the in-room amenities at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, cable TV, an in-room coffee maker, and air conditioning.
Are pets allowed at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Pets are allowed at the hotel.
Are there fitness facilities available at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Guests have access to a fitness centre and wellness services including a sauna and hot tub.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
The hotel staff speaks multiple languages to accommodate international guests.
How far is Fairmont Empress Hotel from the nearest airport?
The hotel is approximately 30 km from Victoria International Airport.
What business services does Fairmont Empress Hotel offer?
Business amenities include a business centre, meeting rooms, and express check-in/out services.
What options are available for children's entertainment at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
The hotel offers babysitting services and a children's menu in the restaurant.

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