FAIRMONT EMPRESS HOTEL, Victoria

Fairmont Empress Hotel - A historic waterfront landmark with luxury spa, afternoon tea service, and Inner Harbour views

Rising above Victoria's sparkling Inner Harbour, the 431-room Fairmont Empress blends turn-of-the-century architecture with modern luxury amenities. This 5-star Victoria hotel features the award-winning Willow Stream Spa offering signature West Coast treatments, Q at the Empress restaurant serving Pacific Northwest cuisine, and a century-old tradition of afternoon tea service with 21 loose leaf tea varieties. Guest rooms showcase elegant furnishings inspired by Vancouver Island's natural beauty, complemented by marble bathrooms with rainfall showers. The exclusive Fairmont Gold Floor provides a hotel-within-a-hotel experience, including private lounge access, complimentary breakfast, and evening canapés. The property maintains an indoor heated pool, whirlpool, fitness center, and BMW bike rentals. Located steps from British Columbia's Parliament Buildings, the Fairmont connects directly to downtown shopping and dining destinations.

Pros

World-renowned afternoon tea service featuring china gifted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1939

Locally-sourced ingredients including honey from rooftop beehives and herbs from the chef's garden

Signature West Coast spa treatments unavailable elsewhere

Private terrace with direct Inner Harbour views on the Fairmont Gold Floor

Cons

17 miles distance from Victoria International Airport

Peak season afternoon tea service requires advance reservations