"A beautiful garden at the front was remarkably kept clean and attractive."
Yoshinori from Canada
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"The hotel has an excellent location, situated in the heart of Victoria, directly facing the Inner Harbour."
October H from Japan
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"Do not miss the scrumptious High Tea, $80 US $109 Canadian."
Fred from United States
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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.”
Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown
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Junior Suite City View 1 King
2 persons
38 sq. feet
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Executive Suite City View 1 King
2 persons
38 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
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One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King
2 persons
42 sq. feet
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Air conditioning
Heating
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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
Valet parking
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
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.
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
5 minutes walking
A premier cultural institution showcasing British Columbia's history through exciting exhibits and artifacts.
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
4 minutes walking
An architectural masterpiece offering guided tours and beautiful gardens, overlooking the Inner Harbour.
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
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
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
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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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.
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 2605 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 2605 reviews
9.1/10
based on 5060 reviews
4/5
based on 1209 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
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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.