Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, Bottom Line:
The Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, like the other Fairmont historic chateaux in Canada is grand and impressive. The hotel has become a tourist staple on Victoria's Inner Harbour, but visitors looking for good hotel value may wish to consider other Victoria accommodation options.
The Fairmont Empress is a tad tired and neglected. The best part of our stay was wandering the hotel and drinking in its history, something that anyone can do for free.
The Fairmont Empress is a tad tired and neglected. The best part of our stay was wandering the hotel and drinking in its history, something that anyone can do for free.
Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, Price (as of 2009):
Rooms generally run from about Cdn$159 - to more than $1,000 per night. Be prepared to pay more than Cdn$200 per night, but special offers and last-minute discounts may be available.
Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, Perks:
- Great central location in Victoria's Inner Harbour
- Historic and elegant. Considered THE place to stay in Victoria.
Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, Cons:
- Some suites lack the architectural details and charm that you may expect from a historic hotel.
- Many Empress amenities are past their prime. For example our ceiling had water damage and the bathroom tile and grout were old.
- Lovely pool and hot tub area; however the hot tub wasn't particularly clean.
- Few extras come with the price of your room - no morning paper or continental breakfast and $13 for Internet connection.
Getting to the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria:
The hotel's main intersections are Government and Humboldt.
Address: 721 Government Street, Victoria
Vehicle & passenger ferries from Seattle and Port Angeles, as well as sea planes from both Vancouver and Seattle are within the immediate vicinity of the hotel.
Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, map.
Address: 721 Government Street, Victoria
Vehicle & passenger ferries from Seattle and Port Angeles, as well as sea planes from both Vancouver and Seattle are within the immediate vicinity of the hotel.
Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria, map.
Rooms at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria:
For Cdn$240, we stayed in an unimpressive room. However, I have heard of people having much better luck than this. Ask a lot of questions when booking your room; some are definitely better value than others.
See complete rundown of Fairmont Empress accommodations
See complete rundown of Fairmont Empress accommodations
Other Amenities at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria:
- Health club, pool and hot-tub
- Spa and hair salon
- Business services
- Pets welcome
Things to Do Near the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria:
- Butchart Gardens offers 22ha (55 acres) of floral display.
- Golf
- Whale watching
- Royal BC Museum is right around the corner.
- More things to do in Victoria and area.
Dining at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria:
Dining on-site includes the Empress Room - a formal dining room - and the Bengal Lounge which offers a curry buffet and live jazz.
Afternoon Tea at the Empress has been a tradition for almost a century. Reservations are recommended as each day is usually a sell-out. Cost is $50 per person.
Afternoon Tea at the Empress has been a tradition for almost a century. Reservations are recommended as each day is usually a sell-out. Cost is $50 per person.
Restaurants Near the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria:
- Mole (pronounced Mo-lay) on Pandora is a great alternative to the $25 per person Empress breakfast: hip and yummy. Don't be in a rush.
- Fire & Water is across the street at the Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour Hotel. The atmosphere is uninspired, but the food is great.
- Sanuk Restaurant offers Asian fusion - creative and delicious.
