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Welcome to
Fairmont Empress

Famed as Canada’s Castle on the Coast, the Fairmont Empress in Victoria is an award-wining British Columbia hotel and National Historic Site dating back to 1908. With unparalleled views over the Inner Harbour, this historic hotel is where contemporary convenience meets iconic luxury and classic British styling. Our Victoria hotel is a distinguished city hideaway with 464 tasteful rooms and suites, including our peerless 'hotel-within-a-hotel' Fairmont Gold accommodations, a fine-dining restaurant, and the best afternoon tea in Victoria, BC.

 

 

Accommodation

We offer 464 elegant guest rooms and suites at Fairmont Empress, one of the best pet-friendly hotels in Victoria BC. With stunning views over the Inner Harbour, the city, or the courtyard, our rooms combine contemporary amenities with classic styling – everything today’s aficionados of travel desire for an unrivaled stay. For an incomparable guest experience, book a Fairmont Gold room for exclusive access to our prestigious Fairmont Gold Lounge with Inner Harbour panoramas, complimentary evening canapés, and the services of a personal butler.

Fairmont Gold City View

Fairmont Gold

260 sq.ft. to 330 sq.ft. / 24 sq.m to 31 sq.m

King bed. Modern upscale design, heightened finishings. Ideal for business traveller or couple. Fairmont Gold lounge, breakfast and canapes. Accessible room available on request.

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Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View

Fairmont Gold

330 sq.ft. to 420 sq.ft. / 31 sq.m to 39 sq.m

 These generous Fairmont Gold rooms feel more like urban island residences, with designated sitting and lounging spaces. Fairmont Gold lounge, breakfast and canapes. City views. 

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Fairmont Gold Harbour View

Fairmont Gold

280 sq.ft. to 350 sq.ft. / 26 sq.m to 33 sq.m

These airy king rooms look right onto the Inner Harbour. Modern upscale design, heightened finishings. ideal for business traveller or couple. Fairmont Gold Lounge, breakfast and canapes.

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Fairmont Gold Deluxe Harbour View

Fairmont Gold

380 sq.ft. to 420 sq.ft. / 35 sq.m to 39 sq.m

Stunning views, these large, naturally lit rooms feature a luxurious king bed and enticing lounging areas. This guest room is perfect honeymooners and couples on a romantic escape.

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Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite

Fairmont Gold

450 sq.ft. to 600 sq.ft. / 42 sq.m to 56 sq.m

Ideal for couples looking for a little more space these luxuriously furnished suites feature a separate living area. Fairmont Gold amenities. Nespresso machine. Rainfall shower. City View.

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Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Harbour View Suite

Fairmont Gold

450 sq.ft. to 750 sq.ft. / 42 sq.m to 70 sq.m

This one has it all: views of the Inner Harbour, sophisticated design, ample space for retreating or socializing. This residence-style suite channels urban chic. 1 bathroom, 1 powder room.

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Fairmont Gold Two Bedroom Harbour View Suite

Fairmont Gold

775 sq.ft. / 72 sq.m

Our unique Fairmont Gold Suite has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large contemporary living room with sofa bed. Oversized windows in all rooms frame the Inner Harbour.  Up to 5 adults. *Not bookable online.

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Map & Directions

Check-in 4:00pm -
Check-out 11:00 am.

Hotel map location
721 Government Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, V8W 1W5

  • Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is located approximately 30 minutes drive from Fairmont Empress. There are several rental car companies located at the airport. 

    If you are driving from the airport, simply follow signs for "Victoria". The airport is located just off of Highway 17, which will take you directly into the heart of Downtown Victoria and to Fairmont Empress.

  • The Harbour Air and Kenmore Air float plane terminal in Victoria is located across the street from Fairmont Empress, along the Inner Harbour. The terminal is located approximately a five minute walk away. Alternatively, taxis are also available.

  • Travelling between Downtown Vancouver and Downtown Victoria has never been easier than with Helijet. The Helijet terminal is located approximately one mile (1.6km) from Fairmont Empress, and is accessible via taxi or Helijet's shuttle service.

     

  • If you are arriving via BC Ferries Swartz Bay terminal, you will automatically join Highway 17 as you drive off the ferry. Stay on Highway 17 for approximately 33km until you reach Downtown Victoria. Highway 17 will turn into Blanchard Street, which will turn into Belleville Street. Turn right onto Government Street and you will arrive at Fairmont Empress.

Guest Services

Fairmont Empress is proud to offer an array of guest services.
  • Babysitting
  • Bell & Porter Services
  • Bicycles
  • Concierge
  • Housekeeping
  • Internet access
  • Laundry services
  • Pet program
  • Disabled accessibility

Offers

Fairmont Empress offers a wide selection of hotel packages and promotions designed to provide exceptional value. Whether you are planning a quick weekend getaway or the vacation of a lifetime, we have the perfect Vancouver Island experience for you.

Residents Package

Pacific Northwest + Alberta Resident Rate

Fairmont Empress
BC, Alberta, Washington State and Oregon residents save up to 15% with parking included!
See all details Pacific Northwest + Alberta Resident Rate
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Exclusive Lounge Access

Good as Gold

Fairmont Empress
An elevated level of luxury service and exclusive amenities. Enjoy 10% off luxury accommodations with complimentary parking
See all details Good as Gold
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Bed & Breakfast

Bed & Breakfast

Fairmont Empress
Bed & Daily Breakfast for Two
See all details Bed & Breakfast
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Food & Drink

Sleep and Steep Tea Package

Fairmont Empress
Luxury accommodations and world Famous Tea at the Empress
See all details Sleep and Steep Tea Package
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Signature

Into the Lavender Haze

Fairmont Empress
Experience the essence of romance with a lavish and lavender-infused retreat designed to set the stage for an enchanting getaway
See all details Into the Lavender Haze
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Promotion

Love is Love

Fairmont Empress
Celebrate Pride with our Love is Love Package
See all details Love is Love
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Family

Kids Rule the Castle

Fairmont Empress
Make family memories at Canada's Castle on the Coast
See all details Kids Rule the Castle
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Promotions

AAA/CAA Special Offer

Fairmont Empress
Special Offer for AAA/CAA Members
See all details AAA/CAA Special Offer
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Romance

Grand Romance Package

Fairmont Empress
Enjoy a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate treats, and breakfast on us.
See all details Grand Romance Package
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The Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Empress

The award-winning Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Empress is acclaimed as one of the best spas in Victoria BC. This tranquil haven for mind, body, and soul is dedicated to your holistic wellbeing and the enhancement of your energy levels. At our luxury Victoria spa, our wellness experts offer signature West Coast treatments inspired by the wild beauty of Vancouver Island, its pristine forests, and the ocean. Our indulgent treatments include invigorating facials, deep tissue massages, and a mineral pool to cleanse, detoxify, and re-invigorate your body.

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Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Empress

Recognized by Condé Nast as a Top Resort Spa in Canada and Spas of America Top 100 Spas of the Americas, Willow Stream Spa on Vancouver Island is a serene oasis in the heart of Victoria.

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Dining

From seasonally inspired menus to dining experiences that will satisfy any craving, see what our chefs are preparing just for you.

Events

With a legacy stretching back to 1908, Fairmont Empress is proud of its reputation as an iconic venue for successful Victoria business meetings, lavish family parties, and formal black-tie balls. Along with sweeping views over the sparkling waters of the Inner Harbour, our hotel in downtown Victoria BC offers an opulent ballroom and the beautiful Rose Garden for impressive society weddings, as well as smaller spaces for more intimate celebrations. Our dedicated planners take care of everything – from menus to decorations – so you are free to enjoy your day.

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Meetings

Event

Reflecting the expectations of a world-class capital city, Fairmont Empress is proud to offer professional meeting facilities supported by a comprehensive array of state-of-the-art services. Our meeting planners offer an expert’s knowledge in planning meetings and events of unparalleled success.

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Weddings

Event

Discover a breathtaking location for an unforgettable wedding at the iconic Fairmont Empress. From the opulent and traditional Crystal Ballroom to our famous English Rose Garden, brides-to-be have a wealth of elegant options for their special day.

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Social Events

Event

Since 1908, Fairmont Empress has been a celebrated destination for unforgettable events whether for a black-tie formal ball or an intimate event for 30. With Victoria's sparkling Inner Harbour as the natural backdrop, turn of the century architecture, classic beauty and exquisite cuisine, our skilled professionals will help create an event filled with memories to last a lifetime.

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Hotel Reviews

See what guests are saying.

4.6/5

rating 4.6
7094 reviews

John D.

Reviewed 2023-09-25

rating 5

Friendly, helpful staff. Nice avcomodations. Very small bathroom but great bed.

Robert B.

Reviewed 2023-09-25

rating 5

Wonderful stay at the Empress

From the moment we stopped our car, the service was exemplary. The check-in experience was wonderful extended right through check-out process. We enjoyed two wonderful dinners in the "Q" as well. Parking was very good and had the feeling of security while there.

Marya

Reviewed 2023-09-25

rating 5

Great location, amazing food, great service!

Unknown

Reviewed 2023-09-25

rating 4.5

Great friendly location

The staff were all super friendly and welcoming Greta location for the city. You can tell the hotel truly cares about sustainability and I loved the wooden key cards. Mentioned it was a grad celebration trip and they left me the cutest cheese platter. Only thing holding back from a 10 is the fridge was unplugged in our room and I didn't realize till the 2nd day when my leftovers were warm.

Sm

Reviewed 2023-09-25

rating 5

Everything was perfect. The location is absolutely wonderful.

Linda C.

Reviewed 2023-09-24

rating 4.5

Well located

The barmaid in the bar we went to was very rude.

James S.

Reviewed 2023-09-24

rating 3.5

Nice stay. Do they want US citizens though.

All in all it was good. The treatment was good but far from great in relations to interaction with staff. The bell hop captain that wore the suite was almost condescending. The waitstaff in the breakfast restaurant were polite but not friendly. I felt the friendliness or professionalism was forced. I observed other interactions with guests and they were noticeably different. “With non US guest”. Food was excellent. Rooms were comfortable.

Evan B.

Reviewed 2023-09-24

rating 5

An elegant hotel in a picture perfect location.

My wife and I both agree that this was one of the most enjoyable vacations we have shared in some time, and a big part of it was the setting of the Empress, especially evenings on the first floor veranda watching the sun set over the harbor.

Holly C.

Reviewed 2023-09-24

rating 5

Amazing gold level rooms

The Empress is a beautiful hotel located across the harbor in Victoria. We booked a gold level room and the amenities didn’t disappoint. The entire floor is for gold level visitors. There is an incredible self-serve kitchen and bar with numerous delicious offerings available throughout the day. You could easily just eat there and never have to eat out. Easily worth the extra cost. Lovely and relaxing seating options both inside and out. Truly a luxury experience!

Unknown

Reviewed 2023-09-24

rating 3.5

Nice room and pool.

There was a lengthy delay at check-in, and I was given a gift certificate for 3 free drinks. I had my 3 yr old son with me, so we ordered room service to use it. Drinks came and I gave a tip only to realize there is an automatic 20% tip plus a 'service charge' already added on top of the $16 drinks. The server told me to use the coupon at checkout. Upon checkout I gave the coupon and was assured the charge would be removed from my bill later on, which it never was. So, essentially I feel I got a bit tricked into ordering overpriced drinks and tipping twice. Not the best experience.

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Sustainable Responsibility

  • A Five Green Key Hotel, we add new eco-chic practices including waste audits & composting.
  •  In 2011 we added onsite honey hives to produce jarred honey
  • Electric and Hybrid vehicle charging stations
  • Our Culinary team incorporates sustainable ingredients from local farmers in all their menus. 
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