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4.0
#20 of 41 hotels in Victoria
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Accor Hotels.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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The Fairmont Empress captivates guests with its historic charm and modern comforts, including luxurious lounges and a prime location that offers stunning views of the Inner Harbor. While the ambiance and attentive service receive high marks, some travelers mention room for improvement in noise insulation and value, citing disturbances from thin walls and a sense that the pricing, particularly for the Gold rooms, is steep.
Despite these concerns, the hotel's cleanliness and convenience to major attractions consistently garner praise.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Cramped
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Spotless
Noise level
Noisy
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Top-notch
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What a lovely afternoon of high tea with my daughters. The service was impeccable. We started our tea with menu boxes. They showed all the tea options with a few tea leaves for a visual. The tea warmer was a nice touch to keep the tea hot. The desserts were not too sweet and the live pianist made it that more special. We loved the replica Queens porcelain set. We loved the Empress tea which was Princess Diana's favourite. You can go to the gift shop and purchase most of the items from high tea. It is on the upper end of what high tea is charged but I would highly recommend.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Fairmont Empress, General Manager at Fairmont Empress
Responded 1 Sept 2022
Thank you for your lovely and detailed feedback regarding our Tea at the Empress. It is truly a fabulous experience. Thank you very much!
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I was fortunate enough to stay at this beautiful property for 2 nights as part of a work conference so I didn't have to pay the bill and I admit that probably clouds my opinion somewhat. I've stayed in Victoria dozens in times but hadn't stayed at the Empress since childhood because of the price. That said at certain times of the year it's quite competitive with other higher end Victoria hotels and I would definitely consider staying here on my own dime next time. On to my review!
The Empress has done an amazing job of keeping it's historic appearance and stunning architecture. That said the lobby and common areas are tastefully modern and lavish, everything about this property screams sophistication and style. I realize a lot of people don't put much stock in hotel lobby's and common areas but I expect my 4 star and higher hotels to put on a show from the moment I walk in and I was impressed. We arrived for a larger conference so there was a decent line for check in but there were plenty of front desk employees working and check in was surprisingly fast. I was sharing with a co-worker and we were assigned a 2 double standard room but I was able to secure an upgrade to a two queen deluxe room which was a good call. Our room was oversized and had decent sized sitting area with 3 comfy chairs plus a desk with another chair. There was a Keurig coffee machine and a fridge which even had real creamers and milk in it for morning coffee which I though was a nice touch. The bathroom was very small but I've come to realize that's the norm for historic properties. There was an excellent rain head shower and the toiletries were possibly the best I've experienced in a hotel. I was a little disappointed by the so so Timothy's coffee pods provided though they did have a nice gourmet tea assortment in the room. I did check out a colleague's base room and it was noticeably smaller, if you're travelling as a group or family I'd definitely try and upgrade to the larger rooms.
We had several meals provided by the hotel and the food was amazing and that was banquet style food so I imagine the made to order restaurant food is even better! This is a large property and it's a real treat to wander the common areas looking at the cool old photographs, historic menus etc. I didn't use the swimming pool or gym but those that did were impressed with it.
This is a beautiful property with arguably the best location in Victoria. If you don't mind splurging or can get a decent price it's definitely worth a stay.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from ManagerEmpress, General Manager at Fairmont Empress
Responded 6 Mar 2020
Thank you very much for the lovely and detailed feedback regarding your stay. We are so pleased that you had a wonderful visit with us and look forward to the opportunity to welcome you back again one day soon. Kind regards, Indu Brar General Manager
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My husband and I visited Victoria for the first time in September 2020. We treated ourselves to stay at the renowned Fairmont Empress, and we are so glad we did. From the minute our car pulled up to the front to when we had to (sadly) leave 5 days later, we were treated with a level of exceptional service we had hoped for, and are pleased to say it exceeded what we had hoped for. Our room was ready when we arrived, we had a king size harbour view room. Spacious, loads of closet space (and lots of hangars!), as well as the luxurious Fairmont robes ready & waiting. The staff were helpful, following all COVID-19 safety protocols from check in to check out. They were all helpful ( the Bell desk staff, the front desk staff, the lounge staff, the housekeeping staff....) every single person on staff gave us the impression our comfort and pleasure was important to them. The bed is incredibly comfortable, the amenities in the bathroom top quality. We dined twice in the restaurant, once on the famous veranda overlooking the Victoria harbour. The food is delicious, presented in an appealing manner, the service is exceptional. There was not a moment that we did not feel pampered. With the hotel not full, and current COVID-19 restrictions in place, the staff did everything they could to anticipate any concerns we may have, to ensure we felt safe, protected and healthy. We visited the spa (an absolute MUST) and the pool during our stay. Both areas immaculate, and relaxing, The hotel location is perfect for exploring the city, with the harbour at your front door, and the easily walkable Government Street with shops, bars & restaurants next door. It was our first stay, it will not be the last.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Managef Fairmont Empress, General Manager at Fairmont Empress
Responded 7 Oct 2020
Thank you very much for your lovely feedback. It is wonderful to read that you were able to enjoy a spa treatment with us as well. We do hope we shall have the opportunity to welcome you back again soon. Thank you again. Kind regards, Indu Brar General Manager
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I initially booked a Junior Suite in the Empress hotel for 3 nights with my family. What I got was a converted "Maid's" room in the corner of one of the floors. My bed faced a large window that had an inaccessible balcony which is half covered with a concrete ledge, (blocks half the view on the window). In addition, the balcony looks like it hadn't being cleaned in decades. We complained to the front desk and we initially asked to be upgraded which we were willing to pay. They had no rooms so instead we downgraded. They offer us a $100 dollar discount per night for the room which I agreed to. When I was checking out, they only give us $50 a night and said that we had a 10% discount applied (the discount was applied prior when I booked so it had nothing to do with the condition of the room). I argued and finally got 100 dollar discount applied to the last 2 nights, which was not what I agreed on (it was for all 3 nights which I stayed). I called to the director of the front desk, Miriam Canlas, but no one has returned my call (its being 4 business days).
In addition, the afternoon tea at the empress hotel was terrible. I believe due to rising food costs they have to cut back on their selections. When I had the afternoon tea 2 years ago, they serve 2 trays with each tray containing 3 - 5 sections of food. These time they only serve 1 tray with 3 section of food. On top of that, they serve "ham and cheese" sandwich which I thought it was ridiculous since I could do that at home. I mean they serve the Queen, would the Queen eat that?? I think not.....
The only good thing about the hotel is the location and the ability to rent you out bikes so you bike the area. I hope this review is helpful.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed here for gfs birthday and Valentine’s Day. We came over for a special weekend so I booked an upgraded deluxe room. While we were in line for checkout a lady walks over to us and says she can help us check in (lucky us?). She talks with the lady behind the counter in private a few seconds then says they’ve overbooked the hotel and they would have to downgrade our room, odd as no one else in the checkin seems to be getting told this. Then they offered me a few cheap freebies like parking which oddly when you subtract those costs comes out to about the cost of the cheaper room. I reject there is some back and forth and wow look at that they have a room. Only it’s still not the room I booked and it’s a downgrade but they don’t offer me any money cause it has the same bed... pretty annoyed at the hotel already after this, especially when no one else was told this while we were standing there. Overall after that we did breakfast and the high tea and everything felt like it wasn’t worth the money, could be the bad start to the hotel or maybe the novelty quickly left and it was just expensive for what you get. Hotels ok, my room wasn’t as nice as what I paid for but was alright, a bit dated but decent for a hotel room, not a $500/night room by any means.
I won’t be going back there, experience is ruined and I will be advocating people I know to avoid it when they ask about our weekend or for advice of where to stay in Victoria.
I’d suggest you stay somewhere where they respect their customers and avoid this place, so many good options near by for cheaper too.
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Review collected in partnership with fairmont.com
Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our stay on the Gold Floor was lovely. The lounge staff are all amazing and deserve kudos for their hard work. It would be great if there was an unobtrusive way of being able to tip them individually. They certainly deserve it. This hotel is one of my favorite properties and I hope to return next year. Such a convenient location. The allergen-free room was also very much appreciated, as we had a person in our party with a feather allergy. Thank you for everything.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Rooms on the Gold Floors or by the elevator are larger.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager Fairmont Empress, General Manager at Fairmont Empress
Responded 13 Oct 2021
Thank you for the lovely feedback. We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay and look forward to your next visit soon!
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Two night stay, Fairmont King Room (entry-level room), no water view (only of the Marriot and street behind). Hotel is an old landmark property, renovated around 2017. At 300 CAD + tax quite pricey, but one also needs to keep in mind that one is not only paying for the room, but also the location and the services this Fairmont offers. And other upscale hotels in the area (Grand Pacific, Delta Ocean Pointe) are not that much cheaper and I prefer the Empress over the others. A large hotel with over 400 rooms, one has to walk quite a bit to access one’s room from the lobby elevator. Also, hallways do not have many windows and are held in grey on the guest room floors. Room itself was very spacious, clean, and well maintained. Found the bed to be very comfortable and the shower to be adequate. Room did correspond to the images on their website. Found no fault with the room, service, or staff EXCEPT single-ply toilet paper (for ca. 300 CAD/night I’d hoped to receive better). Wi-Fi fast enough for my purposes, free, and working. Can recommend.
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Date of stay: October 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager Fairmont Empress, General Manager at Fairmont Empress
Responded 7 Oct 2021
We sincerely appreciate your recommendations are are pleased you had an enjoyable stay. Your comment regarding the toilet paper will be shared with our Executive Housekeeper. Thank you agai.
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I have had the pleasure of staying at the Fairmont Empress several times over the years, and the one constant is the exemplary service from the amazing staff. This recent stay was special, as my Mom and I were celebrating my 50th birthday. It has also been a challenging year for us both concerning a family member’s health, so suffice it to say, we both were looking forward to the break. From the moment we arrived, we were so well taken care of. Carlos ensured that we had the perfect room, Raymond, Adam, and Cecilia took care of us for our meals on the Veranda and went above and beyond (the Veranda is spectacular by the way), and it was a pleasure to see Shindi each morning at breakfast, who made sure we had everything we needed and more. Last but not least, Ramon—this gentleman helped us with so much while we were at the hotel—he is truly a gem of person, and his genuine caring went way beyond the call of duty. The hotel and the staff have measures in place for distancing and sanitation, and not once did we feel uncomfortable. I will suggest to the hotel that it would make good sense to consider adding back to the staffing compliment given the current staff looked a little stretched in trying service the guests. I will be back in November and truly cannot wait to spend time at this amazing hotel, and to see those lovely smiling faces of the incredible staff there. Thank you.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Food and Bev Manager FairmontEmpress, General Manager at Fairmont Empress
Responded 11 Aug 2020
Thank you very much for taking the time to provide your feedback. We are delighted that you had a lovely stay with your mom for your 50th birthday. Thank you for the lovely comments regarding our valued staff members. I will ensure that your kind note is shared. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Empress in November. Kind regards, Indu Brar General Manager
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My wife and I along with a friend were somewhat excited to head to the Empress lounge last night at about 9:00 pm. We were coming from a very nice meal downtown and thought it would be great to end the night with a nightcap at the Empress. None of us had ever been inside for a meal or beverage before and we were quite looking forward to it. We all three ordered a decaf special coffee. We all three agreed this was the worst coffee we had ever tasted bar none. So much so our friend couldn’t finish hers. We asked our waitress for sugar but even that didn’t help. None of us are the complaining type so the wife and I finished most of ours, paid the bill and left very very disappointed. For the price we were charged for those three coffees, they should have poured that bitter slop down the sink and brewed a fresh pot.
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Don’t get a special coffee at the Empress
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from General Manager Fairmont Empress, General Manager at Fairmont Empress
Responded 27 Sept 2021
Our sincere apologies that your coffee was not as anticipated and this caused a poor end to your lovely evening. Please always ensure that you speak with your server or ask for a Manager to assist with your concern. We do hope we shall have the opportunity to welcome you back another evening.
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I stayed here for a weekend at the beginning of August, this was a family girls trip! We had stayed here years before and were super excited!! The hotel was nice, but the room was small, the bed didn't fit the frame properly,and our fridge stopped working. Management did do their best to fix the problems, so I appreciate that! Great location,but pricing was steep for what we got, even with a 'special rate' it was over $400 a nite for 2 double beds. Sadly, this will be my last time at the Empress, its not nearly what it use to be.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Food and Bev Manager FairmontEmpress, General Manager at Fairmont Empress
Responded 25 Aug 2020
Thank you for providing your valued feedback which I will ensure is shared. We do hope we shall have the opportunity to welcome you again sometime. Kind regards, Indu Brar General Manager
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Hi Cindy,
Having never taken a whale watching tour, I am not able to provide you with a specific recommendation. However, I remember taking a BC Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria one summer and thanks to a super herring run, I saw a pod of whales feeding and frolicking close to the vessel. It was quite spectacular. The Fairmont concierge may be able to recommend an outfit for you depending on your preferences (e.g. group, private, First Nation, launching locations, sustainable, etc.) In the meantime, look up Hello BC or Tourism Victoria. Hope this helps.
Early check in, lounge with firepits on the balcony, complimentary drinks and honor bar, harbour view from room, canape's etc. fro 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. One night there were oysters on the half shell, scones with clotted cream and jam, amazing treats for any time of the day. Gold is well worth the extra hiroshi!
I was there in July 2019. No tea in the lobby, just naturally flavoured water - which ran out on hot days. High tea is in the lounge, and there are many different settings for which you can book 7 days a week.
There are more places to choose from in the Victoria area.
PRICE RANGE
S$277 - S$469 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the fairmont empress hotel victoria, fairmont hotel victoria, fairmont hotel empress, empress hotel victoria, fairmont victoria, victoria fairmont, fairmont empress hotel
LOCATION
CanadaBritish ColumbiaVancouver IslandVictoria Capital Regional DistrictVictoriaDowntown
NUMBER OF ROOMS
431
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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