Fairmont Empress

4.5 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Fairmont Empress

Exterior
Lobby
Ocean views, serves lunch and dinner
Meeting facility
Lobby

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Pool
  • Bar
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk
$339
includes taxes & fees
Sep 2 - Sep 3

Explore the area

View in a map
721 Government St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W5
  • British Columbia Parliament Building
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Victoria Harbour
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Victoria, BC (YYJ-Victoria Intl.)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Room options

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 2 Queen

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 377 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Fairmont Gold Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • 323 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 522 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Harbour View 1 Queen

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(21 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Fairmont City View 1 Queen

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(69 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(21 reviews)
  • 382 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe City View 1 King

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(19 reviews)
  • 382 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

One Bedroom Harbour View Suite 1 King

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 1 King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 377 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold City View 1 Queen

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 301 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Fairmont Gold Harbour View 1 King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(19 reviews)
  • 323 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold Harbour View Executive Suite 1 King

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Junior Suite City View 1 King

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 452 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Executive Suite City View 2 Queen

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

Fairmont Gold City View 1 King

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(16 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Executive Suite City View 1 King

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • 474 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Signature Harbour View 1 King

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe City View 2 Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(43 reviews)
  • 334 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Fairmont City View 2 Double

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(91 reviews)
  • 240 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Double Beds

Deluxe Harbour View 1 Queen

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 549 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe City View 1 Queen

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(9 reviews)
  • 382 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Harbour View 2 Queen

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Fairmont City View 1 King

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(131 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About this property

Fairmont Empress

Victoria hotel connected to the convention center, steps from Maritime Museum of British Columbia
2 restaurants, a full-service spa, and an indoor pool are available at this hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, a health club, a bar/lounge, and a sauna are onsite. Housekeeping is available on request.
Fairmont Empress offers 431 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and safes. Beds feature premium bedding. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels and pay movies. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries.

In-room wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps) is available for a surcharge. Business-friendly amenities include desks, desk chairs, and phones. Additionally, rooms include complimentary newspapers and coffee/tea makers. Hypo-allergenic bedding, change of towels, and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

An indoor pool, a children's pool, and a hot tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a health club and a sauna.

Children under 16 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, health club, fitness facility, or hot tub without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

The onsite spa has 11 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages, and Swedish massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and hydrotherapy. The spa is equipped with a sauna, a hot tub, and a steam room. The spa is open daily. Children under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa without adult supervision. Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa. There are hot springs/mineral springs on site.
In addition to a full-service spa, Fairmont Empress features an indoor pool and a health club. Dining is available at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Wireless Internet access is complimentary.

This hotel offers access to a 24-hour business center, meeting rooms, and limo/town car service. Event facilities measuring 22600 square feet (2100 square meters) include a conference center. This Edwardian hotel also offers a children's pool, a hot tub, and a sauna. Onsite parking is available (surcharge), along with a car charging station.

Fairmont Empress has designated areas for smoking.

Full breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 6:30 AM and 11:00 AM.
Q at the Empress - Overlooking the ocean and garden, this restaurant specializes in American cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available. Reservations are required.
Lobby Lounge - Overlooking the ocean and garden, this restaurant specializes in American cuisine and serves lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Open daily.
Q Bar - Overlooking the ocean and garden, this bar specializes in American cuisine and serves lunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). Open daily.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Key Global, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.
The property is a member of Historic Hotels of the World.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi (CAD 14.95 per night)
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Cruise terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Ferry terminal shuttle (surcharge)
  • Limo/town car service
  • Self parking on site (CAD 37 per day; includes in/out privileges)
  • Valet parking on site (CAD 51 per day; includes in/out privileges)

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: CAD 20 to 40 for adults and CAD 10 to 20 for children
  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Lobby Lounge
  • Q at the Empress
  • Q Bar

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Children's pool
  • Designer stores
  • Full-service spa
  • Health club
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool
  • Sauna
  • Shopping mall
  • Steam room

Family friendly

  • Children's pool
  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • Conference center (22,600 square feet of space)
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the waterfront
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Full-service spa

  • 11 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Hot tub
  • Hot/mineral springs
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Prenatal massages
  • Sauna
  • Spa open daily
  • Sports massages
  • Steam room
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 100% renewable energy
  • 8 floors
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Built in 1908
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Edwardian architecture
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels
  • Pay movies

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Portable fan
  • Recycling
  • Safe
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 19

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets stay free
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
3 children, up to the age of 17 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately CAD 20 to 40 for adults, and CAD 10 to 20 for children
  • Fee for in-room wireless internet: CAD 14.95 per night (rates may vary)
  • Self parking fee: CAD 37.00 per day (in/out privileges)
  • Valet parking fee: CAD 51.00 per day (in/out privileges)
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of ALLSAFE (Accor Hotels)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
The photos are representative of rooms offered and may differ from the actual room received.

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Children under 16 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, health club, fitness facility, or hot tub without adult supervision
Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa, and guests under 18 years old are only allowed with adult supervision
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Empress Fairmont
Fairmont Empress
Fairmont Empress Hotel
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Fairmont Empress Victoria
Empress Hotel Victoria
Fairmont Hotel Empress
Fairmont Hotel Victoria
Fairmont Victoria
The Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Victoria Fairmont
The Fairmont Empress
Fairmont Empress Hotel
Fairmont Empress Victoria
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria

Fairmont Empress Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 1652 out of 2251 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 334 out of 2251 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 151 out of 2251 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 61 out of 2251 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 53 out of 2251 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Erica L

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really wanted to be overly impressed by this hotel. Empress did impress in ways, like the dining and the staff, it was unimpressive in other ways. Beds were ok, linens nice, and pillows excellent.Traffic was noisy on the Hombolt rd side. We had two rooms and our second room was missing amenities, we had to ask for the room slippers the other room had. They go over the top with batbroom products and have a well stocked room for extras. Our room had a clothing steamer, iron and board, clothing brush yoga mat and shoe horn. I would stay here again for the food in the restaurant alone, but the staff also shine. The beds are not bad, but they are not amazing either and for the cost i hoped for amazing. Sun Valley lodge in Sun Valley id has way better beds, that was the caliber bed i was hoping for.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Julianne

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Traveled with partner
Cleanliness excellent staff
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sasha, Snohomish

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our two night stay. We were moved to a view room that was very lovely. The front desk and bellhop were very nice and good service. Including room service was prompt and nice. Rooms were clean and cleaned each day. They were very nice on holding our luggage. We enjoyed the pool and the high tea at the hotel. Great location for us to walk everywhere in Victoria
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shari

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Staff were helpful and friendly
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mehak

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Will

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Tim

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
This hotel fell far below expectations, especially given its Michelin recommendation. Our room was noticeably dirty, with stains throughout and a sink that hadn’t been properly cleaned. Even more concerning, the soap dispenser was empty upon arrival—clearly not refilled after the previous guest. We requested soap three separate times and never received it. The lack of basic cleanliness and disregard for simple guest requests is unacceptable and reflects poorly on the hotel’s standards.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved everything about the property - location, pool, dining, and staff were all excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful historic hotel, elegantly restored. Try the hugh tea. Perfect in all respects.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

John

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chiaki

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linglingay

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The old-world charm of this property and proximity to dining, shopping, and other sites of interest are hard to beat!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

adam

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

June

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fairmont Empress is the best hotel to stay in on Victoria island
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Alex

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sima

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was just perfect ❤️
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amittjot, Surrey

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect spot in the heart of Victoria.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kambiz, Kirkland

Gold upgrade with water view and lounge access
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Judy

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The location for the Empress is perfect for a stay in Victoria, especially if you are taking the Clipper ferry from Seattle. Easy walk from the port to the hotel. Great sights and restaurants within walking distance, too. The Grayline bus to the Buchart Gardens picks up right outside the hoel.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent service. They accommodated an early check in and staff were very friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

moises, Hallandale Beach

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Great experience, it was exactly what we expect.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Selina Man Yan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room is clean and spacious. However, the decoration and layout were quite plain and not within my expectation for a luxury hotel.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025