Fairmont Empress
A legendary chateau-style hotel on Victoria's Inner Harbour, offering timeless luxury, historic charm, and exquisite experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beautiful gardens & pleasant weather
Fairmont Empress
Best Time
Beautiful gardens & pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary chateau-style hotel on Victoria's Inner Harbour, offering timeless luxury, historic charm, and exquisite experiences.
"The Fairmont Empress is iconic. It’s a piece of Victorian history, and a luxury accommodation that’s worth every penny."
Book Afternoon Tea Early
Reservations for the iconic afternoon tea are essential and fill up fast! Book weeks in advance. 🍵
Consider Fairmont Gold
The Gold level offers exclusive lounge access with stunning sunset views and enhanced amenities. ⭐
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 6,032 reviews
Type
Hotel
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Chateau Architecture
Exterior
A majestic, castle-like building that defines Victoria's Inner Harbour skyline. A true historical landmark.
The Fairmont Empress Spa
Willow Stream Spa
Indulge in rejuvenating treatments at this luxurious spa, offering a serene escape with beautiful views.
Traditional Afternoon Tea
Various Lounges
Experience a classic high tea with delicate pastries, sandwiches, and fine teas in an elegant setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Stay in Advance
Embrace the Afternoon Tea Tradition
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Considering a weekend trip to Victoria sometime this spring, any tips or recommendations?
One thing to consider is that if I go, I’d take the Victoria Clipper from Seattle and therefore be without a car. That said, I’ve heard good things about some of the transit available around the city. Where are some places I can go to that would be accessible without a car?
Book Afternoon Tea Early
Reservations for the iconic afternoon tea are essential and fill up fast! Book weeks in advance. 🍵
Consider Fairmont Gold
The Gold level offers exclusive lounge access with stunning sunset views and enhanced amenities. ⭐
Visiting Victoria next week! Victoria Redditors, what I should see/do/eat while visiting your fine city.
Coming from Ottawa. I'll be around for a week long conference, likely will only get out to see the city after 5pm. I'm staying downtown at the Fairmont-Empress, would love any suggestions you may have... Cheers.
Afternoon tea etiquette
Hello, Will be visiting at the end of the month, and in my research I learned about afternoon tea. I would like to try this local experience but was wondering about dress code. I will be taking a ferry in from Port Angeles on foot for just the afternoon. Is there any kind of…
Explore the Inner Harbour
The hotel's prime location makes it easy to walk to Parliament Buildings and the Royal BC Museum. 🚶
Spa Indulgence
The Willow Stream Spa is a tranquil oasis; book treatments ahead, especially on weekends. :massage:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Afternoon Tea Early
Reservations for the iconic afternoon tea are essential and fill up fast! Book weeks in advance. 🍵
Consider Fairmont Gold
The Gold level offers exclusive lounge access with stunning sunset views and enhanced amenities. ⭐
Explore the Inner Harbour
The hotel's prime location makes it easy to walk to Parliament Buildings and the Royal BC Museum. 🚶
Spa Indulgence
The Willow Stream Spa is a tranquil oasis; book treatments ahead, especially on weekends. :massage:
Room Updates Needed?
Some guests note bathrooms could use modernization, but beds are comfy and rooms are clean. 🛏️
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Fairmont Empress is widely celebrated as an iconic, historic luxury hotel offering impeccable service and a prime location on Victoria's Inner Harbour. Guests rave about the traditional afternoon tea, the rejuvenating spa, and the exclusive Fairmont Gold experience. While some rooms show minor signs of age, the overall consensus is that it's a worthwhile splurge for a memorable stay.
"The Fairmont Empress is iconic. It’s a piece of Victorian history, and a luxury accommodation that’s worth every penny. We stayed on the Gold level with our family and we all LOVED it! The pool was perfect for us, the high tea was exactly as I had hoped it would be, the rooms were perfect, as was the hospitality. I am so grateful for the experience we had."
Dylan Benson
"The service and hotel experience at the Fairmont Impress Hotel were so excellent that I regret only staying one night. All the staff were friendly, and the amenities were Le Labo products, which I frequently use, which was a welcome relief. Having booked Fairmont Gold, I was able to use the lounge and enjoy the sunset view from the terrace. If you stay here, the afternoon tea is definitely worth a try. While it's not cheap, it's a hotel I'd definitely return to if I visit Victoria."
JS Lim
"I give this hotel a solid 4 stars.
The location was phenomenal especially for arriving via ferry from WA.
The service was outstanding. My family felt very well taken care of during our stay. The bell boys and concierge were very accommodating and welcoming.
The rooms could use a bit of updating particularly with needing more ventilation in the bathrooms. The beds were very comfortable and rooms were very clean."
Diego Reyes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is to take the Victoria Clipper ferry from Seattle directly to Victoria's Inner Harbour. The Fairmont Empress is a short walk from the ferry terminal. If arriving by car, you can take a BC Ferries route from Anacortes, WA, to Sidney, BC, and then drive to Victoria. ⛴️
Yes, the Empress Hotel is centrally located in downtown Victoria, making it very walkable. Public buses are also readily available for exploring further afield, and many attractions are accessible without a car. 🚌
You can take a taxi or rideshare service, which takes about 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, the YYJ Airport Shuttle offers a convenient and more economical option directly to downtown hotels like the Empress. 🚕
Yes, the Fairmont Empress offers valet parking and self-parking options for guests. It's advisable to check current rates when booking, as they can vary. 🚗
Absolutely! The hotel's location is phenomenal for sightseeing. The Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum, and the bustling Inner Harbour are all within easy walking distance. 🚶
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need to book a room to stay at the Fairmont Empress. For specific experiences like afternoon tea, reservations are highly recommended and often required. 🎟️
The hotel itself is open 24/7 for guests. Specific amenities like the spa, pool, and dining venues have their own operating hours, which can be found on the hotel's official website. 🕐
The hotel occasionally offers special packages and promotions, especially during off-peak seasons. It's worth checking their website or signing up for their newsletter for potential deals. :moneywithwings:
Yes, you can visit public areas like the lobby and enjoy experiences such as afternoon tea or dining at their restaurants without being a registered guest. 📷
There is no entrance fee to enter the public areas of the Fairmont Empress. However, room rates apply for overnight stays, and charges are associated with dining, spa treatments, and afternoon tea. 💵
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the traditional afternoon tea, a spa treatment at Willow Stream Spa, and enjoying the views from the Fairmont Gold lounge. A stroll through the beautiful gardens is also highly recommended. ⭐
Yes, the hotel features a lovely indoor pool, which is perfect for families and a great way to relax after a day of exploring. :pool8ball:
Fairmont Gold offers an exclusive experience with private check-in, a dedicated concierge, and access to a luxurious lounge. The lounge provides complimentary breakfast, afternoon hors d'oeuvres, and evening desserts with stunning harbour views. 💎
The Fairmont Empress is known for its rich history, and like many grand old hotels, there are local legends and ghost stories associated with it. While not officially confirmed, it adds to the hotel's mystique for some visitors. 👻
Rooms typically include comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and often feature upscale Le Labo toiletries. Some rooms offer harbour views. 🛏️
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The hotel offers several dining experiences, including the renowned afternoon tea, fine dining at the Bengal Room, and more casual options. The Fairmont Gold lounge also serves complimentary refreshments. 🍴
Many guests find the afternoon tea to be a memorable and worthwhile experience, offering a taste of luxury and tradition. While not inexpensive, it's often cited as a highlight of a stay. 🍵
Yes, room service is available for guests, offering a convenient way to dine in the comfort of your room. 🚪
Most upscale hotels like the Fairmont Empress are accustomed to dietary requests. It's best to inform your server or make a note when booking to ensure they can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs. :leafy_green:
The Bengal Room at the Fairmont Empress is known for its elegant ambiance and fine dining experience, often featuring a sophisticated menu. :wine_glass:
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, especially with the Inner Harbour as a backdrop, is iconic. The lobby, the Veranda, and the gardens in bloom offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Don't forget the elegant setting of the afternoon tea! 📷
Yes, you are welcome to take photos in the public areas of the hotel. For professional photoshoots, especially in private areas or for commercial purposes, you may need to arrange permission with the hotel. :iphone:
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for exterior shots. Daytime provides clear views of the architecture and gardens, while evenings offer a romantic glow with the harbour lights. :sunriseovermountains:
Generally, personal photography for memories is fine. Be mindful of other guests' privacy, especially in dining areas or the spa. For commercial or extensive professional shoots, inquire with hotel management. :noentrysign:
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both grand exteriors and interior details. A wide-angle lens is useful for the lobby and rooms. A prime lens can be good for low-light dining shots. :camerawithflash:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit