Fairmont Empress

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Photo gallery for Fairmont Empress

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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
721 Government St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W5
  • Place, Government Street
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Royal BC Museum
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, British Columbia Parliament Building
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Airport, Victoria, BC (YWH-Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base)
    ‪4 min walk‬

Room options

Fairmont City View 2 Double

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

Deluxe City View 2 Queen

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

Fairmont Gold Harbour View 1 King

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

Fairmont City View 1 Queen

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(91 reviews)
  • City view
  • 280 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe City View 1 King

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(37 reviews)
  • City view
  • 382 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold City View 1 King

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

Junior Suite City View 1 King

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

Fairmont City View 1 King

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

Deluxe City View 1 Queen

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

Executive Suite City View 1 King

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • City view
  • 474 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 1 King

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

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 2 Queen

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

Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 522 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

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

Fairmont Harbour View 1 Queen

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

Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

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

Fairmont Gold City View 1 Queen

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

Fairmont Gold Harbour View Executive Suite 1 King

  • Harbor view
  • 420 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Signature Harbour View 1 King

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Harbor view
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Harbour View 2 Queen

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • Harbor view
  • 376 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Victoria

Located in Downtown Victoria, Fairmont Empress is adjacent to Maritime Museum of British Columbia and within a 5-minute walk of other popular sights like British Columbia Parliament Building. This 431-room, 4.5-star hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a gym. Centrally located in Victoria, the hotel is connected to the convention center and also a short walk from Victoria Bug Zoo and Victoria Harbour.

What's nearby

  • Government Street - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Royal BC Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Victoria Conference Centre - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • British Columbia Parliament Building - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Chinatown - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • Victoria Intl. Airport (YYJ) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Sticky Wicket Bar & Restaurant - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Tractor - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Old Spaghetti Factory - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Browns Socialhouse Victoria Falls - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Fairmont Empress

At Fairmont Empress, guests enjoy a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a children's pool. Parking is available for CAD 39.00 per day (CAD 53.00 per day for valet parking), and there's also limo/town car service. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with luggage storage, concierge services, and securing valuables. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls. Other amenities at this luxury hotel include a gym, a sauna, and free WiFi in public areas.
32-inch flat-screen TVs come with cable channels and pay movies, and guests can stay connected with WiFi. Pillowtop beds sport premium bedding and down comforters, and bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries. Other amenities include minibars, coffee makers, and free newspapers. Housekeeping is available on request.
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.

Awards and affiliations

The property is a member of Historic Hotels of the World.

Similar properties

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 39 per day; includes in/out privileges)
  • Valet parking on site (CAD 53 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
  • Indoor pool (guest access)
  • 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
  • Down comforter
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for free
  • 2 total pets
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 3 kids 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • 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 39.00 per day (in/out privileges)
  • Valet parking fee: CAD 53.00 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)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 19
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply), along with a car charging station.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
  • This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of ALLSAFE (Accor Hotels).

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Pool access available from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
  • Reservations need to be made in advance for massage services and spa treatments. Contact the hotel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • 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

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Fairmont Empress?

Fairmont Empress offers free cancellation on some room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Fairmont Empress?

As of May 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Fairmont Empress on May 19, 2026 start from $417, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do close to Fairmont Empress?

This hotel is situated in Downtown Victoria within a 10-minute walk of Victoria Harbour and Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal. You'll also find Government Street and Victoria Conference Centre less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at Fairmont Empress?

Yes, valet parking is offered for CAD 53 per day with in/out privileges and self parking is available for CAD 39 per day with in/out privileges. An electric car charging station and bicycle parking are also available.

Is there a spa available at Fairmont Empress?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include sports massages, hot stone massages, hot springs, and couples treatments.

Are there luxury amenities available at Fairmont Empress?

Yes, guests can indulge in luxuries such as an indoor pool, an ocean-view restaurant, and deep-tissue massages at this hotel.

Does Fairmont Empress include a casino?

No, Fairmont Empress doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Fairmont Empress?

Yes, this hotel has an indoor pool along with a hot tub. Guests have pool access between 5:00 AM and 11:00 PM.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Fairmont Empress?

This waterfront hotel offers plenty of amenities for couples including an ocean-view restaurant, an indoor pool, and hot/mineral springs.

Does Fairmont Empress have a hot tub?

No, but guests can enjoy hot/mineral springs at this hotel.

Does Fairmont Empress feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Fairmont Empress has 2 restaurants, and serves a full breakfast each morning for a surcharge.

Does Fairmont Empress allow pets to stay free of charge?

Yes, pets stay free at Fairmont Empress and the property also provides food and water bowls for pets.

Does Fairmont Empress have connecting rooms available?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to Fairmont Empress?

The closest major airport to Fairmont Empress is Victoria, BC (YWH-Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base), which is within a mile. Another top airport is Victoria Intl. Airport (YYJ), which is located 16.5 mi away (32-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Fairmont Empress?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at Fairmont Empress.

Does Fairmont Empress have a wedding venue on site?

If you plan to exchange vows during your trip, consider the wedding services available at Fairmont Empress.

Fairmont Empress Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 2081 out of 2770 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 386 out of 2770 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 187 out of 2770 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 65 out of 2770 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 51 out of 2770 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ion

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Alex

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Historic building. The pool/change rooms are beautiful. The gym is fairly well equipped although small. Did not have time to go to the newly renovated Bengal for breakfast but it looks GORGEOUS. Amazing views, perfect location, hard not to want to stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jacob John

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Przemyslaw

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

rick

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Mel

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel, service was fantastic. Maintenance was quick once we found out the door wouldnt open Breakfast at the bengal was great. Cant say enough about the service. Hotel is older, i booked on Expedia so the room was not in the best spot, a fair bit of street noise but was a fantastic stay.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Alfie

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Accommodations were beautiful. Room was immaculate. Best of all were the staff. We were visiting for my wife's birthday. When we came back from dinner, the staff had set up a beautiful assortment of desserts, scones, and macarons with a customized card wishing her a happy 40th birthday. Above and beyond our expectations.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Joanna

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A wonderful experience! Every single staff member we interacted with was pleasant, friendly and professional. From reception, to bar waiting, to restaurant servers, even maintenance staff passing in the corridor, parking attendant - all just amazing. We also appreciated the sweet dessert gift in our room for my birthday, and the complimentary cocktails. The little touches make a huge difference.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

4/10 Poor

Nai-Dong, Austin

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The architecture of the building was exquisite, and the text message communication is highly effective. However, the bathroom was quite dirty and without a hair blower. Actually, the table and chairs were covered by a thin layer of red dirt. The curtains for both windows were dirty as well. An old coffee machine was provided but without coffee mugs. The other Fairmont hotels which we visited are much better.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Nancy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall we had a good stay. There were a few snafus but we were impressed by how the hotel staff responded and ultimately that helped to compensate for what we chalked up to as a “comedy of errors”! Some of the issues appear to be related to the scale of the hotel - so simple requests seem to take considerably longer to fulfill in part due to the size of the hotel. We were grateful for our stay and would consider staying there again. It was great to be there during the Christmas period with the lights of the legislature and inner harbor, etc…
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karensa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, friendly staff, and very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

6/10 Okay

Afsheen

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Jill

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
great service
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence, Ann Arbor

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lots of character
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Will

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was excellent, staff was outstanding. We had a great stay and made a lasting impression.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Donna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
I wish we’d been told in advance that the spa was closed for renovation as it was one of our main reasons for booking this hotel. Lovely bar and communal areas.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Lynda

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was beyond excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Scott

We had a great staycation, the staff was so nice and so helpful when needed. We loved the location, being downtown make it very easy to access the places we went. We walked everywhere for two days. The tol
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Gina

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Hugo

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Benhur

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026