Published Sat, Jan 31, 2026
The Best! Six Stars for Alexander, Michelle, Nicola and the Gold Lounge service staff headed by the ever smiling, Irwin!
Regarded on the Condé Nast Gold List and Travel + Leisure 500 Best Hotels of the World and a legendary Canadian landmark, Fairmont Empress Hotel graces Victoria's sparkling Inner Harbour and beloved cultural city centre. Vancouver Island's most celebrated resort since 1908, explore exclusive special offers and create memories at Fairmont Empress.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel's Victoria,accommodations features 477 luxuriously appointed non-smoking guest rooms and suites, with magnificent views of the City,Garden, Courtyard or spectacular Inner Harbour. With a selection of unique guestroom sizes and wide array of Victoria luxury hotel accommodations to suit every taste, this landmark Fairmont property is a tribute to classic elegance in accommodation.
The most premium level of luxury accommodations available on Vancouver Island. All forty-five exclusive Fairmont Gold Rooms and Suites have undergone a multimillion dollar renovation. A boutique hotel experience within a hotel, these luxury accommodations offer the added features including private Concierge lounge access with lavish continental breakfast, honour bar and evening hors d'oeuvres with attentive Concierge team. Additionally an executive boardroom, laptop workstation and WiFi features are designed to exceed the needs of the most discerning traveler.
The Fairmont Empress offers a wide selection of Junior Suites, One and Two Bedroom Suite and adjoining family rooms, many with Inner Harbour, Garden and City View. For the most opulent and luxurious accommodations please select our Vice Regal Suite from our Suites and Specialty section.
Hotel Resort Dining
A local favourite for dining experiences with versatile restaurants, a visit to Victoria is only complete with world renowned Afternoon Tea. Enjoyed by royalty, celebrities and dignitaries, unwind, relax and enjoy the celebrated teatime experience.
Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Empress
The hotel features full-service spa experiences at Willow Stream Spa, regarded as one of the best spas in Canada. Perfect for bridal showers and private events, the new addition of the nail boutique provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion. Let us help you find your energy at Willow Stream Spa.
Meetings and Events
Fairmont Empress is Vancouver Island's largest convention and events destination. Unparalleled venue facilities onsite, proximity to the Victoria Conference Centre and sustainable meeting options making Victoria the ideal location for the most discerning planner.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel's Victoria,accommodations features 477 luxuriously appointed non-smoking guest rooms and suites, with magnificent views of the City,Garden, Courtyard or spectacular Inner Harbour. With a selection of unique guestroom sizes and wide array of Victoria luxury hotel accommodations to suit every taste, this landmark Fairmont property is a tribute to classic elegance in accommodation.
The most premium level of luxury accommodations available on Vancouver Island. All forty-five exclusive Fairmont Gold Rooms and Suites have undergone a multimillion dollar renovation. A boutique hotel experience within a hotel, these luxury accommodations offer the added features including private Concierge lounge access with lavish continental breakfast, honour bar and evening hors d'oeuvres with attentive Concierge team. Additionally an executive boardroom, laptop workstation and WiFi features are designed to exceed the needs of the most discerning traveler.
The Fairmont Empress offers a wide selection of Junior Suites, One and Two Bedroom Suite and adjoining family rooms, many with Inner Harbour, Garden and City View. For the most opulent and luxurious accommodations please select our Vice Regal Suite from our Suites and Specialty section.
Our classic Fairmont Rooms are furnished in traditional elegant decor and may accommodate up to four people. Each room features a comfortable sitting area with two armchairs, some rooms accommodate a babycrib or rollaway bed.
Our spacious Deluxe Rooms feature traditional elegant decor with a large sitting area. Excellent for families, these rooms can accommodate up to five people with additional space for a rollaway bed or a baby crib. The sitting area features a sofa, sofa bed or two armchairs. Accessible rooms are available in this guest room category.
Our Harbour View Deluxe Rooms are elegantly furnished and feature a spectacular view of Victoria's Inner Harbour. Each room is appointed with two armchairs and can comfortably accommodate up to two people. Please be advised that the availability of rooms with two Double beds is limited.
All of our Signature Rooms have been personally selected for their unique features and benefits. These premier guest rooms are chosen for their distinctive room layout and spacious size, views of the Inner Harbour and distinctive architecture.
Each of our spacious and luxurious Junior Suites offer an open-concept, studio design, elegantly furnished with a sofabed and distinct sitting area.
Each of our spacious One Bedroom Suites features two rooms - a bedroom and parlor with dividing door. The parlor room is lavishly furnished with a sofabed, some with ample space to accommodate a rollaway bed. Most these Victoria hotel suites feature one bathroom, while a few are equipped with an additional powder room.
Each of our Two Bedroom Suites features three rooms in total; two bedrooms and one parlor. The master bedroom is furnished with one king bed, the second bedroom with two queen beds, and the parlor with a sofabed and ample space for a rollaway. Each of these Victoria hotel suites is equipped with a private bathroom and full amenities.
The largest suite in The Fairmont Empress, the Vice Regal Suite offers a panoramic view of Victoria's Inner Harbour. Vice Regal refers to the spouse of the serving Governor General of Canada and is a tribute to the Consorts' historic portraits adorning the hotel's hallways, several former guests.
The Vice Regal has played host to dignitaries, celebrities, royalty and distinguished guests. Former guests have included Presidents and Prime Ministers, Ozzy Osbourne, Bob Hope, Princess Margaret, John Travolta and Nellie Furtado. This suite is located on the sixth floor of the Humboldt Wing and is the hotel’s largest luxury suite. This suite features a spacious parlour with piano, elegant dining room for eight and is ideal for entertaining. The king master bedroom is elegantly decorated and offers a four piece ensuite. Additionally there is a powder room and full kitchen, perfect for entertaining. This suite is designed to celebrate special occasions and memorable experiences. The suite is available for private catered dinners and receptions to suit your needs. Additional rooms are available adjoining to the suite.
Fairmont Gold rooms are located on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors of the hotel with the best views. Fairmont Gold is an unparalled experience in Victoria with luxurious amenities, offering the city's most luxurious class of accommodations. Recently renovated, Fairmont Gold offers a private Concierge Lounge, nightly turn-down service, personalized welcome amenities and elegantly appointed accommodations; - guests of Fairmont Gold will appreciate the attentive refinements.
The Fairmont Gold Junior Suites are open-concept suites with a defined bedroom and parlour area, within a large space. Fairmont Gold is an unparalled experience in Victoria with luxurious amenities, offering the city's most luxurious class of accommodations. Recently renovated, Fairmont Gold offers a private Concierge Lounge, nightly turn-down service, personalized welcome amenities and elegantly appointed accommodations; - guests of Fairmont Gold will appreciate the attentive refinements. Some Fairmont Gold Junior Suites feature a sofabed, or may accommodate a rollaway bed.
Fairmont Gold One-Bedroom Suites offer a separated bedroom and parlour area. Elegant, spacious and luxurious, some suites feature the added touch of a decorative fireplace. Fairmont Gold is an unparalled experience in Victoria with luxurious amenities, offering the city's most luxurious class of accommodations. Recently renovated, Fairmont Gold offers a private Concierge Lounge, nightly turn-down service, personalized welcome amenities and elegantly appointed accommodations; - guests of Fairmont Gold will appreciate the attentive refinements. The parlor has a sofabed and space for a rollaway if needed.
The Fairmont Gold Two-Bedroom Suite provides spacious accommodations featuring a king bedded master bedroom, parlour and adjoining second bedroom. The parlor area is furnished wth a contemporary decor, the original ornamental fireplace, sofabed and private bath. The adjoining bedroom features a queen bed with private bath. Fairmont Gold is an unparalled experience in Victoria with luxurious amenities, offering the city's most luxurious class of accommodations. Recently renovated, Fairmont Gold offers a private Concierge Lounge, nightly turn-down service, personalized welcome amenities and elegantly appointed accommodations; - guests of Fairmont Gold will appreciate the attentive refinements.
No stay at The Fairmont Empress would be complete without a visit to one of the magnificent Victoria restaurants in this historic, iconic hotel. Whether you partake in the coveted English ritual of Afternoon Tea in Victoria, savour the famous curry buffet in The Bengal Lounge or sample award-winning food and wine in The Empress Room - our impressive surroundings and exceptional cuisine guarantee a truly memorable Vancouver Island dining experience.
The Fairmont Empress believes in a farm to table philosophy of bringing the best of Vancouver Island to your table. Whenever possible, the finest of local ingredients from the nearby Saanich Peninsula and Cowichan Valley regions are showcased in our variety of Victoria restaurants.
| Room type | Description |
|---|---|
The Bengal Lounge
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Drawing inspiration from Queen Victoria's role as the Empress of India, this colonial style lounge is known throughout Victoria for its authentic curry buffet and signature cocktail menu. While new restaurants and lounges appear in Victoria regularly, The Bengal Lounge is a favourite of residents and visitors alike. Overlooking our stately gardens, the richly appointed Bengal Lounge offers not only a delicious curry lunch and dinner buffet but also an impressive continental à la carte menu. Cocktail and martini aficionados will appreciate our vast selection of signature drinks. |
The Empress Room
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Notably the most picturesque dining room in Victoria, The Empress Room combines impeccable service with an exquisite menu. The finest ingredients with a "farm to fork" philosophy of bringing Vancouver Island's epicurean-rich cuisine to your table are marveled into culinary masterpieces paired with an extensive wine list. Dine beneath the ambience of a hand-crafted wood ceiling where iconic movie stars, royalty and notable guests have dined; - if only these walls could talk! An experience not soon to be forgotten. |
The Veranda
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Quintessentially, the best place in Victoria! No visit to Victoria should be without a seat on The Veranda at The Fairmont Empress; - front and centre to the sparkling Inner Harbour. Located just under the "Empress" sign and a brief walk from Victoria's cruise ship terminal, shopping and attraction centres, The Veranda is the perfect setting for visitors and locals alike to enjoy the sights and sounds while overlooking Victoria's picturesque Inner Harbour. The talented Culinary Team at The Fairmont Empress have created a sumptuous farm-to-table menu featuring some of Vancouver Island's finest ingredients for your dining experience. Whether to lounge with a martini, have an afternoon nibbly or a sumptuous meal, guests will enjoy the best view of Victoria from the famous Veranda. From the vine-hugged arches, guests can enjoy a picturesque view of the Legislative Buildings and a bottle of award-winning British Columbia wine. |
Afternoon Tea in Victoria
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A time honoured tradition for over a century, the world renowned tea lobby of Fairmont Empress has served England’s most beloved ritual and Victoria's grandest tradition of Afternoon Tea to famed royalty, celebrities and dignitaries alike. Surrounded by rich chintz fabrics, antiqued tapestries and rugs, elegant wing back chairs, vintage furnishings and hand-carved tables, the picturesque backdrop of the Inner Harbour provides the quintessential Victoria experience to all who grace Afternoon Tea. Chef and Team serve hand-made signature Empress scones, delectable pastries and tea sweets prepared in house daily, reflecting locally sourced ingredients to ensure an authentically memorable experience. From the original blend of The Empress Tea created specifically for The Fairmont Empress, served in dainty William Edwards china and sterling silver service to the enchanting ambiance of the live piano, Afternoon Tea is an absolute 'must do' for all who visit Victoria. |
At the coastal edge of the Pacific Northwest, the dramatic elements of nature rise and fall to the sound of the sea crashing against rock. Stately and elegant, The Fairmont Empress stands majestically on the banks of Victoria's Inner Harbour. A charmed city at the tip of Vancouver Island - a village of quaint shops and bookstores, a tranquil place for a stroll along a harbour before or after enjoying treatments at the one and only Willow Stream Victoria spa.
Recognized by Condé Nast as a Top Resort Spas in Canada and Spas of America Top 100 Spas of the Americas, Willow Stream Spa on Vancouver Island is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Victoria. Willow Stream Spa in Victoria offers over 85 authentically local aesthetic and spa treatments customized to your needs. All guests of our Victoria day spa enjoy the added valued of complimentary access to our Hungarian Mineral pool, eucalyptus steam room and sauna with all spa experiences.
We are delighted to feature renowned products in our spa from Jane Iredale, Kerstin Florian, and Aromatherapy Associates. Whether a make-up touch up between meetings or a weekend long retreat, Willow Stream Spa provides the most luxurious spa experiences on Vancouver Island. Our team of spa professionals take pride in your relaxation and wellness, please click here to view our spa menu that offer a wide selection of treatments and services to suit your needs.
| Room type | Description |
|---|---|
Visiting the Spa
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The Willow Stream Spa is an adult sanctuary. Minimum age is 18 years old, guests 16-18 must be accompanied by an adult. Cell phones, Blackberry or other electronic devices are not permitted in order to keep the spa area quiet and to protect your privacy. |
Fairmont Empress Fitness Centre
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Whether you've forgotten your fitness gear, prefer a lean carry-on to save time at the airport, or just want a private workout in your room, staying fit at Fairmont is just a phone call away. Fairmont Fit provides Reebok workout apparel and footwear, an MP3 player and a yoga mat with stretch band, all which can be delivered directly to your room upon request. Fairmont Fit is available to all members of Fairmont President's Club and is complimentary for Premier and Platinum members. There is a small service charge for Club members. BMW Bicycles BMW Cruise bicycles are available for use to Fairmont President's Club members during their stay at The Fairmont Empress. Please see our Concierge Desk for information and availability of these bicycles including available safety equipment. |
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.
| Room type | Description |
|---|---|
The Crystal Ballroom
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Celebrate your special day in grand style in the opulent Crystal Ballroom. Its traditional decor, hand-strung crystal chandeliers and extraordinary architecture create an unparalleled atmosphere of romance and elegance. A state-of-the-art Bose sound system ensure you and your guests dance the night away in style. |
The Palm Court
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With its signature stained glass dome ceiling and Italian marble floors the Palm Court offers a beautiful setting for a ceremony, reception or dinner. Adjacent to the Crystal Ballroom, The Palm Court may be rented separately for smaller weddings. |
The Ivy Ballroom
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Modern-elegance at its finest, our newly renovated Ivy Ballroom offers a stunning backdrop for your ceremony, reception or dinner. Featuring natural light, a private entrance, a state-of-the-art Bose sound system and neutral decor it can easily be transformed into your dream wedding venue. |
The Library
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With the best view in Victoria, The Library overlooks the picturesque Inner Harbour and Legislative Buildings. Featuring original hardwood flooring, wood paneling and working fireplace, The Library is the ideal setting for an intimate ceremony, reception or dinner. |
The Rose Garden
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Available through the summer months, our Rose Garden offers a wonderful outdoor setting for your ceremony or reception. Located at the south end of the grounds while surrounded by roses, hydrangeas and annual blossoms it is a picturesque setting to celebrate your special day. Indoor back-up space must be reserved in case of inclement weather. |
Based on 5631 reviews
4
Location
4.9
Sleep Quality
4.4
Rooms
4.1
Service
4.5
Value
3.8
Cleanliness
4.5
Published Sat, Jan 31, 2026
The Best! Six Stars for Alexander, Michelle, Nicola and the Gold Lounge service staff headed by the ever smiling, Irwin!