Fairmont Empress
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We were so excited to be able to visit the Fairmount Express. We arrived by Uber from the Queen Elizabeth and were greeted by the Door Man. He made us feel so welcome. The hotel overlooks the Harbor. It is one of the city's oldest and most famous hotels. It opened in 1908, the building is a classic example of turn-of-the-century architecture where countless celebrities and royal visitors elected to stay here over the years, and we could see why when we stepped inside. The hotel is steeped in history and elegance. The Fairmont Empress pairs Edwardian architecture with a polished, contemporary sensibility, anchored by a Reception Lobby dressed in gold, charcoal, and lavender. The centerpiece of the hotel is marked by a jaw dropping massive, hand-cut crystal twill-flower custom designed chandelier consisting of 250,000 crystals modernizes the airy entryway to the hotel while still allowing the structure's Edwardian bones to shine through. We actually sat down to take it all in. The Fairmont Empress is grand and impressive. Grand, as in really big. Not only are there 464 guest rooms but plenty of places to sit and sip and people watch. We walked around to look at the different spaces. The Lobby Lounge was an inviting space. It looked like something you would find in the Bahamas with its whitewashed walls, coffered ceilings and palm trees. It's where Empress afternoon tea is served, but there's also a bar plus a piano that gets plenty of regular action by featured performers almost daily. We were able to see the Palm Court, which is an airy atrium-like space with a stained-glass dome ceiling and Italian marble flooring. What is interesting is that this stained-glass dome had been covered up because it collapsed on New Year's Eve in 1968 during an unusual heavy snowstorm. The Tiffany-style-stained glass was covered up and later rediscovered. It was restored during a Royal Restoration in 1988. The glass dome never has the same colors; colors of the dome change dependent on the weather. The acoustics in the Palm Court is so sensitive that if one whispers on one side of the room, the conversation can be picked up on the other side, just by whispering! We were glad it was restored as it is gorgeous. They have an avenue of lovely shops that lead to the Victoria Convention Center. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Empress.
We want to recognize "Auntie" Jamie for going above and beyond her duties as a concierge! She helped make our visit at the Fairmont Empress extraordinary with her wonderful attitude and hospitality. She made the excellent recommendation to ride the hop-on hop-off bus tour, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Most importantly, she loved on our 14 month old boy by welcoming him with a stuffed animal. As if this was not enough, the next night, we returned to our room to find delightful treats, popcorn, soda, milk, cookies and a personalized note from Jamie wishing our sweet boy Ethan and us a wonderful and unforgettable vacation. This earned her the nickname "Auntie" Jamie. Jamie is a true asset to your hotel, she left an endearing and lasting impression on us, one that we would like to return too. Sincerely, The Wilson family
Perfect location for a stay in Victoria. Friendly staff. We had a few issues that they rectified in the end.
Had a really great morning here at the spa . I enjoyed the facilities ( 4/5 excluding the gym which I wish was larger and more inviting) . The customer service at the spa was above and beyond.. I also had the chance to have breakfast at the Bengal during my time at the hotel. The highlight was their Chai tea which is made fresh by their chef Yogi every morning. The bagel I ordered was decent for the price point but I was expecting to be wowed but wasn't... just satisfied. Also unlike the Fairmont York.... Getting breakfast to go doesn't come in a nice / cute reusable mini Fairmont bag. I know that seems like a small detail but this is the first five star hotel that didn't give me a cute to go container. Not a big deal again if you're spending like $10-$15 on food anywhere else but most restaurants/ lounges at five star hotels ( Polo lounge at the Beverly Hills hotel , clockwork at the Fairmont York in Toronto , Nobu in Chicago at the Nobu Hotel ) try to make an impression especially if you're looking at 30 to $50 for a meal not including tip. I'd still go back and I would still definitely recommend just sharing my experience..
One of the iconic hotels in the world! Moved rooms thank you E**** B! Loved breakfast in the newly reopened Bengal Room. During Christmas week it was refreshing to have such rich hot cocoa in the lobby during the afternoons. The worst thing though was a very large powerful English mastiff which came out of their room near the elevators on the second floor and began barking ferociously. Frankly, dogs shouldn't be allowed if this place is upscale. Overall, loved the Victorian spirit of this iconic hotel.
Beautiful, historic hotel in Victoria, British Columbia... I was here decades ago... when I was a college student. I can barely remember anything... LOL! I believe that I enjoyed High Tea with my mom at that time. Since my niece lives in Seattle now, I wanted to take her to this hotel that's famous for High Tea. I made a reservation online, found the hotel, experienced High Tea, and paid $10 Candian Dollars for parking. (It's $2.50 CAD per 30 minutes.) Sadly, there's no validation from the restaurant. Overall, it's a fabulous place with beautiful flowers arranged perfectly throughout the premises. It was nice to return!
Hotel itself is very large, grand, and impressive. Not quite as impressive as the Chateau Frontenac but still wonderful to check out and have tea. The lobby feel is more modern like The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal but a lot brighter decor with plenty of natural lights. It was extremely expensive to stay when me and my mom stayed for Mother's Day weekend with only one bed rooms available for several hundred so we opted for the Quality Inn instead for much less. For the tea: Amazing high quality tea! It is very pricey but well worth it with delicious tea, yummy food, and a perfect ambiance on the water at the most reknown hotel with the piano. I came with my mother for Mother's Day and we were lucky to make reservations well in advance at the start of tea time, so we sat very close to the water. The staff could not have been better and they accommodated our dietary needs well too. They also gave my mother and all the others a complimentary mimosa for Mother's Day.
Very cool old hotel near the state house and right off the water. Famous used in many movies and shows as well as just a place where important gatherings take place as well as dignitaries stay when they are in town.
I came here about 24 years ago and had the Afternoon Tea. It was an amazing experience, and I vowed to return and stay at this famed hotel. That promise was fulfilled with a 2-night stay and again, the afternoon tea. The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the service was impeccable and the 1 bedroom-suite with a king bed and fold out couch was spacious. The check-in was the only slight disappointment, as I stood there awkwardly waiting for the one of the four front desk staff to acknowledge me--no one did. They were having a conversation, and not one looked up until a lone staff person at the other desk waved me over to check in. After a tiring day of travel, a nod would have been appreciated but the rest of our stay more than made up for it. Afternoon tea was everything I remembered; we were seated on a comfortable settee facing the fireplace. Three tiers of carbs later, and three pots of tea, we called it a day on that last tier of sweets. The scones, jams, clotted cream and tea sandwiches only looked dainty. Dream come true and perfect stay here.
Without a doubt, the best hotel we've ever stayed at. First class accommodations and top notch staff with impeccable service and attention to detail at every turn. Their gardens and grounds are nothing short of amazing with extensive blooming flowers enemies in late September. Not sure how they do it. Great comfort and relaxing class at every level. Ice delivered to your room and everything you need provided, from toiletries to robes to wine glasses in your room. Can't wait to come back and visit again. Every person we interacted with was warm and friendly. Hotel staff in the US. Could learn a great deal from the Canadians. Very impressive to say the least. Cheers!
It is a nice hotel but way too expensive for a bed for a night. $500+ for a standard room. Typical small hotel bathroom and standard size room with all the basic amenities. Convenient location to downtown and the harbor. Did not pay for high tea or any of the other extras. Had breakfast in onsite restaurant and was $75 with standard tip for two people. Bed was comfy and pillow were fluffy but had to stack 2-3 for support. I wouldn't stay here again due to the cost and nothing extra for that cost.
Amazing, lovely, exciting experience at Hugh Tea with the family. Pro tip: kids are 50% off! We felt so well cared for, and loved all of our teas and food. You cannot beat the ambiance. A real treat if you like to dress up and feel spoiled.
There are only a handful of hotels in the world that are so iconic, they can be instantly identified by name alone, and very few of them are found on the west coast of North America. The Hotel del Coronado in San Diego is one; the Empress (now the Fairmont Empress) is the other. That's it. That's the list. There's a reason for this kind of exclusivity: this is a place built for royalty. Well, more accurately, to make its guests *feel* like royalty...and it does a damn good job of it! Evocative architecture, impeccable service, a world-class high tea service, multiple restaurants and bars, a sauna and fitness center, and several upscale boutiques selling haute-couture apparel, jewelry and, of course, tea, with only the latter being affordable to the peasantry (such as us)! There's also an attached conference center and event venue, the discovery of which conjured up a hilariously absurd scenario in my mind of an anime convention being held here. The image of scantily-clad costumed anime girls, Gundams and furries intermingling with posh pinky-raising elites over a cup of Ceylon tea will not soon fade from my imagination! As expected, even a single-night's stay here is going to set you back a pretty penny (or pound): a last-minute booking will run you north of $500 USD for even the most modest of accommodations, so plan (far) ahead if you want to secure a more reasonable rate. Additionally, the high tea service, while definitely an experience you don't want to miss, is similarly priced dearly at over $100 per head, and comes coupled with an enforced dress code, so leave your tank tops and flip flops upstairs in your room. Though Queen Victoria did not live long enough to see it built, the Fairmont Empress is a hotel as iconic as the monarch for which its architectural style, as well as the city in which it resides, is named after. Her Majesty would be proud. And thankfully, now all of us serfs can enjoy it as well, and experience, for just a moment, what it would be like to live like a King or Queen!
Didn't stay at the hotel, but paid a visit to the hotel lounge. Beautiful view, historic building and excellent service (the host went above and beyond to make sure we got the seating we liked in order to watch a sports game. Thank you for the accommodation.!) Two complaints 1) lounge was understaffed. Between services. there were not enough cleaning, and the couch and the table were greasy and dirty. 2) I didn't enjoy the cocktails. Didn't like the gin & yuzu cocktail (too strong and lacked flavor) or the leechy cocktail (too sweet and heavily syrupy). It was a pity that I tried two out of five signature cocktails, and wasn't happy with any of them and they were pricey. read more
3 months ago
We did the afternoon tea at the Fairmont after hearing people say it was a must do in Victoria, BC. The cost is pricey but the experience is one of a kind. First, you pick your tea flavor. Each person only gets one tea selection the entire experience, but you get a large teapot. So, we were recommended to each get different flavors for our group to share. Of the finger foods for the tea, we loved the beef sandwich and the biscuits! read more
We were so excited to be able to visit the Fairmount Express. We arrived by Uber from the Queen Elizabeth and were greeted by the Door Man. He made us feel so welcome. The hotel overlooks the Harbor. It is one of the city's oldest and most famous hotels. It opened in 1908, the building is a classic example of turn-of-the-century architecture where countless celebrities and royal visitors elected to stay here over the years, and we could see why when we stepped inside. The hotel is steeped in history and elegance. The Fairmont Empress pairs Edwardian architecture with a polished, contemporary sensibility, anchored by a Reception Lobby dressed in gold, charcoal, and lavender. The centerpiece of the hotel is marked by a jaw dropping massive, hand-cut crystal twill-flower custom designed chandelier consisting of 250,000 crystals modernizes the airy entryway to the hotel while still allowing the structure's Edwardian bones to shine through. We actually sat down to take it all in. The Fairmont Empress is grand and impressive. Grand, as in really big. Not only are there 464 guest rooms but plenty of places to sit and sip and people watch. We walked around to look at the different spaces. The Lobby Lounge was an inviting space. It looked like something you would find in the Bahamas with its whitewashed walls, coffered ceilings and palm trees. It's where Empress afternoon tea is served, but there's also a bar plus a piano that gets plenty of regular action by featured performers almost daily. We were able to see the Palm Court, which is an airy atrium-like space with a stained-glass dome ceiling and Italian marble flooring. What is interesting is that this stained-glass dome had been covered up because it collapsed on New Year's Eve in 1968 during an unusual heavy snowstorm. The Tiffany-style-stained glass was covered up and later rediscovered. It was restored during a Royal Restoration in 1988. The glass dome never has the same colors; colors of the dome change dependent on the weather. The acoustics in the Palm Court is so sensitive that if one whispers on one side of the room, the conversation can be picked up on the other side, just by whispering! We were glad it was restored as it is gorgeous. They have an avenue of lovely shops that lead to the Victoria Convention Center. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Empress. read more
We want to recognize "Auntie" Jamie for going above and beyond her duties as a concierge! She helped make our visit at the Fairmont Empress extraordinary with her wonderful attitude and hospitality. She made the excellent recommendation to ride the hop-on hop-off bus tour, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Most importantly, she loved on our 14 month old boy by welcoming him with a stuffed animal. As if this was not enough, the next night, we returned to our room to find delightful treats, popcorn, soda, milk, cookies and a personalized note from Jamie wishing our sweet boy Ethan and us a wonderful and unforgettable vacation. This earned her the nickname "Auntie" Jamie. Jamie is a true asset to your hotel, she left an endearing and lasting impression on us, one that we would like to return too. Sincerely, The Wilson family read more
1 month ago
Perfect location for a stay in Victoria. Friendly staff. We had a few issues that they rectified in the end. read more
Had a really great morning here at the spa . I enjoyed the facilities ( 4/5 excluding the gym which I wish was larger and more inviting) . The customer service at the spa was above and beyond.. I also had the chance to have breakfast at the Bengal during my time at the hotel. The highlight was their Chai tea which is made fresh by their chef Yogi every morning. The bagel I ordered was decent for the price point but I was expecting to be wowed but wasn't... just satisfied. Also unlike the Fairmont York.... Getting breakfast to go doesn't come in a nice / cute reusable mini Fairmont bag. I know that seems like a small detail but this is the first five star hotel that didn't give me a cute to go container. Not a big deal again if you're spending like $10-$15 on food anywhere else but most restaurants/ lounges at five star hotels ( Polo lounge at the Beverly Hills hotel , clockwork at the Fairmont York in Toronto , Nobu in Chicago at the Nobu Hotel ) try to make an impression especially if you're looking at 30 to $50 for a meal not including tip. I'd still go back and I would still definitely recommend just sharing my experience.. read more
One of the iconic hotels in the world! Moved rooms thank you E**** B! Loved breakfast in the newly reopened Bengal Room. During Christmas week it was refreshing to have such rich hot cocoa in the lobby during the afternoons. The worst thing though was a very large powerful English mastiff which came out of their room near the elevators on the second floor and began barking ferociously. Frankly, dogs shouldn't be allowed if this place is upscale. Overall, loved the Victorian spirit of this iconic hotel. read more
Beautiful, historic hotel in Victoria, British Columbia... I was here decades ago... when I was a college student. I can barely remember anything... LOL! I believe that I enjoyed High Tea with my mom at that time. Since my niece lives in Seattle now, I wanted to take her to this hotel that's famous for High Tea. I made a reservation online, found the hotel, experienced High Tea, and paid $10 Candian Dollars for parking. (It's $2.50 CAD per 30 minutes.) Sadly, there's no validation from the restaurant. Overall, it's a fabulous place with beautiful flowers arranged perfectly throughout the premises. It was nice to return! read more
1 year ago
Hotel itself is very large, grand, and impressive. Not quite as impressive as the Chateau Frontenac but still wonderful to check out and have tea. The lobby feel is more modern like The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal but a lot brighter decor with plenty of natural lights. It was extremely expensive to stay when me and my mom stayed for Mother's Day weekend with only one bed rooms available for several hundred so we opted for the Quality Inn instead for much less. For the tea: Amazing high quality tea! It is very pricey but well worth it with delicious tea, yummy food, and a perfect ambiance on the water at the most reknown hotel with the piano. I came with my mother for Mother's Day and we were lucky to make reservations well in advance at the start of tea time, so we sat very close to the water. The staff could not have been better and they accommodated our dietary needs well too. They also gave my mother and all the others a complimentary mimosa for Mother's Day. read more
Very cool old hotel near the state house and right off the water. Famous used in many movies and shows as well as just a place where important gatherings take place as well as dignitaries stay when they are in town. read more
I came here about 24 years ago and had the Afternoon Tea. It was an amazing experience, and I vowed to return and stay at this famed hotel. That promise was fulfilled with a 2-night stay and again, the afternoon tea. The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the service was impeccable and the 1 bedroom-suite with a king bed and fold out couch was spacious. The check-in was the only slight disappointment, as I stood there awkwardly waiting for the one of the four front desk staff to acknowledge me--no one did. They were having a conversation, and not one looked up until a lone staff person at the other desk waved me over to check in. After a tiring day of travel, a nod would have been appreciated but the rest of our stay more than made up for it. Afternoon tea was everything I remembered; we were seated on a comfortable settee facing the fireplace. Three tiers of carbs later, and three pots of tea, we called it a day on that last tier of sweets. The scones, jams, clotted cream and tea sandwiches only looked dainty. Dream come true and perfect stay here. read more
Without a doubt, the best hotel we've ever stayed at. First class accommodations and top notch staff with impeccable service and attention to detail at every turn. Their gardens and grounds are nothing short of amazing with extensive blooming flowers enemies in late September. Not sure how they do it. Great comfort and relaxing class at every level. Ice delivered to your room and everything you need provided, from toiletries to robes to wine glasses in your room. Can't wait to come back and visit again. Every person we interacted with was warm and friendly. Hotel staff in the US. Could learn a great deal from the Canadians. Very impressive to say the least. Cheers! read more
It is a nice hotel but way too expensive for a bed for a night. $500+ for a standard room. Typical small hotel bathroom and standard size room with all the basic amenities. Convenient location to downtown and the harbor. Did not pay for high tea or any of the other extras. Had breakfast in onsite restaurant and was $75 with standard tip for two people. Bed was comfy and pillow were fluffy but had to stack 2-3 for support. I wouldn't stay here again due to the cost and nothing extra for that cost. read more
2 years ago
Amazing, lovely, exciting experience at Hugh Tea with the family. Pro tip: kids are 50% off! We felt so well cared for, and loved all of our teas and food. You cannot beat the ambiance. A real treat if you like to dress up and feel spoiled. read more
There are only a handful of hotels in the world that are so iconic, they can be instantly identified by name alone, and very few of them are found on the west coast of North America. The Hotel del Coronado in San Diego is one; the Empress (now the Fairmont Empress) is the other. That's it. That's the list. There's a reason for this kind of exclusivity: this is a place built for royalty. Well, more accurately, to make its guests *feel* like royalty...and it does a damn good job of it! Evocative architecture, impeccable service, a world-class high tea service, multiple restaurants and bars, a sauna and fitness center, and several upscale boutiques selling haute-couture apparel, jewelry and, of course, tea, with only the latter being affordable to the peasantry (such as us)! There's also an attached conference center and event venue, the discovery of which conjured up a hilariously absurd scenario in my mind of an anime convention being held here. The image of scantily-clad costumed anime girls, Gundams and furries intermingling with posh pinky-raising elites over a cup of Ceylon tea will not soon fade from my imagination! As expected, even a single-night's stay here is going to set you back a pretty penny (or pound): a last-minute booking will run you north of $500 USD for even the most modest of accommodations, so plan (far) ahead if you want to secure a more reasonable rate. Additionally, the high tea service, while definitely an experience you don't want to miss, is similarly priced dearly at over $100 per head, and comes coupled with an enforced dress code, so leave your tank tops and flip flops upstairs in your room. Though Queen Victoria did not live long enough to see it built, the Fairmont Empress is a hotel as iconic as the monarch for which its architectural style, as well as the city in which it resides, is named after. Her Majesty would be proud. And thankfully, now all of us serfs can enjoy it as well, and experience, for just a moment, what it would be like to live like a King or Queen! read more
5 months ago
Wonderful historic hotel perfectly located for exploring Victoria. Exceptional staff. Very accommodating. Comfy room. Bathroom is tiny which is its only flaw. Gorgeous hotel to wander around in. Stay here and be pampered. read more
This review is for the outdoor garden and grounds of the hotel, as we couldn't secure a reservation to stay here on our recent visit to Victoria. The grounds and topiary are beautifully maintained and there are photo opportunities everywhere you look. We spent some time sitting quietly on secluded benches and soaking in the beauty. I was especially enthralled by the Orca and calf topiary that's at the northwest corner of the property. Looking forward to visiting again, perhaps even staying here! read more
1 year ago
We booked a two night stay here with the Fairmont Gold Deluxe Harbour View option. This was our first time booking the Gold option. Service did not disappoint. We had our own designated check in and check out section and concierge team. I was more excited at the convenience of breakfast at their lounge and terrace. I like not having to leave in the morning to grab a bite. However, we did have to pay for this convenience. The gold option also included evening hors d'oeuvres and desserts. The selection was quite good during our stay. The room, itself, was spacious enough for us. The harbour view was alright. I actually enjoyed the view more from the terrace during our stay. Also, I did not spend that much time in our room as we were out and about exploring the city. The bed and pillows were comfy. I liked the personalized note in the room with our name and additional information regarding the Gold level perks. Overall, it was a great experience. Staff were friendly and helpful. Hotel was nicely updated. read more
Up for a stroll down the upbeat and trendy streets of Victoria, BC? Consider staying a night or two at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Adjacent to the harbor and all the water activities. Or explore the streets and the local shoppes for souvenirs, food and entertainment. Fairmont Empress is a historical and luxurious hotel with all the amenities one would require while on vacation, or business. We splurged and got the "Gold Package" which allowed us a fast and friendly check-in and contactless and late check-out. Upgraded room with a nice view. We also had vip access to the newly renovated lounge that offered breakfast from 7a - 10:30, hors d oeurves, snacks, drinks and dessert in the evening. Couldn't ask for more. Two days that we will never forget. read more
5 months ago
11 months ago
A great place to keep warm while waiting for dinner. Quiet and chill. Just needs a roaring fireplace. read more
5/23/2024 Victoria, British Columbia, Canada was day 8 of my 11 day cruise to Alaska and Canada. The Fairmont Empress can hardly be missed as it is the first thing that any google search will display. This historic hotel is an emblem of Victoria. This review however is solely for afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge. Location: The Fairmont Empress sits at Victoria Harbor and has been a fixture of the island city for generations. The luxury hotel is within distance of both downtown and Chinatown. Reservations were widely available, and we opted for a late afternoon time slot since our ship arrived in town later in the day. The Lobby Lounge: afternoon tea is served in a space between the hotel's main restaurant and its shops. The ambience is understated yet elegant, with a Hamptons coastal vibe. Floor to ceiling windows bring in plenty of light while being seated. The Service: 5 star hotels always garner the best service with professionalism and patience. Both the hostess and our server were absolutely wonderful. My friend reserved afternoon tea to celebrate my birthday and it felt like the service reflected that as well. Afternoon tea is one of my favorite experiences when traveling abroad. I say this because afternoon tea here state side is not the same. The Empress for certain, maintains a true English afternoon tea. Afternoon Tea: there is only one selection, and it starts with a choice of tea (1 pot per person), followed by the quintessential 3 tiered serving tray complete with scones, sandwiches and pastries. Scones: these are by far the best I have had at any afternoon tea service. Crunchy crumb coat and pillowy interior. Paired with clotted cream and jam. This was sublime. Sandwiches: egg salad, smoked salmon, ham and cheese, cucumber cream cheese, and chicken curry. The chicken curry was my favorite of the 4. Our server was so gracious with providing extra chicken curry sandwiches. Pastries: lemon meringue tart, chocolate mousse cup, chocolate madeleine, and pistachio cake. I won't lie because at this point both my friend and I were extremely full. We each left 1 pastry uneaten, but that it was packed to go. How did I forgot to mention our beverages? Our tea pots were rose black and Darjeeling. Both black teas benefited with the addition of cream and sugar. On their own, the teas were just as good. It's the first time that either of us have ever seen sugar cubes individually wrapped. Oh did we mention we also added champagne to our service? It's a celebratory meal, so we said why not? So happy to have experienced afternoon tea at the legendary; The Fairmont Empress. read more
6 months ago
To start our journey, we got there at 1:30 and we got upgraded from a signature king harbor view to a junior suite harbor view, unfortunately our new view was half obstructed and that was not communicated to us. The upgraded room was not ready at that time and were promised by 4pm we would be in the room. We had to kill time for 3 hours. 4:15 still no update from the hotel and had to go ask the front desk, they said the room had been ready but we never received a message from them. We also would randomly get sewage smells in the hotel room that would come and go, not sure what that was from. Hotel does have a beautiful interior and exterior. Not horrible to say 3 stars but not excellent to say 5 stars. Food was amazing. I got the salmon benedict twice from The Bengal. Mocktails and fresh pressed juice were packed with flavor, however the tea and hot chocolate seemed to be watered down. It tasted like I was drinking chocolate flavored water. Maybe it is a personal preference but I wouldn't order those beverages again. Service was excellent in every part of the hotel from front desk to the parking attendants. Everyone was welcoming and helpful. read more
1 year ago
The ambience of Tea at the Fairmont Empress Victoria BC was nice. Wish I could say the same for the food. The things we enjoyed were the scone and some chocolate desserts. Everything else tasted mediocre. Side note: we were there to celebrate a 21st and 60th birthday. Not a greeting from the wait staff. read more
If you've stayed at a Fairmont before, you know the property itself will be historic and beautiful. However, I do wish that more was put into the rooms themselves and the offerings, especially at the price point. In this case, we stayed for three days. The hotel itself is iconic and beautiful. Check in was smooth and service was good. When we got to our room, we had a nice corner suite with a view of the bay. However, it's all about the small touches, and in this case, we were a bit disappointed. For one, the lack of streaming capabilities is a disappointment. If you plan to stay in, be prepared for like 30 sports channels and Fox news. If you do want to stream, you'll find that both the regular and premium Internet are just not good enough. There is also a lack of amenities in the room.l and more veggie options are needed. For the price point, I expect a bit more. However, it was a good stay overall and the staff are five stars. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
Yes, it's very busy and sometimes oversaturated with tourists. And yet - if you actually stay as a guest, spend some time there when all the tour-buses have gone, you'll find an excellent 5-star staff. Loved the bar staff especially, with live music in the evening - felt very intimate despite how busy it had been earlier. I can't imagine staying anywhere else in Victoria. Perfect location. read more
1 year ago
I absolutely loved our stop into the Fairmont Empress! It was quite warm outside and we had about an hour before our Courtney Room reservation, so was stopped by the Empress to see if we could get some quick drinks. We were seated on the patio (they even pulled down the sun shade) and I ordered a muggle born and the sorbet trio. Both were so refreshing and perfect. The muggle born was tart and light with just the right amount of fizz from the ginger ale and the sorbet trio (raspberry, coffee, and a third we couldn't pinpoint) was delicious as well. Personally, my absolute favorite was the raspberry. All in all, our service was friendly and helpful and we much enjoyed our stopover at the Fairmont Empress! We'll definitely be back on our next trip to Victoria! read more
2 months ago
Absolutely lovely hotel with excellent service. We were in a corner room with great sunlight all day and a partial view of the harbor. The room was remodeled last year so it had updated bath and amenities. We asked for non feathered pillows and the housekeeping staffer told us it was provided. We were escorted by the first floor registration staff to the upper level registration desk and after checking in, Anna Paula escorted us to our room. She was the nicest person who greeted us everytime we saw her and made sure we had everything we needed. Our package included self-serve breakfast, mid-day snacks (nuts, cookie, bites of brownies or macaroons), all the beverages, Nespresso coffee, except alcohol which you can make your own and charge to your room, early dinner meal 5-7 PM and tiny desserts 7-8 PM. The food was good too but some dishes were hit or miss. The dining area was like someone's large living room but we tried to eat on the outside patio whenever possible as the harbor and street views were spectacular. I'd jump to return in a heartbeat as it has been over 20 yrs. Since we've returned to Victoria BC. Would love to return to this Fairmont as it is centrally located, historic and just lovely to walk thru the hotel. read more
Wow. What a grand old hotel. Fairmont chain came up to Canada and bought all their grand hotels. And then not only took them over but they brought them back to their former gallery. Walking in you're surrounded by elegance and people willing to help you pleasantly. I took my wife there as a surprise because she'd never seen it before and decided I would do the tour with her around the building. She wound up treating me to Hi Tea. There are lots of interesting shops on the inside they have many mall downstairs where you can find local art and clothing which is always populated pick up when you're in Canada. Also they have a wonderful bar that looks out over the hot Harbor and you can sit there and have your cocktails and watch the sunset. The gardens and surrounding areas are always clean and tight. There's great detail to keeping the place clean and making the guests feel welcome Period We were able to see one of the rooms and they are very very nice. I didn't check and see what the daily room rate was but I'm sure that nice amenities. The restaurant and the food here serve off of very very well-thought-out menu. And it's a great place to go with kids because they can explore a little bit. read more
1 year ago
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