Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Health or beauty spa nearby
Electric bicycle charging station
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Beautiful grounds
Cons:
Plumbing issues
Insects in bathroom
Confusing elevator system

Categories

Cleanliness
8.11
Concern about silverfish insects found in the bathroom and plumbing issues in the shower.
Service
9.58
Friendly staff and exceptional customer service, particularly regarding special occasions.
Location
9.62
Great location with easy access to restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.
Room Quality
8.57
Some issues with the bathroom faucet and initial room size; however, the upgraded room was better.
Amenities
8.6
Beautiful grounds and pool, but confusion with the elevator system and breakfast line.
Value for Money
8.56
Mixed feelings on value; initial room felt overpriced compared to expectations.
Food and Beverage
9.11
Quality food offered, though there was a desire for more menu options for room service.
Overall Experience
9.08
Many enjoyable aspects but marred by a few significant issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 11:48

Property Description

Luxury Overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour

Historic Elegance: The Fairmont Empress Hotel offers elegantly decorated rooms with plush seating areas and picturesque windows.

Relaxation and Dining: Enjoy extensive spa treatments at Willow Stream Spa and indulge in traditional afternoon tea with a view of the harbour.

Convenient Amenities: Swim in the indoor pool, admire the Victorian architecture, and explore nearby attractions like the Royal British Columbia Museum and the Maritime Museum of BC.

Book now to experience the charm and luxury of The Fairmont Empress Hotel!

Important information:

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: YYJ

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. No extra charges.

  • Parking

    Public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs CAD 35 per day.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an available extra bed.
    Adults stay for CAD 50 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.9
Based on 2012 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.11
Service: 9.58
Location: 9.62
Room Quality: 8.57
Amenities: 8.6
Value for Money: 8.56
Food and Beverage: 9.11
Overall Experience: 9.08
M
Maxim • extended_group • kz
7
Overrated and overpriced. Book only harbor view rooms, otherwise it’s total disappointment.
Pros:

Location is great!

Cons:

Overrated and overpriced. Book only harbor view rooms, otherwise it’s total disappointment.

2026-06-06 • via Nuitee
L
LONG LU • family_with_children • us
10
2026-06-05 • via Nuitee
E
Eduardo • couple • de
10
A must if you will stay in Victoria.
Pros:

Great run operation. A building with a fantastic history and in grate shape. Great Staff, which is probably the most important aspect of a hotel in this price range. The location is GORGEOUS and we could do almost everything on foot.

Cons:

That we couldn't stay for longer.

2026-06-03 • via Nuitee
T
Thomas • solo_traveller • ca
10
2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
D
Doinita • couple • us
8
Lovely and friendly hosts! We have not met one single rough or irritable person in Victoria at all.
Pros:

Beds were comfortable and fluffy and the TVs were nice and big. Location was great and service exceeded expectations. Wonderful hosts from the cleaners to the valets everyone was outstanding! Thank you!

Cons:

We live in a large space and not used to small quarters such as the one offered by your hotel. On top of it, the living room sofa, where we spent our morning and evenings was pretty uncomfortable.
Coming from the US we were hoping to find more local news - no big deal!

2026-06-01 • via Nuitee
O
Oliver • extended_group • us
9
Nice place
Pros:

Pretty, location

Cons:

Room would not cool down

2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
C
Clare • couple • au
8
Pleasant stay in perfect location.
Pros:

The building, its location, the public spaces

Cons:

The room was very small and the aircon unit was very noisy.

2026-05-30 • via Nuitee
E
Eric • couple • us
10
Wonderful stay!
Pros:

Everything was perfection! The property is beautiful, clean and inviting! The afternoon tea was a wonderful experience and the servers were very nice and attentive. Thank you!

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-30 • via Nuitee
A
Aaron • couple • us
10
2026-05-29 • via Nuitee
Y
YUAN I • family_with_children • tw
10
2026-05-28 • via Nuitee
P
Pamela • couple • ca
10
2026-05-27 • via Nuitee
S
Sharon • solo_traveller • ca
10
2026-05-26 • via Nuitee
S
Smith • solo_traveller • us
10
Amazing location, beautiful grounds, exceptional staff
2026-05-26 • via Nuitee
R
Robert • solo_traveller • ca
10
Pros:

Perfect location in the harbor!
Received the royal treatment as far as customer service.

2026-05-25 • via Nuitee
S
Sarah • family_with_children • ca
9
I had an amazing stay. Every morning I woke up early to get breakfast and go to the pool.
Pros:

I liked the pancakes the most.
( Adam - age 8)

Cons:

One night I had to stay up until it was past my bedtime for my dinner.

( Adam - age 8)

2026-05-25 • via Nuitee
A
Angela • couple • ca
8
2026-05-23 • via Nuitee
C
Charles • couple • gb
9
Visit was part of an anniversary trip and a nice touch by the staff made it all the more memorable.
Pros:

Location and quality of service

Cons:

Queen bed was slightly small - should have reserved a King

2026-05-23 • via Nuitee
S
Sophie • extended_group • ch
8
Pros:

Le personnel est absolument adorable

2026-05-22 • via Nuitee
N
Nicola • couple • de
5
Es ist das Geld nicht wert!
Pros:

Das Personal ist super freundlich und bemüht und das Frühstück war sehr gut. Das Hotel hat eine majestätische lage und die bar und die lobby sind zauberhaft.

Cons:

Wir mussten das zimmer wechseln, da unseres dreckig und staubig war, ohne ein richtiges Fenster mit Blick zur city. Es war eine beklebte Scheibe zum Hinterhof mit Müllcontainer. Die klassische booking.com Falle. Das dann angebotene zimmer war dann mit blick zum Hafen, aber das Badezimmer so groß wie ein gästeklo...bei 2 personen unerträglich krampfig. Es gibt im Zimmer keine Begrüßung, keine Flasche Wasser, kein inhalt in der minibar...einfach nur unpersönlich und nicht willkommen. Das schlechteste Hotel auf unserer Kanada Reise. Schade!

2026-05-22 • via Nuitee
T
Tiffany • couple • ca
9
2026-05-22 • via Nuitee