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From139US$ /night
Check-in
07Dec2025Select date
Check-out
08Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

721 Government Street, Victoria, Canada, V8W 1W5
-
Steps from the Inner Harbour
Perfect
8.9
9.1
/10
4.2
4.5
/5

Fairmont Empress offers a luxury experience with elegant rooms and a renowned spa, situated in the heart of Victoria. This 5-star hotel features an award-winning restaurant and a historic tradition of serving Afternoon Tea. Family-friendly services are also available.

Rooms & Amenities

Accommodations at Fairmont Empress include 431 rooms and suites with spa-like bathrooms and views over the Inner Harbour, city, or courtyard. The exclusive Fairmont Gold floor features complimentary breakfast and private check-in for discerning guests.

Dining & Experiences

Dining options include Q at the Empress, focusing on Pacific Northwest cuisine and local ingredients. The world-renowned Afternoon Tea is served on fine china gifted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1939 and features freshly baked scones and delicate pastries.

Leisure & Family Services

Fairmont Empress features the Willow Stream Spa with unique West Coast treatments and an indoor pool complemented by a fitness center. Family-friendly amenities include scavenger hunts and the Kids Rule the Castle package for young travelers.

Local Area & Transportation

The hotel is well-connected via nearby transport links, including bus stations within a few minutes' walk. Landmarks such as Chinatown and Beacon Hill Park are easily accessible, providing guests with cultural and historical explorations.

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Choose your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Deluxe Room One Queen Bed Harbour View
2 persons
32 m² 
1 King-size bed
Harbour view
Coffee machine
One Bedroom King Suite Harbour View
2 persons
51 m² 
1 King-size bed
Harbour view
Coffee machine
Executive Suite Two Queen Beds City View
2 persons
54 m² 
2 Double beds
City view
Coffee machine
Junior Suite City View 1 King
2 persons
38 m² 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
City view
Coffee machine
Heating
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Price and Room Availability

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • On-site car park
  • Handicap parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Lift
  • Currency exchange
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Barber shop
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Cycling

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Valet parking
  • Pet amenities available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Babysitting/Child services
  • Children's menu
  • Children's pool

Spa & Leisure

  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Sun loungers
  • Garden area
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Steam room
  • Jacuzzi
  • Massage

Room features

  • Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Direct dial telephone
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

The Fairmont Empress Hotel boasts exquisite dining options that celebrate the vibrant flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Guests can indulge in a culinary journey at Q at the Empress and relax in the charming Lobby Lounge, each offering a unique atmosphere and thoughtfully crafted menus that showcase locally sourced ingredients.
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo The photo captures a luxurious and elegant interior, likely a hotel lobby or a high-end cafe. The space is characterized by tall, white Corinthian columns that create a sense of grandeur and spaciousness. These columns are interspersed throughout the
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo The photo shows a spacious and elegant restaurant with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The interior boasts high ceilings with exposed dark wooden beams, creating a sense of grandeur. Large, modern pendant lights with white fabric shades hang from the ce
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo The Crystal Ballroom

Q at The Empress

American, influenced by the Pacific Northwest
Ambiance
A sophisticated yet inviting setting within Victoria's Fairmont Empress, where modern refinement meets turn-of-the-century elegance.
Key Offerings
Creative bites from Executive Chef Morgan Wilson, including seasonal dishes like avo toast and freshly made egg white frittatas, complemented by extraordinary cocktails adorned with gold-dusted macarons and honey pearls.
Reservation
Recommended.
Hours vary.

Lobby Lounge

Light dining and cocktails
Ambiance
An airy and elegant space that channels the charm of the early 1900s, perfect for relaxing with refreshments while enjoying live classical piano.
Key Offerings
A serene spot to enjoy a variety of light bites and specialty cocktails, providing stunning views of the surroundings whether it's a casual meetup or a leisurely afternoon treat.
Reservation
Not required.
Hours vary.

Location

721 Government Street, Victoria, Canada, V8W 1W5
Map view
721 Government Street, Victoria, Canada, V8W 1W5
Nearby
Museum
Royal BC Museum
370 m
Public Building
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
310 m
Victoria
Inner Harbour
150 m
Museum
Miniature World
300 m
Zoo
Victoria Bug Zoo
360 m
Victoria
Government Street
310 m
Square
Bastion Square
510 m
Shopping Area
The Bay Centre
520 m
St-Ann's Academy Office 835 Humboldt St 2nd Floor
St. Ann's Academy National Historic Site
560 m
Gallery
Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature
340 m
Government Street and Belleville Street
Emily Carr Statue
130 m
Victoria
Wharf Street
500 m
Restaurants
Q at The Empress
20 m
721 Government St The Fairmont Empress
The Tea Lobby
30 m
721 Government St
Milestones
170 m
812 Wharf St
The Old Spaghetti Factory
330 m
703 Douglas Street
Bartholomew's English-Style Pub
390 m
777 Douglas St Entrance on Humboldt Street
Steamship Grill & Bar
330 m
470 Belleville Street
Browns Socialhouse
360 m
809 Douglas St
Milano
220 m
817 Government St
The Courtney Room
310 m
619 Courtney Street
Explore Victoria
Explore Victoria
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Royal BC Museum
Royal BC Museum
5 minutes' walk
Natural and human history exhibits. Features IMAX theatre and special exhibits, ideal for families and culture lovers.
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
4 minutes' walk
Historic architecture and guided tours. A key site for photo opportunities, with beautiful grounds to explore.
Fisherman's Wharf Park
Fisherman's Wharf Park
17 minutes' walk
Vibrant floating homes, shops, and eateries. Spot seals and enjoy scenic views in this family-friendly area.
Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park
19 minutes' walk
Expansive park with gardens, trails, and a petting zoo. Perfect for picnics, walking, and family outings.
Kayaking in the Inner Harbour
5 minutes' walk
Guided kayaking tours offer thrilling views of the harbor. Rentals available for adventurous guests.
Spa Treatments at The Empress
1 minute' walk
Luxurious spa services provided onsite. Ideal for relaxation with a range of massages and treatments available.
Cycling along the Seawall
5 minutes' walk
Biking paths along the waterfront. Rentals are easily accessible for a scenic ride with stunning views.
Q at The Empress
Q at The Empress
1 minute' walk
Elegant dining with a focus on local ingredients. Signature dishes include seafood and seasonal specials.
Milestones
Milestones
3 minutes' walk
Casual dining offering global cuisine. Known for its lively atmosphere and a diverse menu catering to all tastes.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
The Old Spaghetti Factory
4 minutes' walk
Family-friendly Italian restaurant. Famous for its hearty pasta dishes and unique vintage decor.
The Maritime Museum of British Columbia
The Maritime Museum of British Columbia
13 minutes' walk
Engaging maritime history exhibits. Great for families, featuring interactive displays and artefacts.
Chinatown
Chinatown
13 minutes' walk
Vibrant streets filled with shops and eateries. Explore cultural experiences and unique local markets.
Live Music at the Victoria Event Centre
13 minutes' walk
Eclectic venue showcasing local talent. Visit for a variety of performances, including music and comedy nights.

Getting around
City Centre
Victoria10 min  ·  800 m
Airports
Victoria Inner Harbour (YWH)6 min  ·  500 m
Victoria (YYJ)40 min  ·  26.4 km

Reviews and Ratings

Reviews from guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
4/5 based on 5060 reviews
8.9
8.9/10 based on 1304 reviews
#23 of 45 hotels in Victoria based on Tripadvisor
William
United Kingdom, January  2025
5.2/10

I had a lovely stay at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, and I truly enjoyed the elegant decor and the stunning views of the harbor. The service was excellent, but I did encounter a few minor inconveniences with the bathroom amenities. Overall, it's a fantastic choice if you're looking for a central location combined with classic charm.

Rooms
8.0
I stayed in a suite that was spacious and boasted a magnificent view of the harbor. However, I found the bathroom a bit cramped and lacking some basic amenities like hand towels.
Service
10.0
The staff was very warm and friendly, taking excellent care of me throughout my stay. Their attention to detail made my experience all the more pleasant.
Location
10.0
The location is simply lovely, right facing the Inner Harbour and close to numerous attractions like the Royal BC Museum and the Parliament Buildings. It's safe and easy to walk around, making it ideal for leisurely exploration.
Dining
8.0
I had dinner at the hotel bar, but I found the food overpriced for the quality. The mussels were tough and the salad was not fresh. I didn't have breakfast, but I've heard it's worth trying next time.
Facilities
9.0
The hotel's facilities were impressive, including the pool and sauna. Though I didn't use them, I appreciated the available amenities such as room service and pet-friendly options.
Oscar
United Kingdom, December  2024
6.4/10

My stay at the Fairmont Empress had its ups and downs. The hotel's location is unbeatable, right along the Inner Harbor, making it easy to explore downtown Victoria. However, I encountered issues with the cleanliness and maintenance of my room. While the staff were generally friendly and the dining options offered some highlights, the overall experience didn't live up to the luxury standards I expected.

Rooms
5.0
My room had brown water stains on the ceiling and mold on the baseboards, which was disappointing. The bathroom was also quite small, and there were limited toiletries provided. On the positive side, I appreciated the spacious fridge and the modern decor after the recent renovation.
Service
6.0
The staff were friendly and helpful, but I felt like the service didn't meet the expectations for a hotel of this caliber. I encountered some confusion regarding my requests, particularly about getting a crib for my baby, which added unnecessary stress.
Location
9.0
The location is fantastic, right by the Inner Harbor and in the heart of downtown Victoria. It's perfect for walking to shops, restaurants, and ferry terminals. I couldn't have asked for a better spot to enjoy the views.
Dining
6.0
While room service was commendable, I had a less impressive experience at the in-house dining. The service was slow, and the menu options felt somewhat limited. However, the eggs with bacon I ordered were delicious.
Facilities
5.0
The facilities were decent, but I noted that housekeeping seemed to be lacking, as basic requests took time to fulfill. The indoor pool was a nice touch, offering a clean and relaxing space.
Juliet
United Kingdom, December  2024
5.4/10

My stay at the Fairmont Empress was beautiful overall, highlighted by the perfect location and friendly staff. However, the high price did not feel justified given some of the shortcomings, like slow service and mediocre room service. While certain aspects, like the breakfast, were good, I felt a bit underwhelmed considering the cost. 🌊✨

Rooms
6.0
I stayed in a Fairmont King room, which was clean and functional, but not extravagant for the nearly $600 price tag. The room had some nice amenities, like bedside reading lights and two chairs, but overall did not feel special enough for the price.
Service
5.0
The staff were friendly and accommodating, which I appreciated, but the slow check-in process and lack of prompt responses at the concierge desk left much to be desired.
Location
10.0
The hotel's location is ideal, right in the heart of Victoria with beautiful views of the harbor and close to main attractions. I loved being in such a lively area.
Dining
6.0
The breakfast at the restaurant was very good, but I found room service to be mediocre and not up to par with what I expected based on the hotel's reputation.
Facilities
7.0
The amenities were decent, but I encountered minor issues, like the phone in my room not functioning. I did enjoy the good afternoon tea experience, which was a highlight.
Mason
United Kingdom, December  2024
5.0/10

My stay at the Fairmont Empress was nice, thanks to its beautiful location and history. The hotel has a classic feel, and the ambience is warm and inviting. However, I did find the room a bit small for what I was expecting, and there were a few minor service hiccups that detracted from the experience.

Rooms
8.0
The room I stayed in was tastefully renovated and spacious for an entry-level room, though it felt a bit small overall. It had a partial water view, which was nice, but I expected more from a luxury hotel.
Service
7.0
The staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay, from check-in to the valet service. However, I did notice some lapses in attention to detail, particularly regarding room amenities.
Location
10.0
The location is perfect, right in the heart of Victoria near the Inner Harbor, restaurants, and shops. Everything I wanted to see was within walking distance, making my stay even more enjoyable.
Dining
8.0
I tried the afternoon tea, which was excellent but quite pricey. While I expected a bit more value for the cost, the experience itself was good, though I felt a glass of sparkling wine could have added a nice touch.
Facilities
8.0
The amenities were solid, with room service, valet parking, and other conveniences available. However, I did wish for a coffee maker and tea bags in the room to complete the experience.
Luna
United Kingdom, October  2024
5.8/10

My stay at the Fairmont Empress was really good overall. the recent renovation has truly transformed the hotel's ambiance. While the service was mostly fantastic, a couple of minor interactions left room for improvement. The location was perfect, allowing easy access to the harbor and local attractions, making it a good getaway.

Rooms
9.0
I enjoyed my harbor view room, which was beautifully appointed, although the bathroom felt a bit cramped. The soft sheets and comfortable bed made up for it, though.
Service
9.0
Most of the staff were incredibly friendly and eager to help. the Fairmont Gold Lounge team went above and beyond in coordinating details for my stay.
Location
10.0
The hotel's location is unbeatable. just a short walk to shops and restaurants, right in the heart of Victoria.
Dining
8.0
I had a wonderful experience with breakfast in the Gold Lounge. but I found the hotel dining options a bit pricey for what was offered.
Facilities
9.0
The amenities were lovely, and I appreciated the various services like valet parking and room service. but I did notice some street noise early in the morning.
Access exclusive early booking discounts.
Choose your spa escape today!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site at CAD 35 per day.
Internet
is available in for free.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, German, Spanish, Italian, Danish, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Malay, Tagalog / Filipino
Year renovated:
2009
Number of floors:
8
Number of rooms:
399
FAQs
About Fairmont Empress Hotel
What is the distance from Fairmont Empress Hotel to the Royal BC Museum?
The hotel is located 0.5 km from the Royal BC Museum.
Does Fairmont Empress Hotel offer on-site dining options?
The hotel features on-site dining at Q at the Empress and a Lobby Lounge for traditional afternoon tea.
What amenities are available at the Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Amenities include a fitness centre, heated indoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, and a business centre.
What time can I check in at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Check-in time is 16:00 and check-out time is 11:00.
Is parking available at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Public parking is available on-site for 35 CAD per day without the need for reservation.
What services are offered for guests traveling with pets at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
The hotel allows pets and provides accommodations suited for furry guests.
Which nearby restaurants can be found close to Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Nearby dining options include 10 Acres Commons, Milestones, and Red Fish Blue Fish, all within 0.5 km.
What is included in the luxurious Fairmont Gold experience at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
The Fairmont Gold experience includes access to an exclusive lounge with breakfast, evening canapés, and midday snacks.
Are there fitness facilities available at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
The hotel offers a fitness centre and is located near an indoor swimming pool and spa.
What type of view can guests expect from the rooms at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Rooms offer views of the Inner Harbour, city, or courtyard.
Does Fairmont Empress Hotel offer a spa, and what kind of treatments are available?
The award-winning Willow Stream Spa offers signature West Coast treatments inspired by the natural beauty of Vancouver Island.
What are the policies regarding early check-in and late check-out at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Early check-in and late check-out requests can be accommodated based on availability.
What technology amenities are provided in the rooms at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffee makers.

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