Fairmont Empress

4.5 star property
Family-friendly Edwardian hotel connected to the convention center with 2 restaurants

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Fairmont Empress

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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Pool
  • Bar
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
721 Government St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W5
  • British Columbia Parliament Building
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Victoria Harbour
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Victoria, BC (YYJ-Victoria Intl.)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Room options

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 2 Queen

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

Fairmont Gold Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

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

Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 522 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Harbour View 1 Queen

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(19 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Fairmont City View 1 Queen

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(68 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

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

Deluxe City View 1 King

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(18 reviews)
  • 382 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed, Harbor View (1 Bedroom)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 1 King

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 377 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold, Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, City View

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

Fairmont Gold Harbour View 1 King

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(18 reviews)
  • 323 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold, Executive Suite, 1 King Bed, Harbor View

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Junior Suite City View 1 King

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

Executive Suite, 2 Queen Beds, City View

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

Fairmont Gold City View 1 King

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

Executive Suite City View 1 King

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

Signature Room, 1 King Bed, Harbor View

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe City View 2 Queen

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

Fairmont City View 2 Double

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

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Harbor View

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 549 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe City View 1 Queen

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

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Harbor View

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Fairmont City View 1 King

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

About the neighborhood

Victoria

Seaside stay .With a stay at this Downtown Victoria hotel, you'll be steps from Maritime Museum of British Columbia and Victoria Bug Zoo. British Columbia Parliament Building and Victoria Harbour are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Royal BC Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • British Columbia Parliament Building - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Victoria Harbour - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Victoria Clipper Ferry Terminal - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Chinatown - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • Victoria Intl. Airport (YYJ) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Q Restaurant at the Empress - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Milestones - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Sticky Wicket Bar & Restaurant - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min walk
  • Tea at the Empress

About this property

Fairmont Empress

Family-friendly Edwardian hotel connected to the convention center with 2 restaurants
Fairmont Empress offers its guests a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a health club. There are 2 restaurants on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces.

Business amenities include a 24-hour business center, meeting rooms, and limo/town car service. Event space at this hotel measures 22600 square feet (2100 square meters) and includes a conference center. A children's pool, a hot tub, and a sauna are also featured at the family-friendly Fairmont Empress. Parking is available for a fee.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Edwardian Victoria hotel.

  • 431 guestrooms or units
  • 8 levels
  • 2 dining venues
  • Meeting rooms
  • 22600 sq ft of conference space
  • 2100 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 1908
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Conference center
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Car service
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Beauty salon
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • ATM
  • Onsite shopping
  • Bellhop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
Fairmont Empress offers 431 air-conditioned accommodations with minibars and safes. Beds feature premium bedding. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels and pay movies. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries.

In-room wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps) is available for a surcharge. Business-friendly amenities include desks, desk chairs, and phones. Additionally, rooms include complimentary newspapers and coffee/tea makers. Hypo-allergenic bedding, change of towels, and change of bedsheets can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Key Global, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.
The property is a member of Historic Hotels of the World.

Languages

Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Danish, English, Filipino, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Children's pool
  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities

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 37 per day; includes in/out privileges)
  • Valet parking on site (CAD 51 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

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Children's pool
  • Designer stores
  • Full-service spa
  • Health club
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool
  • Sauna
  • Shopping mall
  • Steam room

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels
  • Pay movies

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets are welcome and stay free
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 3 children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • 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 37.00 per day (in/out privileges)
  • Valet parking fee: CAD 51.00 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 may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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 Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB International, debit cards, and cash. 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.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of ALLSAFE (Accor Hotels).

The photos are representative of rooms offered and may differ from the actual room received.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Up to 3 children 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.
  • 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

How close is Fairmont Empress to the airport?

Fairmont Empress is 0.2 mi (1-min drive) away from the Victoria, BC (YWH-Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Fairmont Empress?

As of Aug 15, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Fairmont Empress on Sep 1, 2025 start from $288.96, excluding 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.

Does Fairmont Empress have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Fairmont Empress.

Does Fairmont Empress offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t offered at Fairmont Empress, but full breakfast is offered for a fee of between CAD 20 and 40 for adults, CAD 10 and 20 for children. It's available every day from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Fairmont Empress?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Elements Casino (13-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Fairmont Empress?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in.

Is there free parking at Fairmont Empress?

Free parking is not available at this hotel. Self parking is available for CAD 37.00 per day, and valet parking for CAD 51.00 per day.

Does Fairmont Empress have a pool?

Fairmont Empress features an indoor pool and a children's pool. Guests can enjoy pool access from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Does Fairmont Empress have a restaurant?

There are 2 onsite restaurants, offering options like American cuisine, ocean views, and al fresco dining.

Does Fairmont Empress have a spa?

This hotel has a spa, which features Swedish massages, body treatments, and body scrubs.

How close is Fairmont Empress to downtown Victoria?

Fairmont Empress is 0.5 mi away from Victoria.

Fairmont Empress Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 1625 out of 2222 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 331 out of 2222 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 152 out of 2222 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 62 out of 2222 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 52 out of 2222 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

STEVE, San Carlos

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven, Piedmont

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was wonderful! A little improvement would be to have the complimentary bottle water to be present on the day of arrival already in the room. I had to buy bottle water.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Harold, Calgary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great service
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Vincent

Liked: Staff & service
The room was fine , the bathroom was tiny, the shower was tiny, the TV was older, the carpet in my room could be changed, the food although expensive was mostly very disappointing, ordered a crab Mac and cheese it was dry on the top and soupy underneath, all the shell fish I ordered tasted two days old, I was served an oxidized glass of wine, overall the food and beverage manager needs to be fired. Also the gym was hot and pathetic, overall for the money there must be better places to stay in Victoria
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Hailey

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Inder

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gregory, Innisfil

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stunning property with excellent customer service!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice place. Gotta do this at least once. :)
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bryan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Nice location to walk to restaurants and shopping.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shweta

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful hotel
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

First class in every way.To top off the already excellent service and attitude we received from everyone we dealt with, we found a complimentary bottle of wine in our room with a kindly worded note.This was sent by one of the hotel hostesses after she learned of the purpose of our trip- a Celebration of of Life for a family member- and a difficult experience we had at the car rental agency on our arrival in Victoria. A much appreciated touch of class. The location on the harbour with many fine restaurants nearby is of course another plus. Will stay there again without hesitation.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nikhil, Issaquah

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent in every aspect. Get the Gold level rooms, they are totally worth it! Meticulous service, great food, lively musical evenings at the bars & restaurants, great views of the harbor and the activity beneath as cruise ship tourists come and visit the charming gardens and harborside venues. It was a perfect anniversary getaway!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Amazing
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
4:00 pm check-in not confirmed until 4:15 pm Shower overly narrow and difficult to access water controlll due to glass doors.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jingcheng

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room is small and the facility is pretty old, no fans in the bathroom unless you take a shower and let the sense get moisture to start the fans.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donald

Liked: Cleanliness
It was the little touches by the floor staff that made it a great experience
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
na
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Needs a serious update for simple things

It has history but it needs a major update....especially for the price. You can get a newer hotel with good ameneties at a better price and a more enjoyable stay, too. Hopefully they will do some simple but impactful renos here soon.... i guess you stay here once to say you did, but i would pick somewhere else next time. TV is terrible, no streaming and limited cable, dated furniture, etc. Time for an update on small things that make a HUGE difference to guests but won't impact the history and charm.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Tess, North Vancouver

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The cleanliness of the room we stayed in was under par for a Michelin rated hotel. I complained to the housekeeping staff and they cleaned the bathrooms lights covered in hair, dust and a sticky residue. It was kinda gross. But they made up for it by compensating us with a free breakfast. The decor of rooms and hotel were underwhelming but it’s the service and staff that make up for it. We still had a very pleasurable stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025