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
Property preview
Lobby
Ocean views, serves lunch and dinner
Lobby

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

Explore the area

View in a map
721 Government St, Victoria, BC, V8W1W5
  • Place, Government Street
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, British Columbia Parliament Building
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Victoria Harbour
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Airport, Victoria, BC (YYJ-Victoria Intl.)
    ‪29 min drive‬

Room options

Fairmont City View 2 Double

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

Deluxe City View 2 Queen

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

Fairmont Gold Harbour View 1 King

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

Fairmont City View 1 Queen

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

Deluxe City View 1 King

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

Fairmont Gold City View 1 King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(17 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 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

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

Fairmont City View 1 King

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(141 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 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

Executive Suite City View 1 King

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

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 1 King

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

Fairmont Gold Deluxe City View 2 Queen

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

Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 522 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

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

Fairmont Harbour View 1 Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(22 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Harbour View 1 King

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

Fairmont Gold City View 1 Queen

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

One Bedroom Harbour View Suite 1 King

  • 548 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Fairmont Gold Harbour View Executive Suite 1 King

  • 419 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Executive Suite City View 2 Queen

  • 409 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • City view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 2 Queen Beds

Signature Harbour View 1 King

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 344 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Harbour View 1 Queen

  • 344 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Harbour View 2 Queen

  • 376 sq ft
  • Harbor view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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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

  • Government Street - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • 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

Getting around

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

Restaurants

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

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. Pillowtop beds feature down comforters and 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.

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
  • Down comforter
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • 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 Nov 23, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Fairmont Empress on Nov 28, 2025 start from $192.29, 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 body wraps, sports massages, and mani/pedis.

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. 1811 out of 2433 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 347 out of 2433 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 163 out of 2433 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 59 out of 2433 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 53 out of 2433 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

SCOTT, HASTINGS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I was not aware breakfast was included. The staff was very helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

DARREN, TEXARKANA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Most beautiful hotel I have had the pleasure of visiting!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Was very surprised that our bathroom door was broken. Someone was sent immediately to fix it after we checked in. Was unable to. Got to know more about my husband of 30 years that weekend than I expected to. When checking out was more surprised when we mentioned it that they didn’t seem too concerned about it.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Harpreet

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with group, Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Azar, Edmonton

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Carpet in the hallway outside the room was stained/weary from traffic
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

The grandest hotel in the Capital!

Beautifully restored and updated historic hotel in a primo location. Bus from Vancouver ferry arrives alongside. A little stuffy yet lite and beachy chill as well. You gotta do the afternoon tea. Be ready to feel the vibe.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline, Mississauga

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura, Langley

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

10/10 Excellent

Stewart

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was disappointed when we checked in we called after arriving at 11:00 am and enquired about an early check in we were told they will try but pls check back later. We arrived at the hotel for check in shortly after 3 pm they said the room isn’t ready and they took our cell number and said they will let us know when it’s ready. Shortly after 4 Pm I checked back at the desk and they said they basically forgot about us and gave us another room.They gave us a voucher for a free drink, not the service you would expect at this level of hotel. We dined in the Q for breakfast the first morning great food and service, the second morning they mistakenly added us to a group and we found the service at the table was subpar. We had to ask for coffee refill, there was no condiments or Jams brought to the table until it was requested. At the end of the meal they put our bill onto the group and it took an extended amount of time to get that sorted out. The next day I ordered the ham and brie omelet but it was dry and the ham was diced can ham. We did enjoy our reservation for the tearoom.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful stay

We were upgraded to a room with an ocean view. It was so lovely.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Geat convenient place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kyle

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best hotel ever.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

George

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a magnificent older hotel property. The best parts are those that have been left in their original condition. The remodeled lobby, etc are nice but nowhere near as elegant as the original. By modern standards the room was small, and the bathroom just adequate. But that’s what all hotels used to be like. The Q restaurant was splendid and the food was excellent. The menu could have been more extensive. The Gold option amenities were well worth the price and very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cecylia

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Fairmont Empress is a five star hotel. The staff are amazing, the area is amazing, the hotel itself is impressive. Do yourself a favour and spend a couple nights. Be sure to attend High Tea.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Doreen, Bainbridge Island

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
one of the nicest properties in all of Victoria, even if you don’t stay here come and see the property and gardens, they are spectacular!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was extremely far away from the lobby, but the property made up for it.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic historic property that's perfectly located. Don't miss the afternoon tea!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marios, Surrey

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A very nice property.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynn

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property, great location and service impeccable
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

chris

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of the grandest hotels you’ll stay in with manicured landscaping and flower beds. Impeccably service. Spectacular wood trimmed lounge.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was amazing!! Staff was exceptional!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jeffrey

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025