Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Interior photoFairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Business photoFairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Skyline photo

Fairmont Empress Hotel

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From$139 /night
Check-in
03Sept
Check-out
04Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

721 Government Street, Victoria, V8W 1W5
-
Steps from the Inner Harbour
Great
8.9
9.1
/10
4.3
4.5
/5

4-star historic waterfront hotel with award-winning spa and century-old afternoon tea tradition

Rooms & Suites

The hotel offers elegantly decorated rooms with a plush seating area and windows that open out to fresh air. Each room is equipped with cable TV and an in-room coffee maker. The Gold floor provides an exclusive experience with a private lounge and separate check-in area.

Dining

The Empress holds a traditional afternoon tea in a special lobby with views of the harbour, served on Royal China. The Q at the Empress restaurant serves dishes using local ingredients. Guests can also order room service or visit the on-site bar.

Wellness & Recreation

Willow Stream Spa has been recognized as Top Resort Spa in Canada and is among the Spas of America Top 100 Spas of the Americas. The spa includes a sauna, hot tub, steam room, fitness centre, and offers treatments unique to the West Coast. Two indoor heated swimming pools and a kids' pool are available year-round.

Location & Nearby Attractions

Overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbour, the hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Royal BC Museum and less than 1 km from the Maritime Museum of BC. The Royal London Wax Museum is a 4-minute walk away. Beacon Hill Park is also within walking distance.

Pet-Friendly & Family Accommodations

The hotel provides pet baskets and pet bowls at no extra charge, making it dog-friendly. Family rooms and babysitting or child services are available. Kids receive a tent, toys, and cookies at turndown through the 'Kids Rule the Castle' package.

Highlights

Historic charm: 1908 building with stained glass ceiling lobby

Spa: Willow Stream Spa - Top Resort Spa in Canada

Dining: Traditional afternoon tea on Royal China

Location: Overlooking Inner Harbour, 5 min from Royal BC Museum

Wellness: 2 indoor heated pools, sauna, steam room, hot tub

Pet policy: Free pet baskets and bowls

“The hotel's historic grandeur and prime Inner Harbour location certainly make a statement. While some experiences may vary, a stay in the Fairmont Gold rooms seems to be worth the splurge for attentive service and stunning views. It's a property that clearly aims for a high standard, though consistent execution appears key.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
  • Junior Suite City View 1 King
    2 persons
    38 m²
    1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Executive Suite City View 1 King
    2 persons
    38 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King
    2 persons
    42 m²
    1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
Show all rooms

Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable
Facilities: Perfect
9.0/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • 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

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At the Fairmont Empress Hotel, guests will discover Q at The Empress, an award-winning restaurant that showcases the best of Pacific Northwest flavors, along with the elegant Lobby Lounge, where fine dining meets the charm of turn-of-the-century décor. Each venue offers distinctive culinary perspectives rooted in local ingredients for a truly indulgent experience.
  • Q at The Empress

    American with a Pacific Northwest influence
    Ambiance
    An elegant destination that embodies both historical charm and modern sophistication, perfect for savoring creative dishes.
    Key Offerings
    Signature dishes crafted by Executive Chef Morgan Wilson include avo toast and egg white frittata featuring local mushrooms and veggies, complemented by exquisite cocktails served with luxurious accompaniments like gold-dusted macarons.
    Reservation
    Recommended.
    Hours vary.
  • Lobby Lounge

    Light bites and afternoon tea
    Ambiance
    A refined, airy space resonating with turn-of-the-century elegance, enhanced by the mellow sounds of live classical piano.
    Key Offerings
    Perfect for enjoying a leisurely afternoon tea or delectable light fare amidst stunning views and sophisticated surroundings.
    Reservation
    Recommended for afternoon tea.
    Hours vary.

Location

721 Government Street, Victoria, V8W 1W5
Explore Victoria
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Royal BC Museum
Royal BC Museum
5 minutes' walk
Indigenous culture and natural history come alive at this renowned museum, featuring expansive exhibits and IMAX films.
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
4 minutes' walk
Stunning architecture and rich history await at this iconic site, offering free guided tours.
Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park
19 minutes' walk
A beautiful park with gardens, trails, and a petting zoo, perfect for family outings amid nature.
Fisherman's Wharf Park
Fisherman's Wharf Park
17 minutes' walk
Colorful floating homes and charming food vendors create a vibrant waterfront experience.
Victoria Whale Watching
5 minutes' drive
Thrill-seekers can engage in whale watching tours, available seasonally with rental options nearby.
Yoga by the Sea
19 minutes' walk
Relaxation through outdoor yoga classes offered at nearby parks, perfect for solo travelers or couples.
Cycling at the Galloping Goose Trail
10 minutes' drive
Biking enthusiasts can enjoy scenic views along this extensive trail, with rental services available.
Q at The Empress
1 minute' walk
Elegant dining featuring local ingredients; try the renowned afternoon tea experience.
Milestones
3 minutes' walk
A casual atmosphere serves up a wide range of international dishes; vegetarian options available.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
4 minutes' walk
Family-friendly eatery known for hearty pasta dishes; reservations recommended on weekends.
Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
4 minutes' drive
Home to live sports and concerts, this venue hosts events for fans and families alike.
Chinatown
Chinatown
13 minutes' walk
Historic alleyways filled with shops, galleries, and vibrant street life; perfect for an evening stroll.
Local transport and travel tips
  • City Centre
    Victoria 10 min  ·  800 m
  • Airports
    Victoria Inner Harbour (YWH) 6 min  ·  500 m
    Victoria (YYJ) 40 min  ·  26.4 km
Want access to early-bird pet-friendly hotel deals?
Access exclusive discounts 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 true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel 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:
394

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Fairmont Empress Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Fairmont Empress enjoys a prime location in the heart of Victoria, offering easy access to the harbor, shops, and restaurants; milestones for dinner is just across the street. Many guests appreciate the spacious, clean rooms with comfortable beds, and some have enjoyed rooms with views overlooking the water. The hotel's grounds are impeccably maintained, featuring beautiful flowers. Some guests have found the air conditioning to be inadequate in certain areas.
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Review score
Based on 2605 verified reviews
9.1 /10
Perfect
88 %
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Location
9.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.5/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Gold Level service
Comfortable bed
Free breakfast buffet
Helpful staff
High Tea experience
Cons
Cramped suite layout
Crib availability issues
Unclean windows
Guest reviews
based on 2605 reviews
9.1/10
based on 5060 reviews
4/5
based on 1211 reviews
8.9/10
Suzanne from Canada
Couple
Fairmont City View 1 Queen
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 03, 2026
9.5/10

wonderful experience at this hotel!

easy access beautiful flowers
i found the location to be excellent. it offered easy access to many restaurants and shops nearby! the hotel grounds were gorgeous with beautiful flowers throughout. i enjoyed the convenience of walking to milestones for dinner across the street.
The air conditioning felt inadequate in most areas. Only our room was comfortably cool. the rooms looked dated! it would be good to see some modernization to enhance guest comfort throughout the hotel.
Dining
10/10
Breakfast was a highlight of my stay. our waiter was kind. The pnw eggs benedict recommendation was spot on. every meal was tasty accompanied with excellent service.
Service
9/10
The service was really good. the front desk staff was cute and helpful. The team prepared our room each night going above and beyond. every detail of my stay was handled with care.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
FAQs
About Fairmont Empress Hotel
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Are pets allowed at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
The hotel welcomes pets.
What time does the traditional afternoon tea start at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
The traditional afternoon tea has been served for over 100 years in the hotel's lobby lounge.
What amenities does the room at Fairmont Empress Hotel include?
Rooms feature cable TV, a plush seating area, and an in-room coffee maker.
What recreational facilities are available at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
The hotel includes an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, and the award-winning Willow Stream Spa.
What dining options are available at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
On-site dining includes Q at the Empress, which serves creative dishes inspired by local ingredients.
How far is Fairmont Empress Hotel from the Royal British Columbia Museum?
The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Royal British Columbia Museum.
What services does Fairmont Empress Hotel offer for business guests?
The hotel provides a business centre and offers bicycle rental for active guests.
What attractions are nearby Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Inner Harbour (400 m), Beacon Hill Park (1 km), and Miniature World (320 m).
What are the health and wellness options at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Wellness options include signature West Coast treatments at the Willow Stream Spa, hot tub, sauna, and a steam room.
Does Fairmont Empress Hotel offer a concierge service?
The hotel features a friendly concierge service, including a Clef d'Or concierge.

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