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The Fairmont Empress

4.0 of 5
721 Government Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1W5, Canada
Hotel amenities
The Fairmont Empress
Professional photos 
341 traveller photos
Ranked #11 of 69 hotels in Victoria
4.5 of 5 stars 691 Reviews
Travellers' Choice award winner Travellers' Choice™ 2012 Winner Luxury
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691 reviews from our community

What travellers say about this hotel
  • “Bengal lounge” (15)
  • “Afternoon tea” (13)
  • “Great location” (11)
  • “Very comfortable” (10)
  • “Gold Floor” (9)
  • “Very nice” (8)
  • “Old world” (6)
  • “Next time” (6)
  • “Air conditioning” (5)
  • “Hot tub” (5)
Traveller rating
    333
    191
    98
    44
    25
Only show reviews for Family (133) | Couples (273) | Business (95)
Date Rating
Natonstan
Sheffield, England
Reviewer
5 reviews
“Grandest Hotel in Victoria”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 February 2012 NEW

The Fairmont Empress is perhaps the most famous building in Victoria. Located near the seafront the exterior resembles a large victorian palace. The hotel features full Valet services for vehicles. Upon entering the reception area you will notice the victorian style furniture is found throughout, from paintings to chairs. The elevators and stairways are located nearby and the restaurants are... More

1 Photo
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Aussie066
Australia
Contributor
17 reviews
1 helpful vote
“New Years eve--or anytime-a must do "bucket list" material”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 February 2012 NEW

We had a few nights at this great hotel to celebrate New Year Eve. Just a great, memorable stay. Room was not huge, but wonderfull fit out, comfortable bed. Great to have extra chairs and desk. Plenty of storage room for cases, and hanging space fo clothes Calming view to the harbour. And even better at night with all the... More

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Geordie_calgarian
Calgary, Canada
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews
4 helpful votes
“lovely stay on gold floor”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 February 2012 NEW

stayed in a two bedroom suite with my sister and Mother over the Remembrance Day weekend. The suite was very oddly planned out and I wouldn`t choose to stay there again. Huge entry way, two large gorgeous rooms with beautiful views of the harbour, two big bathrooms and one tiny cramped sitting room with a couch facing a fireplace and... More

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Jon A
Vancouver, Canada
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews
“Have to visit here at least once”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 February 2012 NEW

Phenomenal location for this wonderful historical hotel. More

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kpatters
Edmonton, Canada
Top Contributor
86 reviews
42 helpful votes
“Wonderful Place for a Special Occasion”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We arrived at the airport at 5:30 pm, took a taxi for $60 and arrived at the hotel in 25 minutes. We checked in online in the morning and the doorman welcomed us and provided us with our room key and the directions to our room. We recommend splurging for the Fairmont Gold Harborview King room. Be sure to sign... More

2 Photos
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stuabroad
Edmonton, Canada
Reviewer
3 reviews
6 helpful votes
“Room Service at The Victoria Empress”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 February 2012

I stay fairly often at Fairmont on business and also pleasure. As an Alberta resident, JPL is our favorite weekend getaway. We also stayed at Mayakoba Mexico, for a few days on our Honeymoon, first week in January 2012. As always, the service and attention to detail is incomparable. That is, until we talk about Room Service. My flight was... More

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Colleen Bezeau, Executive Office at The Fairmont Empress, responded to this review
8 February 2012

Dear Valued Guest from Edmonton, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience on Tripadvisor. I sincerely apologize for the experience you had with in room dining upon your arrival at the hotel. After such late travel I can imagine you certainly just wanted a satisfying meal. What you describe is certainly not in keeping with the level... More

laurie c
werribee
1 review
“christmas in victoria”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 February 2012

Stayed in the Empress for 3 nights in dec11, this stay was most enjoyable, the room and service was excellent, our room overlooked the harbour,festival of christmas trees was unreal,the high tea surpassed our expectations, I can say enough about "Richard the Doorman", His friendliness,attention to detail and the professionalism in carrying out his duties were above reproach. If in... More

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Colleen Bezeau, Executive Office at The Fairmont Empress, responded to this review
8 February 2012

Dear Valued Guest from Werribee, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a great review on Tripadvisor. I am delighted to hear that Richard made such an impression on you – he is certainly a great member of our team here at The Empress. We look forward to welcoming you back again when your travels bring... More

NJGIRL
Northern New Jersey
Senior Contributor
29 reviews
64 helpful votes
“As good as it gets!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 February 2012

This hotel, like most of the former Canadian Pacific hotels, is a taste of old elegance with all the modern conveniences. Right on the water with gorgeous views, updated rooms, elegant dining and terrific meeting facilities, this is the be-all, end-all, particularly at the "low" time of year when it is also affordable. More

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chalkolate
Manila, Philippines
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
“Everything was great... EXCEPT...”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 31 January 2012

I wish the room had a fridge/minibar. Also, everything was great. Except that you should never ever forget to hang the DO NOT DISTURB sign on your doorknob. Housekeeping walked in on us TWICE. First time she thought we were out, she opened the door to leave the day's paper inside. Second time, she thought we had checked out. More

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Colleen Bezeau, Executive Office at The Fairmont Empress, responded to this review
8 February 2012

Dear Valued Guest from Manila, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent stay with us. I am so sorry for your experience with housekeeping – what you describe is certainly not in keeping with our practices as we certainly value our guests’ privacy. I have shared your comments with our House Keeping... More

Sheridan C
Abbotsford, Canada
Reviewer
4 reviews
13 helpful votes
“A Classic”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 January 2012

Stayed at The Empress for one night on Saturday January 28, 2012 with my 4 girlfriends. We had all always wanted to stay there and have high tea so we did! The hotel is a classic beauty. High ceilings, lots of wood finishes, old Victorian furniture, wide hallways with lots of historic paintings throughout. All of the common areas are... More

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The Fairmont Empress Also Known As

  • Fairmont Hotel Victoria
  • Fairmont Hotel Empress
  • Empress Hotel Victoria
  • Fairmont Victoria
  • Victoria Fairmont
  • Fairmont Empress Hotel
Address: 721 Government Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1W5, Canada

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The Fairmont Empress
721 Government Street
Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1W5
Canada
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