The whole property is tired and run down, with old fittings and not well maintained - especially my bed. It was very musty and not fresh at all, and not very clean. The biggest problem was the overpowering smell of poor drainage. It almost made me sick many times.
Then the wifi closed down completely, with no explanation or apology.
The only saving grace was a nice breakfast. We left as soon as we could!

Always difficult to judge a boutique hotel, as price and star rating don't completely match with standard hotels. Pro: stunning location above the lake, nice viewas. Spacious rooms and good bathrooms, though both are a bit dark - windows towards the stairway and not the open air. Good heating in rooms (really needed). Not so good: limited breakfast, much walking on the stairs, sometimes noise from the cafe part on the (lovely) atrium coming into the rooms.

We arrived at the Empress hotel to find our room was dirty (hairs on the floor everywhere), the bathroom none to clean (detergent stains on the floor and rusted taps), no air-conditioning (contrary to what was advertised) and to top it off a totally rotten minibar fridge which almost made me vomit with the stench upon opening it.
The manager offered to upgrade us tot "the" suite, but we refused and had our travel agency get us a room in another hotel.
This place is supposedly rated at 3 stars, I'm not sure who rated it as such, but I can assure you he or she has never crossed the threshold!

Excellent location but hotel staff speak very little english, Room was tired, dated and bedlinen was disgusting. Pillows were dirty and smelt of stale hair. Replacement pillows were requested but this was ignored. Very expensive drinks and laundry facilities which are all quoted in american dollars. Buffet breakfast when available is ok but alternative 'a la carte' breakfast turned out to be toast, jam and pineapple juice. A disappointing two night stay.