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From139US$ /night
Check-in
28Feb2026Select date
Check-out
01Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

721 Government Street, Victoria, Canada, V8W 1W5
-
Steps from the Inner Harbour
Great
8.9
9.1
/10
4.1
4.4
/5

Accommodations

Fairmont Empress offers 431 guest rooms and suites, each designed with upscale amenities and captivating views of the Inner Harbour, city, or courtyard. The hotel introduced a renovated Fairmont Gold experience with private lounge access, evening canapés, and complimentary breakfast. Spacious accommodations can cater to families, couples, or business travelers needing longer stays.

Location

Fairmont Empress is located steps from downtown Victoria and overlooks the stunning Inner Harbour, close to the British Columbia Parliament Buildings. Guests can arrive easily via the Helijet service or ferry from Seattle, with the harbour terminal just minutes away. The hotel's central location provides access to Vancouver Island's parks and beaches, offering diverse exploration options.

Dining

The hotel features Q at the Empress, which serves seasonally inspired Pacific Northwest cuisine using local ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Guests can indulge in the renowned Afternoon Tea at The Empress, a tradition dating back over a century. The Veranda offers outdoor dining with stunning harbour views, complemented by an array of menu options.

Wellness

Fairmont Spa offers a comprehensive menu of treatments that prioritize holistic wellbeing and rejuvenation, including massages, body treatments, and facials. Guests can also enjoy the indoor heated swimming pool, whirlpool, and sauna facilities for relaxation. The wellness offerings extend to a fully equipped health club, ensuring a revitalizing experience.

Family-Friendly Amenities

Fairmont Empress includes packages such as 'Kids Rule the Castle,' which feature activities like scavenger hunts, along with spacious accommodations for families. Special amenities such as cribs, high chairs, and children's robes are available upon request. This commitment to families ensures that younger travelers have a memorable experience.

Highlights

Location: Overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbour

Rooms: 431 guest rooms and suites with stunning views

Dining: Q at the Empress with Pacific Northwest cuisine

Wellness: Fairmont Spa and indoor heated swimming pool

Family-Friendly: 'Kids Rule the Castle' activities

Must-do experiences

  • Indulge in afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress for the tradition.
  • Stroll through Butchart Gardens for stunning seasonal blooms.
  • Visit Craigdarroch Castle to explore Victorian-era architecture.
  • Try Victoria's fish and chips at Red Fish Blue Fish by the harbor.
  • Discover local crafts at the Victoria Public Market in the heart of the city.
View all

Select your room type

Fairmont Empress Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
One Bedroom King Suite Harbour View
2 persons
550 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Coffee machine
Junior Suite City View 1 King
2 persons
410 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Coffee machine
Heating
Executive Suite City View 1 King
2 persons
410 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Coffee machine
Heating
One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King
2 persons
455 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Coffee machine
Heating
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Fairmont Empress Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
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
  • Direct dial telephone
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

Experience a culinary landscape at Victoria's Fairmont Empress Hotel, where Q at The Empress offers an innovative American menu inspired by the local bounty of the Pacific Northwest. The elegant Lobby Lounge serves delightful bites in a charming atmosphere, perfect for connecting with the island's unique flavors.
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo The photo captures a luxurious and elegant interior, likely a hotel lobby or a high-end cafe. The space is characterized by tall, white Corinthian columns that create a sense of grandeur and spaciousness. These columns are interspersed throughout the
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo The photo shows a spacious and elegant restaurant with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The interior boasts high ceilings with exposed dark wooden beams, creating a sense of grandeur. Large, modern pendant lights with white fabric shades hang from the ce
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo The Crystal Ballroom

Q at The Empress

American, inspired by the Pacific Northwest
Ambiance
An award-winning signature restaurant that defines the destination, showcasing both turn-of-the-century elegance and modern refinement.
Key Offerings
Savor creative dishes crafted by Executive Chef Morgan Wilson, featuring local vegetables and seafood. Indulge in exceptional cocktails accompanied by decadent treats such as gold-dusted macarons.
Reservation
Recommended
Hours vary.

Lobby Lounge

Casual dining with local influences
Ambiance
An airy lounge that channels the charm of turn-of-the-century elegance, complete with live classical piano music enhancing the refined atmosphere.
Key Offerings
Enjoy light bites such as avocado toast and egg white frittata featuring local mushrooms and vegetables. The setting provides stunning views and thoughtfully crafted cocktails.
Reservation
Not needed
Hours vary.

Fairmont Empress Hotel Location

721 Government Street, Victoria, Canada, V8W 1W5
Map view
721 Government Street, Victoria, Canada, V8W 1W5
Nearby
Museum
Royal BC Museum
1300 ft
Public Building
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
1100 ft
Victoria
Inner Harbour
500 ft
Museum
Miniature World
1000 ft
Zoo
Victoria Bug Zoo
1200 ft
Victoria
Government Street
1100 ft
Square
Bastion Square
1700 ft
Shopping Area
The Bay Centre
1800 ft
St-Ann's Academy Office 835 Humboldt St 2nd Floor
St. Ann's Academy National Historic Site
1900 ft
Gallery
Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature
1200 ft
Government Street and Belleville Street
Emily Carr Statue
500 ft
1002 Wharf St
Old Victoria Custom House
1200 ft
Restaurants
Q at The Empress
100 ft
721 Government St The Fairmont Empress
The Tea Lobby
100 ft
721 Government St
Milestones
600 ft
812 Wharf St
The Old Spaghetti Factory
1100 ft
703 Douglas Street
Bartholomew's English-Style Pub
1300 ft
777 Douglas St Entrance on Humboldt Street
Steamship Grill & Bar
1100 ft
470 Belleville Street
Browns Socialhouse
1200 ft
809 Douglas St
Milano
800 ft
817 Government St
The Courtney Room
1100 ft
619 Courtney Street
Explore Victoria
Explore Victoria
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Royal BC Museum
Royal BC Museum
5 minutes' walk
A renowned cultural institution showcasing British Columbia's natural and human history. Features engaging exhibits and a giant dinosaur!
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
4 minutes' walk
Stunning architectural marvel housing the provincial legislature, offering guided tours highlighting its rich political history.
Beacon Hill Park
Beacon Hill Park
19 minutes' walk
A sprawling park known for its gardens, playgrounds, and walking trails. Ideal for picnics, with a petting zoo and beautiful ocean views.
Craigdarroch Castle
Craigdarroch Castle
30 minutes' walk
A historic mansion featuring exquisite Victorian architecture. Guided tours available to explore its lavish interiors and fascinating history.
Whale Watching
5 minutes' drive
Thrilling tours to see orcas and humpback whales. Options are seasonal, with various tour companies offering bookings nearby.
Yoga Classes
10 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions at local studios. Enjoy the calming atmosphere, suitable for all levels, with classes available throughout the week.
Q at The Empress
Q at The Empress
1 minute' walk
Elegant dining with seasonal, locally-sourced menus. Known for its afternoon tea and signature dishes featuring fresh seafood.
Milestones
Milestones
3 minutes' walk
Casual eatery offering varied international cuisine. Enjoy their vibrant atmosphere and delectable burgers; ideal for family dining.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
The Old Spaghetti Factory
4 minutes' walk
Family-friendly Italian restaurant with a charming decor. Signature dishes include spaghetti with marinara, served at reasonable prices.
Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
19 minutes' walk
An indoor arena hosting concerts, sports events, and family shows. Check their calendar for exciting upcoming events.
Chinatown
Chinatown
13 minutes' walk
Historic district with vibrant shops, restaurants, and galleries. Great for evening strolls, featuring live music on weekends.
Getting around
City Centre
Victoria10 min  ·  2700 ft
Airports
Victoria Inner Harbour Airport (YWH)6 min  ·  1700 ft
Victoria International Airport (YYJ)40 min  ·  16.4 mi
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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 CAD 35 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in 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 score
Based on 1371 verified reviews
9.0/10
Perfect
88%
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
9.0/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.3/10
Location
9.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.0/10
Guest reviews
based on 5060 reviews
4/5
based on 1305 reviews
8.9/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Fairmont Empress Hotel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
How far is Fairmont Empress Hotel from the Royal British Columbia Museum?
The hotel is a 5-minute walk, approximately 400 m, from the Royal British Columbia Museum.
What dining options are available at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
The hotel features on-site dining at Q at the Empress restaurant and a lobby bar with stunning harbor views.
Is there a spa at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
The Willow Stream Spa offers signature West Coast treatments and is recognized as a top resort spa in Canada.
Are there any fitness facilities at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
The hotel includes a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and wellness facilities including a hot tub and sauna.
What are some nearby restaurants to Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Nearby restaurants include 10 Acres Commons, The Soda Shoppe, Milestones, and The Tea Lobby, all within 0.5 km.
What amenities are available in the rooms at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Rooms offer amenities including air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, cable channels, and in-room coffee makers.
Does Fairmont Empress Hotel have a pet policy?
Pets are allowed at the hotel.
How much does parking cost at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Public parking is available on-site for 35 CAD per day.
Is Wi-Fi available at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Wi-Fi is available free of charge in all rooms.
Is there a children's program offered at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
The hotel provides babysitting and child services for families traveling with children.
What are the highlights of Fairmont Empress Hotel?
Key highlights include its historic charm, award-winning afternoon tea, and luxurious accommodations with stunning inner harbor views.
What languages are spoken by the staff at Fairmont Empress Hotel?
The staff is multilingual and speaks several languages, including English.

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