Book the Fairmont Empress with VIP Benefits

One of British Columbia's landmark hotels, the Fairmont Empress, has a reputation extending far beyond the Inner Harbor shores. Expertly combining the building's historical charm with modern necessities and comforts, this luxury hotel in Victoria has earned its nickname "The Castle on the Coast."

Location

The Fairmont Empress - part of the award-winning Fairmont Hotels Group - is ideally located just across the street from the province's parliament buildings. This makes it a walking distance from historical sites throughout Victoria. Moreover, the bikes available through the hotel make it easy to traverse downtown in no time. The hotel is just a short bus or car ride away from Butchart Gardens. This is one of the world's most beautiful rose gardens and a must-see item when visiting Victoria, BC.

Rooms and Suites

The Fairmont Empress Victoria is home to 464 rooms and suites. There are six guest room options that all sleep 2-4 people, with options for a king bed, queen bed, or two doubles. Additionally, these rooms offer a sitting area with a table and armchairs, plus a view of the harbor, hotel garden, or city.

Suites are much larger and have a defined living space and dining area. For example, the Executive Suite offers a view of the city and comes with a king bed, a sofa bed, or two queen beds. The Junior Suite will give you a view of the city or the courtyard and comes with a king-sized bed.

Opt for the Junior Harbor View Suite if you want the same gorgeous room with a view of the Inner Harbor. For those looking for a little more space and a completely separate sleeping area, there is the One Bedroom Suite or the One Bedroom Harbor View Suite. The Signature One Bedroom and Two Bedroom Harbour View Suites include a shower, bathtub, and large marble bathrooms. There is also hardwood flooring throughout and panoramic harbor views.

Governor-General and Royal Suite

The Governor-General Suite is a spacious accommodation with a dining room for eight plus a large living area. Fairmont Gold privileges come with a stay in this suite and the Royal Suite. The Royal Suite is the ultimate luxury: the large bedroom includes a walk-in closet and spa bathroom. Elegantly decorated, this suite provides plenty of comfortable sitting options from which you can enjoy coffee with a view of the city and harbor.

Fairmont Gold Rooms

For the best views and the sleekest rooms, check out one of the Fairmont Gold Rooms. As with the Governor Suite and Royal Suite, these rooms come with privileges exclusive to Fairmont Gold guests and are elevated in style and views. Fairmont Gold's benefits include access to the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge with breathtaking views of Victoria and the harbor. There is also daily complimentary breakfast, daily complimentary canapes in the evening, plus a private check-in experience and private concierge.

Willow Stream Spa

You expect a luxury spa at a luxury hotel such as the Fairmont Empress, precisely what you get. Treatments are available exclusively for hotel guests and include many massages. These include a hot stone massage with perfectly paired essential oils – and facials. Body scrubs, body wraps, manicures, and pedicures are also part of the all-star lineup.

Make the most of your spa experience and prep your mind and body for your treatment with a trip to the Finnish sauna, steam room, or mineral pool. With all that the spa has to offer, it's no surprise Conde Nast Traveler voted Willow Stream Spa as one of the best spas in Canada.

Health Club

The Health Club at The Fairmont Express includes pools, hot tubs, and workout equipment. In addition, there's a large indoor swimming pool, heated year-round, plus a whirlpool. There's also a wading pool for families with young children.

Additionally, the Fitness Center has all the cardio equipment you could ask for. These include elliptical machines, treadmills, stair climbers, rowing machines, and more. There are also weight machines and free weights to help you stay in shape on vacation. To top off your swim or workout with a relaxing session in one of the two saunas.

Dining

Q at the Empress combines modern chic with timeless elegance. The menu continues this combination with its selection of sustainable seafood and local ingredients. Open primarily for breakfast - you'll find everything from avocado toast topped with free-range eggs to crab and eggs benedict. Or, enjoy a meal steps away from the harbor at Veranda, the open-air restaurant at Fairmont Empress.

Open for dinner on weekdays, and brunch through dinner on weekends, highlights of the menu at Veranda include the Angus Cheeseburger. You can also order Tajin-Spiced Grilled Prawn Tacos, Manhattan Clam and Shrimp Chowder, and the Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Tart.

Furthermore, they can enjoy a picnic-style lunch on the lawn for those who prefer to take a lunch. Or, you can order the hotel's famous afternoon tea to go and enjoy along the harbor, in Butchart Garden, or anywhere else wherever you wish.

Afternoon Tea

A trip to Victoria is not complete without experiencing afternoon tea. Moreover, the Fairmont Empress offers afternoon tea you won't want to miss. Set a spot at the large, airy Lobby Lounge and enjoy a menu of freshly baked scones. There are also finger sandwiches with a wide selection of teas – all in the royal china that was gifted to the hotel by the Queen of England in 1939. Afternoon Tea at the Empress is served Saturdays and Sundays and is an experience you don't want to miss.

Other Amenities

This luxury hotel offers a wide variety of other amenities. WiFi is available in every room, as is a Keurig coffee maker. Laundry services are also available on-site, and room service is available. Moreover, the concierge is available to help you craft the ideal vacation and make the most of your time in Victoria. Bell and porter service come standard, and babysitting and pet services are there for convenience.

Takeaway

One of only a handful of 4-diamond luxury hotels in Canada, this iconic hotel is a must-stay landmark when visiting Victoria, British Columbia. Enjoyed by celebrities and royalties alike, you'll feel glamorous when you step into the sophisticated lobby lounge. In addition, you'll no doubt experience the true historical beauty of The Fairmont Empress.