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Fairmont Empress Hotel

eeeef - (888) 420-1657
Fairmont Empress Hotel, 721 Government Street, Victoria, BC -(888) 420-1657
Area: Downtown Victoria
(Map)
4.4
HOTEL RATING: 
EXCELLENT
4.4 out of 5 (1303 Ratings)
1.1 miles Save On Foods Memorial Centre
v7 mins driving
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The Spotlight on Fairmont Empress Hotel

Historic elegance with a view of Victoria’s vibrant Inner Harbour

Modern concert energy meets timeless luxury at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, a grand, historic property perched right on Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Just steps from major museums and music venues, this iconic hotel blends Victorian charm with upscale amenities, including a full-service spa, on-site dining, and a tranquil indoor pool.
Whether you're catching a show or just soaking up the city vibe, the Empress delivers a comfortable and refined home base after a night out.

Why Concert-goers love it

Location is key, and the Fairmont Empress delivers—set just a short walk from several top performance spaces, it’s ideal for concert-goers who want to stay close to the action. Despite the central location, rooms are quiet and restful, with blackout curtains and plush beds for post-show recovery. With a 4:00 PM check-in and 11:00 AM check-out, there’s enough flexibility to settle in before a show and sleep off the encore.

Who this Hotel is great for

  • Groups of friends looking to pair music with luxury
  • Solo travelers catching a bucket-list show in a beautiful city
  • Couples turning a concert into a romantic weekend getaway
  • Fans who want a serene, stylish space to recharge
  • Budget-conscious music lovers willing to splurge a little for a once-in-a-lifetime stay

Food and Drink Options

The Empress is known for its traditional afternoon tea in a spectacular harbor-view lounge—perfect for a classy pre-show treat. There's on-site dining with local flavors, and plenty of walkable bistros, pubs, and late-night eats nearby. While there’s no 24/7 room service, the in-room coffee makers and quick bites in the lobby cafe help fuel your morning after a late night.

Nightlife Options

While the hotel itself maintains a more serene, elegant vibe, you’re within walking distance of lively pubs, waterfront lounges, and local bars with live music. Whether you want to grab a craft cocktail or catch another set after the headliner, nightlife is easily accessible.

What People Say

Guests rave about the stunning architecture and luxurious atmosphere. Many mention the unbeatable location, especially for those walking to concerts, museums, or enjoying the harbor. The spa and indoor pool are often highlighted as perfect post-event perks, and the service is frequently described as warm and attentive.

Areas for Improvement

Some guests mention that rooms can feel a bit old-fashioned—though that’s part of the historic charm. Also, while the hotel isn’t budget-friendly, many feel the experience is worth the splurge. Parking can be a bit pricey, so consider walking or using taxis to get around.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking to pair your concert night with a touch of elegance and relaxation, the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel is a beautiful, walkable, and well-appointed place to stay.
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1 room
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2 guests
Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
u
Swimming Pool
E
Fitness Center
A
Business Center
B
Airport Shuttle
w
Non Smoking
r
Pets Allowed
q
Accessible
x
Free Breakfast
j
Free Parking
Other Amenities
` Garden
` Meeting/Banquet Facilities
` Room Service
` Safety Deposit Box
` Air Conditioning
` Babysitting/Child Services
` Bar
` 24-Hour Front Desk
` Express Check-In/Check-Out
` Elevator
` Coffee shop
` Hair dryer
` Coffee/tea maker
` BBQ facilities
` Private check-in/check-out
` Wheelchair accessible
` On-site parking
` mini bar
` indoor pool
` vending machine
` telephone
` kitchenware
` blackout curtains
` 24-hour security
` Concierge services
` Designated Smoking Area
` Doorman
` Family Rooms
` Free Wi-Fi
` Hair/Beauty Salon
` Kitchen
` Massage services
` Off-Site parking
` Restaurant(s)
` Daily Housekeeping
` English
` Japanese
` Arabic
` Danish
` French
` German
` Italian
` Korean
` Malay
` Portuguese
` Russian
` Spanish
` Filipino
` Lao
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Slippers
` Parking Available
` gift/souvenir shop
` Shops on site
` Electric vehicle charging station
` Kids' pool
` Sofa
` Smoke alarms
` Fire extinguishers
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
` Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
` First aid kit available
` Cashless payment available
` Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` Invoices
` Access to health care professionals
` Hygiene certification
` Staff trained in safety protocol
` Temperature check for guests and staff
` Free face masks
` Video game console
` Chinese [Mandarin]
` Chinese [Cantonese]
` Ticket services
` Contactless check-in/out
` Food delivery
` balcony/terrace
` ATM or cash withdraw on site
` Body thermometer available
` Car rental available
` CCTV security in common areas
` Currency exchange service
` Daily disinfection
` Facilities for disabled guests available
` Fitness center
` Hot spring
` Hot tub/Whirlpool
` Ironing amenities
` Laundry services
` Luggage storage & lockers
` Non-smoking property
` Spa services
` Spa/sauna
` Toiletries provided
` Tour services
` TV & Movies/Shows
` Physical/social distancing guidelines
` Protective screen or physical barriers in appropriate areas
` Individually-wrapped food options
` Air conditioning in public area
` Heating in public area
` Alternative meal arrangement
` Desk/workspace available
` Professional cleaning services
` Allergy-free rooms available
` Cleaning products available
` Pets allowed (charges may apply)
` Airport shuttle (charges may apply)
` Bicycle rental (charges may apply)
` Parking available (charges may apply)
` Shuttle service (charges may apply)
` Valet parking (charges may apply)
` Xerox/fax in business center
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Fairmont Empress Hotel Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Excellent (4.4 out of 5)

Write a review

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Gill Sun, 8 June 2025

It was a royal experience

Liked: Excellent ambience
Disliked: Clean and well caring staff

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Oleksandra Thu, 5 June 2025

We really enjoyed our stay...

Liked: We were offered an upgrade to a Gold room, and we never regretted it. We had access to a private check-in desk and a lounge where we could enjoy snacks throughout the day and a full breakfast in the morning. The staff were incredibly polite and attentive.
Disliked: The only downside was the smell in the room — it had a musty, stale odor that we found unpleasant.

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Harinder Wed, 4 June 2025

Very good

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Arhant Tue, 3 June 2025

Great location and views !

Liked: Ours was the Royal Suite, so everything was beyond expectation. The location and the view is the best feature.
Disliked: The lobby areas are very small with inadequate seating arrangements. The carpets throughout the property hallways and common areas appear soiled. The breakfast in the Fairmont Gold Lounge was lacking in certain aspects (no made to order omelettes), very limited variety of pastries, no prepared cereals such as muesli, no cakes, etc. when compared with comparable properties.

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Whitmoyer Mon, 2 June 2025

Very good

Liked: Elevators were very prompt. Concierge was helpful
Disliked: Fitness centerBreakfast was too slow both ordering and delivery

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Suzanne Sun, 1 June 2025

The beautiful Empress was a...

Liked: The entire service team was genuinely interested in us and providing the best experience at the hotel. The concierge went so far as to call local pub to see if we could watch one of our sports teams. The property was beautiful to walk around including the architecture and the beautiful landscapes. The air conditioner unit was very quiet. The beds and pillows were soft.
Disliked: The three chairs in the room were a little big for us. Possibly providing more than one throw pillow as back support for each chair would have been nice. We could have probably asked for them, but did not think about it.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Jane Fri, 30 May 2025

Very impressive all around so...

Liked: Gorgeous hotel with best location in Victoria. Staff is exceptional!
Disliked: Long wait to check in but now we signed up for gold so it will be shorter in Vancouver

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Eden Fri, 30 May 2025

Good

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Gabriela Thu, 29 May 2025

Exceptional

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Btdvox Thu, 29 May 2025

Superb

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Fairmont Empress Hotel 721 Government Street, Victoria, BC
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