Fairmont Empress

Amazing experience from beginning to end. Service was impeccable, the views and in room dining were amazing. Watching the sunset setting over the water had us feeling blessed to have stayed there. Minutes melted into hours and not a moment was wasted.

We had a lovely stay in this iconic updated hotel. So much attention to detail and history. The bar had a great ambiance and a wonderful cocktail menu. Dinner in the Q restaurant with amazing service for “Maddy” with 22 years with the hotel. We will definitely be back

Staying here was a real treat. A visit of a lifetime. My adult daughter and I stayed for 4 nights between Christmas and New Years Eve. We had a one bedroom city view suite Fairmont Gold room. The rooms were smaller than I expected but still plenty of room for two of us. The bedroom had a very comfy bed and my daughter used the sofa bed. Bathroom was tiny but had everything we needed. Two TVs, minifridge, water in the fridge, lots of room for luggage and clothes, a safe, chairs and tables. There were separate climate controls for the two main rooms. Very nicely decorated in a style fitting with the hotel. Modern amenities in a classic setting. We enjoyed the view of the city streets. We had a separate check in desk and a very large lounge with a view. Every day there were different complimentary meals including breakfast, afternoon hot offerings and desserts. Every type of delicious choices. As well, free beverages and you could also buy alcoholic drinks. The staff were exemplary. The valet and bell hops, concierge staff, housekeeping and lounge staff were all polite and attentive. They all gave the image of enjoying the jobs they were doing. The heritage of the building is wonderful. Walking in the wide halls with antiques and heritage photos and posters, just added more ambiance. The architecture, landscaping, Christmas lights, all added to the magic. In walking distance to many Victoria attractions. I can't wait to go back again.

We love this hotel and stay here every year, but they really need to take a look at the Fairmont Gold Lounge Access. Again, this year we were again surprised at the number of small kids in the lounge and the noise levels at times were terrible. Perhaps they could consider putting aside a separate area for children or limiting to 14 and over? To the Empress Management - please take a look at this issue - you are ignoring the vast majority of your premium paying guests by allowing kids to run riot in the hotel.....

Dirty, dingy and dark....it is an old hotel (at least some of the areas) but should be clean and with good lighting. Dirty tissues and dirt on ledges and glassware in hallways for days, and dirty elevators and dirty carpet all over hotel. Gold level unremarkable (they need to visit a Ritz Carlton and take notes). Rooms on this level are supposedly updated, but dingy, dark and dirty. Service was subpar and obvious their team is nice, but not coached well, and appear to not really care--a hotel chain that utilizes international work visas. One night Ok--more than that head over to the Magnolia or the Delta Marriott--clean, great service and not relying on being a historic landmark? If you do stay, do not waste your money on the Gold level and ask for a room in the original part of the hotel that overlooks the water, but again, I would just check out the Magnolia or the Delta Marriott--everything is within walking distance. Also, they are NOT dog friendly. They proclaim to be, but we had to eat, drink and do most things out of the hotel. Completely disappointed in the Fairmont Empress but Victoria is lovely. Be sure to go to Driftwood Brewery and visit the Frontrunner store and New Balance store.