Fairmont Empress

Avoid at all costs overpriced and Merlot was disgusting Look attractive and shuttle buses stop outside but avoid at all costs

The hotel itself is outstanding. The building and facilities are amazing. The service is what makes this place so exceptional though. The rooms were pleasant and quite roomy. The bed was a little small for us but that’s a personal thing, not a big issue. The bar was lovely and the staff were helpful and fun. The restaurant was relaxed and perfect for breakfast

This hotel we knew was famous and not sure if we wanted to venture that way while walking about Victoria. We ventured through the front door and what a lovely surprise. Easy walking thru lobby, shops and interesting architecture. We were too late for the tea service but looking in that restaurant it looked like worth it next time. We found two cozy seats at the bar with a view of the harbor. Toasted with a couple of drinks and friendly bartenders. Happy hour with some live guitar playing. Looking forward to tea service next time!

Brought my Mom here for her 80th birthday celebration. Perfect for walking and seeing all the sites. Rooms are spectacular, clean comfortable and detailed. A beautiful hotel. Went to high tea one day and we loved it, it was the best birthday ever. Couldn’t ask for better.

I booked this hotel knowing it was a famous hotel in Victoria. It was the end of a long trip around the USA and Canada and we thought it would be nice to pay that bit extra and have some luxury. Unfortunately the hotel was really quite disappointing, particularly given the price. To start with the positives, it is an excellent location which cannot be faulted and check in was easy and smooth. It is also a pretty hotel with really nice decor. The things that let it down: -The room was tiny! We didn’t have space to even open our suitcase without completely rearranging the furniture, squeezing the chairs down the side of the bed. -The bathroom was tiny and it was really tricky to get in and out of the shower as the door was so close to the toilet. -The shower itself was very weak and took about 5minutes to get warm -Our shower toiletries were empty when we arrived -The wifi was unfortunately terrible -The concierge was very rude when we spoke to him about laundry and sadly made us feel inadequate and like we weren’t ’posh enough’ to be in the hotel -We were told the public bus to Butchart Gardens would take 1hr40mins as an attempt to get us to pay for their private bus. It actually took 50mins and cost $6 (instead of $90 at the hotel) I think overall, it is really expensive for what it is and you can stay in much nicer hotels for a smaller price. It feels like it is too big for them to deliver a premium service to everyone. That said, the location is excellent.