Thu 15/10
-
Fri 16/10
2 guests, 1 room
Overview
Prices
Amenities
Reviews
Location
Tips & FAQs
Nearby stays

Overview

Recognized as the #1 Canadian City Hotel in Travel + Leisure's 2026 World's Best Awards and honoured as a top Western Canadian Hotel in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, Fairmont Empress is located in the heart of Victoria, BC overlooking the city's sparkling Inner Harbour.
8,9
Very good
1733 reviews

Latest deals for Fairmont Empress

Thu 15/10
-
Fri 16/10
Deals from
R2 918
•Cheapest rate per night
Compare prices for King room, Double room and 70 more Fairmont Empress deals.
King room, 1 king bed
R2 918
nightly with fees
Double room, 2 double beds
R3 631
nightly with fees
Standard Room, 1 queen bed
R5 799
nightly with fees
Double room, 2 double beds
R3 252
nightly with fees
Queen room, 1 queen bed
R3 438
nightly with fees
King room, 1 king bed
R4 047
nightly with fees
Double room, 2 double beds
R3 289
nightly with fees
King room, 1 king bed
R3 715
nightly with fees
Queen room, 1 queen bed
R4 476
nightly with fees
Double room, 1 king bed
R3 601
nightly with fees
Queen room, 1 queen bed
R5 520
nightly with fees
King room, 1 king bed
R7 121
nightly with fees
Queen room, 1 queen bed
R4 176
nightly with fees
Deluxe room, bed type unknown
R4 598
nightly with fees
Executive room, 1 king bed
R7 282
nightly with fees
Queen room, 1 queen bed
R4 220
nightly with fees
Standard Room, bed type unknown
R4 503
nightly with fees
Double room, 2 double beds
R7 651
nightly with fees
Queen room, 1 queen bed
R4 322
nightly with fees
Double room, 2 double beds
R6 986
nightly with fees
King room, 1 king bed
R7 103
nightly with fees
Queen room, 1 queen bed
R4 373
nightly with fees
Deluxe room, 2 queen beds
R8 924
nightly with fees
King room, 1 king bed
R11 370
nightly with fees
Double room, 2 double beds
R4 701
nightly with fees
Queen room, 1 queen bed
R7 730
nightly with fees
Deluxe room, 2 queen beds
R12 447
nightly with fees
Queen room, 1 queen bed
R4 731
nightly with fees
Deluxe room, 1 king bed
R5 221
nightly with fees
King room, 1 king bed
R5 713
nightly with fees
Queen room, 1 queen bed
R4 888
nightly with fees
King room, 1 king bed
R5 825
nightly with fees
Double room, 2 double beds
R7 731
nightly with fees
Queen room, 1 queen bed
R4 912
nightly with fees
Deluxe room, 1 queen bed
R5 691
nightly with fees
King room, 1 king bed
R7 346
nightly with fees
Queen room, 1 queen bed
R6 151
nightly with fees
King room, bed type unknown
R6 475
nightly with fees
Deluxe room, 2 queen beds
R7 874
nightly with fees
King room, 1 king bed
R6 402
nightly with fees
Deluxe room, 2 queen beds
R7 121
nightly with fees
Queen room, 1 queen bed
R7 759
nightly with fees
Double room, 1 twin bed
R7 660
nightly with fees
Queen room, 1 queen bed
R7 885
nightly with fees
Double room, 2 double beds
R8 071
nightly with fees
King room, 1 king bed
R8 954
nightly with fees
Standard Room, bed type unknown
R8 209
nightly with fees
King room, 1 king bed
R8 782
nightly with fees
Double room, 2 double beds
R9 606
nightly with fees
Deluxe room, 1 queen bed
R12 183
nightly with fees
*Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.

Amenities at Fairmont Empress

  • Indoor pool
  • Fitness centre
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Room service
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Coffee machine
  • Valet parking
  • Business centre
  • Wi-Fi available in all areas

Reviews of Fairmont Empress

8,9
Very good
1733 verified ratings
Wonderful
1023
Very good
261
Good
157
Okay
118
Fair
94
Mediocre
30
Poor
50

Summary of reviews

Guests say
Guests consistently praised the hotel's excellent location, beautiful historic building, and friendly, helpful staff, which contributed to a memorable stay. Many appreciated the well-maintained grounds, comfortable beds, and unique atmosphere. However, several guests were disappointed by the small room and bathroom sizes, noise levels, and inconsistent breakfast quality. Some noted issues with service, such as staff persistence or lack of dietary awareness, but overall, positive experiences with the staff and the hotel's ambiance outweighed the negatives.
AI-generated from customer reviews
Location10 out of 10
Service9.5 out of 10
Breakfast2.5 out of 10
Room Size1.5 out of 10
Sort by:Most recent

Show results that mention

Filters

All filters

Filters

Review rating
Traveller type
Time of year

Score by provider

All reviews

6.0
Okay
Brad, May 2026
Beautiful property but our room was a total disappointment. Apparently a city view which was actually overlooking a bunch of commercial HVAC systems. Very noisy. So small that you couldn’t get between the dresser and the bed without risking banging your leg on the bed frame. Not worth the cost.
10
Wonderful
Craig, Jul 2025
Best hotel I'm town.
10
Wonderful
Mariano, Apr 2024
Impeccable service at every turn.
10
Wonderful
Anne, Oct 2023
It has a nice pool and hot tub. The bathroom has been upgraded. Having tea in the Tea Room was great .
10
Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2023
the entire experience was superb! from the moment we checked in Mike T. our Bellman, made sure we were happy. The first room we checked into was small with a lovely harbor view. i did'nt like it, The hotel was full. He negotiated with the front desk manager to change our room 3 days later to a lovely room on the 5th floor. He then followed up and made sure all was right. The front desk clerks dont...
Read more
9.4
Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2019
Cons (-) It’s a great old building and staffed with excellent people. At triple the cost of most hotels are we getting triple the returns on our money? Hard to answer.
10
Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2019
Pros (+) The staff was extremely friendly and helpful! The hotel is in the heart of downtown Victoria so we were able to walk almost everywhere.
Cons (-) We got a knock on our door after 9pm for turn down service which normally wouldn't be a problem but our children were sleeping at the time.
9.7
Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2019
Pros (+) We spent Christmas there and they provided us with a stocking on our door for Christmas Day. The staff was extremely helpful at every opportunity, and very responsive to our needs.
Cons (-) My only smallest complaint would be the expense. The hotel is very expensive, but the service largely drives that expense and it really made for a wonderful experience for me and my wife.
6.0
Okay
Anonymous, Aug 2017
Pros (+) Beds were nice and comfortable, Bartenders were great and had suggestions to get value for your money.
Cons (-) Price was excessive compared to other hotels in the area. Considering the price, wifi was not included.
8.0
Very good
Jaime, Aug 2017
Cons (-) I have a problem with the ATM but they did not help me at all. They only said that the ATM is not of the hotel ,but I think they have to be more helpful in this cases.

Location

721 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5

What's nearby

  • Royal BC Museum215 m
  • British Columbia Parliament Buildings278 m
  • Greater Victoria Public Library352 m
  • Royal Theatre0.5 km
  • St. Andrew's Cathedral0.6 km
  • Christ Church Cathedral0.6 km
  • BC Ferries0.7 km
  • Chinatown0.9 km
  • Emily Carr House0.9 km
  • Ogden Point1.7 km
  • Craigdarroch Castle1.8 km
  • Government House1.9 km

Policies

Check-in/Check-out

Check in anytime after 16:00, check out anytime before 11:00

Cancellation/pre-payment

Cancellation/pre-payment policies vary by room type and provider.

Fairmont Empress

Which month has the cheapest rates at Fairmont Empress?

The cheapest month to stay at Fairmont Empress is January, with an average nightly rate of R3 905. The most expensive month is August at R9 621 per night.

What is the cheapest day to book Fairmont Empress?

The cheapest day to book Fairmont Empress is Thursday, with an average nightly rate of R5 968. The most expensive day is Saturday at R9 088 per night.

How far in advance should you book Fairmont Empress?

To get the best price at Fairmont Empress, book around 8 weeks in advance. This could save you approximately 35% compared to booking last minute.

KAYAK's top tips for your stay at Fairmont Empress

  • How long should you stay at Fairmont Empress? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 2 days.

FAQs when booking at Fairmont Empress

  • What are the best rooms to stay in at the Fairmont Empress?

    To stay in a room that is affordable yet scenic, book the Fairmont Harbor View Room, an elegant choice that has windows that directly overlook the water, as well as a small sitting area and work desk. If you will be staying at the Fairmont Empress with your family, consider booking the Deluxe Room, a choice that can fit up to four people and ranges in size from 330 to 430 sq ft.

  • What fitness amenities and activities are offered by the Fairmont Empress for guests?

    If you forgot to pack your workout equipment or would just simply like to be able to have a private workout in your room, there is the Fairmont Fit program, which will provide you with items such as yoga mats, an MP3 player, and workout clothes for a small additional charge. To explore the surrounding region while simultaneously burning some calories, rent one of the BMW cruise bicycles that are available for all guests for free from the front desk of the Fairmont Empress.

  • What are the most popular spa treatments among guests at the Fairmont Empress?

    For guests that would like to reduce the signs of aging and clean out their pores, make a reservation for the Rose Infinity Advanced Facial, a service that will help to boost the production of new skin cells and get rid of wrinkles. If your skin is feeling dull and dehydrated, opt for the Eucalyptus Body Scrub, a sea salt exfoliation treatment that will improve blood circulation and nourish your entire body. To rid your body of stress and allow yourself to unwind, there is the Stress Relief massage that lasts for either 60 or 90min and focuses on your main tension points.

  • What wedding amenities are there for couples to book through the Fairmont Empress?

    When you book your wedding at the Fairmont Empress, you will automatically be provided with several amenities and services, including a wedding menu tasting, a wedding coordinator, a 1h open bar, and a selection of 4 and 5 course menus to choose from. Additional amenities can be booked, such as a custom-made wedding cake, a cocktail hour before the reception, a sparkling wine toast, and wine for each guest to drink during dinner. The hotel also has a list of preferred photographers, musicians, and florists that they can help connect you with.

  • What is the best way for visitors to go from Vancouver International Airport to the Fairmont Empress?

    Due to the distance between the two locations, the best way to travel from Vancouver International Airport to the Fairmont Empress is by driving, which will take you approximately 2h 50min to 3h. While public transportation is also an option, it is important to keep in mind that it will take you upwards of 4h. It is possible to book a private shuttle service and doing so will cost you around 80 CAD per person in a shared van (approximately 60 USD). (Prices checked 15/08/19).

  • Where is Fairmont Empress located?

    Fairmont Empress is located at 721 Government Street in Downtown, 0,7 km from the centre of Victoria. Royal BC Museum is the closest landmark to Fairmont Empress.

  • When is check-in time and check-out time at Fairmont Empress?

    Check-in time is 16:00 and check-out time is 11:00 at Fairmont Empress.

  • Does Fairmont Empress offer free Wi-Fi?

    Yes, Fairmont Empress offers free Wi-Fi.

  • How far is Fairmont Empress from the airport?

    Fairmont Empress is 0,4 km from Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base. Fairmont Empress is 25,4 km from Victoria Intl.

  • Does Fairmont Empress have a pool?

    Yes, Fairmont Empress has a pool on-site.

  • How does KAYAK find such great Fairmont Empress hotel deals?

    KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at Fairmont Empress in Victoria and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at Fairmont Empress and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for Fairmont Empress.

Nearby hotels and places to stay

Waterfalls Hotel - Kings Corner - Resort Living
8.9 Excellent (32 reviews)0,04 kmOutdoor pool, Fitness centre, Free Wi-FiR7 196+
3-star hotel
34% cheaperThe Union Club Of British Columbia7.7 Good (582 reviews)0,13 kmFitness centre, Restaurant, Bar/LoungeR2 842+
4-star hotel
7% cheaperThe Magnolia Hotel & Spa9.4 Excellent (504 reviews)0,21 kmFitness centre, Restaurant, Bar/LoungeR3 989+
4-star hotel
31% cheaperDoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Victoria8.4 Excellent (1 027 reviews)0,22 kmFitness centre, Restaurant, Bar/LoungeR2 933+
3-star hotel
66% cheaperJames Bay Inn Hotel & Suites8.7 Excellent (2 239 reviews)0,7 kmRestaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-FiR1 433+
3-star hotel
62% cheaperStrathcona Hotel8.1 Excellent (4 359 reviews)0,27 kmRestaurant, Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-FiR1 606+
3-star hotel
59% cheaperBedford Regency Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham7 Good (1 778 reviews)0,43 kmFitness centre, Restaurant, Bar/LoungeR1 745+
2-star hotel
57% cheaperHelm's Inn8.8 Excellent (3 503 reviews)0,37 kmWi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machineR1 829+
The Falls: The Waterfalls Hotel: Luxury Oasis at the Falls in Victoria, BC
9.7 Excellent (21 reviews)0,23 kmSnorkelling, Fitness centre, Coffee machineR6 664+
4-star hotel
44% cheaperAbigails Hotel9.5 Excellent (1 378 reviews)0,65 kmAdults only, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee makerR2 395+
4-star hotel
7% cheaperThe Magnolia Hotel & Spa9.4 Excellent (504 reviews)0,21 kmFitness centre, Restaurant, Bar/LoungeR3 989+
16% cheaper
Waterfalls Hotel in Downtown With Stunni
9.1 Excellent (25 reviews)0,22 kmWi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machineR3 606+

Good to know

Distance to city centre

Nearest airport

Distance to airport

0,7 km
Victoria Inner Harbour Seaplane Base
0,4 km