Fairmont Empress Hotel – A Favorite for Families in Victoria
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Key details
About the Hotel
721 Government Street, Victoria, V8W 1W5,
-
Steps from the Inner Harbour
Great
8.9
9.1
/10
4.3
4.5
/5
Loved by Fairmont Empress Hotel guests
Large corner room
Marble bathrooms
Luxurious beds
First class service
"The lounge is what is worth it's weight in gold."
Karen B from Canada
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"We had the high tea and it met our expectations."
Laurie from United States
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"Our room had a clothing steamer, iron and board, clothing brush yoga mat and shoe horn."
Erica L
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* 5-star historic hotel overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbour
Accommodations & Gold Experience
The Fairmont Empress offers elegantly decorated rooms with windows that open out and plush seating areas. Guests can book the Fairmont Gold experience, which provides access to a private lounge with complimentary breakfast, evening bites, and a terrace overlooking the Inner Harbour. The Gold lounge is spacious, spanning roughly three-quarters of the front facade, and includes live music from local performers like Morien.
Dining
The hotel holds a century-old tradition of afternoon tea served on Royal China in a special lobby with harbour views. Q at the Empress restaurant offers dishes like Crab and Butter entree and lobster tail, while the Bengal Lounge provides upscale dining in a relaxed setting. The Q Bar carries the Empress 1908 gin selection and features live music in a lively atmosphere.
Wellness
The Willow Stream Spa is named a Top Resort Spa in Canada and a Top 100 Spa of the Americas by Spas of America. The spa offers treatments like the Tranquility Facial and Massage and the Lavender Cocoon treatment, performed by practitioners such as Christine, Lesley, and Anya. Guests also have access to an indoor heated swimming pool, a hot tub, a sauna, a steam room, a fitness centre, and spa locker rooms.
Family & Children
The hotel offers the Kids Rule the Castle package, which includes breakfast for two adults and two children, a small tent, coloring books, crayons, and two sets of pajamas in the room. Room service delivers candy, cookies, and milk for children upon arrival. Families can use the kids' pool and the heated indoor swimming pool.
Location & Services
The hotel sits directly on Victoria's Inner Harbour, a 5-minute walk from the Royal BC Museum and Parliament Buildings. Valet parking and an electric vehicle charging station are available on site, and the concierge arranges transportation to attractions like whale watching tours. The hotel is pet-friendly, providing pet bowls, pet baskets, and accommodating furry guests with dedicated services.
Highlights
Location: On Victoria's Inner Harbour, steps from Royal BC Museum
Dining: Afternoon tea on Royal China; Q at the Empress; 1908 gin bar
Wellness: Award-winning Willow Stream Spa with hot tub, sauna, steam room
Family: Kids Rule the Castle package with tent & pajamas
Services: Pet-friendly, EV charging, valet parking
“The grande dame of Victoria, this property understands enduring appeal. It's rare to find a hotel balancing historic charm with modern luxury so seamlessly, and the afternoon tea remains an iconic indulgence. I appreciate that even with its central location and proximity to Inner Harbour attractions, the hotel maintains an air of refined tranquility.”
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels
Choose from a variety of room types
Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
Junior Suite City View 1 King
2 persons
38 sq. feet
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
City view
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Executive Suite City View 1 King
2 persons
38 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
City view
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King
2 persons
42 sq. feet
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
City view
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Availability and pricing for your selected dates
Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Perfect
9.0/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Allergy-free rooms
Lift
Currency exchange
ATM/Cash machine
Barber shop
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Sports & Fitness
Fitness centre
Cycling
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Valet parking
Pet amenities available
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus
Business
Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Babysitting/Child services
Children's menu
Children's pool
Spa & Leisure
Indoor swimming pool
Sun loungers
Garden area
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Steam room
Jacuzzi
Massage
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Direct dial telephone
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
At Victoria's Fairmont Empress Hotel, guests are invited to indulge in an exquisite dining experience featuring local flavors and inventive menus. From the award-winning Q at The Empress to the elegant Lobby Lounge, each venue showcases the best of the Pacific Northwest's abundant culinary offerings, all while enveloped in breathtaking surroundings.
Q at The Empress
American with Pacific Northwest influences
Ambiance
An elegant dining space that reflects modern refinement alongside traditional charm, ideal for savoring seasonal ingredients
Key Offerings
Delight in the creative bites from Executive Chef Morgan Wilson, including fresh avo toast and an egg white frittata with local mushrooms, accompanied by signature cocktails served with delightful accompaniments like gold-dusted macarons.
Reservation
Yes
Hours vary; check for specific meal availability.
Lobby Lounge
Casual dining with light bites
Ambiance
A refined, airy setting echoing turn-of-the-century elegance, perfect for relaxing with views of the surrounding beauty
Key Offerings
Enjoy mellow live classical piano melodies, paired with artfully crafted cocktails and savory snacks, creating a serene atmosphere for enjoying afternoon tea or light refreshments.
Reservation
No
Hours vary; check for specific meal availability.
Fairmont Empress Hotel Location
721 Government Street, Victoria, V8W 1W5,
Explore Victoria
Explore Victoria
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Royal BC Museum
5 minutes' walk
The Royal BC Museum showcases British Columbia's natural and human history with engaging exhibits and guided tours available.
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
4 minutes' walk
The Parliament Buildings offer stunning architecture and free guided tours that highlight the province's political history.
Fisherman's Wharf Park
17 minutes' walk
Fisherman's Wharf Park features vibrant floating homes, whale watching tours, and local seafood eateries in a picturesque setting.
Beacon Hill Park
19 minutes' walk
Beacon Hill Park covers 200 acres of gardens, trails, and playgrounds, perfect for families enjoying a day outdoors.
Kayaking at Inner Harbour
2 minutes' walk
Kayaking offers a thrilling way to explore the Inner Harbour with rentals available nearby and guided tours on offer.
Relaxation at The Empress Spa
1 minute' walk
The Empress Spa offers treatments focused on rejuvenation, ensuring a tranquil experience steps away from your accommodation.
Cycling Along the Seaside
17 minutes' walk
Cycling along the scenic waterfront is popular; bike rentals are readily available to enjoy the beautiful coastline.
Visiting the Victoria Bug Zoo
5 minutes' walk
The Victoria Bug Zoo offers a unique experience with interactive exhibits showcasing a variety of live insects and arachnids.
Q at The Empress
1 minute' walk
Q at The Empress features a refined ambiance serving local dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Reservations recommended.
Milestones
3 minutes' walk
Milestones offers a contemporary dining experience with a diverse menu including international favorites and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
4 minutes' walk
Known for its classic Italian dishes and charming decor, the Old Spaghetti Factory is perfect for family dining with vegetarian options.
Bartholomew's English-Style Pub
5 minutes' walk
Bartholomew's serves traditional pub fare and local ales in a cozy setting, ideal for a casual meal or a night out with friends.
Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre
19 minutes' walk
This venue hosts a variety of events, including concerts and sports games, making it a lively location for entertainment.
The Bug Zoo
5 minutes' walk
The Bug Zoo provides educational and fun experiences for families, featuring live insect exhibits and interactive activities.
Chinatown
13 minutes' walk
Victoria's historic Chinatown features shops, restaurants, and cultural sites, hosting festivals and community events throughout the year.
Theatre Inconnu
13 minutes' walk
An intimate venue showcasing local performances, Theatre Inconnu is perfect for those seeking a unique live entertainment experience.
Tips on navigating the city
City Centre
Victoria 10 min · 2700 ft
Airports
Victoria Inner Harbour (YWH) 6 min · 1700 ft
Victoria (YYJ) 40 min · 16.4 mi
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site at true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.