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Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Interior photoFairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Amenities photoFairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Room photo

Fairmont Empress Hotel – A Favorite for Families in Victoria

•
8.9|Great
Check rooms and rates
From$139 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
10Nov
Check-out
11Nov
Guests
2 Guests
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

* 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

Rooms: 394 rooms, Gold floor rooms with harbour views & lounge access

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.”
Hotel logo
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
    410 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Executive Suite City View 1 King
    2 persons
    410 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • One Bedroom Suite City View 1 King
    2 persons
    455 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
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!

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

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
Show more

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.
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria Restaurant photo

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
Map view
Nearby
Museum
Royal BC Museum
1300 ft
Public Building
British Columbia Parliament Buildings
1100 ft
Inner Harbour
500 ft
Museum
Miniature World
1000 ft
Zoo
Victoria Bug Zoo
1200 ft
Victoria
Government Street
1100 ft
Square
Bastion Square
1700 ft
Shopping Area
The Bay Centre
1800 ft
St-Ann's Academy Office 835 Humboldt St 2nd Floor
St. Ann's Academy National Historic Site
1900 ft
Gallery
Bateman Foundation Gallery of Nature
1200 ft
Government Street and Belleville Street
Emily Carr Statue
500 ft
Victoria
Wharf Street
1700 ft
Restaurants
Q at The Empress
100 ft
721 Government St The Fairmont Empress
The Tea Lobby
100 ft
721 Government St
Milestones
600 ft
812 Wharf St
The Old Spaghetti Factory
1100 ft
703 Douglas Street
Bartholomew's English-Style Pub
1300 ft
777 Douglas St Entrance on Humboldt Street
Steamship Grill & Bar
1100 ft
470 Belleville Street
Browns Socialhouse
1200 ft
809 Douglas St
Milano
800 ft
817 Government St
The Courtney Room
1100 ft
619 Courtney Street
Explore Victoria
Explore Victoria
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Royal BC Museum
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, German, Spanish, Italian, Danish, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Malay, Tagalog / Filipino
Year renovated:
2009
Number of floors:
8
Number of rooms:
424

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
9.0/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.8/10
Location
9.8/10
Staff
9.3/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Gold Level service
Comfortable bed
Helpful staff
Cons
Cramped suite
Unclean windows
Guest reviews
based on 5060 reviews
4/5
based on 1187 reviews
8.9/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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