15 January 2012
There's nothing like staying at The Empress in Victoria, especially at
Christmas. The decorations are wonderful - especially with the display of
Christmas trees decorated by Victoria businesses and organizations. It's an
annual fundraiser and fills the halls with beautiful trees. The Empress offers
on-line discount stays that make the room equal in price, and sometimes less,
than staying at a basic inner harbor hotel. The staff is wonderful and the
history of the hotel lends so much to your stay. The main dining room provided a
delicious meal with exceptional service.
Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Room Tip: The smallest rooms in the historic section of the hotel are very small
- but you might get a harbor view which makes up for the size. We opted for a
larger room with city view and for on $20 or so more, we had a room almost
double, just to water view.
See more room tips
Hotel Review of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
14 January 2012
I spent the extra money this time for the Gold Floor. Nice.
I have stayed here many times, a great place to wander all the nooks and
crannies of this old railway hotel.
Disappointed in the swimming pool, over chlorinated and the deck was muddy,
people were at the pool with outdoor boots and strollers! when I mentioned it to
staff no one came to clean up. The willowstream spa is wonderful.
Hotel Review of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
9 January 2012
I spend a fair number of nights in Victoria every year on business. I recently
stayed at the Empress just to check it out. The first thing you note about the
hotel is how awesome it is, then you are met with the fabulous Fairmont service.
The hotel is full of history and the public areas are very cool. You cannot beat
the location.
However... This is an old hotel and although much updating has been done, the
rooms are quite small and in my opinion not a 5-star standard. Don't get me
wrong, I enjoyed my stay and it was clean and comfortable, just not up to modern
standards.
I was provided a water view room which I was very excited about. When I got to
my room, half the view was blocked by another section of the hotel and the
single window was postage stamp size. A little disappointing considering there
is premium for water view rooms.
Definitely take time to wander through the hotel and take in the history it is
worth it.
Hotel Review of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
3 January 2012
Classy, beautiful, historic, and centrally located. Spent New Years in Victoria
and stayed at the Empress. Our room was small but very pretty and beds
comfortable. Loved the warm swimming pool! Entire hotel was decorated for
Christmas with the tree festival. Rates are very reasonable in the winter. The
Empress is just a short walk from the Black Ball ferry.
Hotel Review of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
2 January 2012
A short review since our experience was extremely positive and echoes many of
the others.
We stayed for 2 nights (12/29 & 12/30) and had a GREAT time. My one big surprise
was the level of upgrades that we got just for joining the Fairmont President's
Club. Our original purpose in joining was simply to avoid the daily WiFi charge.
The "free" membership (if you don't mind additional spam) got us:
a) A no-charge upgrade to an absolutely beautiful room (#480)
b) Complimentary hot breakfast (Gold lounge breakfast buffet)
c) Complimentary hors d'oeuvre
d) Complimentary soda/coffee throughout the day
e) etc., etc., etc.
f) Oh.... and complementary WiFi |
