Overlooking Victoria’s inner harbour, Fairmont Empress has a prime position in glorious Victoria. Oozing elegance and style, this is a swish place to stay when exploring this historic city.

Fairmont Empress is a Grand Dame hotel with a reputation for attentive service and refined style. The guestrooms are smartly appointed with all the details and luxury finishes that you’d expect from a posh hotel. There are 464 rooms, but its size doesn’t dilute the personal and helpful service. Afternoon tea is something of a rite of passage at the Fairmont Empress. A tradition since 1908, guests gorge on platters of scones and jam, finger sandwiches, hotel-made honey, and tea served in elegant china in the lobby lounge. Dinner doesn’t disappoint either. The opulent Q at the Empress serves sustainably sourced seafood and ingredients supplied by local farmers, while contemporary portraits of Queen Victoria overlook diners. Families are warmly welcomed at Fairmont Empress, and the hotel lays on scavenger hunts, milk and cookies, and complimentary dining for under 5s to keep little ones (and their parents) happy. Plus, the indoor pool will likely be a hit. The fact that there may be a few kids about doesn’t detract from an otherwise polished, adult-orientated experience. The Willow Stream Spa is a destination in itself – a swanky place that offers all manner of decadent treatments complemented by a ritual of sauna, steam room, and mineral pool.

5 stars
10 hours (Vancouver)
On the eastern edge of Victoria's Inner Harbour, a short walk from the main attractions such as the Parliament buildlings and the Downtown district
Approx. 3½-hour drive and ferry ride from Vancouver airport. Alternatively, you can take a 35-minute floatplane flight from Vancouver harbour to Victoria's Inner Harbour
City Hotel

This resort has earned internationally recognised certification that conform to standards set by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars

Restaurant, bar

Guest reviews

{{tripAdvisor.tripAdvisorSummary.rating}}

Average Rating

Based on {{tripAdvisor.tripAdvisorSummary.num_reviews}} reviews

Excellent
 
{{tripAdvisor.tripAdvisorSummary.num_reviews_5}}
Very good
 
{{tripAdvisor.tripAdvisorSummary.num_reviews_4}}
Average
 
{{tripAdvisor.tripAdvisorSummary.num_reviews_3}}
Poor
 
{{tripAdvisor.tripAdvisorSummary.num_reviews_2}}
Terrible
 
{{tripAdvisor.tripAdvisorSummary.num_reviews_1}}

{{review.user_location}} {{review.date}}

These reviews are the subjective opinions of individual travellers and not of TripAdvisor LLC nor of its partners.

All Hotels in Vancouver Island

hotel
  • Vancouver Island
  • 4 Star

Spectacular setting overlooking the Inner Harbour.

hotel
  • Vancouver Island
  • 3 Star

Perched on a six-acre peninsula on the harbour edge, the eco-minded Inn at Laurel Point provides an escape from Victoria’s bustle but is within easy distance to reach all the city highlights.

hotel
  • Vancouver Island
  • 3 Star

A cosy lodge with unforgettable ocean and beach views.

hotel
  • Vancouver Island
  • 3 Star

This beachfront beauty of a resort is fully invested in the Canadian outdoorsy way of life. Combining a love of surfing with campfire rendezvous and spacious yet cosy accommodation, this is the type of place you’ll make yourself at home in, then find it hard to part…

hotel
  • Vancouver Island
  • 3.5 Star

Painter’s Lodge, sitting prettily on the banks of the Campbell River, stands ready to whisk wannabe fishers (and their more experienced counterparts) to catch Canada’s world-famous salmon. But there’s much more to this riverside beauty beside a good catch.

hotel
  • Vancouver Island
  • 3 Star

The Coast Discovery Inn is in a prime jumping-off location for adventures around Campbell River and beyond. It’s a top choice when you know that you’ll spend most of your time out and about in the wilderness of Vancouver Island.

hotel
  • Vancouver Island
  • 4 Star

An elegant hotel in the heart of Victoria, Magnolia Hotel & Spa lavishes its guest with the very best service, winning hearts (and repeat business) as they go. Victoria’s attractions are all within walking distance and make the Magnolia a convincing place to stay.