The Fairmont Empress

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Great location and atmosphere, BUT rooms are small and in need of updating. As usual, the checkin staff tries their best to talk you into upgrading your room at significant cost, even though it becomes obvious during your stay that they are lightly booked. This hotel is just not good value for money unless you want to say that you have stayed at the […] Empress. The afternoon tea is a great experience. Typical old famous hotel where everyone has a plan to get in your pocket for some kind of gratuity or ridiculous internet charge. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

While the exterior and tea room is lovely, the hotel room that we stayed in desperately needed upgrading. The bathroom grout was stained black in spots, the bath tub was stained, the lamp shade next to the bed had holes in it, and the furniture needed a good cleaning. We paid extra for an upgraded room, which equated to a view of a brick wall. The bright […] spot was the housekeeping staff who were pleasant and welcoming. I wouldn't recommend staying here unless you stay in a suite. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Good staff, nice hotel, but a bit over pirced....as would be expected

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel staff was good, location was great, but room was small and there is no air conditioning. Not a problem if you are not there when temps get higher. However, if that is the case you will sleep with the windows open and it gets somewhat noisy outside.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Our room was nice, clean but a little musty. Slightly overpriced for what you get.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Bed was noisy, bathroom need to be updated, not exactly a 4 stars bedroom quality.

Genuine Expedia guest review

booked on expedia, got a motel 8 room for a 5 star price. live and learn. service was excellent tho.

Genuine Expedia guest review

OKAY BUT RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS, CONSERIEGE AND CAR RETRIEVAL WERE NOT PROMPT. THE HOUSEKEEPING WAS SUPERIOR.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel staff and public rooms (dining, bar, etc) were exceptional. The room was very shabby with peeling wallpaper and beat up furnishings very unacceptable for the price of the room.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

None of the rooms are air conditioned and Victoria was warm when we were there. There are no screens on the windows so if you leave the windows open, you have insects flying in. They have beautiful gardens but for those who are allergic to pollen or strong scents, you are going to have problems.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

You are paying dearly for the name and the location of this hotel. It is the only hotel of the five we stayed at recently that charged for parking and wireless internet. The service was great but not exceptional given the price. Our room was quite small and had a view of the delivery docks.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The Empress has a very charming air about it, and it is wonderfully located on the bay. But I found the service less friendly and competent on my last trip (this summer) compared to when I went there 10 years ago, and the condition of the hotel seems to have degraded somewhat since then as well. Considering the expense I'm not 100% sure that the Empress […] is worth it these days. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

This is a delightful location and charming building however the small appointments that one would expect to find in a fine hotel of this type were sadly absent. The mini bar which many guests rely upon for a quick snack or drink upon arrival or in the random hours of the stay, was disappointingly barren save for a few creamers for the coffee/tea that […] was offered. No fruit or vegetable beverages, no carbonated water, no nuts, chips or chocolate bars and no bottled water. I do understand that Victoria has lovely public water however not everyone can do a water analysis of the public system and many are comfortable with what is now familiar. I am sure it is true that Room service can provide all these things but one doesn't always want to have to call room service for such minor items. The other issue that was unexpected was that the internet was charged for with a daily rate, unless one went down and immediately signed up for a preferred guest status. Again, upon arrival and completion of check-in, one is looking forward to relaxing - not bustling about to get paperwork done for a service that is freely offered in many establishments such as Starbucks. As I was staying with a group of friends I will also mention that the rooms were not all well laid out. Two of the 4 rooms we booked, including a junior suite, had very odd and awkward furniture arrangements, so that the TV could not be reasonably viewed from the chairs but only from the bed. These small issues could easily be addressed for a much more comfortable stay. That said the location and the character of the hotel are delightful so if you can work around the inconveniences the stay is lovely. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Room condition not great ! Location is good.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

First time to stay at this hotel. Historical hotel. Ok to stay!

Genuine Expedia guest review

The history and location of this hotel are amazing, but the rooms could use some touching up and the walls are really thin. I had trouble sleeping because any noise in the hallways sounded like it was inside the room. I would recommend staying in the Magnolia Hotel and Spa, which is a three-minute walk away. The service there is much better, the rooms […] are more comfortable, and wi-fi and breakfast are included. If you've never been to Victoria and want to be in the same hotel as the historic (see: overpriced) afternoon tea, then the Empress is your place. If you want to save a few dollars and stay at a much nicer place, go to Magnolia. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The location, physicaly beauty and history of The Empress is unmatched to be sure. Any place that has a $55 per person afternoon tea certainly puts itself in some rarified air. Why, then, would a guest room have burned out light bulbs and layers of dust on the light fixtures and a four to five star price tag? I thought Fairmont was a decent brand, but […] they certainly didn't help their reputation with the condition of the room we stayed in. It was updated tastefully, but obviously receives only cursory cleaning. People who pay four or five star prices notice these things. I didn't expect an elegant or spacious room in an old hotel, but I did expect cleanliness. Makes me wonder what the problem is....not with The Empress, but rather with Fairmont Hotels. You didn't help yourselves by trying to nick me for a WiFi charge. These days, in this tier of hotel, it should be included. I never return to places thant try to nickle-and-dime me. Just something to think about. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Room was just ok. The service lacked - had to wait in line but the young receptionist was very nice. did not seem like the front desk was very organized - five people out there with only one helping people. The showerhead hit my husband mid chest. The sofabed was from the 70's. I would not recommend especially for the cost of the room!!!

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

While I was offered the option to pick a King Bed, I was told they didn't have any of them left and only had the option for 2 double beds.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

the bath room was very small for such a room and of course for three people.The bath room amenity did not keep up for a good 4* hotel. i.e only soaps and shampoo no slippers or other amenities.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

A top class hotel but did not provide free wi-fi and parking, mattress too soft & too small for 2 persons, room was small too for a family of 4.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The standard rooms of the hotel are not in keeping with the Fairmont Empress standards. they definitely need to work on those rooms.

Genuine Expedia guest review

One person at prime check-in time doesn't work. Same as Empress dining room - had to wait too long to be served. Waiter at dinner had to be told to bring the correct wine glass.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Not the best value for money. History and location, although good, are not sufficient factors to warrant the price. Check-in staff seem not to like those who book through Hotels.com

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Will allow you to bring your pet, but unfortunately will not allow you to leave your pet alone in the room whereas many of the other hotels in the same area will.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The Fairmont Hotel is in good location und very convenience.Upon Check-in they asked if we would like to upgrade to a seaview room with 80 Dollars per day but my husband refused. They gave us a room on the second floor.The room was very hot with only 2 electric fans, no air-conditioner.Service is very good, the hotel parking is 30 Dollars per day excluded […] Tax. We did have the Afternoon tea in Restaurant and it was not so special as the other peoples mentioned. we found that it was a little bit expensive for 60 dollars per person. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I have a high expectation with this hotel unfortunately it didn't reach my expectation. I have paid a premium to experience what people have rated as 5 star or at least 4.5 star. This is my 2nd time visiting Victoria and I have stayed in Chateau Victoria Hotel before. I paid less in Chateau for a penthouse unit, compared to the unit that I have stayed, […] not to mention that the penthouse suite has included a dining voucher per day stayed (CAD30). To be fair, I have no complain with their service, and the location is excellent. The reason why I am disappointed is due to few reasons: The room is not air-conditioned, the coffee& tea table is small and does not look stable, the fridge is really old with a manual key on top, so if you turn the key it is hard to open the mini fridge and the temperature is not cold. There is no shelves for clothing, only a few hanger in a walk in wardrobe, so all our belongings is either in the luggage or on the floor, since I did not travel alone. The mattress quality is not good either and the internet is not included in the package unless you are in the president's club. I would think that I might have been spoiled by other hotels that I have stayed before that made me disappointed with this stay. If you are pampered like me by other hotels, maybe you should look for more options or maybe stay there for a night to experience it. Afterall, you will be out most of the time anyway. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel staff are very kind and polite, however they are also very short of hands and took long time for all of services. Place of Afternoon tea is wonderful, but noisy and not relaxing, since staff are very busy. if rate is reasonable, stay at this hotel would be good choice.

Genuine Expedia guest review

It's a pretty old hotel if you are kind of person who likes old castle, you might feel satisfied here. Good luck!

Genuine Expedia guest review

Sounds fancy, slow registration one girl working for a large line up, was very clean but for the price and all the rave could have found alot nicer for alot cheaper!!!!! Was dated! Major! I understand it's old and refurbished but the shower sounded like an airplane was landing on the roof was scared to use it! Never ever heard a sound like that before […] and they also do not have parking area for overheight vehicles I believe we paid 29 or 34$ parking fee there and the vehicle had to be parked 4 blocks away outside of Victorias bar scene ( not ok when u drive a 50,000 dollar vehicle!) so all in all pretty dissappointed wouldn't recommend nor stay again! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Basically, it's an old hotel and doesn't fit to me.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Overall, I'd say that the "grand-ness" of the hotel is definitely worth seeing, but I'd really suggest that you actually stay at a more contemporary hotel if you enjoy the experience of a spacious room with a good view. I'm not sure why, but it would seem that "Expedia" bookings get designated to the furthest possible wing of the hotel with a view […] of the court yard. That was our experience and the folks we met when we stayed there last weekend. Worth seeing the hotel, but I don't think I'd really stay there again. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Bathroom was worse than motels. I could not figure out how to lower the room temperature. it is an antique.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The Empress has the best location in Victoria as it is located in the inner harbour and is walking distance to most of the attractions. However, be prepared to pay a premium for a sub-standard room. The rooms are small and the beds are uncomfortable. I would not stay at this hotel again.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Upon arriving early at the Empress we were informed by the front desk staff that our room would be ready before their check-in time at 4pm. The front desk attendant checked us in, gave us our keys and promised us a phone call to let us know when the room was ready. Fair enough. So off we went to explore the city. By 4pm we had not heard from the hotel […] so went back to check on our room status. We were told we were next on the list and it would be ready very soon and we would receive a phone call when the time came (no apology for their lateness). An HOUR later, still no phone call so again we checked with the desk staff. At this point we were told the room was ready (again no apology for our wait), we were given the room number and off we went. The keys did not work, so back to the front desk to have them reprogrammed (again, no apology for the inconvenience). For a hotel that offers 5 star service it is very unimpressive when they can't even have the rooms ready on time and no apology is given for the wait. Yes, the room was nice but there are a LOT of other hotels in Victoria that are just as nice with better front desk service. I would NOT recommend The Empress to my friends - they are not worth the hassle. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Receptionists spend too much time on the telephone

Genuine Expedia guest review

The location is very good!

Genuine Expedia guest review

For the cost of this hotel the rooms were not impressive.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

おしゃれな雰囲気はないですが、実用的なホテルです。 場所も、長距離バス停やEmpress Hotelなどから近く、便利です。 ビクトリアの観光名所（Empress Hotel、州議事堂、クレイダーロック城、ロイヤルBC博物館）へは徒歩圏内、Buchart Gardenまでのバスも長距離バス停から出ているので、至極便利です。

Genuine Expedia guest review

ディスカウント料金のせいかエレベーターから一番遠い部屋で、非常に不便を感じた。ホテルのサービスも決して良いとは言えず、スーツケースがあるのにポーターも来なかった。雰囲気は落ち着いていて良く、街歩きのアクセス、景色も良い（ただし部屋は裏側だったので、港は見えなかった）だけに残念な部分もあった。良いホテルなのだろうが、ディスカウントで安かろう悪かろうな部分を感じた。

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review