The Fairmont Empress, Victoria
West Coast British Columbia’s Crown Jewel Accommodation
The Fairmont Empress Hotel sits regally overlooking the inner harbour of Victoria, BC, as one of the city's favourite accommodations.
When you mention that you’re travelling to Victoria, British Columbia, most people will mention The Fairmont Empress Hotel. Its picture perfect exterior evokes the royalty it was named after, Queen Victoria, who was called the Empress of India. Walking into the entrance hall makes guests straighten up their posture and infuses a regal air into their gaits.
The Fairmont Empress, Victoria
Building began in 1904, as the CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway) was given the land with the stipulation that they’d build and maintain a hotel on the site for at least 50 years. The style was modeled after Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, a chateau-styled beauty.
Many renovations have ensued over the years, seeing three wings added, as well as major upgrades to modernize the heating and electricity. To learn more about the history of the building, head to the lower lobby and search the archives, displayed on the walls like a gallery.
Dining at the Empress
The Empress is known for its afternoon tea, serving up to 1,000 guests a day during the summer. The Empress Room stuns with its opulent décor and reputable cuisine. Standing out, however, is the Bengal Lounge. Taking up the Empress of India theme, the interior has a grand feel, all the while remaining welcoming.
Try the curry buffet, a delicious array of chicken, lamb and vegetarian options. The vegan lentil soup is the die for. A la Carte options are also available for those not hungry enough for the buffet, which includes a nice selection of seafood, a chicken naan wrap, and beef short ribs. Live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights make dining overlooking the inner harbour of Victoria even more divine.
Amenities at the Empress
As with all Fairmont properties, the hotel is equipped with a nice range of amenities. There is a swimming pool, whirlpool, children’s wading pool, and a full health club including a sauna. The Willow Stream is the in-house luxury spa. A variety of treatments are available for almost every occasion, whether you come solo, with friends or with your sweetheart. Make sure to take advantage of the thermal mineral pool before or after your treatment, or unwind in the steam room with customized aromatherapy.
Special Packages and Hotel Deals
Centennial Package- Breakfast in Bed with Royal Tea: This year marks the 100th anniversary of The Fairmont Empress Hotel. In order to celebrate in style, the entire year of 2008 will offer rates starting at $269 CDN per night during the off season. This consists of one night at the hotel, breakfast for two, Royal Tea for two and a glass of bubbly each, as well as the new edition of The Fairmont Empress Coffee Table Book to take home with you.
Victorian Charm Engaging Celebration Package: One of the best ways to see the city is by horse-drawn carriage, and this package incorporates just such a tour. With a night in a Fairmont Gold Harbour View room, preceded by a three-course dinner for two in the Empress Room, get ready to be romantically inspired. The couple will also receive a handcrafted Victorian charm cake, customized for the occasion, and a half hour horse-drawn carriage tour. The room welcomes guests with a half bottle of bubbly and etched Empress champagne flutes, “His and Her” monogrammed bathrobes, a lavender turndown service, a Romance-to-go kit, and finishes with breakfast in bed. Off season rates start at $629CDN per package and are available all year except for January.
721 Government Street
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W 1W5
Reservations: 1-800-257-7544
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