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484 USD

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Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria

🌍

● Center: 1.3 km

☎ Phone: +1 250-384-8111Show

✅ Several guests praised the hotel's historic charm and well-maintained classic decor, describing it as a landmark in Victoria. ✅ The breakfast and Afternoon Tea experiences received positive mentions for delicious food and a unique atmosphere. ✅ Staff were frequently highlighted for warm, friendly, and helpful service, including thoughtful gestures like welcome gifts and pet accommodations. ✅ Rooms were described as clean and comfortable, with some guests enjoying the harbour views and amenities like Nespresso machines and USB chargers. ✅ Facilities such as the pool, sauna, gym, and spa were appreciated for their quality and cleanliness. ❌ Some guests reported maintenance issues including dust accumulation, unpleasant odors from the sink, and outdated room facilities. ❌ A few reviews noted inconsistency in housekeeping services, such as failure to replenish toiletries without reminders. ❌ The spa booking system and cancellation policies received criticism for being inflexible and causing guest dissatisfaction. ❌ Certain rooms have limited space and layout inconveniences, such as small bathrooms without locks on doors. ❌ Occasional noise from nearby areas and dated in-room technology like old TVs were mentioned as minor drawbacks.

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Rooms and prices

2 guests

Adults−2+

Children under 17−0+

Age−7+

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Fairmont Gold Double room with city view

Air conditioning, minibar and private bathroom

Beds:

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Fairmont Double room with city view

Wireless internet, air conditioning and minibar

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Fairmont Gold Deluxe Double room with city view

Air conditioning, minibar and private bathroom

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Fairmont Gold Deluxe Quadruple room with city view

Private bathroom

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Executive Double Suite with city view

Air conditioning, minibar and private bathroom

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Deluxe Double room with city view

Wireless internet, air conditioning and minibar

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1 Bedroom Fairmont Gold Double Suite with city view

Air conditioning, minibar and private bathroom

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1 Bedroom Double Suite with city view

Wireless internet and private bathroom

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Fairmont Double room with harbour view

Wireless internet, air conditioning and minibar

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Deluxe Quadruple room with city view

Private bathroom

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Deluxe Quadruple room with harbour view

Private bathroom

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Deluxe Double room with harbour view

Wireless internet, air conditioning and minibar

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Signature Double room with harbour view

Air conditioning, minibar and private bathroom

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Fairmont Gold Double room with harbour view

Air conditioning, minibar and private bathroom

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Fairmont Gold Deluxe Double room with harbour view

Air conditioning, minibar and private bathroom

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Double Junior Suite with city view

Wireless internet, air conditioning and minibar

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Double Junior Suite with harbour view

Private bathroom

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1 Bedroom Double Suite with harbour view

Private bathroom

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1 Bedroom Signature Double Suite with harbour view

Air conditioning and private bathroom

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Executive Quadruple Suite with city view

Private bathroom

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2 Bedrooms Fairmont Gold Suite with harbour view

Private bathroom

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1 Bedroom Fairmont Gold Double Suite with harbour view

Private bathroom

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1 Bedroom Fairmont Gold Executive Double Suite with harbour view

Private bathroom

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Governor General Double Suite with harbour view

Private bathroom

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Royal Double Suite with harbour view

Private bathroom

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More rooms

Description

The Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, Canada, is a historic 5-star property originally constructed in 1908 and renovated in 2016. It offers a wide range of room types, from Fairmont Double rooms with city or harbour views to luxurious suites including the Royal Double Suite with harbour view. Guests can expect classic decor combined with modern amenities such as WiFi, a fitness centre, spa and wellness centre, and free bike rentals. The hotel features multiple dining options including a restaurant with buffet service and breakfast-in-room availability. Family-friendly and pet-friendly policies make it suitable for various travelers. The hotel maintains a high overall rating of 9/10, with particularly strong marks for location and cleanliness. On-site services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, currency exchange, and free parking. Unique touches like a garden terrace, shared lounge, and historical ambiance add to the experience, though some reviews note occasional issues with room maintenance and service consistency.

Location

Located at 721 Government Street, the Fairmont Empress Hotel sits in the heart of downtown Victoria. It is just 110 meters from the Maritime Museum of British Columbia, offering easy access to local history. The well-known Inner Harbour is within walking distance, and Fonyo Beach is approximately 1.47 kilometers away for those seeking seaside relaxation. Nearby dining options include Milestones Grill and Bar (138 m), Browns Socialhouse Victoria Falls (150 m), and Fire & Water Fish and Chop House (211 m). The hotel's central position allows guests to explore Victoria's attractions, shops, and waterfront conveniently on foot.

Tips

Book higher-tier suites if space and luxury are priorities, as standard rooms can be small and have some layout drawbacks.
Notify the hotel in advance if traveling with pets to ensure accommodations like dog beds and bowls are prepared.
For a smooth spa experience, book services directly and confirm appointments carefully due to reported inflexibility in cancellations.

Policies and conditions

Child policies: Children of all ages are welcome at this property. Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.
Cribs and Extra Beds: Extra bed and crib policies may vary according to room type. Please refer to the room type details for more information.
Breakfast: Option: Set menu Opening hours: [Mon - Sun] 06:30-11:00 Open Contact the property to see if extra breakfast is available. If so, you can pay for it at the property.
Deposit Policy: Deposit required The deposit is determined based on the duration of your stay. The charge is CAD 100.00 (approx. US$70.70) per night. This property accepts cash, credit cards and debit cards The deposit will be returned to the original account of payment on the day of check-out.
Pets: Pets are allowed on request Types of pets allowed: dogs, cats
Service animals: Service animals are allowed on request
Age Requirements: The main guest checking in must be at least 19 years old
Paying at the hotel: Visa, AmericanExpress, MasterCard, DinersClub, JSB

2 guests

Adults−2+

Children under 17−0+

Age−7+

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Services and facilities

General

ATM
Shopping on site
24-hour reception
Currency exchange
Smoke-free property
Heating
Security guard
Newspapers
Ticket assistance
Gift shop
Express check-in/check-out
Garden
Television in lobby
Terrace
Fire Extinguisher
Electric car charging

Rooms

Non-smoking rooms
Room service
Family room
Cable TV
Hairdryer
Flat-screen TV
Shower/Bathtub
Wardrobe/Closet
Bathrobe
Linens
Slippers
Toiletries

Accessibility

Accessibility features
Wheelchair Accessible

Services and amenities

Iron and board
Ironing
Luggage storage
Laundry
Safe-deposit box
Concierge services
Dry-cleaning
Shoe shine
Luggage storage
Wake-up service
Telephone
Iron

Meals

Bar
Coffee/tea for guests
Diet menu (on request)
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast
Breakfast in the room
Restaurant
Vending machine
Kitchen
Coffeemaker
Kettle

Internet

Free Wi-Fi
Internet

Transfer

Car rental
Airport transportation

Languages Spoken

Spanish
German
Russian
English
Italian
French
Korean
Multi-language staff
Japanese
Arabic
Chinese

Tourist services

Tour assistance

Recreation

Bike rental
Hiking
Picnic area
Sun Deck

Parking

Parking
Parking nearby
Garage

Pool and beach

Swimming pool
Spa tub
Indoor Pool
Beach/pool towels

Business

Business center
Event facilities
Fax and copy machine
Meeting and presentation facilities
Conference Hall

Sports

Fitness facilities
Gym

Beauty and wellness

Doctor
Massage
Steam room
Beauty services
Sauna
Spa
First Aid Kit

Kids

Babysitting and childcare
Children swimming pool
Family/Kid Friendly

Pets

Pets allowed

The nearest beach is located on the distance of 1470 m. It takes 22 minutes To the beach!

Video: CANADA TOUR#17_ Fairmont Empress Hotel & Inner Harbour Ferries Victoria , BC....

Map

Reviews

Cleanliness

Amenities

Location

Service

11.05.2026 Guest

Lived in Victoria for 40+ years and our first stay at the Empress. Great history inside and out. Delicious breakfast in the Bengal Lounge. We will be returning.

05.05.2026 Roberto

My girlfriend and I recently stayed at your hotel to celebrate our 4-year anniversary. We were truly looking forward to this special occasion and chose your property for what we hoped would be a memorable experience.
Upon arrival, we were informed that our room was not ready, which we completely understand can sometimes happen. After a couple of hours, we were notified that the room was available. We checked in, changed, and then left the hotel for a while.
When we returned later, we found a trio of strawberries with a card in the room, which was a lovely and thoughtful gesture that we genuinely appreciated. However, we were a bit confused and concerned that this arrangement was placed in the room after we had already checked in and accessed it. It gave us the impression that the room may not have been fully prepared for our arrival.
Additionally, it felt unusual that someone entered the room outside of standard cleaning hours while our belongings were already inside. While we understand the gesture was well-intended, it did leave us feeling slightly uncomfortable.
We wanted to share this feedback constructively, as we believe attention to timing and communication can make a significant difference in a guest’s experience—especially when celebrating a special occasion.
Thank you for taking the time to read our comments. We would appreciate your thoughts regarding this matter.

01.04.2026 florence

It was a good stay for our family trip

24.03.2026 Guest

I am writing to formally express my very serious dissatisfaction regarding the condition of my room and the overall standard of service during my stay.
To be completely honest, the situation is far below what any reasonable guest would expect from a hotel of this category and price level.
There is clearly long-term dust accumulation on the exhaust fan and in multiple corners of the room. This is not a matter of minor housekeeping oversight for a day or two it reflects a prolonged lack of proper maintenance and cleaning standards. Such conditions are unacceptable for a property that presents itself as a luxury establishment.
Even more concerning is the foul, rotten odor coming from the sink water. Every time I brush my teeth or wash my hands, the unpleasant smell is immediately noticeable and deeply disturbing. This raises not only comfort issues, but also serious concerns about hygiene and water safety. At this level of accommodation, guests should never have to question the basic quality of the water provided in their room. I strongly believe this matter requires immediate professional inspection.
I chose to stay at your hotel and willingly paid a premium rate because I expected a premium experience including cleanliness, attention to detail, and reliable service. Unfortunately, what I have encountered so far reflects a significant gap between the price charged and the quality delivered.
In addition, despite leaving a tip for housekeeping and placing a written note clearly requesting replenishment, my shampoo was not refilled. I was eventually forced to go into the corridor to find another staff member for assistance. Cotton swabs were also not replenished for three consecutive days. These are very basic service expectations that should not require repeated reminders from guests.
Taken together, these issues have had a substantial negative impact on my stay and overall impression of the hotel. I find this situation extremely disappointing and frankly inconsistent with the reputation and standards your brand claims to uphold.
I would appreciate it if management could review this matter seriously and provide a clear and appropriate resolution.

08.03.2026 john

The experience at the Empress was phenomenal. The stay started with a young woman being trained at the reception desk, she was incredibly warm and welcoming. After a conversation with her about our first trip to Victoria, she must have passed the information on to Melissa Laing of the front office management team. She sent a wonderful gift to our room. We were both stunned and appreciative of the thoughtful gesture.
Everything about this hotel is classic, old school hospitality.
We are happy to be Fairmont customers and will return for the view, comfort and hospitality. The experience at the Empress was phenomenal. The stay started with a young woman being trained at the reception desk, she was incredibly warm and welcoming. After a conversation with her about our first trip to Victoria, she must have passed the information on to Melissa Laing of the front office management team. She sent a wonderful gift to our room. We were both stunned and appreciative of the thoughtful gesture.
Everything about this hotel is classic, old school hospitality.
We are happy to be Fairmont customers and will return for the view, comfort and hospitality.

22.02.2026 Nazih

We had a beautiful stay here. It was for our anniversary and the staff made us feel welcome and cake to recognize us and greet us by name even after a couple days.

They allow dogs which was great. We notified them and they had two bowls and a nice dog bed for our pup.

We came to love the old world charm of the hotel, the pictures on the walls showing its history were very cool.

The bathroom and pool amenities were amazing. The brand of soaps, and shampoos they had smelled great. The pool was spacious and had very modern changing rooms full of the same amenities, and a very nice sauna.

We will definitely visit again!

10.02.2026 Pearlpreet

Had the best time

09.02.2026 rhooshyller

Our family had an amazing stay at the Fairmont Empress, and it was truly a special experience for both adults and kids. The hotel is beautiful, historic, and feels like a landmark right in the heart of Victoria.

From the moment we arrived, the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, especially toward our children. Check-in was easy, and we felt comfortable right away.

Our room was spacious, very clean, and had everything we needed for a relaxing family stay. The beds were super comfortable, and the overall atmosphere was calm and luxurious while still being family-friendly.

One of the highlights was the famous Afternoon Tea, which was such a fun and memorable treat for our whole family. The food was delicious, and the experience felt truly unique.

The location is perfect for families -- right by the Inner Harbour, close to progulki, attractions, restaurants, and shops, making it easy to explore without needing to drive far.

Overall, the Fairmont Empress delivered an unforgettable family getaway with outstanding service, comfort, and a magical setting. We would absolutely recommend it to other families visiting Victoria.

? 5/5 - A wonderful luxury family experience.

31.01.2026 Scott

We recently had a great brunch with family here this past December. All in all, it was a wonderful experience. The ambiance was nice. The food was all very good, but I have to say the highlight was the chilled seafood bar.. Service was very friendly, but I do feel like a little more training for the service team might go a long way. To match the food, presentation, atmosphere and the elegance of the hotel. I do believe you should not be topping off your own wine or wait for a member of the service team to consult somebody else before they can answer a question about the menu they are serving. All in all, I have to say that it was an absolutely wonderful experience.

03.01.2026 JackyHu1109

The room was clean, though the facilities were a bit dated. Great value for money.

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POIs near hotel

Empress Hotel (1 min)

Iconic hotel built in 1908, located in downtown Victoria with heritage status.

Captain James Cook (1 min)

Bronze memorial commemorating Captain James Cook, the British explorer and navigator.

Maritime Museum of British Columbia (2 min)

Explore maritime history and artifacts of British Columbia at this dedicated museum in Victoria.

Victoria Cenotaph (3 min)

War memorial located at British Columbia Legislature grounds honoring fallen soldiers.

Victoria Bug Zoo (3 min)

Interactive zoo featuring live tropical bugs and arthropods, offering educational tours and exhibits.

Cafe and Restaurants near hotel

Restaurant «Milestones Grill and Bar» (2 min)

812 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T3

Reviews

26.10.2017 Edith

We went for lunch today at milestones at the inner harbour, my boyfriend and I. In a practically empty restaurant. The hostess sat us in the back of the restaurant and in my opinion the worst table in the restaurant. There was a huge tree blocking any view. The restaurant was empty so we were confused as to why we were placed there. They did seat us in a more reasonable spot after we asked and when we questioned why we were seated there the hostess said it was a very requested table (not believable). To top this off they (manager,hostess and waitresses) gathered chatting and looking in our directions absolutely obvious they were discussing our "unreasonable" request. They made us feel awkward and disgusted by their behaviour. We were paying patrons. Appalled and humiliated we got up and left --not willing to be ridiculed any further. actually felt too sick to eat BUT it doesn't end there after paying for the bill I re-entered the restaurant to get my change and THEN the manager asked if there was a problem (not bothering to ask when we visibly looked upset leaving) The only reason why she asked was because we were face.to to face she was at the till seeing if we left a tip (exactly the reason why I went back because I didn't want to leave a tip because of how we were treated) but she didn't show any concern or even apologize. We will Never go to this restaurant again and I wouldn't recommend especially for POC. Just my vibe from the place.

14.10.2017 Ryan

Very stylish restaurant with a beautiful view. Great selection of food on the menu that is not commonly combined to make an extraordinary flavor which you will not regret.

05.10.2017 Amanda

We ate downstairs at the deck. We were told that the menu is different then the upper floors. I had an excellent strawberry lemonade cocktail. The food was all very yummy. My whole group of five enjoyed their meals.

30.09.2017 Terry

Service polite but incredibly slow. Took well over an hour to get food. Drinks would arrive 15 to 20 mins after ordering. Even took multiple asks and 20 mins to get a cheque. Food was ok but value isn't there.

10.09.2017 Alec

Milestones is a solid place to eat. The food is good, the atmosphere is good, and the best part is the location. But, it's not amazing. It's a solid place to eat, that's not too casual and not too fancy.

Restaurant «Browns Socialhouse Victoria Falls» (2 min)

809 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 1A6

Reviews

20.10.2017 Minal

I think the nachos are better in vancouver.. these seemed deep fried and perhaps they were out of real tortilla chips.
Avocado bread was meh
the Bellini was great tho a tad bit sweeet.
The chocolate brownie was huge, was ok.
Overall service was okay.

08.10.2017 Kevin

Hit and miss here. Depends on who is bartending it seems. Great on my recent visit, prior ones varied depending on staff working that night. Only 3 stars as ALL TV's have to be or seem to be
On the same channel. Why not offer many channels each TV different... Why not ?

27.09.2017 Scott

Very poor service. Got accused of not paying the bill and they threatened to call the police but after they looked at the two bills we actually ended up overpaying.

I would give less than one star but... You can't

16.09.2017 Subrata

We like coming here for lunch or dinner. Good food and drinks. Pizzas are on special prices on Mondays. They have good pizzas.

04.06.2017 Chris

Wow, has this place gone downhill. We used to enjoy great food and service here but the last few visits have been disappointing to say the least. Our last visit culminated with a back and forth argument with the kitchen about whether or not there were chili flakes on my daughter's pizza which I could see with my own eyes (I was a chef for 15 years, I know what chili flakes look and taste like). Anyhow they refused to remake the pizza to our liking and the whole interaction pretty much ruined the whole experience. As our last couple times here were also less than stellar I won't be coming back. What a shame but thankfully there are many better options in Victoria.

Restaurant «Fire & Water Fish and Chop House» (3 min)

728 Humboldt St, Victoria, BC V8W 3Z5

Reviews

14.10.2017 Kevin

Looking to reserve a party for appetizers and drinks for a farewell celebration. Was transferred from front desk to an answering machine - "they'd get right back to me at their nearest convenience". Two days and another redirect to their answering machine later, no phone call. May be a great place to go, but I wouldn't know.

31.03.2017 Carlos

Great service, good location, depending on the time of the year, parking might be an issue. The food is good but nothing unique that would justify the prices.

23.02.2016 Don

Took my good friend of mine to dinner here for her birthday to try out their Dine Around Town menu... Having read the other reviews on here I was not sure what to expect.. However, I must say both of us had a very good meal full of a variety of wonderful fresh flavours... And the service was attentive, not intrusive... Kudos to the chef and service staff for providing one of the best meals both of us have had in awhile!

02.05.2015 Legacysans

Went to the Marriott's Fire & Water Fish and Chop House with my parents to celebrate my birthday. There was no one at the hostess podium so, after a few minutes, we flagged down a waiter to get to our reserved table. I was a little alarmed that the restaurant (as opposed to the lounge) was practically empty on a Thursday evening. Despite the polished and elegant hotel exterior, the interior of the restaurant is worn and dated – scuffs on the wall, uncomfortable chairs, sticky table. Our bread rolls were a bit stale (I realize the roll is supposed to have a crisp crust but I had to stab it with my knife to crack it open) and we received a very small portion of tapanade instead of butter (both would have been nice). The menu was small but interesting and we were looking forward to a nice meal. Then the waiter informed us that one of the entrée options was unavailable. No problem, it happens. When we ordered, the waiter updated the number of unavailable entrées to two. Considering there are only seven entrée choices in total, this wasn't good news. I ordered the top sirloin steak and told the waiter that I was allergic to peppers yet my entrée arrived with a big slice of sautéed yellow pepper in among some green beans (I ate neither). Included in the top sirloin entrée description was a "west coast crab and black peppercorn butter" which appeared as a stingy, dime-sized daub on the meat. The "citrus herb sauce" that was also described was nowhere to be seen. The steak was beautifully cooked and had good flavour but it was unusually tough – top sirloin is a chewier cut than others but this steak required some serious jaw power to eat. Once we got to dessert, we placed our order only to be advised that our selection wasn't available. How can you be "out" of creme brulée? You ran out of eggs? Sugar? Milk? No, the chilliness of our generous and tasty appetizer salads indicated that the kitchen wasn't making our food fresh – it was all pre-made and reheated (Nothing like the zap of a microwave to add some extra chewiness to a steak – mystery solved!). They were "out" of creme brulée because there were no more pre-made ones available. This is a time saver in a busy kitchen, for sure, but, including us, there were only two other tables seated in the restaurant that night. Now I know why. Not recommended, poor quality for the price.

19.05.2014 Azfar

Well the worst service ever by the waiter Mario. A racist guy who did not care about us. Did not welcome us. Did not inform us that dinner menu is over. And was going to the rest of the tables since they were Caucasian Canadians and asking them if they need deserts or coffee. Really felt weird since Victoria is a tourist city. Food was crap as well. Prawns Quasedilla gave me an allergy. Don't spoil your evening.

Frequently asked questions about Fairmont Empress Hotel

Are pets allowed at the Fairmont Empress Hotel?

Yes, pets including dogs and cats are allowed on request with no extra pet fee. Guests should notify the hotel in the reservation's special notes to prepare a dog bed and bowls.

What types of rooms are available at this hotel?

Room types range from Fairmont Double rooms with city or harbour views to various deluxe and signature suites, including Fairmont Gold and Executive Suites, Double Junior Suites, and the Royal Double Suite with harbour view.

Is breakfast available at the hotel?

Breakfast is served with a set menu daily from 06:30 to 11:00. Guests can contact the property to check if extra breakfast options are available for purchase.

Does the hotel offer parking?

Yes, the hotel has free parking available for guests.

How close is the hotel to local attractions?

The hotel is 110 meters from the Maritime Museum of British Columbia and about 1.47 kilometers from Fonyo Beach. It is also within walking distance to several restaurants and the Inner Harbour.

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Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria

Rooms and prices

Description

Location

Tips

Policies and conditions

Services and facilities

Video: CANADA TOUR#17_ Fairmont Empress Hotel & Inner Harbour Ferries Victoria , BC....

Map

Reviews

POIs near hotel

Cafe and Restaurants near hotel

Frequently asked questions about Fairmont Empress Hotel

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