Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.