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721 Government Street
Victoria, BC V8W 1W5
Nightly Rates: ( 232.74 - 232.74 )
4 Star
During the summer months, The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia serves Afternoon Tea to more guests than most hotels in London, England. More than 900 people per day come to enjoy a tradition that has been part of the hotel since it opened in 1908. The Fairmont Empress has long been accustomed to entertaining Hollywood celebrities; Rita Hayworth, Jack Benny, Pat O'Brien, Douglas Fairbanks, Katherine Hepburn, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Tallulah Bankhead and a host of others have passed through its lobby. Shirley Temple arrived accompanied by her parents amid rumours that she had fled from California because of kidnapping threats, a story borne from the presence of two huge bodyguards who took the room opposite hers and always left their door open. In 1965, there was much debate on whether to tear down what was becoming a faded, dowdy hotel, to make room for a more modern, functional high-rise hotel. One local newspaper warned that, "Without this splendid relic of the Edwardian era, literally tens of thousands of tourists will never return. This is the Mecca, this is the heart and soul of the city." The decision was announced on June 10, 1966: The Fairmont Empress would not be demolished. Instead she would embark on a $4 million campaign of renovation and refurbishment, playfully dubbed "Operation Teacup." The walls of the hotel contain stories of unusual guests and employees. In 1987, a woman wrote about her wonderful stay at The Fairmont Empress and asked if other guests had received a similar late night visitor: a little girl who had watched over her bed and then floated across the room. There are also the stories of an early 20th century maid, who shows up now and again on the sixth floor to help with the cleaning. Throughout its history, The Fairmont Empress has played host to kings, queens, movie stars and many famous people. In 1919, Edward, Prince of Wales, waltzed into the dawn in the Crystal Ballroom - an event considered by Victorians to be of such importance that almost 50 years later, the obituaries of elderly ladies would appear under headlines such as, "Mrs. Thornley-Hall Dies. Prince of Wales Singled Her Out." In 1989, over $45 million was spent in the royal restoration; all the guest rooms were renovated, and a health club and indoor swimming pool were added. With an emphasis on craftsmanship, no attempt was made to give the hotel a new image. Instead, the goal was to restore The Fairmont Empress to its original elegance. The strong emotions The Fairmont Empress evokes in many of her guests and protectors is exemplified in the statement made by an irate gentleman, as workers raised the sign above the front entrance: "Anyone who doesn't know this is The Empress shouldn't be staying here."
· Canadian Dollars is the native currency.
· Check in time is 4pm
· Check out time is 11am
· Time Zone is Pacific Standard Time
· Opened in Jan 20, 1908
· Renovated in A new king of luxury arrived at The Fairmont Empress on Jan 21, 2002, with the much anticipated opening of the magnificent Willow Stream Spa. The 8000 square foot $7 million dollar facility is a blend of traditional and contemporary style.
· 476 rooms.
· 0 suites.
· 8 floors.
Contact the Concierge Desk for driving directions in the area.
Located on Government Street between Humboldt and Belleville Streets, The Fairmont Empress is a world renowned landmark and restored heritage hotel overlooking the inner harbour of Victoria. The symbolic centrepiece of Victoria, The Fairmont Empress is conveniently located adjacent to the Convention Centre, Parliament Buildings, Royal British Columbia Museum, shops and local sites. The Victoria Clipper docks a five minute walk from the front door.
VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Approx. 27km/17miles (30 mins)
The Bengal Lounge is famous for its curry buffet, 'Death By Chocolate' desserts, live jazz and a long list of signature cocktails. The Lounge offers stunning views of Victoria's Inner Harbor.
The Empress RoomEnjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in our upscale restaurant. Pair your appetizers, entree or dessert with wine from our award winning selection. The veranda, overlooking the Inner Harbor, is open during the summer months and provides a spectacular location to dine.
Afternoon TeaIndulge in one of Victoria's grandest traditions - Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress, served in the relaxing atmosphere of the elegantly restored Tea Lobby, overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbor. Served daily -- Reservations are required and should be made one to two weeks in advance to avoid disappointment.
In-Room DiningWhether its an intimate dinner for two, a lunch for a day of sight-seeing, a hospitality suite for 20, or just a midnight snack for one - our In-Room dining staff will be happy to assist you!
The Fairmont Empress is an ideal venue for a meeting in Victoria, Canada. Featuring over 10,000 square feet of meeting space, The Fairmont Empress can accommodate everything from a small executive board meeting to a large convention. State-of-the-art technology is featured in all meeting rooms, including an Ethernet network, and high-speed Internet access is also available throughout the hotel. Staff at The Fairmont Empress is dedicated to providing a full service for your Victoria meeting to ensure it is a successful occasion. AskFairmontFirst is our toll-free service for group planners. If you are wanting more information, contact one of the following numbers: *For Catering/Function Space, call 1-888-270-4432 *For Bedroom with Meeting Space, call 1-866-662-6060 or contact us at: askfairmontfirst@fairmont.com Guests outside North America call 1-506-877-3162.
The Fairmont Empress offers bike rentals available at the Concierge Desk through and outside company. The seaside vistas and rolling hills make biking a favorite activity in the area. Contact the Concierge for a list of rental prices.
GolfSeveral golf courses are located in the area. Transportation can be arranged. For a list of golf courses and packages, contac the Concierge Desk.
HikingHalf and full day guided hikes are available in the most spectacular natural settings on Southern Vancouver Island. The Victoria area offers beautiful rugged, coastal hikes or mountainous, panoramic climbs. There is hiking for every level - from novice to seasoned experts.
Pool & Health ClubThe Fairmont Empress has a fully-equipped gym and indoor heated pool and whirlpool area, which is accessible to registered hotel guests only, at no charge.
KayakingDiscover the beauty of Canada's West Coast from a sea kayak. Join a sea-kayaking course that ranges from a 3-hour evening clinic to full-weekend adventures. Scheduled tours are available from June to September. Clinics and group tour bookings are available year-round. For more information, contac the Concierge Desk.
Willow Stream SpaThe gracious spirit and energy of the resort flow naturally to Willow Stream. A calming waterfall invites you to experience the healing mineral waters. Willow Stream Spa offers complete esthetics and spa treatments including manicures, pedicures, facials, body wraps and scrubs, as well as massages including Swedish, Relaxation, Sports, Shiatsu and La Stone therapy. Access fees and age restrictions apply. Contact the hotel for more details.
Located about 45 minutes from the hotel, Burchart Gardens features over 55 acres of wonderful floral display, offering spectacular views as you stroll along meandering paths and expansive lawns. Open Year-round. The Gardens were designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004.
Butterfly GardensLocated about 30 minutes from the hotel, Butterfly world is a lush, indoor tropical garden where flowers are always blooming and butterflies are always flying. If bright colours such as red or pink are worn, a butterfly may land upon you.
Pacific Undersea GardensWalking distance from the hotel, the amazing Pacific Undersea Gardens enables you to GO DEEP into Victoria?s Inner Harbour and see the Live Dive Show in the exclusive Undersea Theatre on the bottom of the sea!
Horticulture Centre of the PacificGlendale Gardens offers plant enthusiasts a peaceful, rural environment filled with a wide variety of plant material in a natural setting.
ToursHorse and Carriage Tours of Victoria are available. Check with the Concierge for schedule, prices and reservations. Tours of The Fairmont Empress are offered on Saturdays, for a duration of 1 hour. Check with Concierge for pricing and schedule information.
Whale Watching ToursWhale-watching tours are available from several charters in the area. Contact Concierge to book your adventure.
Miniature WorldOnly a 2-minute walk from the hotel, you'll witness historic events or the future frontiers of Space, Fantasy Land, the amazing Victorian Dollhouses, Circus World and more, all in Miniature World setting!
Beacon Hill ParkLocated a 15-minute walk from the hotel, the historic Beacon Hill Park is beautifully landscaped and manicured, and is home to numerous species of ducks, birds and wildlife. The park also features a children's petting zoo.
Legislature BuildingA 2-minute walk from the hotel, you can learn about Canada's legislature by taking a free tour of the buildings during the week.
Emily Carr HouseVisit the birthplace and childhood home of Emily Carr, one of Canada's most famous artists and authors. Restored to accurately depict lifestyle of the Carr family, the home also features a People's Gallery.
Royal London Wax MuseumLocated near the hotel, in front of the Parliament Buildings, the Royal London Wax Museum is home to the world's most famous faces.
