The Fairmont Empress

Frommer's Review

Francis Rattenbury's 1908 harborside creation is the most famous landmark on the Victoria waterfront. When you see it, you'll instantly want to stay here. Think twice, however, before throwing down the plastic. The hotel's 256 standard rooms (called Fairmont rooms) cost more and offer less than you can find elsewhere in the city: They're small rooms with smaller bathrooms, and offer little in the way of view. For some, the hotel's fabulous location and the building itself, as well as its first-class amenities -- large pool, good weight room, luxurious Willow Stream spa, lounge, restaurant, tea lobby, and so on -- or just the aura of being in the Empress, makes up for this lack of personal space. The 80 Deluxe rooms are bigger, with high ceilings and -- for 60 of them anyway -- a view of the harbor. They come with a small sitting area, a writing desk, and the same small, functional bathroom. The 12 Signature rooms are corner rooms with a big desk, queen-size bed, small seating area, and yes, the same small, functional bathroom. At the top of the heap are the Fairmont Gold rooms with high, arched ceilings, wide windows, king-size beds, a big desk, a CD player, and -- finally -- bathrooms with a (one-person) soaker tub and shower. If you can afford a Fairmont Gold or a Signature room -- go for it. If you can't, it may be better to admire the Empress from afar. Or just come here for afternoon tea.

Facilities: 2 restaurants; bar/lounge; tearoom; indoor pool; high-quality health club; spa; Jacuzzi; sauna; concierge; business center; shopping arcade; limited room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; executive-level rooms; rooms for those w/limited mobility.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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