A First-Time Stay at The Fairmont Empress

First impressions & overall experience

The Fairmont Empress is Victoria’s most iconic hotel, yet it never felt overwhelming during our stay. While it is a larger property with 431 rooms, the atmosphere remained calm and welcoming throughout.

The hotel overlooks the Inner Harbour and connects directly to the Victoria Conference Centre, making it equally appealing for leisure travelers and those visiting for business or events. A major renovation in 2016 refreshed the guest rooms, with Fairmont Gold receiving an additional update in 2023. The balance between historic character and modern comfort feels well considered.

My mom and I stayed in a One Bedroom Suite, which proved to be an easy and comfortable setup for traveling together. The separate living area gave us space to unwind during the day, and both sleeping arrangements were genuinely comfortable. My mom slept well in the bedroom with the king bed, and I was pleasantly surprised by how restful the pullout sofa was. Having two full bathrooms was an added convenience that allowed us plenty of space in the evenings.

Fairmont Empress lobby

When to stay & what to expect seasonally

Victoria is popular year-round, and The Empress reflects that demand.

• August regularly exceeds 90 percent occupancy

• September averages around 85 percent and is when we visited

• November often surprises travelers by selling out due to events and conferences

• Spring is peak conference season, especially mid-week

For first-time visitors, early fall offers an excellent balance of weather, energy, and ease. That said, advance planning matters here, particularly for Fairmont Gold rooms and suites. I monitor availability closely for clients and secure rooms early when timing is important.

Fitness center & pool area

I made use of the health and fitness club, which felt well suited to a city-focused stay.

• The pool is shallow and ideal for relaxed swims

• Poolside seating is comfortable and inviting

• The fitness center is compact but still well equipped

Indoor pool at the Empress

Family friendly, with a planning note

The Empress works well for families, particularly those with older children, but room selection is important.

• Connecting rooms are limited and should be requested early

• Suites provide the most comfortable option for families or multigenerational travel

Planning ahead ensures the stay feels smooth rather than constrained.

Location & walkability

For a first visit, the location alone is a major advantage. From the front doors of the Empress, we were able to walk easily to:

• Inner Harbour Pathway

• The British Columbia Parliament buildings

• Government Street shops

• Museums, galleries, and waterfront restaurants

• Harbour Air’s terminal

The central location of The Empress makes it easy to explore without relying on a car for transportation. Being able to explore at a relaxed pace without coordinating rides added to the enjoyment of our stay.

From the BC Parliament grounds, you can see The Empress

History woven into the stay

One of the things my mom and I appreciated most was how the hotel’s history shows up in subtle ways. Architectural details, historic elements throughout the public spaces, and touches like the old mailboxes for postcards give the property character without making it feel like a museum.

This sense of continuity adds depth to the stay, especially for first-time visitors who want to feel connected to Victoria’s story.

Fairmont Gold experience

Fairmont Gold is a strong choice for travelers who want a quieter, more personalized experience at The Empress.

• A private lounge with beautiful harbour views

• Attentive service and a refined atmosphere

For luxury travelers or those visiting during busy periods, Fairmont Gold adds comfort and value without feeling excessive.

The Gold Lounge has an outdoor patio with incredible views of the Inner Harbour

Dining & in-room experience

Dining was consistently enjoyable during our stay and felt well paced for a relaxed first visit.

Q at the Empress was a highlight for both breakfast and dinner, with attentive service and delicious dishes. The restaurant is scheduled for a refresh in early 2026, including an expanded bar and slightly reduced dinner seating, which should further elevate the experience.

My mom has food allergies, and the dining team consistently asked proactive questions and ensured her needs were clearly communicated to the kitchen. That level of care made meals feel relaxed and well managed for her.

We also made use of in-room dining, which was easy to order and genuinely good after a full afternoon of sightseeing.

One experience we did not make time for on this visit was Afternoon Tea, one of the Empress’s most iconic offerings. It has been added to our list for a future stay and is something I would recommend planning into a first visit if time allows.

Sneak peak of the reopened Bengal restaurant during my site inspection

Service that elevates the stay

Service throughout the hotel reflected the standard expected at a flagship Fairmont property. Front desk, housekeeping, and dining teams were consistently warm, attentive, and professional. It is the kind of service that quietly supports the guest experience.

Pet-friendly property

The Fairmont Empress welcomes both dogs and cats and does not charge a pet fee. Pets should not be left unattended in rooms, and the concierge team can recommend trusted local pet sitters.

While my dachshund did not join us on this particular getaway, I know she would have loved exploring the grounds and nearby green spaces. As a pet travel advisor, this is an easy property to recommend for travelers visiting Victoria with pets.

Final thoughts

For travelers visiting Victoria for the first time, the Fairmont Empress offers a stay that feels both iconic and genuinely comfortable. Its location, service, dining, and sense of history create a well-rounded experience that works equally well for relaxed sightseeing or a more structured itinerary.

If you are planning your first trip to Victoria and want a stay that anchors the experience while keeping everything easy and enjoyable, I would be happy to arrange your stay at the Fairmont Empress and help coordinate the broader itinerary so the trip flows effortlessly from start to finish.

I recommend reviewing my 3 Days in Victoria: A Luxurious First Visit itinerary as you plan your stay, which walks through how to structure a two-night, three-day stay and highlights just how much is within walking distance of the hotel. Following that itinerary makes staying at the Empress especially worthwhile, as it places you directly in the center of everything you will want to experience.

For travelers coming from Vancouver or Seattle, I also suggest reviewing my post on Flying with Harbour Air, which outlines a relaxed and scenic way to arrive directly into Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Arriving by seaplane puts you minutes from the Empress and reinforces how seamless this itinerary can be.

When booking through me, clients also receive preferred amenities such as a welcome amenity, potential room upgrades, late check-in or check-out when available, and a property credit that can be used toward on-property dining.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Canada page.