Victoria: Fairmont Empress Hotel (4 Star Hotel)

0.3 business

Address: 721 government st , Victoria V8W1W5, Canada
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Lonely Planet review

  • John Lee
  • Lonely Planet author
The Inner Harbour's grand old lady, this ivy-covered, picture-postcard edifice has been wowing cream tea-scoffing visitors for decades. Rooms are elegant but conservative and some are downright small, but the overall swanky colonial effect is classier than all the city's other hotels added together.

This landmark Victoria property, which appears on more postcards than perhaps any other in Canada, was built as part of the 'northern castles' chain that also includes the Hotel Vancouver across the water. It's a picture of colonial-era elegance, complete with uniformed doormen, an oak-beamed restaurant serving Raj-style curry and a chattery high-tea room that overlooks the waterfront. Unless you pay top-dollar for a room with a view, your quarters - although business-hotel classy - will likely be satisfyingly comfortable rather than palatially regal. But if you're looking to impress someone, there's no better place to unpack your bags. Save some time to stroll around the lobby (a monocle and top hat are recommended) and make sure you poke around the downstairs shopping area, where you'll find intriguing photos of the hotel's past lining the walls.

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Atmosphere: Elegant and Busy

Check-in / Check-out Earliest check-in: 4:00 PM
Latest check-out time: 11:00 AM