The Empress

The Fairmont Empress hotel in Victoria, BC sits majestically at the cornerstone of Victoria's sparkling Inner Harbour and vibrant city centre. This Vancouver Island luxury hotel is located in British Columbia's capital city and features turn of the century architecture, classic beauty and an unrivaled location. Since 1908, it is Vancouver Island's most celebrated resort, spa and meeting destination. The Victoria hotel features the highly acclaimed Willow Stream Spa regarded as one of the best spas in Canada; - a must on each visit to Victoria.

Edwardian Era Landmark - 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.'

Ghostly Visitors - 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.

Royal Visits - 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 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth stayed at The Fairmont Empress as part of their cross Canada Royal Tour. It was the first time in history that reigning monarchs had visited Victoria and stayed at The Fairmont Empress.

The most recent Royal Visit of HRH Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Phillip was in 2002. Prince Charles and Camilla visited in 2009 while the Emperor and Empress of Japan visited in 2010.

Afternoon Tea - No visit to Victoria is complete without world renowned Afternoon Tea at The Fairmont Empress. Enjoyed by kings, queens, celebrities and dignitaries, the hotel has been serving tea since opening in 1908.