Fairmont Empress Hotel, Victoria

Fairmont Empress Hotel - A historic castle-style hotel with award-winning spa, signature afternoon tea, and Inner Harbour views

Standing prominently over Victoria's Inner Harbour, this landmark Victoria hotel combines 431 luxurious rooms with the award-winning Willow Stream Spa offering signature West Coast treatments. The renovated property features the Q at the Empress restaurant, where Executive Chef Morgan Wilson creates Pacific Northwest cuisine using local ingredients. The hotel's historic Lobby Lounge hosts the renowned afternoon tea service, presenting 21 loose leaf tea varieties alongside freshly baked scones with housemade strawberry jam from local berries and honey from rooftop hives. Guest accommodations include marble bathrooms with rainfall showers, while the Fairmont Gold Floor provides a private lounge with complimentary breakfast and evening canapés. The property sits steps from the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the downtown shopping district.

Pros

The hotel maintains its own rooftop bee garden and uses the honey in culinary offerings

Willow Stream Spa ranked among Top Resort Spas in Canada

Live classical piano performances enhance the afternoon tea experience

Winston, the hotel's canine ambassador, is available for guest walks

Cons

17 miles distance from Victoria International Airport

The central location can experience high tourist foot traffic during peak seasons