Hotel Review of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Apr 6, 2011
I came to Victoria on a business trip with my daughter and chose the Fairmont
Empress for accommodations. I love Fairmont hotels but I think I am putting the
Empress as my number one favourite! The hotel staff were friendly and
accommodating. The rooms were well maintained and the cleaning staff did a
thorough job.
We chose to stay extra days because we felt so welcomed and everything we wanted
to do was close by. Our room overlooked the bay and the parliament buildings. It
was hard to sleep as I keep wanting to just enjoy the sights.
The stay was quiet except one evening I could hear music from a gathering. When
I inquired the gentleman at the front desk checked on how long the event was to
go on and although it would have been done around 10:30 he offered us another
room to sleep in and not have to packe everything up. My daughter did fall
asleep so we didn't move but the offer was greatly appreciated.
The grounds are immaculately kept and it was great to see green grass, tulips
and the lawn being mowed especially knowing there was still 3-4 feet of snow
covering the grass at home!
The swimming pool was fantastic. It is not often the water temperature of hotel
pools is warm but the Empress pool was perfect. A small pool for toddlers and
the hot tub was most welcomed by all I observed.
Fabulous hotel.
Hotel Review of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Apr 5, 2011
We stayed for three nights with my wife and our young son and our friends
visiting from Ottawa. We cannot say enough good things about the superb Fairmont
Gold service on the second floor. Attention to detail, accommodating and warm
caring service are just three of the things that come to mind. The breakfast in
the morning and the appetizers from 5 to 7 pm are a nice touch and are
incredible value being included in the Farimont Gold program. I would like to
particularly thank the second floor Fairmont Gold Concierge team who did
everything to make our stay comfortable, fun and relaxing. The service level we
experienced has raised the bar going forward since it very much exceeded our
expectations. The Concierge team set us all up to go to the IMAX and also
provided a great recommendation for dinner at the Cafe Brio (very close to the
hotel). It was one of the best meals we have ever had out! The pool and hot tub
was clean and very relaxing. We enjoyed the high tea very much and sure did
appreciate the attentive service as well as the freshness of the sandwiches,
scones and desserts. The rooms were spacious, with comfortable beds. The large
screen tv's (two in our suite) were also a nice touch. The lady who cleaned our
room could not have been more friendly and professional leaving notes beside my
sons teddy bear twice and also leaving chocolate chip cookies and other treats
for our son. Overall we were very impressed with everyone's warm and genuine
attitude and we will definitely be back to stay at this wonderful hotel with all
the history behind it. Only minor complaint was the $30 per day parking charge
(which I thought was a little excessive) and I wish they could include this in
your package rate going forward to simplify things.
Hotel Review of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Apr 2, 2011
1. the front desk staff:
a. At my check-in, I asked if there's a place for breakfast early in the
morning. Since we have 3 kids with us, we need a family restaurant which is
close enough. The front desk staff recommended us a place for breakfast, but the
next day, when we walked under the big snow storm and got the restaurant, we
found it won't open until 10:00 am. Very upsetting.
b. At my check-in, the staff took my BC Ferries receipt away (we were booking
through the BC Ferries vacation). We had to drive back for the receipt so that
we can get onto Ferries because the manager didn't know how to deal with the
situation. Even though the manager told us she would try her best, but we had to
wait on the phone for at least 10 minutes and then another 20 minutes waiting
for the manager to find out what to do. It's just easier for us to drive back to
the hotel which cost us time and gasoline. Very frustrating.
c. At my check-out, I complained the noise of the truck loading late at night
and early in the morning. The front desk staff told us, "If you can pay 60.00
dollars more, you can stay in a better room." No apology at all.
2. The interior is outdated. The faucet dropped. The kettle didn't work. The
slippers were worn. The windows weren't sealed well so noise and breeze coming
from outside. (And it was snow storming). But at least the heater worked fine.
Our room doesn't have a view, we were only able to see some trucks and garbage
dumps. But since we were "categorized" into cheaper room customers, maybe that's
what we deserve. However, it would be nice to know if 60.00 dollars can change
our
identity and the quality of service we can get when we checked in. But, we do
find housekeeping staffs are friendly.
The hotel location can't be beat, and looked beautiful and elegant from outside.
And we went there for "castle " experience. But, we won't chose to stay there
again.
Hotel Review of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Mar 15 2011
Empress - Victoria
The room and the corridors had a musty smell to them. I don't know that I would
be happy if I paid the summer rates give the "old" smell. However, the service
was impeccable and High Tea was FABULOUS!
Hotel Review of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Mar 7, 2011
Beautiful and elegant hotel. When you've a chance partake the empress high tea
reservation, it's exquisite, as well as partake the high tea @ Bu-chard Garden
as well. The Hotel treats and pamper you like royalty
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