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Hotel Review of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Feb 18, 2011
if you get the chance to experience the Gold floor and lounge, do it. Great
rooms, service and goodies, all included. The Hotel overall is a trip to the
past, the good part, exquisite in every detail. The pool, spa and gym are well
arranged and appointed, location of property unbeatable. I stay here now monthly
for business and enjoy the get away. dont forget the Bengal Lounge or the Dining
Room... afternoon Tea is nice but pricey!
Hotel Review of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Feb 18, 2011
Stayed at the Empress for our 10 year valentine anniversary and decided to book
a Gold room - just a king room with a harbour view. Got an email after booking
inviting me to contact the Gold concierge team for any reservations, special
plans. I called and spoke to Duane, who quickly, efficiently and politely set up
a very special dinner reservation at the Empress Room (their Royal Table
service, which he recommended) and Afternoon Tea the following day. He also
requested an early check-in and late check-out.
The Gold Concierge (where Gold guests check-in) was not easy to find. It was a
bit of a maze. When we went to check in, we found out that we'd been upgraded to
a One-Bedroom Jr. Suite with a Harbour View! WOW! The room wasn't quite ready
yet, but we went to relax in the Gold Lounge and enjoyed some San Pellegrino and
tea. When the room was ready, we were so impressed! They had left us a "Happy
Anniversary" card and treat. The room was HUGE...two rooms in fact. A living
room area and a separate bedroom area. Both rooms had a bathroom. The views of
the harbour were spectacular. There's even a view from the toilet in one
bathroom! That was a fun experience!
Hotel Review of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Feb 18, 2011
We were on the 4th floor and close to the elevator. It was a little noisy at
night (from noise in the hallway AND noise from people partying down by the
waterfront). I am a light sleeper, so it doesn't take much to wake me up, but
those windows are paper thin. You can feel the cold coming in! Probably the only
negative thing about the room.
Hotel Review of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Feb 18, 2011
The dinner and tea was amazing, but man the GOLD lounge food was stunning. The
5pm-7pm cocktail hour served: bacon wrapped scalloped, salmon, shrimp, deli
meats, a variety of nice cheeses, fruits, crackers, veggies, sushi, and a few
more lovely things. Always fully stocked constantly, too. More Pellegrino for
me, then some clamato, then more tea. Then an espresso. Thought about having
wine, but it's an honour bar - and very pricey. We were having wine at dinner,
so we saved ourselves for that. We had a late dinner planned and we almost ended
up being too full for that - but we held back a bit at the cocktail hour. We
could have eaten more!
The breakfast in the Gold Lounge the next morning was equally (if not more)
stunning. More seafood (lox, and a few other things), eggs mixed with ham and
cheese, bagels, croissants, a variety of other baked goods, oatmeal, cereals,
all kinds of juices and fuits, and more!!! Again - VERY full - too full for
afternoon tea! I overstuffed myself!!!
If you are thinking of reserving a Gold room - have I convinced you to do it
yet? Of course! And, I've heard that all of the Gold rooms have been renovated,
so that's a good reason to book one, too. The hotel is old, and a renovated room
in an old hotel is a must.
Honestly, I could go on and on about how wonderful our stay was. I didn't sleep
all that well, but it was my anniversary ;-). I wished I could've stayed in that
room longer. It was amazing.
On a funny note: the hotel offers lots of great services - one of which is a
shoe shining service. Put your shoes out before 1am to be shined, and they'll be
returned the next morning before 7am. So, I go to get hubby's shoes the next
morning, and sitting there are a completely different pair of shoes (different
colour, size, look - everything). It was so hilarious! I think maybe some drunk
guests may have switched them. I am sure that's not he first time that's
happened! Of course, the bellman cleared that up instantly, and all was well
again in the land of GOLD!
Hotel Review of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Feb 7, 2011
Ever since I was a little girl I have wanted to stay at the Empress. To be a
"princess" of course. First lets start with afternoon tea. Coming over on the
Clipper they tried to high pressure you into to making a reservation for a
higher price. We were able to walk right in on a Friday at noon and get seating.
It was an amazing experience. Great service, great food. So much food you will
have left-overs for later. The decor is beautiful. Can't wait to do it again. I
enjoyed it very much,
The hotel- They do not offer a shuttle or car from the ferry or clipper. It
seems like a short walk, but slepping a suitcase; it can be very long. The hotel
across the street for $20.00 a night has a shuttle but the Empress does not.
This I do not understand.
The Empress had amazing architecture and fab gardens. Staying in the hotel
offers you direct access to the tea room, restaurants and shops. This being the
most famous and legendary hotel in B.C. I was hoping to view some details of the
hotel. The majority of the hotel is closed to the public viewing, Palm Room,
Ball Rooms, Library, etc. I was very disappointed.
The hotel is huge. Like a maze as others have pointed out. It states in the
welcome letter you will be given a map. We never were- it certainly would have
been helpful.
Room was on the small side and cramped. For a "luxury" hotel you might expect
more, but here you are paying for the historical experience, not the luxury
experience.
Hotel Review of the Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria
Jan 30, 2011
We have stayed here before and another perfect trip.
Reception quick and professional and a great start.
Room is not super modern but this is why we go there for it is very nice.
Wife was impressed with separate water heater for tea for this is rare and you
can not just heat water in coffee pot for it has that taste.
Nice big flat screen in which after dinner we watched a movie.
Perfect swim in morning.
Great stay and we will make this a every three month event.
Good work.
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