Fairmont Empress Hotel Victoria

This is a world-renowned and classically beautiful Hotel, centrally located in Victoria. If you love old-world charm and gracious surroundings, this is a must-visit! The afternoon tea is extraordinary--spoil yourself with truly royal treatment, the most delicous treats, and the best tea ever--and I have had afternoon tea in London to compare! The scones are like no other, the tea sandwiches were so good, and that's before you get to the sweet treats! The staff are all charming and very gracious, and you just feel so pampered! The Victoria Clipper out of Seattle offers great deals that include the boat trip from Seattle to Victoria and hotel accomodations for an excellent price. It is also well worth at least an overnight stay to take in all the sights (Butchart Gardens, Museum, etc), shopping, and dining fun that is Victoria!

This year 2008, the Empress Hotel is celebrating her 100th year.

The Fairmont Empress Hotel is one of Victoria's highlights. This hotel was built in the Edwardian style and was recently restored to it's original grandeur. It has been a landmark in the city and a focal point in the inner harbor for over ninety years.

The hotel was originally designed by Francis Rattenbury and opened it's doors in 1908.

In true British tradition, the hotel is famous for it's afternoon tea serving 130,000 or more annually. The teas are accompanied by seasonal fruits, Chantilly cream, traditional raisin scones with thick jersey cream, strawberry preserves, sandwiches, pastries and tarts. all served in the elegant tea lobby, stately harbourside room or an intimate library lounge.

Through out it's history, the Fairmont Empress has played host to Kings, Queens, movie stars, and distinguished quests from around the world. In 1919 Edward, Prince of whales, waltzed till dawn in the Crystal ballroom-an event considered by the Victorians to be of great importance. Many hollywood celebrities, even Shirley Temple arrived accompanied by her parents.

In 1965 there was much debate on whether or not to tear down this faded, dowdy, hotel to make room for a more modern hotel. The decision was announced on June 10, 1966 that the Empress would not be demolished. Instead she would embark on a $4 million campaign of renovation playfully dubbed "operation teacup".

In 1989, over $45 million was spent in the royal restoration. all guests rooms were renovated, a health club, indoor pool, and guest reception were added. In 2001 a spa was added with willow stream features, 11 treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, Hungarian mineral bath and many more full service treatments.

The Fairmont has beautiful grounds to walk and sit, rose gardens that smell like heaven, trees and grass, the gardens change with the season and has a beauty all their own.

Being in the core of the city and in the inner harbor during summer there is much to do and see. The harbor is host to many craftspeople, entertainment at night. It sits close to the Imax theater, provincial museum, wax museum, whale watching tours, fishing and guides, carriage rides, close to parks and the ocean....lots to see here in this beautiful city.