| Canada > British Columbia > Victoria > The Fairmont Empress |
The Fairmont Empress721 Government Street Victoria, BC V8W 1W5 4 Star |
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| The Fairmont Empress Description | |
| During the summer months, The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia serves Afternoon Tea to more guests than most hotels in London, England. More than 900 people per day come to enjoy a tradition that has been part of the hotel since it opened in 1908.The Fairmont Empress has long been accustomed to entertaining Hollywood celebrities; Rita Hayworth, Jack Benny, Pat O'Brien, Douglas Fairbanks, Katherine Hepburn, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Tallulah Bankhead and a host of others have passed through its lobby. Shirley Temple arrived accompanied by her parents amid rumours that she had fled from California because of kidnapping threats, a story borne from the presence of two huge bodyguards who took the room opposite hers and always left their door open.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."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.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 1989, over $45 million was spent in the royal restoration; all the guest rooms were renovated, and a health club and indoor swimming pool were added. With an emphasis on craftsmanship, no attempt was made to give the hotel a new image. Instead, the goal was to restore The Fairmont Empress to its original elegance.The strong emotions The Fairmont Empress evokes in many of her guests and protectors is exemplified in the statement made by an irate gentleman, as workers raised the sign above the front entrance: "Anyone who doesn't know this is The Empress shouldn't be staying here." |
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| The Fairmont Empress Amenities | ||
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| Room Information | |
 Fairmont Room Our classic Fairmont Rooms are furnished in traditional elegant decor and can accommodate up to four people. Each room has a cozy sitting area with two armchairs, some with ample space to accommodate a crib or rollaway. Bed Type: one King, one Queen, two Doubles or two Twin beds Size: from 250 to 300 sq. ft. View: City or inner courtyard Deluxe Room Our spacious Deluxe Rooms feature traditional elegant decor with large sitting areas. Excellent for families, these rooms can accommodate up to five people with additional space for a rollaway or crib. The sitting area is furnished with either a sofa, sofabed or two armchairs. Rooms for the physically challenged are available in this guest room category. Bed Type: one King or two Queen beds Size: from 350 to 400 sq. ft. View: City or inner courtyard Harbor View Deluxe Room Our Harbor View Deluxe Rooms are elegantly furnished and feature a spectacular view of Victoria's Inner Harbor. Each room is appointed with two armchairs and can comfortably accommodate up to two people. Bed Type: one King, one Queen or two Double beds. (Please be advised that the availability of rooms with two Double beds is limited) Size: from 250 to 275 sq. ft. View: Harbor view  AFairmont Gold Room Fairmont Gold guest rooms are located on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 8th floors. All Fairmont Gold Rooms are non-smoking and offer business amenities, private direct-dial telephone with complimentary business cards and personalized wake-up calls. Nightly turn-down service, overnight shoe-shine and morning newspaper delivery are services provided to all Fairmont Gold guests. Please be advised that guests accompanied by pets cannot be accommodated in Fairmont Gold Rooms.Bed Type: one King or one Queen bed (a very few rooms have two Double beds)Size: from 300 to 450 sq. ft. View: city or harbor view (priced accordingly) |
| Miscellaneous Information | |
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| Directions to The Fairmont Empress | |
| -Proceed south on Highway 17 from airport -Highway 17 becomes Blanshard St. in the city limits of Victoria -Continue south on Blanshard St. -Turn right on Belleville Street -Continue on Belleville Street for 2 blocks -Turn right on Government Street, The Empress is located at 721 Government Street Approximately 27 km/17 miles (30 minute drive) Approximately 50 km/31 miles (3½ hours by car/ferry) TransportationBus -- Pacific Coach Lines has 7 departures from the airport, going to the Victoria bus depot. Departures -7:45am, 9:45am, 11:45am, 1:45pm, 3:45pm,5:45pm and 7:45pm Time: Approximately 3½ hours For more information, call Pacific Coach Lines 1-800-661-1725 TaxiGuests must take a taxi from Vancouver Airport to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, get on the ferry to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and then take a taxi to The Empress. Click here for ferry information. Approximately $100.00 in taxi fare. Driving/Ferry DirectionsStep 1: From Vancouver International Airport to Tsawwassen Ferry terminal (Vancouver)Takes approximately 25 minutes (non-rush hour). Upon exiting the Airport, follow signs to Richmond via Miller Road. Take Miller Road and proceed across the Moray Bridge to Sea Island Way From Sea Island Way take the Highway 99 South entrance. Once on Highway 99 South, continue through George Massey Tunnel After the George Massey Tunnel, Take Highway 17 Exit to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal Please arrive 30 minutes prior to sailing departure to allow time for ticket purchase and ferry loading. Step 2: From Tsawwassen Ferry terminal to Swartz Bay Ferry terminal (Victoria)Ferry ride (passenger and/or car ferry) is approximately 1½ hour sailing time. The ferry runs at least every odd hour between 7:00am and 9:00pm (i.e. 7:00am, 9:00am, 11:00am, etc.) For prices or schedule, contact BC Ferries at (250) 386-3431 Step 3: From Swartz Bay Ferry terminal to The Fairmont EmpressProceed south on Highway 17 from Swartz Bay Ferry terminal Highway 17 becomes Blanshard Street in the city limits of Victoria Continue south on Blanshard Street and Turn right on Belleville Street Continue on Belleville Street for 2 blocks Turn right on Government Street, The Empress is located at 721 Government Street Driving time is approximately 40 minutes Located on Government Street between Humboldt and Belleville Streets, The Fairmont Empress is a world renowned landmark and restored heritage hotel overlooking the inner harbour of Victoria. The symbolic centrepiece of Victoria, The Fairmont Empress is conveniently located adjacent to the Convention Centre, Parliament Buildings, Royal British Columbia Museum, shops and local sites. The Victoria Clipper docks a five minute walk from the front door. VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Approx. 27km/17miles (30 mins) |
| Guarantee Policy | |
| All reservations must be guaranteed to a Credit Card |
| Cancellation Policy | |
| 24 hours prior to arrival subject to change based on seasonal demand |