Fairmont Empress Hotel
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Summary of reviewsThe Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria offers a consummate experience characterized by its prime location, exceptional dining, historical charm and commendable service. Nestled in downtown Victoria by the picturesque harbor, the hotel's central location garners consistent praise for its convenience and accessibility to various attractions, restaurants and shops. The stunning views and manicured gardens further enhance its appeal, making it an iconic establishment ideal for exploring the city.
Guests frequently highlight the quality of meals at the hotel, particularly during breakfast and dinner. The breakfast is noted for its delicious offerings, including standout items like salmon, espresso and chocolate croissants, despite occasional critiques about wait times and cost. Dinner at the Q restaurant receives high marks for its excellent food and attentive service, contributing to a memorable dining experience accented by live music and a charming ambiance.
The hotel's rooms blend historic elegance with modern comforts. Cleanliness and comfort are widely appreciated with many guests finding the rooms beautifully renovated and well-furnished. However, some reviews mention the small size of the rooms and outdated bathrooms, suggesting potential improvements. Nonetheless, higher-end rooms, especially those with harbor views, provide a delightful stay.
Exceptional service is a hallmark of the Fairmont Empress Hotel with the staff frequently described as helpful, friendly and attentive. The doormen, concierge and front desk receive special mention for their professionalism and warm hospitality, enhancing the overall guest experience.
The hotel's amenities, including its spa, pool and family-friendly services, contribute positively to guests' stays. The spa is praised for its relaxing environment and excellent services, despite some occasional issues. The pool area, described as lovely and well-maintained, is a hit with families. Though the parking situation reveals some drawbacks regarding cost and availability, guests appreciate the functional aspects, such as valet service and EV charging facilities.
Guests also find the beds extremely comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep with the cozy pillows and soft bed linens often highlighted. The hotel maintains high standards of cleanliness, despite occasional lapses noted by some visitors.
In summary, the Fairmont Empress Hotel offers a luxurious and historic retreat with top-notch service and amenities. Its central location, delectable dining options, comfortable accommodations and attentive staff create a five-star experience that many guests cherish.
Categories
Guests frequently highlight the quality of meals at the hotel, particularly during breakfast and dinner. The breakfast is noted for its delicious offerings, including standout items like salmon, espresso and chocolate croissants, despite occasional critiques about wait times and cost. Dinner at the Q restaurant receives high marks for its excellent food and attentive service, contributing to a memorable dining experience accented by live music and a charming ambiance.
The hotel's rooms blend historic elegance with modern comforts. Cleanliness and comfort are widely appreciated with many guests finding the rooms beautifully renovated and well-furnished. However, some reviews mention the small size of the rooms and outdated bathrooms, suggesting potential improvements. Nonetheless, higher-end rooms, especially those with harbor views, provide a delightful stay.
Exceptional service is a hallmark of the Fairmont Empress Hotel with the staff frequently described as helpful, friendly and attentive. The doormen, concierge and front desk receive special mention for their professionalism and warm hospitality, enhancing the overall guest experience.
The hotel's amenities, including its spa, pool and family-friendly services, contribute positively to guests' stays. The spa is praised for its relaxing environment and excellent services, despite some occasional issues. The pool area, described as lovely and well-maintained, is a hit with families. Though the parking situation reveals some drawbacks regarding cost and availability, guests appreciate the functional aspects, such as valet service and EV charging facilities.
Guests also find the beds extremely comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep with the cozy pillows and soft bed linens often highlighted. The hotel maintains high standards of cleanliness, despite occasional lapses noted by some visitors.
In summary, the Fairmont Empress Hotel offers a luxurious and historic retreat with top-notch service and amenities. Its central location, delectable dining options, comfortable accommodations and attentive staff create a five-star experience that many guests cherish.
Luxury Hotel
The Fairmont Empress is an iconic luxury hotel overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbour, recognized for its historic elegance and modern luxury. It offers a full-service spa, fine dining options, and features like the exclusive Fairmont Gold 'hotel-within-a-hotel' experience with a private lounge. The hotel has been recognized as a top hotel in Canada and is a Forbes recommended and MICHELIN key hotel.
Historic Hotel
The hotel opened in 1908 and is marked by Edwardian-era architecture. The Empress has been graced by many royalties, from kings to celebrities and foreign emperors. In 2010, the Empress of Japan visited the place and in 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were cared for within its walls. The property has been considered as a proud member of the National Historic Site of Canada.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Fairmont Empress Hotel is part of Fairmont's brand-wide commitment to environmental sustainability, which includes achieving third-party eco-certifications. Fairmont hotels globally participate in the 'Bee Sustainable' program, caring for honeybees and wild mason bees with apiaries and pollinator hotels. They also focus on reducing their overall environmental impact through operational efforts.
Hotel for Honeymoon
This iconic landmark offers elegant rooms and suites, along with a specific 'Grand Romance' package including sparkling wine and dining credit. It features a renowned spa and elegant afternoon tea, perfect for a special couple's experience. The location on the Inner Harbour provides stunning views.
Hotel with Spa
The Fairmont Empress features the Willow Stream Spa, recognized by Condé Nast as a Top Resort Spa in Canada and Spas of America Top 100 Spas of the Americas. The spa offers signature West Coast experiences, steam rooms, mineral pools, and personalized treatments inspired by Vancouver Island's natural beauty.
Family Friendly Hotel
The Fairmont Empress provides a luxurious family experience with its afternoon tea service and kid-friendly amenities. The hotel's central location allows easy access to many family-oriented attractions such as the Royal BC Museum.
Dog Friendly Hotel
This hotel treats pets like royalty, offering a special welcome amenity that includes a custom pet bed, water and feeding bowls, treats, a welcome card, and a toy. Pets stay for free. The hotel is located in a walkable city with many pet-friendly shops and services nearby, as well as Beacon Hill Park and Dallas Road off-leash dog park.
Romantic Hotel
This iconic hotel in downtown Victoria offers a luxurious and romantic experience with its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and exceptional service. The Fairmont Empress provides a classic and elegant setting for couples seeking a memorable getaway.
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
The Fairmont Empress is a luxury hotel overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbour, with easy access to the city's attractions. The hotel features Q at the Empress, offering Pacific Northwest cuisine and a cocktail culture.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
This historic hotel offers a luxurious swimming pool and extensive spa treatments. It is centrally located near Victoria's Inner Harbour, providing both relaxation and easy access to cultural attractions.
Heated Pool Indoor Pool Children's Pool
Business Hotel
The Fairmont Empress offers extensive meeting facilities and services, making it ideal for business events. It features a variety of event spaces, including large ballrooms and smaller meeting rooms, supported by state-of-the-art services. The hotel also provides professional event planning services, custom menus, and is conveniently located near downtown.
Hotel with Parking
The hotel has indoor parking available. It is a Forbes recommended and MICHELIN key hotel.
EV charging stations
Accessible Hotel
The hotel features four accessible rooms with wide door frames to accommodate wheelchair access. The bathrooms in these rooms are equipped with grab bars and adjustable shower heads. Wheelchairs are available for guest use within the hotel, and rooms for the hearing impaired offer portable closed converters and alert strobe lights.
Hotel with Gym
Offers a 24-hour health club equipped with stationary bikes, ellipticals, treadmills, free weights, and weight machines. Provides separate men's and women's change rooms, ensuring a comprehensive fitness experience.
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
The Fairmont Empress offers EV charging stations, catering to guests with electric vehicles. As a top-tier hotel, this provides an added convenience for environmentally conscious travelers.
5-Star Hotel
Overlooking Victoria's Inner Harbour, this historic 5-star hotel offers refined luxury with beautifully restored rooms and suites. It features a Willow Stream Spa, an indoor pool, and exquisite dining options, including afternoon tea. The hotel's grand architecture and waterfront location provide a classic luxury experience.
Hotel with Heated Pool
This iconic hotel offers a heated indoor swimming pool, an indoor whirlpool, and a children's wading pool. The pool area also includes two saunas, providing a comprehensive indoor aquatic experience.
Haunted Hotel
Hotel with Children's Pool
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Guest Reviews
Nestled in the heart of downtown Victoria, 'Fairmont Empress Hotel' boasts an unparalleled location that guests consistently praise. Positioned by the picturesque harbour, the hotel offers gorgeous vistas, especially from rooms with harbor views. The location is lauded as perfect and unbeatable, placing visitors within easy walking distance to a myriad of downtown attractions, shops, restaurants and the ferry terminal. The hotel's prime city spot ensures convenient access to everything, making it an excellent base for exploring Victoria.
Guests appreciate the beauty of the surroundings with the hotel’s expansive, manicured gardens adding to its charm. The historic architecture and grandeur of the building enhance the experience, blending old-world elegance with modern comforts. The location’s tranquility, combined with the convenience of being centrally situated, provides a serene yet accessible retreat.
The proximity to notable sights like the museum, as well as the convenience of being close to all essential activities, underscores the hotel’s strategic placement. With its central geographical position, fantastic views and beautiful setting, the Fairmont Empress stands out as an iconic establishment, celebrated for its superior location in Victoria.
The breakfast experience at the Fairmont Empress Hotel leaves a generally positive impression among guests, highlighting the delightful quality of the meals. Many reviews praised the breakfast as great, delicious and exceptional with guests enjoying high-quality products, specifically noting excellent salmon and espresso with dark toast. The Q restaurant at the hotel received multiple mentions for delivering a very good and wonderful breakfast experience.
Several guests appreciated the inclusion of breakfast and afternoon light snacks as part of their stay with specific praise for the outstanding chocolate croissants and fantastic coffee when ordered to their rooms. Despite the absence of a breakfast buffet, which some felt was a downside, the overall satisfaction with the individually ordered breakfast items remained high.
However, there were a few critiques. Some guests pointed out the long wait times and the breakfast area being too small for the number of patrons, leading to a crowded and sometimes noisy environment. Suggestions were made for a rotation of hot dishes to add variety.
Service received commendations for its excellent quality and the staff were noted to be very friendly and helpful, enhancing the breakfast experience. Although the breakfast was considered expensive by some, the overall quality and presentation seemed to justify the cost for many guests.
The dinner experience at the Fairmont Empress Hotel generally receives high praise from guests. Many guests highlight the excellent and amazing food, noting the delicious dishes and thoughtful menu available at the Q restaurant. The staff, including the wine expert and servers, are often complimented for their friendliness and fantastic service.
Dining options, such as the Gold Lounge and the terrace with fire tables, are noted to be fantastic, creating a delightful ambiance for evening meals. Some guests specifically enjoyed the live music and cocktails, enhancing the overall dining experience.
However, some reviews suggest there is room for improvement. A few guests felt the menu options could be more appealing and noted occasional problems in the kitchen. The quality of some meals did not meet expectations with instances of food being overcooked or overly spiced.
Despite this, the high tea service generally met expectations, although it's described as pricey. Overall, while there are a few mixed feelings regarding the value and consistency, the positive dining experiences, excellent staff and appealing settings stand out.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel boasts a blend of historic charm and modern touches, highlighted by its beautifully renovated rooms and spectacular harbor views from select accommodations. Many guests appreciate the cleanliness and comfort offered, noting that some rooms are spacious and furnished elegantly. The setting of the hotel is particularly praised, offering a picturesque backdrop in a prime location.
However, consistent feedback points to the small size of many rooms with particular criticism directed towards the tiny, outdated bathrooms. Some guests found issues like lack of cleanliness, minor maintenance faults and noise, which detracted from their overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, services and comfort levels remain appreciated, especially for those opting for the Gold Club level rooms, which are considered worthwhile. The historic decor adds to the appeal for those seeking a touch of classic elegance.
In conclusion, while the Empress provides a unique, historic stay with a stunning harbor view and well-maintained rooms for higher-end experiences, potential visitors should be mindful of the smaller and older room options which might fall short of modern expectations.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel receives high praise for its beds with numerous guests highlighting their comfort. Reviewers frequently describe the beds as very comfortable, often using phrases like super cozy and comfy to detail their sleeping experience. The pillows, in particular, are noted for their exceptional comfort with several guests emphasizing that they are by far the most comfortable they've ever experienced.
Occasionally, some guests found the bed size to be smaller than expected, particularly the king beds, while others mentioned issues with mattress softness, describing them as too soft or uncomfortable. Despite this, many guests are pleased with the overall quality, suggesting that the hotel provides a restful night of sleep.
Additional comments touch on the soft, beautiful bed linen and the cozy duvets that add to the luxurious experience. Although there are occasional complaints about the need to request sofa beds or extra beds, such as an unmade sofa bed, these instances are overshadowed by the general contentment with the bed comfort.
In summary, the Fairmont Empress Hotel impresses with its comfortable beds and pillows, creating a restful environment that garners positive feedback from many of its guests.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel has generally received positive feedback regarding its cleanliness, standing out with many guests noting pristine conditions throughout the property. Visitors often expressed satisfaction with their clean and comfortable rooms, emphasizing that both the rooms and bathrooms met high cleanliness standards. The lobby and restaurant areas were also frequently mentioned as being very clean and elegant, contributing to an overall pleasant experience.
However, a few reviews highlighted areas for improvement. Some guests pointed out issues with dusty rooms, worn carpets and the need for detailed cleaning in certain spots, such as bathrooms and common areas. Instances of left-behind items from previous guests and isolated complaints about mold and insects were also noted, suggesting occasional lapses in housekeeping. Despite these isolated criticisms, the majority of feedback underscores that the hotel maintains high standards of cleanliness across most of its facilities, creating a mostly positive impression for visitors.
Visitors to the Fairmont Empress Hotel consistently commend its staff for delivering an outstanding experience. Guests highlight that the employees are extremely helpful, polite and welcoming, contributing significantly to the hotel's reputation for exceptional service. The staff members are described as incredibly friendly, attentive and informative, ensuring all guests' needs are met with a smile. The doormen, in particular, have charmed many with their helpful and delightful demeanor.
Many reviewers mention the courteous and prompt service with several noting the impeccable and first-class hospitality offered across various departments. The front desk and concierge are frequently praised for their friendliness and efficiency, although a few guests did encounter minor issues with the check-in process.
The hotel's exceptional service is evident from the glowing reviews with staff members often going above and beyond to ensure a delightful stay. Guests appreciate the attentive nature of the employees, who respond quickly to requests and are always ready to assist. The Gold team and lounge staff receive special accolades for their top-notch, professional and friendly approach.
Overall, the Fairmont Empress Hotel's staff plays a crucial role in creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for its guests, contributing to the hotel's esteemed reputation for providing high-quality service in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
The wifi at the Fairmont Empress Hotel receives mixed reviews. While some guests mention the wifi is great, others express frustration over the slow internet speed. Many reviews point out that the absence of free wifi is a significant drawback with guests needing to pay extra for access unless they join the Accor membership program. Paid wifi is a recurring complaint and some indicated the cost for faster internet can exceed 20 dollars per day. Overall, guests appreciate the availability of wifi but are disappointed by the additional charges and inconsistent speed.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel's spa has received notable praise for its services and facilities. Guests have described the spa as amazing, emphasizing the excellent saunas and services available. The spa is both beautiful and convenient and the lounges add to the relaxing experience. Additionally, the locker room and hot tub have been highlighted as great features. However, some guests have noted that the spa's quality is not on par with other spas with specific mentions of the steam room not working properly. Despite these issues, the onsite patio restaurant and health club complement the overall spa experience, contributing to guests' enjoyment.
The pool experience at the Fairmont Empress Hotel has garnered positive feedback from guests. They frequently refer to the pool as lovely, beautiful and nice with many finding it to be a highlight of their stay. The pool and hot tub facilities are often mentioned together and visitors appreciated that they were very clean and well maintained. Families particularly enjoyed the pool with comments noting that children had a great time. The fitness, sauna and health facilities surrounding the pool also received praise.
While the indoor pool was described as perfect and of good size, some guests found it on the smaller side and a few reviews mentioned the lack of heated pool and indoor pool facilities. Issues with missing towels and lukewarm hot tub jets were occasionally reported, although these did not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment for most visitors. Overall, the pool, hot tub and sauna facilities are well-regarded and contribute positively to the guest experience at Fairmont Empress Hotel.
The parking situation at the Fairmont Empress Hotel has elicited mixed feelings from its guests. Many have noted that the available parking is limited, often busy and can come with a high price tag of around $30-$33 per night. Guests have mentioned that the valet parking service, while present, is not always available, which can be an inconvenience. Furthermore, some reviews highlight issues such as tight underground parking spaces and occasional difficulty in finding an unoccupied spot.
On the positive side, guests appreciated the advice provided by the hotel on parking and some found the parking experience to be smooth with a few even mentioning that the hotel offered free parking during their stay. The presence of EV charging facilities is also a positive note. Overall, while the parking services at the Fairmont Empress Hotel are functional and have their highlights, the high costs and occasional unavailability point to areas in need of improvement.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel receives high praise for its family-friendly environment, making it feel like home and fostering a family atmosphere. Kids seem to enjoy a wide range of activities available, including a ghost hunt that proved to be a hit. The hotel's location next to Miniature World adds to the appeal for families. Reviews mention it as an ideal spot for trips with children and grandchildren with a generally good family experience reported. However, note that on occasion, requests for adjoining rooms and cribs were not always accommodated. Despite this, the overall sentiment indicates the Fairmont Empress is well-suited for family stays.
Nestled in the heart of Victoria's inner harbor, the Fairmont Empress Hotel offers a truly five-star experience, reflected in its luxurious accommodations and historic elegance. This beautiful, yet accessible retreat stands out with its perfect balance of formal and friendly service and everything is meticulously maintained to the highest standards, ensuring an exceptionally clean and fancy environment. Guests have lauded the top-notch service and professional, gracious staff who go above and beyond to make every stay memorable, particularly for special occasions like anniversaries. The hotel's wonderful staff plays a significant role in achieving its esteemed reputation, consistently described as brilliant, friendly and extremely polite. Overall, the Fairmont Empress Hotel delivers a luxurious experience worthy of a five-star rating.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel caters exceptionally well to business travelers, showcasing business-friendly amenities and top-notch conference facilities. Many guests find the hotel particularly excellent for business trips, noting the great business facilities that suit their professional needs. The hotel also provides free appetizers for gold guests in the early evening, adding a nice touch for those unwinding after meetings. While the WiFi policy is strict, assistance from the bell desk ensures any inconvenience is minimized. Its convenient location also allows business travelers to easily fit in some sightseeing during their stay.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel boasts an impressive indoor pool that has garnered high praise from its guests. Described frequently as nice, fantastic and great, the pool's size and facilities leave a positive impression. Its heated feature is particularly appreciated, offering excellent heat levels for a comfortable swimming experience. Overall, the indoor pool at the Fairmont Empress is considered a perfect amenity, enhancing the overall stay for visitors.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel is a gem of historical significance, celebrated for its breathtaking architecture and rich legacy. As an iconic and elegant establishment, this beautiful historic hotel has been thoughtfully updated to merge modern comforts with its traditional decor, offering a luxurious stay amid its charming and architecturally extraordinary ambiance. Recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada, the property exudes a grand, old-world feeling and serves as a prime location for those seeking an experience steeped in history. With royal heritage and a status as a notable landmark, the Fairmont Empress stands out as a beautifully restored historic building, making it an iconic place to stay for travelers who appreciate a blend of luxury and historical charm.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel offers an undeniably luxurious experience, attracting guests with its upscale ambiance and first-class hospitality. Visitors consistently describe the establishment as very clean and dressed in fancy decor, which sets the stage for a five-star stay. The hotel provides high quality amenities and luxurious rooms, contributing to a real luxury experience. Upgrading to Gold Status is highly recommended with the unbelievable service making it worth every cent.
Although some mention missing the quality luxury touches, the general sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. The hotel is often referred to as providing a perfect and luxurious stay, where luxury is the central theme. Whether it is enjoying the luxurious service or simply basking in the high quality hospitality, guests leave feeling pampered and satisfied by their time at this luxury hotel.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel is celebrated for its romantic atmosphere, making it a popular choice for couples seeking a memorable getaway. Guests have highlighted the intimate scenery and its suitability for special occasions, such as anniversaries and weddings. Many have enjoyed a romantic stay, expressing that their time at the hotel was wonderful and amazing. Whether planning a wedding night or an anniversary retreat, couples often find it to be a perfect destination for creating cherished memories together.
The Fairmont Empress Hotel is renowned for its pet-friendly atmosphere with facilities and services that cater to dogs and their owners. Dogs are warmly welcomed and the hotel even boasts a resident greeter, an old dog named Winston, who adds charm to the lobby. To ensure comfort, the hotel provides dog beds and dishes, accommodating pets in a thoughtful manner. The overall environment is very pet-friendly, though a few guests noted minor issues such as allergies and occasional pet odors. Despite this, the hotel's efforts to accommodate pets leave a positive impression on its guests.
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Location
Guests appreciate the beauty of the surroundings with the hotel’s expansive, manicured gardens adding to its charm. The historic architecture and grandeur of the building enhance the experience, blending old-world elegance with modern comforts. The location’s tranquility, combined with the convenience of being centrally situated, provides a serene yet accessible retreat.
The proximity to notable sights like the museum, as well as the convenience of being close to all essential activities, underscores the hotel’s strategic placement. With its central geographical position, fantastic views and beautiful setting, the Fairmont Empress stands out as an iconic establishment, celebrated for its superior location in Victoria.
Breakfast
Several guests appreciated the inclusion of breakfast and afternoon light snacks as part of their stay with specific praise for the outstanding chocolate croissants and fantastic coffee when ordered to their rooms. Despite the absence of a breakfast buffet, which some felt was a downside, the overall satisfaction with the individually ordered breakfast items remained high.
However, there were a few critiques. Some guests pointed out the long wait times and the breakfast area being too small for the number of patrons, leading to a crowded and sometimes noisy environment. Suggestions were made for a rotation of hot dishes to add variety.
Service received commendations for its excellent quality and the staff were noted to be very friendly and helpful, enhancing the breakfast experience. Although the breakfast was considered expensive by some, the overall quality and presentation seemed to justify the cost for many guests.
Dinner
Dining options, such as the Gold Lounge and the terrace with fire tables, are noted to be fantastic, creating a delightful ambiance for evening meals. Some guests specifically enjoyed the live music and cocktails, enhancing the overall dining experience.
However, some reviews suggest there is room for improvement. A few guests felt the menu options could be more appealing and noted occasional problems in the kitchen. The quality of some meals did not meet expectations with instances of food being overcooked or overly spiced.
Despite this, the high tea service generally met expectations, although it's described as pricey. Overall, while there are a few mixed feelings regarding the value and consistency, the positive dining experiences, excellent staff and appealing settings stand out.
Rooms
However, consistent feedback points to the small size of many rooms with particular criticism directed towards the tiny, outdated bathrooms. Some guests found issues like lack of cleanliness, minor maintenance faults and noise, which detracted from their overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, services and comfort levels remain appreciated, especially for those opting for the Gold Club level rooms, which are considered worthwhile. The historic decor adds to the appeal for those seeking a touch of classic elegance.
In conclusion, while the Empress provides a unique, historic stay with a stunning harbor view and well-maintained rooms for higher-end experiences, potential visitors should be mindful of the smaller and older room options which might fall short of modern expectations.
Beds
Occasionally, some guests found the bed size to be smaller than expected, particularly the king beds, while others mentioned issues with mattress softness, describing them as too soft or uncomfortable. Despite this, many guests are pleased with the overall quality, suggesting that the hotel provides a restful night of sleep.
Additional comments touch on the soft, beautiful bed linen and the cozy duvets that add to the luxurious experience. Although there are occasional complaints about the need to request sofa beds or extra beds, such as an unmade sofa bed, these instances are overshadowed by the general contentment with the bed comfort.
In summary, the Fairmont Empress Hotel impresses with its comfortable beds and pillows, creating a restful environment that garners positive feedback from many of its guests.
Cleanliness
However, a few reviews highlighted areas for improvement. Some guests pointed out issues with dusty rooms, worn carpets and the need for detailed cleaning in certain spots, such as bathrooms and common areas. Instances of left-behind items from previous guests and isolated complaints about mold and insects were also noted, suggesting occasional lapses in housekeeping. Despite these isolated criticisms, the majority of feedback underscores that the hotel maintains high standards of cleanliness across most of its facilities, creating a mostly positive impression for visitors.
Staff
Many reviewers mention the courteous and prompt service with several noting the impeccable and first-class hospitality offered across various departments. The front desk and concierge are frequently praised for their friendliness and efficiency, although a few guests did encounter minor issues with the check-in process.
The hotel's exceptional service is evident from the glowing reviews with staff members often going above and beyond to ensure a delightful stay. Guests appreciate the attentive nature of the employees, who respond quickly to requests and are always ready to assist. The Gold team and lounge staff receive special accolades for their top-notch, professional and friendly approach.
Overall, the Fairmont Empress Hotel's staff plays a crucial role in creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for its guests, contributing to the hotel's esteemed reputation for providing high-quality service in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
Wi-Fi
Spa
Pool
While the indoor pool was described as perfect and of good size, some guests found it on the smaller side and a few reviews mentioned the lack of heated pool and indoor pool facilities. Issues with missing towels and lukewarm hot tub jets were occasionally reported, although these did not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment for most visitors. Overall, the pool, hot tub and sauna facilities are well-regarded and contribute positively to the guest experience at Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Parking
On the positive side, guests appreciated the advice provided by the hotel on parking and some found the parking experience to be smooth with a few even mentioning that the hotel offered free parking during their stay. The presence of EV charging facilities is also a positive note. Overall, while the parking services at the Fairmont Empress Hotel are functional and have their highlights, the high costs and occasional unavailability point to areas in need of improvement.
Family
5 Star
Business
Indoor Pool
Historic
Luxury
Although some mention missing the quality luxury touches, the general sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. The hotel is often referred to as providing a perfect and luxurious stay, where luxury is the central theme. Whether it is enjoying the luxurious service or simply basking in the high quality hospitality, guests leave feeling pampered and satisfied by their time at this luxury hotel.
Romantic
Dog Friendly
Yes, Fairmont Empress Hotel has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool, Children's Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Yes, Fairmont Empress Hotel welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Yes, Fairmont Empress Hotel has a gym.
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