The Empress (hotel) 3.87

The Fairmont Empress is one of the oldest and most famous hotels in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Located on Government Street facing the Inner Harbour, the Empress has become an iconic symbol for the city itself. It has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada due to its national significance.The hotel has 477 rooms, with most either overlooking the Inner Harbour or the hotel's rear courtyard gardens. It has four restaurants, including Q at the Empress, Q bar with breathtaking views of the inner harbour, and the Lobby Lounge which serves the world renowned Tea at the Empress. The Veranda is a seasonal restaurant located under the famous The Empress sign and replaces Kipling's as the hotel's fourth restaurant. In 2005, Kipling's closed its doors to the public in order for the hotel to gain more space for private functions. This was renovated in March 2012 and became the hotel's second ballroom, The Shaughnessy Ballroom. The hotel has gym facilities, a whirlpool bath and an indoor swimming pool. Willow Stream Spa was added in 2002 and is renowned by Conde Nast as one of the world's best spas. On April 1st 2017 the spa reopened after undergoing a renovation that saw the mineral pool redone as well as change rooms and waiting areas. The hotel has received several accolades including Travel + Leisure Best Hotels of the World and recognized on Conde Nast Gold List. The hotel became Victoria's first Five Green Key hotel as acknowledged by the Hotel Association of Canada for sustainability practices.