Canada > British Columbia > Vancouver Island
Regal 99-year-old ivy-covered Edwardian landmark facing the harbor in downtown Victoria.
| Score | 82.96 |
|---|---|
| Stats | 477 rooms; 1 restaurant; 1 bar. |
| Competitive Edge | The city's most historic hotel is an homage to old Britannia. |
| Rooms to Book | Those with harbor views; avoid rooms on the 6th and 8th floors, where windows can be smaller. |
| Don't Miss | Traditional afternoon tea in the newly restored lobby. |
| Cost | Doubles from $255. | Contact |
721 Government St. (800) 441-1414 or (250) 384-8111 www.fairmont.com/empress |
Key: |
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| New to the T+L 500 | High-Speed Internet | Gym | Pool | ||||
| Spa | Tennis | Golf | Outdoor Activities | ||||
| Water Activities | Fishing | Kids' Program | |||||
“Since that first trip, I've returned to this quiet island numerous times. On my most recent visit, I start off on the southern tip, in Victoria, British Columbia's capital, just outside the Cowichan Valley. The town has a buzzing new food scene, and its main hotel, the 95-year-old Fairmont Empress—a towering, turreted creation, with Edwardian-inspired interiors—recently opened the Willow Stream Spa. My room at the Empress is one of the smallest, but it has a spectacular view of Victoria's Inner...” MORE>>
Travel + Leisure, Jun 2003