Fairmont Empress in Victoria, B.C., Introduces Reimagined Luxury Fairmont Gold Experience

Fairmont Empress in Victoria, B.C., Introduces Reimagined Luxury Fairmont Gold Experience

Victoria’s iconic hotel celebrates its 115th anniversary with a noteworthy renovation to Fairmont Gold.

Victoria’s iconic Fairmont Empress, crowned Canada’s ‘Castle on the Coast,’ celebrated its 115th anniversary in 2023, debuting a grand renovation to the iconic Fairmont Gold experience on June 1.

Fairmont Empress unveiled a multi-million dollar transformation to its signature Fairmont Gold level, the brand’s exclusive lifestyle hotel experience. The renovated Fairmont Gold featured the addition of 22 guestrooms to Fairmont Gold rooms and a newly renovated Fairmont Gold Lounge, complete with an expanded indoor lounge and outdoor terrace that provided sweeping views of the inner Victoria Harbour.

The new Fairmont Gold experience, under the design direction of Studio HBA, embraces the property’s storied history through a modern lens. Standout fixtures include exposed brick in the archways and beams along the ceiling from the original building, spread throughout the 1,100-square-foot lounge, encased in glass to preserve the integrity of the original architecture from the hotel’s founding in 1908.

Upon arrival to the Fairmont Gold Lounge on the hotel’s first floor, guests will find thoughtful details, including design inspired by the surrounding Salish Sea with colours that mirror the sunset reflecting off the water, west coast materials, and new crystal elements throughout, paying homage to the lobby’s extraordinary crystal chandeliers. A newly designed residential-style pantry provides an inviting space that feels like home, offering a variety of elevated food and beverage offerings to enjoy at leisure in the lounge or on the go before exploring the city of Victoria in style.

Fairmont Gold also welcomed 22 new guest rooms and suites, evoking a residential feel and serving as guests’ home away from home. Sleek furnishings and modern marble spa bathrooms complement the rooms, elegantly designed to reflect the natural beauty of Vancouver Island.

“Fairmont Empress is the heartbeat of Victoria, and just like the city, we celebrate our past and future,” said Dan McGowan, General Manager of Fairmont Empress. “This latest renovation is evidence of our ongoing commitment to excellence and serves as our north star for the next chapter of this hotel’s legacy.”

In 2017, Fairmont Empress celebrated its grand re-opening after a two-year, $60 million restoration aimed at capturing the legacy and beauty of Canada’s western coast and paying homage to the property’s original architecture.

Now that the renovation is complete, guests can reserve the ‘Good as Gold’ experience, offering an exclusive rate on Fairmont Gold accommodations and complimentary self-parking.

For more information about Fairmont Gold and the Fairmont Empress, please visit fairmont-empress.com