Located on the gorgeous waterfront in downtown Victoria B.C. The scenic Empress hotel has long been a favored destination for business travelers, conferences and vacationers to this scenic city.
I have stayed at many of the top hotels the world has to offer, but I enjoyed the old world charm of the hotel as well as the modern conveniences it offered.
The check in went very smoothly and the staff was very helpful without being snobby as is often the case in hotels of high standing. I appreciated the fact that I was able to have my questions answered, check in, and be in my room in less than 5 minutes from when I approached the counter.
Upon arriving at the room, I found it to be a comfortable and practical room. There living area was not overly spacious as a bed couch, table and desk were all located within the living area with the bathroom and ample closets nearby. The Gold Level of the hotel does offer more spacious and luxurious rooms, but for many, I am sure the room I had will more than suffice.
I returned to the room from a few hours of shopping in the downtown area to find a cheese and cracker tray in the room and after a relaxing dinner in the room, I decided to try some of the spa facilities that the hotel offers. A few moments later I was enjoying a very warm hot tub that is in an atrium style area that also contained and indoor pool and was overlooked by a weight room.
Sunday morning was a busy day as I had an appointment to view the wax museum and do some further shopping in the area before High tea at the Hotel. The tea is a traditional British tea complete with scones, cucumber sandwiches and tarts. It was the perfect capper for the trip.
Checkout was like everything else, very easy and relaxed and was as friendly and efficient as everything that I experienced during my stay at the Empress. The hotel is located in easy walking distance from the numerous shops, restaurants, theaters and attractions of the downtown and waterfront areas. The Empress is a rare mix these days, a full-service hotel, that is ideal for business, yet is perfect for weekend getaways where you can do things at your own pace with the knowledge that the helpful staff and abundant services are there when you need it. Top marks all around.
Gareth Von Kallenbach
I have stayed at many of the top hotels the world has to offer, but I enjoyed the old world charm of the hotel as well as the modern conveniences it offered.
The check in went very smoothly and the staff was very helpful without being snobby as is often the case in hotels of high standing. I appreciated the fact that I was able to have my questions answered, check in, and be in my room in less than 5 minutes from when I approached the counter.
Upon arriving at the room, I found it to be a comfortable and practical room. There living area was not overly spacious as a bed couch, table and desk were all located within the living area with the bathroom and ample closets nearby. The Gold Level of the hotel does offer more spacious and luxurious rooms, but for many, I am sure the room I had will more than suffice.
I returned to the room from a few hours of shopping in the downtown area to find a cheese and cracker tray in the room and after a relaxing dinner in the room, I decided to try some of the spa facilities that the hotel offers. A few moments later I was enjoying a very warm hot tub that is in an atrium style area that also contained and indoor pool and was overlooked by a weight room.
Sunday morning was a busy day as I had an appointment to view the wax museum and do some further shopping in the area before High tea at the Hotel. The tea is a traditional British tea complete with scones, cucumber sandwiches and tarts. It was the perfect capper for the trip.
Checkout was like everything else, very easy and relaxed and was as friendly and efficient as everything that I experienced during my stay at the Empress. The hotel is located in easy walking distance from the numerous shops, restaurants, theaters and attractions of the downtown and waterfront areas. The Empress is a rare mix these days, a full-service hotel, that is ideal for business, yet is perfect for weekend getaways where you can do things at your own pace with the knowledge that the helpful staff and abundant services are there when you need it. Top marks all around.
Gareth Von Kallenbach
