Fairmont Gold at the Empress

In the far southwest corner of Canada, just 75 miles from Seattle, lies the 111 year old Fairmont Empress hotel, otherwise known as Canada’s Castle on the Coast. Since completing a large scale restoration in 2017, Fairmont Empress now offers some of the most luxurious accommodations in the Pacific Northwest, if not in all of North America. We’re talking about Fairmont Gold, or the next level, as it has been referred to.
 
Fairmont Gold at Fairmont Empress boasts 66 guest rooms and suites, each adorning elegant décor that is inspired by the natural beauty of Vancouver Island. Ranging from modest size rooms that provide an intimate setting for a weekend jaunt in Victoria (which happens to be ranked Canada’s most romantic city by the way!), to more spacious rooms with beautiful views of the Inner Harbor, right up to the Royal Suite, which is truly fit for a Queen. 
 
No matter which Fairmont Gold room or suite guests decide on, each comes with perks worth writing home about. Fairmont Gold guests bypass any check-in lineups and head straight upstairs to see Fairmont Gold’s private Concierge team, who are also quite happy to assist with anything guests might need throughout their stay. From dinner reservations at the hottest restaurants in Victoria, to providing expert insight about attractions and places to see throughout the city, the private Concierge team at Fairmont Gold is on site to ensure that all their guests are well looked after, and set up to have a truly memorable experience.
 
Just beyond the Concierge’s desk lies the next perk that guests get to experience, the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge. Prior to the hotel’s restoration, the lounge used to be five guest rooms that overlooked the harbor. There was a flag deck outside these rooms, but it lacked public access. During the restoration, the walls separating these rooms were removed, and the flag deck was transformed into a large terrace with tables and open fire pits. Without doubt, this space now offers the most gorgeous views of the waterfront and sunset that Victoria has to offer.
 
Aside from having unsurpassed accommodations and views, Fairmont Gold at Fairmont Empress also offers delicious dining options, using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Inside the lounge, a complimentary breakfast is put on each morning. This is followed by the opening of the honour bar, which is well stocked with an array of wine, beer, sprits, and mixers – including the indigo hued Empress 1908 Gin. Once late afternoon rolls around, peckish guests can take advantage of delicious canapes that have been freshly prepared by Executive Chef Morgan Wilson and his talented team.
 
Overall, Fairmont Gold at Fairmont Empress provides guests with a remarkable experience; one which simply cannot be found anywhere else on Vancouver Island. Next time you’re planning your escape to Canada’s Castle on the Coast, you will be glad you considered the next level.