In 2014, developer Nat Bosa and his wife bought the Empress Hotel in Victoria for a reported $50 million. He then budgeted $30 million for renovations to the then 106 year old building. I had not stayed there since before the renovation and recently had the opportunity to do so. 

The Empress is managed by Fairmont Hotels and has a spring special for BC, Alberta & Washington residents. The rate includes parking and late (2pm) check out. Our rate was $402 plus taxes, of course. Lucky us, we had a gift script from my generous son Jackson that covered it all. A freebie. 

The Hotel is a classic with beautiful carved beams in the public areas. Our room was well appointed with a very high ceiling, king sized bed, big TV and lots of plugs for phones etc. The bathroom was small but well appointed. Huge towels and bath robes too. 

Unfortunately, my all time favourite bar, the famous Bengal Room, is no longer open, although the room is still there & used for special events. Alas, the Indian Curry Buffet is history. So we tried the Q Bar for an afternoon sip. Our waiter was wonderful. Asked if we were staying in the hotel, what room, and on his return called us by name. Nice touch. He brought complimentary Garliky Popcorn( delicious) and took our order. Two Unsworth Pinot Gris (Cowichan valley). Cold, crisp, and not too pricy for a Fairmont. Sheila spotted a blue drink on a nearby table so one was ordered. The Empress Blue Gin Martini. Smashing. Q Bar has a nice outlook to the harbour.  It’s not the Bengal to be sure but very nice with excellent service. 

We tried the Q dining room for brunch. The decor is an odd mixture of very modern juxtaposed with the dark carved beams and huge pictures of Queen Victoria. Not sure it works. However the food and service were excellent. The eggs Benny were perfect. 

It’s still the Empress but it certainly has been spruced up. In the corridors there are some fabulous photos of the hotel under construction showing the pilings the hotel is sitting on and the steel beam construction. And photos of the Royals who have visited. This photo of the Tea menu was interesting. Fifty cents for afternoon tea. It now costs over $100. Talk about inflation. 

The venerable Empress is simply a lovely place to stay if you don’t mind the price tag. Renovated and updated but maintaining the original charm. 

Just saying…