VICTORIA — The Fairmont Empress is set to celebrate its restoration with a grand-opening ceremony on June 28. The two-year, $60-million project honours the history of the property while bringing it into a new era of modern luxury.
“We’ve taken a landmark building and restored the original architectural elements with modern, elegant touches. It’s a fairy-tale transformation and a milestone for this beautiful castle,” says Indu Brar, general manager, Fairmont Empress. “And, we’re ready for the world to see it.”
The recently completed final phase of the restorations includes a renovated health club and pool; refreshed Willow Stream Spa with an expanded lounge, updated reception and revitalized retail area; and 229 guestrooms. At the heart of the project is the hotel’s new reception lobby, which features the “Twill Flower” chandelier — a six-meter-high, hand-woven crystal sculpture that acts as an homage to Victoria’s reputation as the City of Gardens.
The first phase of the hotel’s restoration launched in June 2016 with the opening of Q at the Empress — a new restaurant and bar. The re-imagined Lobby Lounge evokes a modern Victorian parlour, featuring a fresh colour palette inspired by the original Empress tea service china. Phase one also brought an expanded and reimagined Fairmont Gold experience to the property.
