Empress Hotel: History, Pool, Ghost Stories, Afternoon Tea

The name “Empress Hotel” appears on properties on two continents, but the most famous—the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia—opened in 1908 as a Canadian Pacific Railway château-style hotel, is designated as a national historic site, and now holds Forbes Recommended and MICHELIN Key status (Fairmont Empress – Our Story). A second Empress Hotel on the Isle of Man offers seaside lodging with an 8.3/10 guest score on Booking.com. This guide covers both, answering the questions most travellers ask: who owns them, what amenities they offer, and what makes each worth a stay.

Last checked: 2026-06-20

Main name: The Fairmont Empress (Victoria) / The Empress Hotel (Isle of Man) · Location: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada & Douglas, Isle of Man · Rooms: 431 (Victoria) / 104 (Isle of Man) · Year opened: 1908 (Victoria) · Known for: Afternoon tea, historic architecture, ghost stories, seaside setting

By KoalaHotel Research Team | Updated: February 2026

Who owns the Empress hotel?

Fairmont Empress ownership

The Fairmont Empress in Victoria is privately owned, but day-to-day operations are managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, which itself is part of the AccorHotels group (The Vancouverite). The property originally belonged to the Canadian Pacific Railway, which built it as part of a network of grand hotels to serve rail passengers across Canada.

Isle of Man Empress ownership

The Empress Hotel on the Isle of Man is an independently operated hotel (not part of Fairmont). Its official website (theempresshotel.net) markets it as a “traditional seafront hotel with well-equipped rooms and a conservatory bar overlooking the promenade,” according to Booking.com reviews. The specific owner entity is not disclosed in public sources, but the hotel appears to be locally run.

Does the Empress hotel in Victoria have a swimming pool?

Health Club & Pool facilities

Yes, the Fairmont Empress has an indoor swimming pool as part of its Health Club & Pool. The facility also includes a sauna, steam room, and a 24-hour fitness centre (The Happy Sloths – Fairmont Empress Hotel Review). The pool is on the lower level of the hotel and is open to guests and Health Club members.

Hours and access

The Health Club is open daily, typically from early morning until late evening, though hours may vary by season. Guests can access the pool with their room key. Non-guests may purchase day passes or join the Health Club.

The trade-off: While the indoor pool is well-maintained, it is not a large leisure pool—it suits a quick swim or soak rather than extensive lap swimming. For a dedicated beachfront pool experience, the Empress Hotel in Asbury Park, New Jersey offers an outdoor pool with lounge chairs and complimentary towels (Yelp – Empress Hotel, Asbury Park).

“The pool area was clean and the water temperature was pleasant—perfect for a cool-down after a day of sightseeing.”

— Fairmont Empress guest, Tripadvisor review

How long did it take to build the Empress hotel?

Construction timeline 1904–1908

The Fairmont Empress took over four years to build, with construction starting in 1904 and the hotel opening its doors in 1908 (Fairmont Empress – Our Story). The property was designed by architect Francis Rattenbury in the château style, featuring steep copper roofs, dormer windows, and turrets.

Architect and style

Rattenbury also designed the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the Vancouver Art Gallery (Wikipedia – Francis Rattenbury). The Empress was one of several Canadian Pacific Railway hotels meant to convey the romance of rail travel across the country. A major restoration project in the 2010s, costing approximately CAD $60 million, updated guest rooms, suites, spa, dining facilities, and the lobby while preserving heritage elements (The Vancouverite).

The bottom line: The construction timeline (1904–1908) reflects an era when grand hotels were built slowly and meticulously. The $60 million restoration ensured the building meets modern luxury standards.

Who haunts the Empress hotel?

The Lady in White legend

The Fairmont Empress has a well-known ghost story: the “Lady in White” is said to be the spirit of a woman who fell (or jumped) from a balcony in the 1920s. Staff and guests have reported seeing a white figure in the hallway of the fourth floor (Fairmont Empress – Our Story). The hotel incorporates the story into its “Ghost Story” page, noting that the Lady in White is one of the most persistent tales.

Other reported ghost activity

Other reports include unexplained footsteps in empty corridors, doors opening and closing on their own, and the occasional flickering light. These accounts are anecdotal and unverified—paranormal claims are not part of the hotel’s official marketing but are often shared in guest reviews and local folklore. No similar ghost stories are widely reported for the Empress Hotel on the Isle of Man.

How much is a room at the Empress hotel in Victoria?

Typical price ranges

Room rates at the Fairmont Empress vary significantly by season. Based on aggregate data from Google Hotels and Tripadvisor, standard rooms in low season (November–March) start around CAD $300–400 per night, while peak summer and holiday rates can exceed CAD $600–800. Suites and Gold Floor rooms command higher prices, often above CAD $1,000 per night. (All prices are indicative and subject to availability; we have not independently verified current rates.)

Factors affecting rates

Rates depend on room category (standard, harbour-view, suite), floor level (Gold Floor includes a private lounge and dedicated check-in), booking channel, and seasonal demand. Guests on a budget may find better value during the shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October).

Why this matters: The Fairmont Empress is a luxury heritage property—its price reflects location, history, and service. Guests who prioritise ambience and harbour views will find it worth the cost; those primarily seeking a budget-friendly base may prefer nearby mid-range options. One Facebook travel discussion noted that “rooms can feel small and rates comparatively high, making it best suited for guests prioritising ambience over space” (Facebook travel discussion).

“Magical experience… a visit of a lifetime. The service, decoration, and festive atmosphere were unparalleled.”

— Tripadvisor review of a four-night Christmas stay at Fairmont Empress

What is the most stolen hotel item?

Commonly stolen items

According to a survey of hotel staff reported by multiple travel publications—including an article on Devon Live that summarises findings from a UK hotel staff survey—the most stolen hotel items are bathrobes and towels. Other frequently swiped items include slippers, hangers, and, surprisingly, toiletries in larger-than-expected quantities. One reviewer noted that at the Fairmont Empress, even the tea spoons occasionally go missing (though this is anecdotal).

Why these items are taken

Bathrobes and towels are often taken because they are high-quality, monogrammed, and serve as a souvenir of the hotel experience. Hotels typically factor these losses into operating costs; many now offer branded merchandise for sale to reduce theft.

The pattern: This industry trend is not unique to Empress properties but is consistent with five-star hotels globally. Guests looking for a memento should check the gift shop—it’s cheaper than a theft charge.

Empress hotel afternoon tea and restaurant

Afternoon tea at Fairmont Empress

Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress is a signature experience. Served in the historic Tea Lobby overlooking Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the service includes a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a choice of teas from a curated list. The Vancouverite described it as “a classic British tea service in an Edwardian setting” (The Vancouverite). Pricing for afternoon tea is typically around CAD $70–85 per person, with seasonal variations.

Empress Hotel Isle of Man dining options

The Empress Hotel in Douglas has its own restaurant and conservatory bar. According to guest reviews on Booking.com and Expedia, the breakfast buffet is well regarded, and the conservatory offers sea views. The menu includes British pub classics and seafood. One guest commented that “the location and the conservatory bar are the highlights” (Booking.com). No afternoon tea is explicitly marketed at this property.

The bottom line: If you want a classic afternoon tea experience, the Fairmont Empress in Victoria is the destination. For a casual seaside meal, the Empress in Douglas provides solid pub fare with a view.

Pricing band overview

Both Empress hotels fall into the mid-to-upper price tier for their respective markets. The Fairmont Empress is clearly a luxury property (★★★★), with rates that reflect its heritage and harbour location. The Empress Isle of Man is a more accessible option, typically £80–150 per night depending on season and room type. Neither is a budget choice, but both offer distinct value: heritage ambience in Victoria, seafront convenience in Douglas.

Location and getting there

Fairmont Empress, Victoria: 721 Government Street, on Victoria’s Inner Harbour. The hotel is within walking distance of the BC Legislature, Royal BC Museum, and the city’s downtown core. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Victoria International Airport (YYJ). Ferry terminals (Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen) are 45–90 minutes away by car.

The Empress Hotel, Douglas: Central Promenade, Douglas, Isle of Man. It overlooks the seafront and is a short walk from the Manx Electric Railway and Douglas town centre. The nearest airport is Isle of Man Airport (IOM), about 20 minutes by car. Ferry services from Liverpool and Heysham arrive at Douglas Harbour, less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

Sample use case: A day at the Empress

Arrive in Victoria mid-morning. Check into the Fairmont Empress, ask for a harbour-view room if available. Spend an hour exploring the hotel’s public spaces—the lobby, the Tea Lobby, and the heritage corridor. At 11:30, book afternoon tea; the first seating is often less crowded. After tea, walk the Inner Harbour path to the BC Legislature (5 minutes) or visit the Royal BC Museum next door. Return for a swim in the hotel pool before dinner at the Q Bar or one of the hotel’s restaurants. End the evening with a nightcap in the Bengal Lounge, if open. For Isle of Man visitors, a similar day would focus on the promenade walk and a meal in the conservatory bar, with the added option of a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

For those intrigued by the Empress Hotel’s ghostly lore, a deeper dive into haunted hotel history reveals even more chilling tales from Victoria’s grand heritage hotels.

Frequently asked questions

What needs verifying

The following claims were sourced from third-party aggregators or personal blogs rather than official or established editorial sources. Readers should verify these details directly with the hotel:

• The Fairmont Empress offers 431 guest rooms and suites blending contemporary and classic British styling. (This data point comes from a Google Hotels listing, which is a third-party aggregator and may not be fully authoritative.)
• Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress is served in the historic Tea Lobby with harbour views and is frequently described as a signature experience. (This claim originates from a personal travel blog and, while widely reported, should be verified against official sources for the latest details.)

Sources cited

• Fairmont Empress – Our Story (official site)
• Fairmont – Fairmont Empress Story (corporate site)
• The Vancouverite – Our Stay at the Fairmont Empress Hotel
• The Happy Sloths – Fairmont Empress Hotel Review
• Booking.com – 1511 Verified Reviews of The Empress Hotel
• Expedia – The Empress Hotel, Douglas
• Tripadvisor – Fairmont Empress review: “Magical experience”
• Facebook travel discussion – Is Fairmont Empress worth it?
• Yelp – Empress Hotel, Asbury Park