Fairmont Empress, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, USA & Canada

The Fairmont Empress in Victoria sits in prime position next to the excellent Royal B.C. Museum and opposite B.C.’s legislative building. The hotel overlooks the picturesque inner harbour where seaplanes land from Vancouver, and pretty little water taxis shuttle visitors to stops around the city including Chinatown, and the shops and restaurants of Fisherman’s Wharf. Don’t be fooled by the bling of the newly renovated lobby which dazzles with a chandelier made from 250,000 glittering crystals; the Empress may have had a face-lift but the old fashioned grandeur of the city’s most famous landmark remains.

Almost large enough to require its own postcode, the Empress’s vast light-flooded lobby with its shops, dining options, bar and spa could feel impersonal, but thanks to the cheery staff and welcoming atmosphere it’s anything but. Beyond the bustle of the ground floor, head upstairs in an authentic wood-panelled lift and you’re transported to a quiet oasis of calm with soft carpets and vintage travel poster art.

The Fairmont’s friendly international staff including Clef d’Or concierge offer polite help at every turn with no request seemingly too big or too small. The fitness centre has all the necessary kit for gym bunnies, along with an indoor pool, children’s wading pool and hot tub. A well-equipped Willow Stream spa offers locally-inspired treatments such as the Salish Sea Vitality which includes a wild seaweed scrub and massage with sea kelp lotion.

It’s well worth joining the free President’s Club before arriving as membership grants perks such as the loan of workout gear including shoes, cruiser bikes and a daily newspaper. There is a BMW town car available on request to ferry guest’s downtown.