Today, Fairmont Empress has officially unveiled its highly anticipated renovation of the luxury Fairmont Gold experience, ushering in a new era of luxury at Victoria’s iconic Castle on the Coast. The extensive makeover includes the transformation of an expansive state-of-the-art Fairmont Gold lounge, boasting over 4,000 square feet of opulence, along with the addition of 22 new Fairmont Gold guest rooms.
Designed by the award-winning HBA San Francisco, the new Fairmont Gold lounge pays homage to the building’s original fixtures and shines a spotlight on elements that convey its storied past. Surrounded by the calm currents of the Salish Sea, the sky’s mesmerizing symphony of colours capture the essence of serenity and the awe-inspiring power of nature that set the stage for its captivating design. Exposed brick archway doors, fireplace and original steel beams dating back to the building’s original 1908 architecture—discovered during the renovation process—now stand pride of place, opening the vault to reveal the classic details that have made the property a beloved destination for 115 years.
Guests will enjoy a collection of unique living room spaces in the Fairmont Gold lounge such as hideaway alcoves, library nooks, bistro seating, and an expansive outdoor terrace to tuck away and unwind. The luxury residential-style pantry space features waterfall-edge marble islands inspired by the nearby flowing water and serves daily breakfast, afternoon tea bites and evening canapés, creating a sophisticated ambiance to make guests feel home away from home. Thoughtful details throughout the lounge reminiscent of nature include rich blue and green cabinetry, marble finishing, as well as custom carpet design with hues that mirror the sky’s golden glow, complements the surrounding natural beauty of its coastal city setting, delivering an unforgettable experience.
In addition to the extensive Fairmont Gold lounge renovation, the addition of 22 guest rooms have been added to the collection of Fairmont Gold rooms, each elegantly designed with rich fabrics, sleek furnishings and modern marble bathrooms with rainfall shower, reflective of the natural beauty of Vancouver Island.
“We are thrilled to officially begin welcoming guests to the transformed Fairmont Gold, offering an experience with unparalleled luxury touches that are truly unlike any other,” said Dan McGowan, General Manager at Fairmont Empress. “To set ourselves apart from other hotel-within-a-hotel concepts, we’ve thought of everything for our guests to fully immerse themselves into a residential-style space, including entry to a completely renovated and stocked pantry, access to the best views in the city and a stylish resort-style retreat.”
Fairmont Gold begins the moment a guest arrives, with exclusive check-in on the hotel’s first floor. The Fairmont Gold experience includes concierge services and amenities, access to the private Fairmont Gold lounge that serves deluxe daily breakfast, afternoon tea snacks, evening canapés and full service honour bar. The Fairmont Gold concierge team takes pride in offering personalized service from organizing private excursions, reserving spa treatments at the hotel’s Willow Stream Spa, and securing a reservation at the city’s top restaurants, while delivering the utmost care and precision.
Beyond the Fairmont Gold renovation, the Empress is celebrating its 115th anniversary throughout 2023. The property debuted Sunset Sips in May, an evening cocktail and culinary experience that offers an intoxicating twist on tradition. Located in the luxurious Lobby Lounge, the space transforms in the evening hours into a lively atmosphere offering unique cocktails served in teapots and tiers of tapas, as the sun begins its descent towards the horizon, setting across the sky over the sparkling Harbour.
