Victoria’s Inner Harbour has many familiar landmarks, but few are as closely woven into the city’s identity as the Fairmont Empress. Opened in 1908, the hotel has welcomed generations of travelers to its prominent waterfront address. Now it has earned a One Michelin Key in the guide’s 2026 hotel selection, its third consecutive year with the distinction.
For visitors planning a stay in British Columbia’s capital, the recognition draws attention to the complete hotel experience: the setting, service, rooms, dining and sense of place. It also comes as the Empress continues to renew parts of the historic property.
What a Michelin Key Means for a Hotel
Michelin Keys recognize hotels rather than restaurants. The guide considers qualities such as architecture and design, service, comfort, character and how well a property connects guests to its destination. It describes a One Key hotel as offering “a very special stay.” The designation is separate from the Michelin Stars awarded for cooking; a Key does not indicate that a hotel’s restaurant has a Star.
Receiving the distinction in three consecutive selections gives the Empress a point of continuity during a period of change. Recent work has touched its dining spaces and guest rooms, while the rituals visitors associate with the hotel remain central to a stay.
A Historic Address That Keeps Evolving
Facing Victoria’s Inner Harbour, the Empress is often one of the first buildings visitors notice as they arrive downtown. Its location puts the harbor walkway, nearby museums, shops and the city’s restaurants within easy reach. Guests can spend the morning exploring Victoria and return to a hotel that feels firmly connected to its history.
The property has 431 rooms and suites, including its Fairmont Gold accommodations. The Gold experience offers a separate lounge and more personalized service for travelers who want a quieter base within the larger hotel. DRIFT previously covered the transformation of Fairmont Gold at the Empress.
The hotel says it is continuing to improve select guest rooms and bathrooms in its Humboldt Wing, including plans to create more space in some rooms. These updates are intended to make the historic building more comfortable for contemporary travelers while preserving its character.
Afternoon Tea, Dining and the Return of The Bengal
Tea at the Empress remains the hotel’s best-known tradition and an experience many visitors include even when they are staying elsewhere. Served in the Lobby Lounge, it is a chance to slow down in the middle of a Victoria itinerary. For more ideas beyond the hotel, see DRIFT’s guide to afternoon tea in Victoria.
The hotel’s dining spaces have also been changing. The Bengal reopened in 2026 as a breakfast venue, bringing guests back into one of the property’s most storied rooms. Q at the Empress, with its focus on Pacific Northwest ingredients and views toward the harbor, is another part of the hotel’s dining identity. The Empress has described further changes to these spaces as part of its broader renewal, so travelers should check current restaurant hours and availability when planning a visit.
Beyond dining, Fairmont Spa provides an opportunity to build a slower day around the stay. Together, the tea service, restaurants and spa give the property a role in a Victoria trip even for travelers whose plans extend well beyond its doors.
A Starting Point for Exploring Victoria
The Empress’s harbor location makes it especially useful for a first visit. Downtown sights are close by, and the waterfront is an easy place to begin getting oriented. A longer stay allows time to venture farther, whether to Victoria’s neighborhoods, gardens or the surrounding coast. DRIFT’s guide to things to do in Victoria offers additional inspiration.
The 2026 Michelin Key recognizes the Empress as a hotel experience, but the reason to stay is also distinctly local. Its architecture, Afternoon Tea and position on the Inner Harbour give guests an immediate connection to Victoria. The ongoing updates suggest that this landmark intends to remain part of the city’s future as well as its past.
