Fairmont Empress Celebrates Landmark Year of Awards and Recognition

VICTORIA, BC (December 16, 2025) – As the year draws to a close, Fairmont Empress proudly reflects on an extraordinary year of recognition, reaffirming its position amongst the world’s most magnificent hotels. From national to international awards to continued innovation in sustainability and guest experiences, 2025 stands as landmark year for Canada’s Castle on the Coast.

Each achievement underscores the property’s commitment to providing elevated, memorable experiences while advancing sustainability, preserving heritage, and modernizing its historic infrastructure. The hotel’s accolades this year include:

2025 Achievements
• #1 City Hotel in Canada – Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards Fairmont Empress earned the top spot among all city hotels in Canada in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2025, a recognition based on global traveler surveys evaluating service, design, and overall guest experience.

• Travel + Leisure Top 500 List – 2025 T+L 500 Best Hotels The property was also featured on Travel + Leisure’s prestigious Top 500 list, placing it among the world’s most exceptional hotels for quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction.

• #2 Hotel in Western Canada – Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards Readers of Condé Nast Traveler ranked Fairmont Empress as the second-best hotel in Western Canada, highlighting its blend of historic grandeur and contemporary luxury.

• 2025 Michelin One Key Hotel Fairmont Empress received a Michelin One Key designation for the second consecutive year of the award program. The accolade recognizes hotels that deliver outstanding comfort, service, and design—placing it among an elite group of properties worldwide.

Best Historic Hotel in the Americas – Historic Hotels Worldwide® Honoured by Historic Hotels Worldwide, Fairmont Empress was named the Best Historic Hotel in the Americas, celebrating its architectural heritage, preservation efforts, and cultural significance.

• Green Key Global Certified & Double Green Key Certified – Green Key Meetings The hotel achieved 4 Green Key Global Certification for sustainable operations such as reducing food waste with the introduction of AI-waste monitoring tool Orbisk, water conversation efforts, and the elimination of single use plastics. The Double Green Key Certification is for its eco-conscious meeting and event practices, underscoring its leadership in environmental stewardship.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive this level of recognition from our loyal guests and industry partners, whose trust and support make these achievements possible,” said General Manager, Dan McGowan. “This year’s accolades are a reflection of the dedication and passion of our entire team, supported by the vision and continual investment of our owner, Nat Bosa. His commitment to making Fairmont Empress an internationally acclaimed bucket-list hotel is instrumental in ensuring the property remains an iconic destination in our community for generations to come.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Fairmont Empress continues its journey of transformation, refinement, and timeless luxury with a contemporary touch. The year will see the reopening of The Bengal with a refreshed concept offering breakfast and dinner service, followed by a renovation of Q at the Empress, enhancing the restaurant and bar with renewed sophistication and vibrancy. Complementing these updates, the hotel will also introduce Dash a new grab-and-go located next to the shops and Mountain Galleries, offering guests specialty coffees, teas, pastries, and the hotel’s famous golden raisin scones.

To learn more or stay up to date on the latest developments at Fairmont Empress, visit: www.fairmontempress.com.

Media enquiries and further information:

Lisa McPhail
Director of Public Relations
Fairmont Empress
T: 778 679 5049
E: [email protected]