Fairmont Empress Recognized as the Best Historic Hotel in the Americas
VICTORIA, BC (October 31, 2025) – Fairmont Empress, the iconic ‘Castle on the Coast,’ is earning international acclaim once more, being recognized as the Best Historic Hotel in the Americas by Historic Hotels Worldwide®. The distinction was announced last night at the 2025 Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards of Excellence, celebrating the most exemplary historic hotels and hoteliers across the globe.
Fairmont Empress is being honoured for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture and ambiance. Since opening its doors in 1908, Fairmont Empress has stood as a symbol of timeless elegance and has been a cornerstone of Victoria’s identity. Designed by renowned architect Francis Rattenbury, the hotel quickly became a social and cultural landmark—hosting royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries from around the world. Declared a National Historic Site of Canada, the hotel has remained a living testament to Edwardian architecture and the golden age of travel. Its famed Afternoon Tea, served for over 117 years, continues to be a cherished tradition for generations of visitors.
In 2014, when visionary developer Nat Bosa acquired the property, a transformative chapter began. His leadership ushered in a new era for the hotel through the $60+ million “Return of the Queen” restoration, completed in 2017. The project revitalized the hotel’s heritage features while introducing modern design and amenities, reaffirming its place among the world’s most celebrated hotels. The unveiling of reimagined Fairmont Gold in 2023—an elevated guest experience featuring 88 elegantly appointed rooms, a residential pantry, and a private harbour-view lounge— has further enhanced the hotel’s reputation for refined luxury.
“Every year, Fairmont Empress continues to impress and write new chapters in its extraordinary story,” said Dan McGowan, General Manager of Fairmont Empress. “We are profoundly honoured to be recognized as the Best Historic Hotel in the Americas in the 2025 Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards of Excellence. This award affirms our commitment to preserving the hotel and ensuring its legacy reigns. I could not be prouder of our team, as they are always seeking ways to enhance the guest experience—turning moments into special memories—and finding ways to celebrate our history and story with travelers from every corner of the world.”
Historic Hotels Worldwide honours and celebrates the most exemplary historic hotels, hoteliers, and leadership practices through the Historic Hotels Worldwide Awards of Excellence. Each year, the awards recognize historic hotels and hoteliers demonstrating innovative leadership, stewardship, and contribution to furthering the recognition, preservation, and celebration of these preeminent historic hotels and their histories. Only 10 hotels worldwide were recognized in their respective categories, including Fairmont Empress. Full list available here.
“We are delighted to honour Fairmont Empress with this prestigious award. It was chosen from an exclusive group of nominees and considered for several categories. It stands among the finest hotels and hoteliers in the world,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “We applaud the dedication and passion of the individuals working at these iconic and legendary historic hotels, the people who keep the stories alive from the past and make staying or celebrating special occasions at these historic hotels memorable experiences.”
About Fairmont Empress
Recognized as the #1 Canadian City Hotel in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards and honoured as the #2 Western Canadian Hotel in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Fairmont Empress is located in the heart of Victoria, BC overlooking the city’s sparkling Inner Harbour. The MICHELIN Key and Forbes-recommended hotel is a distinguished 4 Green Key property committed to sustainable practices—and is proud to be double Green Key certified, with its meeting space earning its own Green Key certification. The 1908 historic site offers 431 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, Fairmont Spa featuring signature West Coast experiences, and Q at the Empress, which serves Pacific Northwest cuisine accompanied by an award-winning wine list, all while being home to one of the world’s most iconic Afternoon Tea experiences. Following a $60+ million restoration completed in 2017, the hotel has transformed into an elegant must-visit destination where modern luxury intertwines with timeless charm. In 2023, the property introduced a reimagined Fairmont Gold Experience. 88 Fairmont Gold rooms await to be guests’ home away from home, while a newly renovated lounge offers guests a cozy haven in the city and a private outdoor terrace peers over a perfectly manicured landscape. Historic Hotels Worldwide honours the property’s prestigious grounds as one of the Top 25 Most Magnificent Gardens in the World, making it the perfect starting point for exploring Vancouver Island’s stunning natural beauty.
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Media enquiries and further information:
Lisa McPhail
Director of Public Relations
Fairmont Empress
T: 778 679 5049
E: [email protected]