Fairmont Empress Named Best Historic Hotel in the Americas

Canada’s Castle on the Coast receives top honour in the Americas

The 2020 Awards of Excellence were announced today by Historic Hotels of America | Historic Hotels Worldwide, and Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia was named Best Historic Hotel Worldwide in the Americas.

Fairmont Empress is a destination hotel known for its historical importance as part of the Canadian Pacific (CP) Hotels, and for which travelers have come to expect timeless elegance, discriminating luxury and memorable experiences. This grand dame completed a $60+ Million restoration in 2017 that celebrates its proud history while moving the hotel into a new era of modern luxury, transforming this iconic property into a must-visit destination.

 “We are honoured to be named Best Historic Hotel in the Americas for 2020. Our team at the Empress has been so committed to finding the right balance of celebrating our historic past while meeting the expectations of todays’ travellers with modern luxury touches.  The Empress Hotel, which opened on January 20, 1908, is extremely rich in architectural and cultural history. Finding the right balance with thoughtful renovations in 2016/2017 combined with our Heritage Hall gallery, we celebrate our illustrious past every day,” said Indu Brar, General Manager, Fairmont Empress. “We like to say that Fairmont Empress is Where Modern Meets Iconic and I believe this award confirms that we may have gotten this right.”

Designed by Francis Rattenbury, who also designed the BC Legislative buildings, The Crystal Garden and Vancouver Art Gallery, the Empress opened its doors in 1908. Since then, Fairmont Empress has held court over the inner harbour, playing host to royalty, dignitaries and celebrities for nearly 113 years. The Empress takes pride in its chateau-inspired architectural style but remains uniquely Canadian; glamorous, discerning and well appointed with the perfect blend of laid back Pacific Northwest sensibility.

As official programs of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide provide the recognition to travellers, civic leaders, and the global cultural, heritage, and historic travel market that these hotels are among the finest historic hotels across America and around the world. The Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence program recognizes the pinnacle of this distinct group of nominees in a range of categories.

Media Contact:

Tracey Drake, Director, Marketing and Public Relations

Fairmont Empress

T: 250.389.2701

E: tracey.drake@fairmont.com