The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia will return later this month following a two-year restoration from Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA). The $60 million facelift will reflect the legacy and beauty of Canada’s western coast with respect to the property’s original architecture.
Welcoming guests is a reimagined porte-cochère that punctuates the arrival experience in the revamped lobby area. The grand interior will feature the 20-foot-high floral-shaped chandelier Twill Flower, which is handwoven with 250,000 crystals sculpted in homage to Victoria’s history as the City of Gardens. The hotel recently celebrated the early arrival of the refreshed Willow Stream Spa with an expanded lounge, updated reception space, and revitalized retail space. The renovation has expanded the onsite Fairmont Gold collection to include 65 of the 229 guestrooms as well as two new lounges and a spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the inner harbor. The new Royal suite from Franc Ranieri of Vancouver-based Kreel Creative Design is slated to debut as well.
The Fairmont Empress introduced the first phase of its redesign last June, with the opening of the restaurant and bar Q at the Empress. Designed by San Francisco’s Puccini Group, the lobby venue is outfitted with traditional coffered ceilings, elegant furnishings and artwork, and a quartzite bar.
