HBA completes $60M Fairmont Empress facelift that reflects Canada’s western coast

The Fairmont Empress has reopened in Victoria, British Columbia following a two-year restoration from Hirsch Bedner Associates. The $60-million facelift is said to reflect Canada’s western coast, even as it also respects the property’s original architecture.

The upgraded hotel includes a reimagined porte cochère outside of the revamped lobby area. Inside, the 20-foot-high floral-shaped chandelier Twill Flower was handwoven with 250,000 crystals sculpted in homage to Victoria’s history as the “City of Gardens.”

Earlier, the property refreshed its Willow Stream Spa. That renovation expanded the lounge expanded, updated the reception space, and revitalized retail space.

The renovation also expanded the onsite Fairmont Gold collection to include 65 of the 229 guestrooms, as well as two new lounges and a outdoor terrace overlooking the inner harbor.

Vancouver-based Kreel Creative Design also debuted a new suite from Franc Ranieri.

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 has coffered ceilings, new furnishings and artwork, and a quartzite bar.