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Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel Reviews List
Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Steeped in tradition, The Fairmont Empress has been serving Victoria's grandest tradition of Afternoon Tea for over a century. The majestic lobby of this landmark hotel has played host to England's most beloved ritual - the taking of Afternoon Tea to famed celebrities, dignitaries and royalty alike.
Award-winning Pastry Chef D'Oyen Christie works his magic, ensuring an authentic and memorable experience - from your very first sip of our secret Tea at The Empress blend tea, right through to his freshly baked raisin scones served with heavy cream and strawberry preserves.
Served in the relaxing atmosphere of the elegantly restored Tea Lobby, overlooking Victoria's sparkling Inner Harbour, Afternoon Tea is an absolute 'must do' for all who visit Victoria.
Please note any dietary concerns or restrictions in your reservation.
See more Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel details
Award-winning Pastry Chef D'Oyen Christie works his magic, ensuring an authentic and memorable experience - from your very first sip of our secret Tea at The Empress blend tea, right through to his freshly baked raisin scones served with heavy cream and strawberry preserves.
Served in the relaxing atmosphere of the elegantly restored Tea Lobby, overlooking Victoria's sparkling Inner Harbour, Afternoon Tea is an absolute 'must do' for all who visit Victoria.
Please note any dietary concerns or restrictions in your reservation.
289 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 289 reviews
5 stars
(168)
4 stars
(83)
3 stars
(24)
2 stars
(12)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(227)
- scenic view(140)
- romantic(99)
- fit for foodies(61)
- great for lunch(59)
- neighborhood gem(50)
Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel Reviews List
Review 1 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
to tea or not?
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"If you have not attended a tea before this is an experience to be had. However, if you have been to a lovely one before, then skip this and have some seafood downtown. The hotel is an awesome place to see, but you can have a look without taking the time or spending the money for this tea. The food is served on a tower with the sandwiches on the bottom, dessert on top, scones in the middle. The tastes improved as you moved up the tower, so, sandwiches just ok, desserts excellent. There is endless tea, but not a big choice----the service is efficient----but this is a tourist attraction, not an elegant tea."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 2 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Girls Weekend
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I love the ambiance of the Empress Fairmont and I have enjoyed High Tea there in the past. When arrived we enjoyed an excellent lunch of halibut fish and chips on the Varanda. The following day the Afternoon Tea sandwich fillings just were not very good the pork and chicken did not closely resemble the meat. The value just was not there, and I will not be doing Afternoon Tea at the Empress again. Butchart Garden is half the price, and presentations looked similar, and worth a try."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Special Features: scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 3 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Once in a lifetime experience
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The service was exceptional. We were treated like royality. Our every need was met, including gluten free issues ( they were even tasty,didn't feel like you were missing out on the good stuff ). The tea sandwiches and pastries were mouth watering. The Empress tea blend was very smooth and enjoyable. We would definately return to have this experience one more time."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 4 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Classy with friends!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our server was very personable, I am very bad with names but she seemed to be Asian, very nice lady."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 5 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Just OK
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I thought the presentation was unimaginative, and lacking for a Fairmont tea. The room and view is beautiful, but I was disappointed in both the tea sandwiches and the desserts. I wouldn't return."
Dined on 6/10/2013
2002
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 6 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I took my wife to the Empress tea room for her birthday and enjoyed every moment. The food was good and the service first class and not rushed."
Dined on 6/07/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 7 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fancy and fun with great food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a great time! Fantastic sandwiches and pastries. Very accommodating to our caffeine-free tea request."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 8 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
High Tea at the Empress
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The whole dining experience was lovely but we did think it's quite pricey at $59.00. We've had lovely teas all over the world and have never paid this much. The food was good but no better than most teas we've attended. The service, however, was excellent."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2013
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Review 9 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A fading grand lady
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"while still beautiful, the Empress has seen better days and is need of some detail work. We had a great window table but table & chair legs were scuffed/marred, seat cushions had seen some age and we noticed the portraits were dusty.
Some of the bread was a bit dry from being exposed to air, however they were quite tasty.
This was not an inexpensive tea but the history and the grandure of the Empress makes for a lovelu soecial afternoon."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lovely tea experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Have always wanted to have afternoon tea at the Empress. Even managed to have my husband accompany me for his first tea experience. The quality and the amount of food was more that enough to impress my hearty eater! And our waiter was a real gem, just a delight. A little spendy, but worth it!"
Dined on 6/12/2013
2012
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 11 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was wonderful. My friend from New York just loved it also."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 12 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Gluten free heaven
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The best gluten free cakes and sandwiches I've ever had. My husband had the non gluten free afternoon tea and there was no discernible difference between the two. Thank you Fairmont Empress for making my day so special."
Dined on 5/18/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 13 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The afternoon tea helped make my guests trip. Great experience and atmosphere and great selection of Gluten free options thank you"
Dined on 6/12/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 14 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Exceptional Elegance
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It is seldom that a place exceeds one's expectations in this fast paced age of technology and rushing around. Tea at The Empress is like attending a lovely show of old world elegance and visiting a space in time where amenities of tradition and civility once ruled. The experience goes beyond delicious. The presentation is flawless and the service is impeccable. The ambiance is staged just so and encourages one to savor each cup of tea and relish the history that surrounds you as you are reminded of a time of etiquette and leisure."
Dined on 6/09/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 15 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Service, Great Ambiance
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Empress is a lovely spot that you can actually access and tour on your own by simply entering the hotel from the main street. The view of the marina from the dining area is lovely and the service is very attentive and appropriate. The Empress Afternoon Tea is certainly something you have to do once...if your pocketbook can handle it. For the food; it was good, but I've had Tea at other locations where I considered the food to be just as good (sometimes better) and more generous--for less money. I read a travel magazine that had recently been published and it listed the afternoon tea price as $12 lower than they were charging--which makes me wonder if there'd been a recent pricing increase. $65pp (ish) is VERY high for what you get."
Dined on 6/06/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 16 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very expensive for what we got."
Dined on 6/08/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 17 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Afternoon Tea
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"You will feel like a high born Victorian lady taking your high tea at the Empress Tea Room. Excellent service, more food than I expected, with delicious tea sandwiches, raisin scones and sweets."
Dined on 6/09/2013
2012
Special Features: kid-friendly, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 18 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfect for a special occasion
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"For a celebration of a special occasion, tea at the Empress can't be beat. The service is excellent and attentive. The ambience is second to none if you are a fan of history. The view is exceptional. The food is good, but the true benefit is the experience. Pricey, but a great way to celebrate. Definitely not for children. The atmosphere was nice and calm. The staff incorporated decorations we brought in advance to personalize the experience. You are never rushed, and there is enough food to let you skip a meal. A great experience, and truly on the of the best high tea experiences."
Dined on 6/09/2013
Special Features: scenic view, special occasion
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Review 19 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Classic Loveliness
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I really enjoyed having high tea and the Fairmont Empress Hotel. The food- both savories and sweets were fantastic and the tea was delicious as well! We had one or two little hick-ups in the service but nothing horrible and another server covered well for ours once we got their attention. Overall, I would recommend tea at the Empress at least once in a life-time!"
Dined on 6/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 20 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
High Tea at High Noon
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great experience beautiful setting . Amazing company. Expert service. We will definitley return again."
Dined on 6/04/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Memorable Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Being a guest at the Faimont Empress and experiencing the Afternoon Tea was simply wonderful. It is sure to be a memory that will be cherished for a very long time!!!! Thank you Fairmont Empress for helping us to create wonderful memories.
If ever in the Victoria area, this is a MUST DO!!!"
If ever in the Victoria area, this is a MUST DO!!!"
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 22 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Impeccable service, tasty tea
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"No complaints on those counts! Just wish my pocketbook isn't still in shock! Seriously, about $190 for 3 people for tea????!!!! (There must be a luxury tax or something as the website indicated about $51/person...)"
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 23 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Empress Hotel High Tea
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"High tea at the Empress is elegant and civilized, inspiring daydreams of the Victorian era."
Dined on 6/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups, scenic view, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Once in a lifetime
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"If you're in Victoria BC (Canada) this is a must experience. Pricey, but if you''re prepared it's well worth it for the traditional, old-world experience."
Dined on 6/05/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Lovey, but pricey unless...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"you are a Friends of the Empress in which you can receive a discount which is much needed after tip etc totaling to over $60 per person - though they did include a gift of a small box of the Empress Tea. The offering of food was delicious, but the choice of teas was limited to four. I would suggest they offer less expensive food since they are only snack sized, and I can have scones with jam and cream at home anyway. What you enjoy is really up to your tastes, but I think everything was hand-made. I probably wouldn't go again until I'm old enough to receive the senior's discount but it was a lovely experience."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 26 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
A disappointing tea experience
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have had much better afternoon teas in Toronto, for 2/3 the price. The King Eddy, The Winsor Arms in Toronto both serve excellent Teas for the money. Only one scone and whipped, instead of clotted cream. I suppose I was paying for the ambience."
Dined on 6/03/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Granddaughters' Day - A Tea Time
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I brought my two granddaughters to the Empress for tea. It was a first time for all of us, even though I have lived in Victoria since 1969. My youngest granddaughter (age 3) was noted to say: "I can't believe we are at the real Empress. It's so beautiful". "I wonder if the Queen dances when she comes for tea in the Ball Room. Dancing is so beautiful, I hope she dances." "I love this, Nana. Thank you so much for bringing me here for tea."
I really don't think you could receive higher praise than this. She phoned me later that evening to thank me again and told me she had such a great day. She can't wait to come again, but next time she would like to bring her mom too."
Dined on 6/02/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 28 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
High tea
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was a lovely one time experience for a special occasion but way too pricey to repeat"
Dined on 6/02/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 29 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Special Outing
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We think that this experience is a must do on the bucket list although we loved it so much we have done it twice so far.
We love the later afternoon time slot and left so full both times that there was no need for dinner.
We also love the gift of tea to take home although first time we received a souvenir menu and would have liked one 2nd time for our friends.
Overall everything was excellent."
We love the later afternoon time slot and left so full both times that there was no need for dinner.
We also love the gift of tea to take home although first time we received a souvenir menu and would have liked one 2nd time for our friends.
Overall everything was excellent."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 30 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Tea at the Empress
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We read reviews before going for Tea and like anything, there were good and bad. One just has to go and make their own decisions. We overlooked the high price of $59.95 each and went for the experience. Our waitress was outstanding. She was always there to fill our tea cups and answer any questions we had. There were eight flavors of tea to choose from and each person is given their own pot. We chose the Empress Blend and the Fairmont Earl Grey, both were flavorful. First we were served strawberries with cream followed by a three tiered tray of five different finger sandwiches, five different desserts and the best raisin scone I have ever had. Everything was delicious."
Dined on 5/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 31 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Tea time
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We recently had tea at The Empress. I felt it was overpriced for the quality of the food and service. The service was good but not great.our server was efficient . It felt like she was automated just going through the motions. It was a slight disappointment. The food was ok but not as good as one would expect for the cost."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 32 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Happy 65th birthday to my husband!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"To celebrate his milestone birthday, my husband suggested we spend a holiday on Vancouver Island. Instead of dinner at a fancy restaurant, he expressed the wish to have afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel. What a great idea that was! The food was plentiful, delicious, and beautifully presented. Our choice of tea, the Empress blend, was perfectly brewed and a fresh teapot was brought when we finished the first one. We spent a most peasant one-and-a-half hour listening to the piano player, watching the people walk by, and enjoying the fine sandwiches, the flaky scones, and the delightful selection of desserts and sweets. It was a birthday celebration worth remembering, and hopefully repeating some day!
L. Lafrance, Ottawa Canada"
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 33 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Overpriced
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"It is an experience worth having one time. This visit was my third time and the price is much too high to do it again. The service and presentation are excellent, but again, not worth the cost."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 34 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
High Tea
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"If you've not been to a high tea, you must go. And if you are near the Empress, you must attend. It is a world famous tea, British style, and very satisfying. Our waitress has been serving tea for 40 years and was outstanding. The food, marvelous and the décor from early 20th century."
Dined on 5/29/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 35 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
High Tea at the Empress Hotel
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My friends and I totally enjoyed our experience at the Empress Hotel. The service was efficient. The tea was superb. We had more food that we could eat and our server graciously packed up the leftovers. The Empress Hotel is a lovely, old-style hotel overlooking the water in downtown Victoria, BC."
Dined on 5/29/2013
Special Features: scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 36 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent service, but overpriced
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My mom was visiting from Ottawa and we decided to check out afternoon tea service since its something I wouldn't normally do. The service was excellent, the piano music was great....the one downfall is that it is definitely not worth $120 for two people. I understand its a tourist hot spot, but jacking up the prices so high when the "season" begins is, in my opinion, outrageous."
Dined on 5/28/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 37 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Checking off the Bucket List.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Being of English heritage, my mother introduced me to teas and sandwiches without crusts as a very young child. I thought that was so eloquent! We would sit and share a picture book of hotels from around the world that served tea. My favorite hotel was this lovely expansive hotel in a far-off place named Victoria in the land of Canada. How I wished I could go there ! My mom assured me that "some day" I would go to this hotel and have tea. At the age of 69, I sat in the tea room with tears streaming down my face. I was having tea at the Empress! I know my mother was seated at the table with my husband and I (and admonishing me for not wearing gloves!). Thank you!"
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 38 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Tea? more like wallet gouge
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I did not see any posted price on the open table website when i clicked thorugh to book reservations. I thought, how expensive can it be? it's tea! But wow. Was a bit shocked at the price-- 69.99 per person for some tiny crustless sandwiches, a few pastries and a scone, and a cup of tea. THey say you should always try and go once to the Empress for tea... yes, I will only go once. Cause now I'm broke! I could have had a steak 2 glasses of wine and dessert at the one of the best restuarants in town and still not payed that much.WHat a tourist trap rip-off."
Dined on 5/28/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 39 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Victorian ambiance
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Truly a Victorian tea experience!!!!"
Dined on 5/28/2013
Special Features: scenic view, special occasion
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Review 40 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Tea for three
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent job of accommodating special diets: gluten free & vegetarian+gluten free. Both offerings were delicious...as was the standard offering for our "normal" diner. Thanks!!!"
Dined on 5/27/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 41 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The setting was beautiful. The sweets , Scones and tea were awesome.the tea sandwichs need updating. The salmon wheel, and eggsalad were great. The chicken salad and hummus were not tasty and had too much bread.For the cost I would expect something better. Our server was great He really added to our experience."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 42 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Afternoon tea at the Empress
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My sister and I had always dreamed of afternoon tea at the Empress, and on Monday our dream came true! It was beautiful, we were seated beside a window, and were pampered and loved it all: from the strawberries and whipped cream to the delightful jazz pianist, from the delicious sandwiches and scones to the heavenly tea, and the desserts!! Wonderful experience! We would love to go back."
Dined on 5/27/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 43 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Elegant but pricy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Definitely a "special occasions" kind of place, but well worth doing!
We celebrated my aunt's 75th birthday here, and the birthday girl had a marvelous time. The afternoon tea offerings were exquisitely presented (and tasty, too!), highlighted by the surroundings in the elegant restored Edwardian tea room, and our waiter was extremely attentive and friendly. I would definitely recommend high tea at the Empress for an afternoon spent in style!"
Dined on 5/27/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 44 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Beautiful place but value just not there. Had to try it but not interested in returning."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 45 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Just too expensive for what you get
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"An experience for sure, with quality food and a great atmosphere, but over not worth the price. At all."
Dined on 5/26/2013
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Review 46 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Elegance at its finest
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The experience while a bit hectic (they were accommodating a large influx of tourists at the time) was very pleasant, the service was top notch, and the tea and food was special and very classic. My only negative if you can call it that was the prices quoted online when I made the reservation were off by nearly $11 per person driving our party of five's bill to over $300 not including tip. I'm not completely complaining about it I was more than willing to pay the bill, but it was a bit of a sticker shock. However, I would highly recommend that if you visit Victoria, BC, that you take the time to experience a wonderful classic tradition that is still being upheld to this day by having High Tea at The Fairmont Empress Hotel."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 47 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Super!!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"During this visit, my wife and I only did the tea service and it was nothing short of superb."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: romantic
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Review 48 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Pricey high tea. Amazing view and good one time must visit experience."
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 49 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I am so glad we did this! The food was great and the setting devine. A great way to celebrate something special. We were there for our anniversary (which I had noted in our reservation) and our tray came with a chocolate scroll that said "Happy Anniversary" - such a nice touch! I would have preferred a window seat, but we still had a great view of the Harbour. I highly recommend doing Tea at the Empress."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 50 for Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
worth the expense
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The Tea is expensive but is worth it to have the "Empress experience""
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: scenic view, special occasion
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