Canada’s Fairmont Empress has unveiled the results of a US$60 million restoration that took place over two years.
Highlights of the revamp include a renovated health club and pool, spruced up spa with an expanded lounge, and updated reception and retail area. The reception area’s main focal point is the “Twill Flower” – a 20-foot high floral-shaped chandelier hand woven with approximately 250,000 crystals.
First opened in 1908, the 229-room hotel in British Columbia hosted the likes of Winston Churchill, Bob Hope, and members of the Royal Family. In 2014, Vancouver developer and philanthropist Nat Bosa and his wife, Flora, purchased the hotel and commenced the comprehensive two-phase renovation shortly thereafter.
Phase one of the restoration launched in June 2016 with the grand opening of Q at the Empress, the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Designed by hospitality firm Puccini Group, the venue has traditional coffered ceilings, quartzite bar, and artwork featuring Queen Victoria. The re-imagined lobby lounge shows off a modern Victorian parlor featuring a fresh color palette inspired by the original Empress tea service china, along with artwork and textured furnishings alongside a central bar where evening cocktails are served.
San Francisco-based design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (who’ve been behind Raffles and St. Regis properties) oversaw the design of the Fairmont Empress’ lobby, guest rooms and Fairmont Gold, which has expanded to 65 guestrooms and includes two new lounges and an outdoor terrace. The area also has private concierge and check-in services. Franc Ranieri of Kreel Creative Design has also designed an additional Royal Suite.
