✅ Book the Empress Hotel - Make sure to sign up FOR FREE to unlock discounted rates of up to 40% off: plannin.com/hotel/0c4ad466-39bb-42eb-acfa-a8a48136c353?refId=YellowProductions ✔️ Watch my video review of the High Tea Service at the Empress Hotel: th-cam.com/video/HwWKaDlkLEY/w-d-xo.html ✔️ Or my Tokyo Station Hotel Review: th-cam.com/video/yro7TDrkCwM/w-d-xo.html ✅ You might enjoy watching more videos from my Vancouver & Victoria Canada series here: th-cam.com/play/PLOVadUHX1B-KfLmW_7_q0R0srDBAq3DZs.html
Because you got the cheapest room.If you were to stayed on the GOLD floor you would have had a different story. I guess your booking gave you the cheapest option of a big hotel. Rooms go from $500 and up. I think your Platinum AMEX card didn't give you the grand experience ahahha
So maybe you didn’t realize you got the room for almost free $300-$100-2*$40~$100 and you still were not happy because there was a small “new” bathroom in a 100 year old hotel. I suggest you recalibrate.
I was very angry when I heard and then visited and saw "they" had remodeled the Empress to be more modern. The draw for me was always the history, the Bengal Lounge, etc. Not a fan of the remodel and I won't be back to stay, only to walk through for the parts that are still original. Might be an urban legend but I heard the bengal tiger once mounted at the Bengal Lounge is now in a Rubbermaid bin in the basement.
Another great video! I was born and raised in Victoria BC Canada and this was a great video to showcase the renovations the hotel went through in the last few years! The biggest disappointment in the remodel of the Hotel was the decision to close the famous Bengal Room - they served the best East Indian food buffet and the extensive Menu items were always delicious as well. Very sad for Victoria residents to see that go. Two other great hotels to visit alongside/near the Inner Harbour is the Hotel Grand Pacific and the Laurel Point Inn. A great spot to visit right by the Laurel Point Inn is Fisherman's Wharf - great food and delicious Ice Cream that the Travelling Princess would love! We enjoy all of your great videos and this one was particularly special as it's my Hometown! Travelling Princess is so adorable too!
Great review, Chris. I love these fully renovated historic hotels. The Traveling Princess is a busy business owner; she’s constantly on the phone. ☎️ The OC Girl in the mirror @ 4:58 and @ 6:13 😉
The Traveling Princess' input during the video was just delightful. Something tells me while she on the phone, she was giving the General manager her critique on the bathroom , in a polite way of course. She's quite the multitasker, on camera and helping with the packing, It was nice to see glimpses of OCGirl in the video, she's pretty. The hotel was beautiful. Great video Chris and YP crew.
This is a great review. Thank you. I'm heading there next week, and have watched a lot of the tea videos, but haven't seen many of the hotel rooms & amenities.
I agree with you 100% about hotel room air conditioning. I can't stand the AC units which turn on and off all night as it interrupts my sleep. The hotel still looked nice though. It would be cool to have a seagull right outside your window as long as the window was not all the way open!
It's such a trip seeing my hometown on your channel! Well presented, as usual! The Empress Hotel is part of my family's history; my Grandfather was the resident manager for 5 years in the 1950's. It was his job to greet special guests, like Hollywood stars, world leaders, and Royalty. My father was 10 years old when they moved in; he said it was so awesome, he could just order whatever he wanted from the kitchen, even a peanut butter sandwich!😆 Yeah, the rooms are much smaller now, but back then, I think the regular rooms were probably twice or three times the size as now. Fun fact: one time, a cougar found its way down into the underground parking, and couldn't get out! Next time you stay in Victoria, you should try the Laurel Point Inn! Great video!
Ahh Chris if I knew you were in Victoria I would have hosted you guys. I live a block from the empress. The travel princess would love my pool. Enjoy. Thanks for all your videos.
Great review. If you stay at the Empress next time, you may want to check out the gold floor; a hotel in the hotel. Cost about CAD150 per night to upgrade to a room on the gold floor that includes the gold lounge.
Beautiful hotel, thanks Chris !! Before covid shut her down, we would drive down from central California to Long Beach, to stay the night on the Queen Mary in Long Beach. We have stayed on the ship probably 20-25 times over the past 20 years, and it still remains my favorite hotel ever. That being said, I have never recommended it to anyone as a nice place to stay, because it isnt. The ship was built in 1936, and mostly remains unchanged (especially the bathroom!!!!!) But if you love history and old ships, there is no other place even remotely similar.. I'm guessing the Empress has the same pull... Sometimes amenities don't mean a thing !!! Thanks again (and fingers crossed the QM opens again someday 😀)
Travelling Prince is super funny and cute. Although I have not stayed at this hotel, but from what you showed us, I agree with all you had to say. Like you said you sort of expect a grand place like this to be more special on the inside..... Thank you for sharing this with all of us.
Hi Chris. Very nice hotel with the classy feel to it. The room is ok and I agree the bathroom is small. At least they got some of your favorite amenities. Thanks for sharing and take care.
The Banff Springs hotel is very similar. A bit larger, but the same decor, narrow hallways, low ceilings, etc. Both were built by the CP Rail to bring in the tourists at the turn of the century.
Thanks Uniplex... yeah... in the "old times" I think they built bathroom much smaller. We certainly could have used the pool... it was open... but our neighborhood in Orange County has a year-round heated swimming pool.... so pools aren't a super big deal to us :)
@@YellowProductions Yep, my sisters ex husband worked there in 1997. An old story of a suicide of a woman on the top floor and her ghost floating around in the upper floor.
✅ Book the Empress Hotel - Make sure to sign up FOR FREE to unlock discounted rates of up to 40% off: plannin.com/hotel/0c4ad466-39bb-42eb-acfa-a8a48136c353?refId=YellowProductions
✔️ Watch my video review of the High Tea Service at the Empress Hotel: th-cam.com/video/HwWKaDlkLEY/w-d-xo.html
✔️ Or my Tokyo Station Hotel Review: th-cam.com/video/yro7TDrkCwM/w-d-xo.html
✅ You might enjoy watching more videos from my Vancouver & Victoria Canada series here: th-cam.com/play/PLOVadUHX1B-KfLmW_7_q0R0srDBAq3DZs.html
Thank you. Over $600 now for a city view without anything else. Always wanted to stay there, but that price is excessive. 😨
Ouch!
Do you really believe that comparing a hotel in the largest city in the world to one in a city that has under 100k people is a fair comparison?
Yes :)
Moat hotels mainly cater to out of town visitors to that city and not to the locals themselves.
Victoria is well over 400,000 people by the way..not 100K
Please review Abigail's in Victoria B.C.! It's awesome and the breakfasts, early evening appetizers are amazing! A few blocks east of Empress...
I'll have to keep that in mind for next time Carolyn
Masked up even a year ago is laughable.
This was recorded just a month after Canada reopened to travel
Because you got the cheapest room.If you were to stayed on the GOLD floor you would have had a different story. I guess your booking gave you the cheapest option of a big hotel. Rooms go from $500 and up. I think your Platinum AMEX card didn't give you the grand experience ahahha
So maybe you didn’t realize you got the room for almost free $300-$100-2*$40~$100 and you still were not happy because there was a small “new” bathroom in a 100 year old hotel. I suggest you recalibrate.
Seagulls and cats...what more can you ask for in a hotel...and TP absolutely adorable 😁
As soon as I heard the BS about Covid 19 test results, I clicked out.
Overrated, overpriced, and pretty much considered a tourist trap by locals.
Looks beautiful! Always wanted to visit BC
I was very angry when I heard and then visited and saw "they" had remodeled the Empress to be more modern. The draw for me was always the history, the Bengal Lounge, etc. Not a fan of the remodel and I won't be back to stay, only to walk through for the parts that are still original. Might be an urban legend but I heard the bengal tiger once mounted at the Bengal Lounge is now in a Rubbermaid bin in the basement.
Yeah... ocgirl came here before the remodel to have high tea... and then on this trip was like "Huh? Is this the same place?"
Another great video! I was born and raised in Victoria BC Canada and this was a great video to showcase the renovations the hotel went through in the last few years! The biggest disappointment in the remodel of the Hotel was the decision to close the famous Bengal Room - they served the best East Indian food buffet and the extensive Menu items were always delicious as well. Very sad for Victoria residents to see that go. Two other great hotels to visit alongside/near the Inner Harbour is the Hotel Grand Pacific and the Laurel Point Inn. A great spot to visit right by the Laurel Point Inn is Fisherman's Wharf - great food and delicious Ice Cream that the Travelling Princess would love! We enjoy all of your great videos and this one was particularly special as it's my Hometown! Travelling Princess is so adorable too!
We did have some really delicious seafood at Fisherman's Wharf!
I just went to Victoria a couple days ago. We stayed at Delta by Marriott. Very nice!
Thanks for the report on the Delta!
Outstanding review.... and the traveling princess is absolutely ADORABLE. :)
Thanks Nick!
I think its fair given the price you paid!.
Thanks Carrie
Try Hotel Zed in Victoria.
Great review, Chris. I love these fully renovated historic hotels.
The Traveling Princess is a busy business owner; she’s constantly on the phone. ☎️
The OC Girl in the mirror @ 4:58 and @ 6:13 😉
Thanks Alex! And for the additional time stamps :)
Room 322…comon lol
OC Girl we got to see you twice :)
You should have shown the afternoon tea.
I did.. it's just in it's own video: th-cam.com/video/HwWKaDlkLEY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=mepAZz03yYGVOyZf
The Traveling Princess' input during the video was just delightful. Something tells me while she on the phone, she was giving the General manager her critique on the bathroom , in a polite way of course. She's quite the multitasker, on camera and helping with the packing, It was nice to see glimpses of OCGirl in the video, she's pretty. The hotel was beautiful. Great video Chris and YP crew.
Thanks Danielle!
Thumbs up for Traveling Princess. She's so cute and she's learning quick how to give reviews from her father. lol
This is a great review. Thank you. I'm heading there next week, and have watched a lot of the tea videos, but haven't seen many of the hotel rooms & amenities.
Awesome! Thanks CG! And the tea is great too! I hope you enjoy your stay
Small bathrooms are fairly common at older Fairmont properties. Whistler, Banff are two.
Beautiful hotel! Fantastic review!
Thanks Gilberto!
Did you get a standard room?
We booked a standard room on the Amex Platinum FHR rate. So this is a 1 level upgrade from a standard room
I agree with you 100% about hotel room air conditioning. I can't stand the AC units which turn on and off all night as it interrupts my sleep. The hotel still looked nice though. It would be cool to have a seagull right outside your window as long as the window was not all the way open!
Hah. The Seagull was pretty cool :)
You should always put toilet seat down, bad Feng shui
o wow i have walked past here . i remember. its great that i can take a look inside via your wonderful video
Thanks Stephen
It's such a trip seeing my hometown on your channel! Well presented, as usual! The Empress Hotel is part of my family's history; my Grandfather was the resident manager for 5 years in the 1950's. It was his job to greet special guests, like Hollywood stars, world leaders, and Royalty. My father was 10 years old when they moved in; he said it was so awesome, he could just order whatever he wanted from the kitchen, even a peanut butter sandwich!😆 Yeah, the rooms are much smaller now, but back then, I think the regular rooms were probably twice or three times the size as now. Fun fact: one time, a cougar found its way down into the underground parking, and couldn't get out! Next time you stay in Victoria, you should try the Laurel Point Inn! Great video!
Very cool Gord! And that's interesting that the rooms were originally bigger... but then made smaller
Thank you for sharing
Very nice thank you
Ahh Chris if I knew you were in Victoria I would have hosted you guys. I live a block from the empress. The travel princess would love my pool. Enjoy. Thanks for all your videos.
Thanks Laura! We had a great time :)
Geography Trivia: Victoria is the provincial capital of British Columbia! I didn't believe it either, but it's true!
Yup yup! We stopped in front of the provincial capital building... 1 block from the Empress hotel
Great review. If you stay at the Empress next time, you may want to check out the gold floor; a hotel in the hotel. Cost about CAD150 per night to upgrade to a room on the gold floor that includes the gold lounge.
Thanks for the tip Sam
Beautiful hotel, thanks Chris !! Before covid shut her down, we would drive down from central California to Long Beach, to stay the night on the Queen Mary in Long Beach. We have stayed on the ship probably 20-25 times over the past 20 years, and it still remains my favorite hotel ever. That being said, I have never recommended it to anyone as a nice place to stay, because it isnt. The ship was built in 1936, and mostly remains unchanged (especially the bathroom!!!!!) But if you love history and old ships, there is no other place even remotely similar.. I'm guessing the Empress has the same pull... Sometimes amenities don't mean a thing !!! Thanks again (and fingers crossed the QM opens again someday 😀)
Yeah... I could see the Empress having a similar draw as the Queen Mary
Travelling Prince is super funny and cute.
Although I have not stayed at this hotel, but from what you showed us, I agree with all you had to say. Like you said you sort of expect a grand place like this to be more special on the inside..... Thank you for sharing this with all of us.
Thanks Tony!
Empress is a good place to stay if you're planning to visit Butchart Gardens -- and you really, *really* should!
Thanks Richard for the tip... we did indeed visit Butchart Gardens.. video coming soon
Hi Chris. Very nice hotel with the classy feel to it. The room is ok and I agree the bathroom is small. At least they got some of your favorite amenities. Thanks for sharing and take care.
Thanks James!
The Banff Springs hotel is very similar. A bit larger, but the same decor, narrow hallways, low ceilings, etc. Both were built by the CP Rail to bring in the tourists at the turn of the century.
How are the bathrooms in Banff? Tiny just like these?
Amazing Video!!!
Great video -you captured the hotel beautifully. What is the requirement to enter Canada?
Canada requires proof of vaccination
Nice Video Chris, I enjoyed watching you and the traveling princess!
Thanks Chito!
It was an honor to enjoy this detailed Empress Hotel review featuring the Traveling Princess no less! 😁👍
Thanks Jake!
Great video. The traveling princess is so adorable by the way.
Thanks Isis!
I am dying to know what the Travelling Princess was trying to tell us ❤
Me too :)
Great detailed review.. wow. That was a small bathroom..were you able to use the pool while you were at the hotel ?
Thanks Uniplex... yeah... in the "old times" I think they built bathroom much smaller. We certainly could have used the pool... it was open... but our neighborhood in Orange County has a year-round heated swimming pool.... so pools aren't a super big deal to us :)
Great review as always Chris! Loved it! Looking forward to more🤠🤞
Thanks Mauricio!
How much is their tea service?
Expensive... I have a whole video coming up on the tea soon!
Great review. Happy memories
Thanks Claire!
THANKS FOR THE REVIEW
Thanks Linda!
Great hotel review
Thanks panjo!
Lots of ghost stories there.
Oooooh
@@YellowProductions
Yep, my sisters ex husband worked there in 1997. An old story of a suicide of a woman on the top floor and her ghost floating around in the upper floor.