Fairmont Empress

A landmark in its own right, the Fairmont Empress Hotel is easily recognized by its old-fashioned facade. The elegant building (a National Historic Site of Canada) draped in emerald green ivy opened its doors in 1908 and was designed by the same architect of the Parliament Buildings nearby. Plus, a $60 million renovation completed in 2017 has restored the hotel's interior to its former glory. Accommodations are outfitted with king- or queen-sized beds and offer views of the city, courtyard or the Inner Harbour, though recent guests said the bathrooms are on the smaller side. The Gold level luxury rooms and suites include continental breakfast, free evening hors d'oeuvres and cocktails and access to a private lounge. During your stay, step back in time and embrace the Victorian tradition of afternoon tea at the hotel. For other eats on-site, head to The Q at the Empress, which serves locally sourced Pacific Northwest cuisine. After your meal, indulge in a relaxing Willow Stream Spa treatment, also recently renovated. And if you're a Le Club AccorHotels program member and choose to stay here, you'll be able to earn frequent flier miles.