One of Victoria's most famous landmarks and world-class attractions is the Fairmont Empress Hotel - an Edwardian, chateau-style hotel, named after Queen Victoria herself.

The Empress was originally designed by Francis Rattenbury for Canadian Pacific to serve as a terminus hotel for the CP steamship line. Its construction was completed in 1908 (The hotel just celebrated its 100th birthday in 2008!)

When Canadian Pacific eventually did away with its passenger services to Victoria, The Empress became a tourist resort. The hotel has since played court to royalty and celebrities, including: Edward, Prince of Wales, King George and Queen Elizabeth, Shirley Temple, Rita Hayworth, Katherine Hepburn, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Roger Moore, John Travolta, Harrison Ford - to name a few!

In 1965, The Empress was badly in need of repair. It was suggested that the hotel should be torn down and a more efficient, modern one built in its place. Public outcry ensued.

A local city paper wrote: Without this splendid relic of the Edwardian era, literally tens of thousands of tourists will never return. This is the Mecca, this is the heart and soul of the city.

And so, it was decided that $4 Million would go towards The Empress' restoration. The renovations were endearingly nick-named "Operation Teacup".

The hotel underwent another major round of restoration in 1989, when a health club, swimming pool, and guest reception area were added. The focus has always been on craftsmanship when renovating The Empress - restoring the hotel's original beauty and charm rather than creating a new image.

Today, you can visit The Empress Hotel and go back to an elegant, simpler time. If you're not resting in the royal guest rooms, you can visit the gift shops, drink high tea in the exquisite "tea lobby", or spend the whole day getting pampered in the Willow Stream Spa.