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What the community has to say about Afternoon Tea - The Fairmont Empress Hotel
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Truly High Tea in Victoria
August 07, 2014
Pros: Phenomenal classic hotel, conveniently located, and a truly superb afternoon tea experience.
Cons: This is a fru-fru experience, but I got husband and son-on-law points for going.
Afternoon tea at the Empress in Victoria continues to be a popular tourist activity, and in our case, the ladies in our party took it very seriously. It was the primary reason...
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Nice presentation of well made food, great service, dramatically overpriced
August 06, 2014Afternoon tea at the Empress is one of those one-time experiences that cause you to throw financial caution to the wind. At $60 per person, it's very pricey. We've enjoyed afternoon tea of similar quality in other venues for more reasonable prices. Having said that, the service is excellent, the selection of tea sandwiches and sweets is fresh and tasty.... more
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Elegant and so very English
July 31, 2014Our friend treated us to afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress and it surpassed our expectations for a fun experience. We dressed up a bit and walked to the hotel, and were hosted perfectly from start to finish. The service was excellent--our waitress Dina was friendly and informative, and checked in with us frequently yet unobtrusively. We were very happy... more
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Just shy of an "excellent" rating
July 30, 2014I am a big afternoon tea fan, having lived in the UK for many years now and frequenting hotels and restaurants around Kent and London. Coming to Vancouver Island for my friends wedding, it was the perfect opportunity for myself, the bride and two other bridesmaids to indulge at the Empress. (having grown up in Victoria and never going inside... more
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Excellent tea but average service
July 30, 2014Can't beat the environment, tea, or food. All top drawer. Our server, who was lovely, forgot tea refills twice, an artificial sweetener request, and a request for water. The room wasn't that busy so it might have been just a bad day. Unfortunate, however, at these prices. Regardless a lovely time that would have been 5 star with better service.
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Too expensive, but still worth doing
July 29, 2014You are paying for the experience rather than the food and tea. Yes, the food is nice, but not that nice to justify the $59/pp price tag. A few odd sandwiches, a few tiny treats, and a scone that I wouldn't write home about. BUT the tea room is so classically beautiful and charming that it is worth doing even... more
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Splurge...you only live once
July 28, 2014
Go ahead, pretend you're a member of the English upper classes. Just ignore the other tourists all around you, because they're doing the same thing!
It is a splurge, but the atmosphere is wonderful. You can choose from several types of tea, and your server will be happy to let you try them all if you want.
And who knew...
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3rd Visit to Afternoon Tea at the Empress
July 26, 2014This was my 3rd time to have Afternoon Tea at the Empress, and it was just as impressive as the last two times. In fact, it was even better this time than last time because it had two chocolate items on the dessert tray. (Although I would still love to see a chocolate truffle on the tray.) The desserts were... more
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Lovely
July 26, 2014My mum and I spent a little more than an hour at the Empress Hotel enjoying afternoon tea. I made a reservation online that morning through a link from the hotel website. We were seated at a window table. Beautiful. The service was impeccable, attentive, but non-intrusive. We ordered 2 separate pots of tea - the Empress blend and a... more
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Afternoon Tea fit for a Queen
July 24, 2014Absolutely loved this experience. Was a bit expensive but i thought it was worth it. How often can you come to a place like this? Take your time to enjoy. We had a lovely spot at the front with a window which looked across to the harbor. Our waiter was extremely good. Plenty to eat so you wont go hungry.... more
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Experience Tea Time
July 22, 2014Worth enjoying. Interesting atmosphere a blast from the past. We would do it again! The wife and I enjoy an unusual treat along the way of our vacation travel.
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Wonderful tea with daughter and granddaughter
July 22, 2014A very special time with my daughter and granddaughter (age 12). We dressed for tea, and felt very special with the great service. The tea was presented formally, and the food served was all delicious. It was a nice, special time for all of us. We enjoyed walking thru the hotel, and thinking about what it would have looked like... more
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over priced
July 20, 2014fine a cafe for tea you would be better off. Sandwiches were stale and the sweets lacked in taste and quality. Service was good though you can tell they turn the table every 75 minutes....no slow eaters please.
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Nice way to spend an afternoon
July 17, 2014High Tea is a tradition that has been dumbed down for the average tourist. It's still very good. We started with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. I do not drink tea so the server brought us a pot of coffee and left it on the table which was great. High tea should be a pinky's out, mind your manners, event... more
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The Empress does not fail to impress
July 17, 2014This week I had the pleasure of reliving a special moment at afternoon tea at the empress. My step-daughter and I first shared the special experience when she was twelve, and on Sunday, with her now 22 and expecting, I can say we were as thrilled with the experience as we were ten years ago. The tea was wonderful, the... more
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Very good experience - but not as good as The Plaza in NYC
July 16, 2014Really great high tea - the Empress blend was outstanding, but the Plaza in NYC was better because you could choose what you wanted on your tiers rather than only one selection available which is the case at the Empress.
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Great Tea
July 14, 2014We had a great time at high tea. Our son was treated like a Prince. The food was good, atmosphere nice, great service. The price is too high it's an experience I'm glad we had, however I'm not sure we have high tea again because of the price.
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Do this At least Once
July 12, 2014You don't have to stay at the hotel to enjoy the experience of the afternoon tea. You should do this once -- but given the cost, you can find other afternoon teas that are as good, but are less expensive.
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High tea at the Empress Hotel - overrated
July 08, 2014Having an English Canadian background, I couldn't wait to have our three teenagers experience "high tea", English style. We did it before at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO, so I was looking for a similar experience. Unfortunately the experience was not worth the price. The restaurant was overcrowded, and there was a constant traffic of hotel guests and tourists... more
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Lovely Tea Marred by Multiple Birthday Gaffes
July 06, 2014
We stayed at the Fairmont Empress this weekend and excitedly made reservations for the afternoon tea. While the tea and dainty accompaniments, Bradley's knowledgeable and attentive service, and the elegant ambience delighted us, the multiple missteps in the birthday surprise I had pre-arranged marred the overall experience.
Hits:
- Loved the three courses of: (1) strawberries-and-cream cup, (2)...
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Fun and girly
July 06, 2014My three colleagues and I had afternoon tea after a presentation we gave. The strawberries and cream were a great way to start and we enjoyed our tea choices. The curried chicken was the best sandwich and the scones were great. Don't be fooled, it is a lot of food, you will be full!
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Felt Like a Queen
July 05, 2014Afternoon Tea was a wonderful Victorian experience. The food was delicious and the atmosphere truly was royal.
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A taste of Britian
June 30, 2014If your into having afternoon tea and goodies, this is above your normal High Tea time. It's not cheap, but a must to do at lease once in your life time. Set inside the beautiful Empress hotel, which has it's own history, the High Tea is served. Enjoy!
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Fantastic experience
June 27, 2014The tea was as it best. Felt like being good old fashioned England. The food was just as delicious. Do not eat a big breakfast....... leave plenty of room for their food.
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Tea......as it should be
June 25, 2014The atmosphere of this grand hotel is quite special - it is easy to pass an hour or two walking through it. Afternoon tea is extremely popular with tourists as well as locals wanting to offer guests a special experience. Comfortable seating, great service and the soft background music of a live piano set a relaxing tone for us to... more
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High Tea at The Empress
June 23, 2014What a Fabulous experience! The Service and food was great. We were also celebrating a special occasion which I mentioned on my reservation and they served a special tray with Congratulations on it.
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Not the grand experience we expected
June 22, 2014We are staying at the Empress and watched in amazement as afternoon teas traffic continued for hours and hours each day. We finally had our turn this afternoon. The quality of the scone was superb and the rest of the food was pretty tasty. You dine on exclusive Royal Doulton china, have your picture taken by the waiter, and go... more
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A wonderful afternoon tea experience
June 16, 2014This was a highlight of our visit to Victoria. While the afternoon tea itself was quite expensive ($59.95 per person plus tax), we felt it was well worth the experience. We had made a reservation and were seated at a lovely table in this elegant and historic hotel. Our server was professional, very experienced and friendly. We enjoyed all our... more
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Disappointed
June 16, 2014We had been wanting to do Afternoon Tea at the Empress for some time. We were a little bit disappointed. It was pricey, $60.00 a person, and to be honest, we did not feel it was worth the money. The tea sandwiches and pastries were good, and there was plenty of food, but our scones were cold and stale. Believe... more
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A bit disappointing
June 14, 2014We had a day trip from Seattle to Victoria and thought we would end our day with afternoon tea at the Fairmont. Having had afternoon tea in a number of places we felt that this was a bit pricey for what we had and therefore a little disappointing. The service from the staff was fine and the setting, however the... more
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A must do
June 13, 2014Refinement, elegance, good food, and great tea (the special Empress blend was a real find and ranks a close second to our favorite, Earl Grey). Unlike High Tea at the Peninsula in Hong Kong (which is run like a factory, turning people over rapidly in a soulless process), there is more personalization here. It's still a business and the standardization... more
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Don't waste your money
June 09, 2014Unless you just have to have the famous high tea. Cost was sixty dollars each. Food was mediocre at best. Much better teas elsewhere such as JaMes Bay. I was very very disappointed.
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Neither classy nor elegant
June 04, 2014
This is a review of the Tea Room.
We came here with high hopes and expectations, well our fault I suppose as none of them were quite met. The reservation process was good, they took meal preferences quite seriously and made sure it was retained and clearly defined. However upon entering the restaurant, we felt it was nowhere near what...
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Wonderful Experience with Mother In Law
May 31, 2014Although the price was quite high, it was worth every penny. The experience we have had was wonderful. Every table in the tea room has a view of the beautiful Victoria harbour. The pastires and finger sandwiches were delicious. I love the cream that came with the scones. The tea was great. They serve them in a fancy pot and... more
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An educational experience
May 27, 2014When friends come over for tea, I would mention to my wife toserve something to eat. I would get a blank look. After tea at the Empress she understands where I am coming from. Consider the cost an educational expense.
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I just don't get it
May 21, 2014
Maybe I'm missing something. I understand it's a tradition, but $60 for tea and tiny sandwiches? Maybe suited for old ladies and people looking to enjoy a genteel afternoon of a bygone era, but for me it was just a contrived experience.
That being said, the food, what you get of it, was nice, and they have a good selection...
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Wonderful high tea but pricey
May 21, 2014This was a wonderful experience! The setting was perfect, the food was delicious, and the service was attentive and non-rushed. The tea was piping hot and the cakes, scones, sandwiches, and candies were top notch. Just wish the price had been more reasonable---$125 for the two of us was a little over the top.
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High tea at the Empress
May 13, 2014
If you are going for the ambiance you won't be disappointed. The gorgeous room, piano playing, well-dressed servers, & pretty table settings were all that you would expect from the Fairmont.
The tea was delicious & plenty of it in silver teapots. However, except for the luscious scones, the rest was disappointing to say the least. Even the cream was...
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An experience
May 13, 2014This was quite the experience, the price is high but worth every penny. You pretty much get as much tea as you can drink and the food items are top notch.
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At Long Last and it was worth it
May 12, 2014Very nice high tea, hit all the right notes. large hot tea pot, great selections of tea, 3 tier good plate, sandwiches, sones, cakes, candy. What more could you ask for. In a room that reeked of old British Tradition.
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Food excellent but service not so
May 11, 2014Superb selection of sandwiches, scones and sweet bites, but service was once and another pour 1 hour 20 minutes later. We travelled all this way for this!
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Once in a lifetime - or maybe more than once
May 10, 2014This was the third time we'd tried to enjoy afternoon tea at the Empress, and as they say, third time is the charm. And charmed we were! Make reservations for early in their service hours to enjoy a table by the window, which we did. The tea itself - Empress blend - was amazing. The food was superb. And as... more
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Tea Time at the Empress- a must
May 06, 2014There are a number of places in Victoria you can go for Afternoon Tea but none more special than Afternoon Tea at the Empress. Not only is the experience alone worth it but the tea is incredible, the sandwiches exceptional and the ambiance, well...simply perfect! Visit once and sit inside in what once use to be the very grand entrance... more
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A lovely afternoon treat
April 28, 2014We decided to attend the afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress during a girls only day in Victoria. It was a very nice experience and the food was enjoyable. It really is amazing how full one can get on a small amount of food and lots of tea. It was a bit disappointing that there is an additional fee for... more
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Worth it
April 20, 2014We were told that Afternoon Tea was a "must do" in Victoria, and it definitely lived up to its reputation. We made reservations (recommended). Our server was so sweet. I never thought I would get so full off of tea and small snacks but it was filling for sure (and DELICIOUS!) The experience was a memorable one.
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Time to step up your game Empress
April 19, 2014
I am so disappointed to say I really didn't enjoy our special Easter Sunday High Tea today at all. My daughters and I have spent the past 3 nights in the hotel and were soooo looking forward to our tea experience today.
The room is stunning, the service was great (although busy, so I was the one pouring tea). My...
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Wonderful experience
April 14, 2014If you have never done High Tea, then this is the place to try it! Delicious food and many different teas to sample. Expensive but worth it! Great atmosphere to sit and enjoy it too.
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Afternoon tea a must
April 09, 2014I realize that this tea is a little on the pricey side, but it is worth every penny. It is set in a beautiful and elegant room steeped in history. the teas they serve are amazing and the light lunch/dainty tray is fabulous. The staff and service are A plus. I would not hesitate to spend the money and go... more
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Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel
April 09, 2014
The tea was very nice. The waitresses are very friendly and polite. It is recommended to wear business casual clothing. Make sure to schedule a reservation at least one day in advance during popular tourist seasons.
You are seated and welcomed with a goblet of cream and fresh strawberries. After you have finished, you order which of the teas you...
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Loved it
April 06, 2014After reading many, many reviews we decided to go here. Seemed like mixed reviews for most places including The Empress. We thoroughly enjoyed this experience. We arrived around noon for our 12:15 reservation and was seated by the window. Some reviewers complained about dry bread and awful tasting food, our food was fresh and tasty. It's very expensive, but we... more
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Business Description from the Web
English
October 13, 2013
Afternoon Tea in Victoria STEEPED IN TRADITION SINCE 1908A time honoured tradition for over a century, the world renowned tea lobby of The Fairmont Empress has served England’s most beloved ritual and Victoria's grandest tradition of Afternoon Tea to famed royalty, celebrities and dignitaries alike. Surrounded by rich chintz fabrics, antiqued tapestries and rugs, elegant wing back chairs,... more
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