The chances are, if you love tea and have visited Victoria, BC Canada you have had afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel....
Until last year, The Empress, was owned by the Fairmont chain of hotels. The 106-year-old Empress Hotel...107 this year...was designed by Francis Rattenbury, who was also the architect for B.C.’s legislature, as one of Canadian Pacific Railway’s chateau-style hotels. Vancouver developer and philanthropist Nat Bosa and his wife, Flora purchased the hotel in 2014 for an undisclosed sum, although according to the Victoria Times-Colonist newspaper, the assessment for the 477 room hotel was $89 million.
The new owners added an ice skating rink to the front this winter, but mild temps have been a problem. Maybe they got the idea because Hampton Court Palace has one each winter...
Anyway, here's hoping the tradition of an elegant afternoon tea continues unabated in this historical landmark in Victoria...
Wow. Only 89 million! Imagine having that much money to spare to buy that hotel. I hope the traditions of its history remain, like the tea room. The rink would be awesome and looks nice in the photo.
ReplyDeleteI am glad I had the opportunity to have afternoon tea at the Empress on my only visit there in 2004.
ReplyDeleteI see the Empress every day on my way to work - the Grand Old Lady is certainly a wonderful landmark on the Inner Harbour. I'm confident that the new owners love the hotel and its traditions enough to not only keep them going, but even to enhance them. Lovely to visit your blog!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect vacation spot for my daughter and me. Hopefully the afternoon tea will still be what your remember by the time we get to go. The Empress Hotel looks amazing. Please come share your blog posts over at the Home Matters Linky Party! We'd love to have you for a visit. The Door is OPEN. http://lifewithlorelai.com/2015/02/05/home-matters-linky-party-23/ :)
ReplyDelete~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Never had the pleasure of visiting Canada, but when I do, THIS is on the bucket list!
ReplyDeleteThe reception is held in the main hall. The location for vows was gorgeous and perfect for a wedding. I have been to several weddings here but it hasn't gotten old. The place is absolutely beautiful and the views are breathtaking.
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