Saint Mary Lake

We knew they were in the middle of a renovation, so expected some disarray. They kept the noise/mess to a minimum. The breakfast was great, staff was great. We weren't aware they had a $20 per night parking fee- just a cash grab in my opinion.

Over looked the bay. Watched float planes come and go.

Had a lovely gold level king room in the “old” side of the hotel….room was beautiful except it had a musty old smell to it. Not really unexpected since the hotel is very old but perhaps a little air freshener in the room would make it smell better? The gold level lounge was beyond beautiful and well tended to! All the staff were kind, helpful and accommodating- you couldn’t ask for better service and a more beautiful setting to relax and soak up this gorgeous hotel! I definitely will be back!! The spa was nice - could have a wee update in the spa lounge but still felt luxurious…..sadly one of the guests w me didn’t enjoy their new lavender cocoon treatment. They were in a couples room and had very different experiences - I would suggest practitioners pre-plan or practice to do the same things (turning/wrapping the blanket/explaining things etc) at the same time. One was “cocooned” in warm blankets and one only at the end and was cold for most of the 90min treatment. So for that price and experience - I would have expected top level treatments that they both loved. Thankfully the spa receptionist was kind and discounted his treatment but it was disappointing as it was an anniversary gift for the couple. My lavender cocoon was HEAVEN and I had Christine….so I def would be back to see her! All in all, the Empress is magical and I highly recommend treating yourself to the gold level rooms…I loved my stay and hope to be back!