Hotel Empress Vancouver

Situated at 235 East Hastings Street, the Hotel Empress is an eight-story Edwardian gem that has long commanded attention as the tallest building on its block’s north side. This iconic structure, with its unmistakable painted sign on the corner of the west facade, is a proud reminder of Vancouver’s architectural history. At one point, the Hotel Empress even held the quirky distinction of being the “world’s narrowest tallest hotel,” “a title that only adds to its character and charm.

Originally built as an extension of the older hotel next door at 237 Hastings Street, this “new Empress Hotel” was noted in the 1913 tax assessment as a fresh addition to the neighborhood, just in time to welcome the influx of tourists and business travelers anticipated with the completion of the Canadian Northern Railway and the Panama Canal.

Step inside, and you can still catch glimpses of the refined interior finishes that once catered to discerning guests. With its rich history and unique presence, the Hotel Empress remains a notable landmark on East Hastings Street, a testament to the enduring elegance of Vancouver’s early 20th-century architecture.