The Empress is just what one would expect from this very special chain of hotels - elegant, historic, classy, with excellent staff (particularly in the Gold level). Sometimes, hotels are simply locations which one uses as a base for activities; although the Empress was at the centre of activities, the lounges were so inviting and relaxing that we had to question whether we just wanted to sit and relax or go sightseeing; we ended up going out a little less and sitting back and doing nothing just a little more.