Empire Ballroom - Fairmont Hotel Macdonald

Review summary

1. B

   Brent

   Edmonton

   3 reviews

   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   Over the past few years it seems that they are cutting corners and costs more and more. This is an expensive brunch yet the value keeps dropping. I could hear many people asking about the fresh squeezed orange juice. It was delicious in the past but nowhere to be found now. Instead, you need to ask for it from your server. 10 min later you get a watered down version. The buffet you see to expand down the hall, now it is small. Wet few meat and seafood options compared to fresh grilled tenderloin, prime rib and many seafood options before. This used to be a great buffet. Not anymore.
   

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2. D

   David

   Cancun

   3 reviews

   1.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Food was cold and not to Fairmont quality. Been there many many times before.
   

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3. w

   wendy

   Calgary

   9 reviews

   3.0

   9 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   This was our third Christmas brunch gathering at the Fairmont to celebrate a year of hard work and friendship together. We were so excited to go as the previous two brunch experiences here had been spectacular- beautiful food displays, exceptional service and atmosphere. What you would expect at the Fairmont- expectations exceeded. This year we were sorely disappointed… we were kept waiting for more than 30 minutes past our reservation time with the excuse they were backlogged - we didn’t mind at first but then realized at around the 25 minute mark it seemed the maitre D had actually forgotten we were there until our men went to track him down. The food selection and displays were noticeably paired down and even a few of the chafing dishes were empty or with “old” food in them. The whole experience was very disappointing all around. To their credit the staff did apologize for the wait and took 15 per cent off the bill and brought us a complimentary bottle of Prosecco and Orange juice. Even so we are not sure we will come back again to drop hundreds of dollars for what turned out to be a brunch buffet that was not much different than a middle of the road meal…
   

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4. M

   Mark

   Vancouver

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great from the start greeted as soon as you get to the door shown right to our seat. Service AAA+++ Coffies and drinks are always full. Food was excellent
   

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5. B

   Brandi

   Calgary

   5 reviews

   3.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 8 December 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   The beautiful decor and food were amazing. However, the bill paying experience was confusing, time consuming and ridiculous. There were ten of us for the festive brunch. They insisted on giving us one bill which was $1350. Obviously we wanted separate bills. We are not family. Our server went back and forth several times to discuss the situation, saying he could maybe split up up in two, then four, then came back with three bills for 3.3 meals each. This made no sense. Then the valet told us at time of check out that we needed cash. It’s 2024 - this should not have been difficult. Again, delicious food. Strange customer service.
   

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6. L

   Luela

   Calgary

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on 8 December 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 2

   The food was great, staff are amazing and attentive. The ballroom itself with the beautiful ceiling and chandeliers are amazing but the tables need better centrepieces and the chairs need upgrading. They looked old and uncomfortable.
   

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7. J

   JOHANNES

   Edmonton

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 8 December 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We experienced excellent staff attendance - prompt responses - and feasted on a wide variety of delectable dishes - I strongly encourage diners to attend and leave happy. ARRIVE HUNGRY !!
   

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8. D

   David

   Edmonton

   3 reviews

   2.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 8 December 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Food quality was very disappointing. The mashed potatoes were watery, no thick consistency. Pasta station was horrible. Noodles very watery and the cognac was overpowering. Good selection but not as as great in past years. We have been coming here as a family tradition for 19 years and have watched the quality and experience deteriorate every year. From having little chocolates on the tables for the kids to enjoy, to having your mimosa included, could not even get a glass of orange juice without paying extra. For a meal that is $100+ per person it is not worth it anymore. I do not think we will make 20 years.
   

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9. M

   Mark

   Edmonton

   7 reviews

   2.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on 8 December 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   $109 per person is poor value when hot food selection was underwhelming was not hot. The ham should’ve been sliced off the bone and not a processed lump that you can get from superstore. The linguine was the star of the show and made to order, however, did not stay hot by the time you got back to your table. The seafood selection was adequate, but at this price point I would expect to see lobster. Crab legs were only little pieces and not worth the effort. A good selection of salads and desserts. The staff were friendly and for the most part attentive. The manager did offer a reduction when we raised our concerns about the food temperature. The room was beautiful. 
   

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10. R

    Rodrigo

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 24 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    My wife and I had a delightful experience and the food and service were exceptional. There was a wide variety of food to choose from, all of it top quality and taste. Of course the Empire Ballroom is a beautiful location with an amazing view of Edmonton’s south side. I highly recommend partaking in this experience with beloved family members at least once a year. Well worth it.
    

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