After navigating floating platform staircases, dodging living-room-level bosses, and searching for randomly appearing bathroom keys, most homeowners come to regret purchasing houses built by video-game designers. Today's Groupon offers respite from the chaos: for $189, you get a one-night stay for two, as well as a spa service for one and access to spa amenities, at The Fairmont Empress (up to a $378 value), located in Victoria. The spa service included in this deal is for one manicure or pedicure treatment at the Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont Empress; you can purchase an additional spa treatment and promenade to the pampering in a pair with today's side deal.

The regal Victoria Harbour resort made the 2010 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List as a reader-selected favourite, with the opulent 1908 Edwardian estate boasting more than 450 luxury guest rooms and suites with glorious views of the city, the harbour, the Fairmont courtyard, and roving ghost jug bands. Enjoy a one-night rendezvous for up to two people in any of the hotel's elegantly designed Fairmont rooms (a $299 value on average), palatial chambers furnished with either a king bed, a queen bed, two double beds, or two twin beds—all ideal for couples in need of a romantic overnight retreat away from the howls of the neighbour's pet yak. Each spacious room features a sofa- or armchair-furnished sitting area and a stylishly designed bathroom.

Included in the deal is a manicure or pedicure (a $79 value) for one at the hotel's posh Willow Stream Spa. For ladies, choose either a lavish 45-minute lavender pedicure—complete with a hand or foot soak in lavender oil (Victoria's signature scent), a relaxing extremity massage, exfoliation, and a final nail shaping and polish application—or try the 60-minute Willow Stream signature manicure for a similarly decadent digit experience. Men can preen their shoe-fillers with a 45-minute power pedicure, which stimulates circulation and restores the body's energy through exfoliation, massage, a foot soak, and a coat of nail oil. Access to the spa's mineral pool, sauna, and steam room will also be available. The deal includes one spa treatment; for couples or friends considering a co-pampering, purchase an additional treatment with today's side deal.

Tax is not included with this deal. Room and spa services must be booked separately.

Reviews

The Fairmont Empress has an overall rating of 87.5 out of 100 from Condé Nast Traveler's concierge.com, and it made an appearance on that publication's 2009 Readers' Choice list as well as the 2010 Gold List. The hotel is very highly recommended on Frommer's, and more than 300 TripAdvisors give it a four-owl-eye average. Though some reviewers mention that the century-old design might come across as less-than-spacious, most agree that the ambience and amenities leave little to be desired.

• We entered our room to find a welcome platter of snacks and beverages and a personalized card—memorable. – a reader of Condé Nast Traveler
• Francis Rattenbury's 1908 harborside creation is the most famous landmark on the Victoria waterfront. When you see it, you'll instantly want to stay here. – Frommer's
• The staff were amazing they made us feel very well taken care of. They greeted us by name, and treated our little girl like a princess. The room was very quiet and comfortable. The location is fantastic. – E-Equals-MC2, TripAdvisor