Regarding noise, the regular city noise is unavoidable in most rooms with good view, the only quiet rooms are the ones facing the internal courtyard and the ones facing the convention centre. Noise from seaplanes and ship whistles can be heard throughout downtown, so all rooms are the same in this regard. The only difference IMO is the harbour view Gold rooms are susceptible to the noise from Gold lounge terrace.

The Empress is IMO one of the best Fairmont hotels in Canada, definitely on the same calibre as Chateau Frontenac, and the Gold lounge and services are fantastic. Only reason I would not book a Gold room, is there are some regular rooms with interesting shape and layout, though many Gold rooms and suites are unique too.