Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello

We've (big family group of 10) been visiting Château Montebello every year for over 15 years and have always loved our stays. Unfortunately, our most recent visits have felt increasingly underwhelming. The lodge is still beautiful, but it’s beginning to feel seriously outdated. The rooms look like they haven’t changed since the early 2000s—we’ve literally had the same furniture since our first stay. The bathrooms also feel very old and in need of renovation. On top of that, a lot of the building is showing wear: the “temporary” gym feels like an old storage room with a few machines, the paint is peeling, and the carpets are noticeably stained. There also isn’t nearly enough seating in the lobby, which makes it hard to relax during peak times. And while we love children, we travel as a large family ourselves ( 3 generations and 4 young-ish children) —there seem to be little to no rules around noise. Kids were screaming in the hallways at all hours of the night, and nothing was done about it. The pool has always been our highlight, but this year the edges were covered in slime, which was really disappointing. Food-wise, prices are extremely high, and both restaurants offer strange combinations that seem designed to justify the cost (ex., rose petal tartar sauce for 40$ fish and chips...). The breakfast buffet, however, is fantastic—very fresh and varied. Just keep in mind that if you want anything other than the basic, tasteless poured coffee, you’ll be paying extra. Most of the staff are wonderful and genuinely go above and beyond, especially if you’re friendly. Overall, though, the experience no longer matches the hefty price tag, and we really hope to see some updates and improvements soon.

We booked a “rustic” room on the Papineau 400 level — which apparently means rusted, not rustic. The carpet hadn’t changed in over 30 years (we have photos from 30 years ago), now featuring bumps and pulls as if it were trying to form its own mountain range. The shower curtain had seen… things. Iron stains, mystery markings, and hair from what I can only assume were former guests who left a part of themselves behind. The toilet seat had clearly been through several administrations. When we checked out and mentioned the issues, the front desk shrugged with the enthusiasm of a wet log. The confusion didn’t stop there. We tried booking activities — told “no reservations needed,” then arrived and were told the opposite. We were promised curling every day, but apparently that meant only during mysterious “specific times” no one could define. Luckily, we managed to sneak in one day. The gym and squash courts were closed for construction — something that might have been worth mentioning before check-in, or at least in an email or by front desk staff. Meanwhile, contractors were wandering freely, leaving doors propped open in winter temperatures so the pool area could double as an unadvertised ice bath. The change rooms had mirrors hanging off the walls and an overall aesthetic best described as rough bar night chic. The concierge line might connect to another dimension, because it never gets answered, and the in-room phone seems to be for decoration only. Staff on-site had no idea what was open, when, or why. No activity board, no information, no in-room booklet — no clue, literally. Every question turned into a guessing game: • What time does the lobby bar open? Unknown. • Are activities running? Possibly. • Can you get a drink? Only if you’re in the right place at the right moment. The building itself is stunning and the setting is gorgeous — but the experience felt like Clue: The Resort Edition. Who’s serving dinner? Where’s the curling? Why is the pool freezing? Nobody knows, and management doesn’t seem to care. Then came the kicker — a charming, utterly coothless letter from management informing guests that the power might be cut off and that we could “purchase coffee” if our in-room machines didn’t work. Nothing says “luxury resort” quite like being told to buy your own caffeine while the hydro’s out. It’s not as if they own, say, multiple canteens and banquet halls designed for hosting events or anything. Even a few simple fixes — a touch of paint here, a bit more foam in the lobby cushions, and some actual communication — would go a long way. Would I stay again? Only if they start marketing it as a live-action mystery retreat.

Outstanding experience from start to finish. Beautiful resort with a focus on the gorgeous Quebec region on the Ottawa river. We had a lovely King room with a view of the river, spacious and super comfy we spent 3 nights here and did not want to go home. Shout out to Nathalie on reception, what a gem!! There is nothing like this vast log cabin with it's beautiful vaulted ceiling and enormous fireplace. Pictures do not do this place justice - so much history and unique architecture. Their sweet lobby dog Victor likes to cuddle and everyone working here are fantastic, you can tell they are a happy team. We were disappointed there was only 1 restaurant open during our 3 night stay but the dinner was truly remarkable (separate review for Chantignoles restaurant) and the enormous swimming pool and hot tub was a treat after our very long drive. Beautiful grounds, would love to come back in the summer and location is an easy walk into Montebello town for any supplies. Loved this place so much, if you are asking if it's worth the spend, trust me - it is and you won't regret it!

The Fairmont Montebello is a wonderful family destination. They have an array of activities including golf lessons, painting activities, Zumba classes, pools, mini-putt and a playground, all included in the resort fee. They also have a wonderful spa. We enjoyed our rooms and the service. Our son has a peanut allergy and all of the food was house made and peanut free at the breakfast buffet! We will be back!

We were with a tour group. We didn't see much of the outside of the hotel, but the lobby was amazing, with the multi-sided fireplace and rustic furniture. We ate dinner and breakfast in the restaurant. Both were delicious, and the staff was attentive. It went downhill from there. Someone else's luggage was delivered to our room and it took quite a while to find ours. The room needed a serious overhaul. The carpet and upholstered furniture was stained. Paint was peeling off the walls in places. There was mildew in the tub. The vent on the heating/cooling unit was filthy. The painted trim on the doors and window frames was chipped so badly you could see the raw wood underneath. There was no alarm clock in the room. We felt like we were in a cheap flea-bag motel. Glad we only had to stay one night. Awful.