Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

My first time in Quebec City was 2000 when I studied at Laval. Back then, I knew about the Château. Since my time in 2000, I've been back to Quebec City countless times, and I've always looked forward to seeing the Château during each visit. This building is nothing short of iconic. When you say "Quebec City", the first thing that comes to mind is this amazing piece of history and architecture. This summer, my wife surprised me with a night's stay in the Château. I nearly fell over from the surprise. To say that I had to pick my jaw up from the floor when we arrived would be an understatement. There is without a doubt, a million reasons why Fairmont provides its guests with a truly exceptional experience. From the moment we arrived, Richard, the valet welcomed us and in his top hat and tails, took care of our bags and assured us that we would be treated like royalty. Our check in experience was quick and without question, one of the most easy check ins we have ever had. Unfortunately, I don't remember the gentleman's name who met us at the front desk. He confirmed literally every detail my wife arranged regarding the room, including our upgrade to a city view. Before noon when we arrived, he indicated that our room was ready for us and that our bags would be brought up very shortly. And wouldn't you believe it, within 10 minutes of us going up to our GORGEOUS room, André knocked at the door and brought our belongings inside. He noticed we were Quebec City "veterans" and thanked us for staying and wished us a wonderful stay. The room was magical: spotless, pristine, whatever you want to say about it. Lovely view from the 5th floor down to the Champlain Statue and the River. Little nooks in the room to sit and do work or read. The bathroom was amazing! Superb to say the least. The room was huge, with a flat screen TV which we never even turned on. Two closets. A safe in one of the side drawers. A desk to work at, a fridge with plenty of room. We waited almost 30 years to say we've been able to stay here. The hallways are long and windy, quiet and a bit eery, knowing this is a castle. It was surreal. Later in the day, my wife found her oasis just outside the pool on the 6th floor, and ONLY for hotel guests. A little outside terrasse with a bar and a wonderful view. Tables and wide, ample places to sit both under cover in case of rain and open to the wonderful breeze off the River. She brought a book and did nothing but enjoy a glass of wine and read, knowing that she was enjoying a summer afternoon at the most iconic hotel in the world. I later joined her after my afternoon walk. It was lovely to say the least. Friendly staff, amazing surroundings, and what a view! This was truly a privilege to be sitting there. After our dinner in town, we returned after a stroll and had a very pleasant and relaxing time simply people watching and enjoying the lobby. After a while, we went up to our room and stared in amazement outside and the goings-on. We went to sleep knowing how much of a privilege this was. When we woke up the next morning, we knew that the next time we return to Quebec City, there is NO OTHER PLACE we would be staying. Once you stay at the Château, there are no other options. You can never go back to any other accommodations as this place takes the cake...in every single component of the experience. For what we paid for our room, we most certainly got more than we paid for. It's not cheap by any means, but your stay here is more than just the room...the staff, the experience, the facilities, the amenities and everything else fits very nicely under the umbrella of the Fairmont name. Check out was just as easy as check in. They took care of our car and soon enough, the valet pulled up and wished us a good trip and hopes that we would be back soon enough. As we pulled away from the hotel, we knew that this experience made our summer vacation even more memorable. We most certainly will be back! How could we not?

Le Château Frontenac is famous, but the actual stay feels overrated. The hotel looks impressive from the outside and has history, but inside it feels dated, cramped, and far from the luxury experience it pretends to be. The room was big on paper, but it still felt awkward and not comfortable with a tiny bathroom. For a property with this reputation and price point, I expected much better design, space, and overall comfort. Breakfast was just average, and the long line at the buffet on the first floor was ridiculous. It made the whole morning feel chaotic and cheapened what should have been a premium hotel experience. It also gives the impression that they are letting in too many outside guests, which only adds to the crowding. Honestly, I do not understand how this hotel gets sold as luxurious. It has the name, the views, and the history, but the actual experience feels stuck in another era and nowhere near worth the hype.

Overall fantastic visit. We stayed on a gold level and were able to access the gold lounge. Some peculiarities: - The bellmen actively ignore you. I have never arrived at a 5-star hotel where the doorman/bell boy activity avoid eye contact. They watch with side eyes while you awkwardly lift/drag your luggage up two annoying steps and do not even open the door for you, let alone offer to help with your bag. We are young(ish) and we usually don’t use their services, but odd. - The staff on the gold floor (14th) will gladly store your bags until the 4pm check in, but they won’t proactively tell you that your room has become available or once it is available, have your bags ready for you. All very nice, though. - There are a lot of friendly wait staff in the gold lounge, but the drink situation is odd. If you want an alcoholic beverage you can either have them get it for you or you can get it yourself and let them know? I saw one woman pour the biggest glass of wine I’ve ever seen (the kind of glass I would pour at home in the early days of COVID). I saw another woman pour, drink, pour, drink while standing as if it didn’t count until she sat down. Clever ladies. - The service at Sam’s was the slowest ever (40 min til drink order), but the food was excellent and we had a great time. The bread with salt and maple was out of this world and the steak frite and crème brute were delicious. - The room was very spacious and well-appointed. - Oh, unless you’re traveling with young kids, avoid the pool. It’s like great wolf lodge. Luckily there is an incredible spa walking distance called Strøm that is an adult paradise. We would stay there again, or try one of the smaller boutique places. Great trip overall!

Staying at the Chateau Frontenac is part of the Quebec City experience. So much history; it’s not just a play to sleep. It is perfectly located in the middle of all the action. In summer, the hotel offers a full program of activities for all ages. The staff and service are exceptional. Be sure to check out the pool and outdoor terrasse - a great place to watch the sunset.

One of the most iconic buildings you need to see when you visit Quebec City! If you saw it during winter, you should also visit it during summer It is a totally different experience and city vibes