Fairmont Palliser

My guy and I stayed here at the beginning of our journey on Rocky Mountaineer. Because our plane was late getting in, we did not get checked in until midnight. We were suppose to have the "upgraded" hotel package which included a "gold" room at The Fairmont. With the gold room, access to their gold lounge is included. This means free breakfast in the morning. When we checked in, we were told that we were to go to the restaurant in the morning for our free breakfast. We assumed that we were too late for a gold room so breakfast in the restaurant was compensation. Our room was nice but so small that we could not have both suitcases open at the same time. I have a hard time believing that we were put in a gold room. In the morning we made our way to the restaurant and ordered our breakfast, assuming that it was part of our Rocky Mountaineer reservation. After all , it was confirmed at check-in that breakfast was free and we had been instructed to go there. After ordering our meal, we were informed by the hostess that we would be responsible for our breakfast (over $100 CA with tip). We tried explaining the situation with the hostess and she was nice but firm that breakfast was NOT included with our reservation (I even had it in our travel documents that it was). We had a bus to catch so I was not able to get it straightened out at the front desk. So we paid our bill and headed out to our bus. I've tried to contact the hotel by phone but can't find the right person to talk to. What should have been a wonderful stay at a beautiful hotel ended up being a frustration with an expensive breakfast.

Admittedly, it's been 10 years since my last visit, but my stay this week was not at all in line with what I expected at a Fairmont flagship property. Where to begin? While the room was nice, the thermostats reminded me of times in old Russia - the temperature is the temperature and no amount of adjusting worked. The water temperature in the shower must be a green energy directive as it never got above lukewarm. There was a Nespresso machine in the room, but no cups. We tried to visit the classic lobby bar and were greeted with a very unfriendly hostess. The waiter brushed by our table and said " I'll be right back" and after serving two other tables seated after us, we moved to the bar where the bartender ignored us and when we just flagged him down, he said we hadn't been seated properly - whatever that means. We left and went to Kama on 11th - wonderful place and people. The experience was awful, the price to value ratio appalling. Stay at the Dorian or elsewhere.

This property is a typical Fairmont legacy hotel; elegant, service forward and great location. The room was very spacious, well appointed and comfortable. The only negative is a very small bathroom, with an oddly placed toilet. We were able to walk or Uber to several good restaurants. The bell/valet staff were very helpful in getting our luggage and car ready to go for an early flight on our departure. It’s a bit of a haul to the airport, so factor that in to your plans.

My husband I just arrived at the hotel in time to have dessert in the Gold Floor lounge and were greeted by Neha who was incredibly helpful and very nice! She went over and above what we have experienced in the past at the hotel and couldn’t be happier. Tsion, who also works on the Gold Floor lounge was incredibly helpful with snacks and drinks. She even offered to help us to our room with some extra treats that we were bringing. Such an amazing start to our weekend get-away! Thank you Ladies!!

Always the best on the gold floor , amazing service!