Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Having stayed in summer previously, Lake Louise was just as beautiful in winter. We were too early for the ice sculptures on the lake but the light displays in front of the hotel, and ice bar were gorgeous. We stayed on the gold floor and service in the lounge was excellent. The view from our room was spectacular and the room itself was very spacious. Canapés in the evening were a little underwhelming, but breakfast was good and the lounge itself is a lovely relaxing environment. The hotel was quite crowded on a Sunday with visitors, however many areas including restaurants were restricted to guests only. We had afternoon tea in the Fairview lounge, with friendly and attentive service from Emily. The scones were more of a cake texture and fell apart, however the savoury and sweet selections were perfect. We stayed in early January, and with record snowfall in December it meant that the lake was still not yet frozen enough for ice-skating. We participated in other resort activities including the snowshoe experience and hotel history talk, both of which we really enjoyed. As with every Fairmont we have stayed at, service throughout the hotel was wonderful.

Recently stayed for two nights. Usually we've stayed in Banff and just gone up for a short visit. Opted to stay this time so as to fully experience the hotel and take in the view. Our stay was just after the Christmas/New Year period and prior to the main ski season so low numbers within the hotel which helped. Upgraded to a Lakeview room and which gave a stunning view of Lake Louise. Slightly overcast on the night of arrival and cloudy/misty the next day so didn't the full view experience until our final morning, Nothing the hotel could do about that. Had a sumptuous afternoon tea when we arrived. Good food and nice selection. Tea topped up and extra sandwiches brought to us. The breakfast fare was fantastic. Great buffet selection and which constantly refreshed. This was followed by your choice from the al la carte menu. One of the best breakfast offerings I've had and which includes numerous other Fairmonts. You were then reminded various times to select some bakery/patisserie items and take them with you! The highlight of the stay was The Basin and the whole thermal experience, particularly the Aufguss Ritual. Capacity of 298 (would hate to see it with over 100) but only circa 30 people when we were there. Calm, relaxed and no phone area. The Aufguss Ritual was something to experience. Would love to do again. Shame that the main pool section of The Basin was closed. All staff were excellent (excluding the gent who checked us in), especially the breakfast crew and their food/beverage manager (sorry, didn't get his name). Good sized bedroom with living area. Bathroom a bit tight, but given it's a 100+ year old hotel was adequate.

We paid $70 US dollar to take a bus to the hotel and then $200 for a sleigh ride only to find out if you are not staying at the hotel you are not welcome. We arrived early to see the hotel and have a lite lunch and drinks only to find our hotel was covered in signage stopping anyone not staying there to see anything past the left or right of the lobby foyer. You can’t eat in the restaurant’s or use their bathrooms. In the hall to the left of the lobby there is a quick snack grab and go place that you can sit on a window seal ledge if room available. We were going to be here 3 1/2 hours and couldn’t even use any restrooms as only for guests. There are some public bathrooms outside in the parking lot away from the hotel is all. Why would you allow people to book sleigh rides here if they are not welcome. Shame on you for treating people this way.

We love this part of Canada. We have never been there in winter. We have stayed at the hotel before, but it was many years ago. A lot of changes since then. We have always wanted to go back and stay in the winter. It was magical. Waking on the frozen lake was surreal. It was a special anniversary so we decided we would splurge for this trip. We booked a lake view one bedroom suite. I have to say the initial suite we were taken to was very disappointing. You had to stand right in front of the windows to see the lake from the living room and bedroom window was high up and small making the room dark. Sorry but I forgot that room#. We were able to change rooms. It had walls of windows in both rooms. The bathroom was large and well laid out. I think it has to be one of best rooms in the hotel (#619). Every person we came in contact with from front desk, concierges, housekeeping, restaurant servers were wonderful. The attention to detail, to service, to making sure your visit was the best it could be was first class. Yasmin,(front desk) Chris (housekeeping), Kenny and Marion (Louiza Restaurant). Alexandra Bentham & Alex Keogh (Suite VIP Concierges) had contacted up several times before arrival asking if there was anything they could do or arrange for our stay. They had desserts and flowers waiting for us in our suite. Then there is the most amazing, wonderful Rosh Thapa (Front Desk Asst Mgr). The amount of time he spent with us to change to a different suite and making sure everything was taken care of and handled flawlessly was incredible. He made this special trip absolutely the best. The one big disappointment though was the change the hotel did some years back by taking away the amazing open area by all the large windows facing the lake, which is now the Fairview Bar and Restaurant. That whole area was open to guests to sit, relax, visit. You could enjoy a cup of tea/coffee or a drink. There were also different types of musicians at different times. It was so enjoyable to relax and just look at the amazing scenery without the large volume of the day trippers. As noted in several reviews that can take away of some of the enjoyment because of the crowds around the lake and the various trails available. We've experienced it before. We just happened to pick the perfect time on this trip. Very, very light on non-guests. Highly recommend this is a place you put on your list. The amazing beauty of this location will take your breath away. The people who work there make your stay the best you will ever have.

For obvious reasons, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has the most amazing views of Lake Louise! I was awed from the moment I walked into the lobby. The staff were incredibly kind and efficient everywhere I went on the property. My Lakeview King room was fantastic. Spacious, cozy and comfortable. I love the sitting area – I could sit there and look at the mountains all day long. The property amenities and facilities were excellent. There were a couple of restaurants to choose from including a grab and go, shops selling everything from clothing to home décor, paintings to souvenirs, equipment rental for skiing, boarding and skating, and a fabulous indoor pool. I came here on a separate occasion for the afternoon tea and that was phenomenal. Pricey but worth the experience.