Fairmont Chateau Laurier

I live in Ottawa and frequently go to conferences at the Chateau, so I wanted to see what the rooms were like. The stay here was excellent and shows why this has always been Ottawa's premiere hotel. The grandeur of the lobby has no match, but my question was whether the rooms would be up-to-date and keeping up with the times. The features of the room were excellent and modern, and seamlessly blended in with the hotel's historic nature. I liked the setup of the spacious bathroom and its amenities, much better than a lot of hotels where that spaces feels cramped or cheap. The bed was also very comfortable, the blinds were easy to draw down. The room layout was rectangular but it was easy to rotate the TV to get a good view. I also liked the desk and chair space next to the window. The room had an overall cozy feel.

During a recent visit to Ottawa, we stayed at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Our stay was great. The hotel is what you expect in a Fairmont. Convenient to the Byward Market area and of course, the Rideau Canal. The staff is friendly. The service is great. The rooms are big and comfortable.

The location is central to parliament, the National Arts Centre, the canal, Byward Market, the Rideau/Rogers Centres. We were there for business meeting and the food served at the meetings was fresh and tasty. While the housekeeping and food staff were responsive, the wonderful customer service that was a hallmark of Fairmont hotels has diminished. I found a quarter and a bottle cap on the floor in my room. The individual who checked me in left me in a pre-assigned room in the east wing on the street despite my letting him know I had issues with noise. Good thing I travel with a sleep mask as the blinds did not block out the light from a street lamp just outside the room. I asked at the front desk if the issue with the blind could be addressed. It was not, and there was no follow up then or since despite mentioning it again at checkout with a request to be contacted by email. My room, despite the blind, was attractive and comfortable but the desk chair was cracked. I appreciate the Fairmont touch of a proper kettle in the room, with quality tea. There is also a coffee maker that apparently makes good coffee. The fitness centre is crowded with plenty of equipment, but strangely is carpeted and that needs to be replaced. The pool is 18M and a pleasant temperature for lane swim. In general, the hotel is in need of a refresh. Based on the room rate versus some of the competition I would not choose to stay here.

We spent 2 nights for New Year’s Eve there!! It is not worth the hype at all!! Pros: -Christmas decoration -Location -Taste and quality of food Cons: -You pay $70/day for Valet parking to only find out your car will get parked outside -Tried to order room service at 5pm and was told they ran out of pizza! Not a Fairmont response you would expect -Room is outdated and small. Furniture is worn out. Mattress is uncomfortable and lumpy -We were constantly freezing in the room and public areas -We wanted to go to the indoor pool but the water was too cold For the price you are paying stay somewhere else like the Westin across the street You can always just visit the hotel inside and no need to stay there.

Excelent location, old world charm, rooms spacious comfortable and clean, exceptional staff, all friendly and wanting to help. Large wide corridoors and surprisingly quiet