We travel to Ottawa a few times a year to visit family and friends, and our most recent visit included a one-night stay at the historic Fairmont Chateau Laurier. As mid-budget travellers, this is not normally in our budget, but I won a gift certificate from an Instagram contest. I wish to thank Nazanin Ghasemi @explore_with_naz and Chelsea B, the marketing manager for the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, for making it all happen!
The gift certificate was for a one-night stay on the GOLD floor and afternoon tea for two at Zoe’s.
I thought I would share the highlights of our time at “the Castle.”
A Brief History of the Chateau Laurier
The hotel was built by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway Company and opened in 1912. Unfortunately, Charles Melville Hays, the General Manager, never saw his dream completed because he perished on the Titanic days before the scheduled opening. It was named after Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier. The Montreal-based architectural firm Ross and McFarlane designed the hotel with the French Gothic Revival style to complement the nearby Parliament Buildings. In 1980, the Chateau Laurier was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. There are many impressive rooms and hallways, with original furniture and art to enjoy. Today, the hotel is part of the Fairmont Accor Hotel brand, and despite its age, it delivers an elevated experience.
Today’s visitors can view many of the reception rooms used for weddings and musical events. We enjoyed viewing the photo gallery of the famous guests who have stayed at the Chateau Laurier throughout the years. The photos are posted along Peacock Alley near the Laurier Cafe. We didn’t eat at the cafe, but I thought the Laurier socks would make a great gift!
This was the second time we have enjoyed the architectural designs of Ross and McFarlane. They were also the artichects for the 1913 built Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg. Staying at the Chateau Laurier also reminded us of our time at the Fort Garry.
Our post about that trip is here: https://lifeafter50travel.net/2024/11/28/we-enjoyed-the-old-and-the-new-in-winnipeg-manitoba/
The Chateau’s Location
The Chateau Laurier’s address is 1 Rideau Street, which means it’s nestled between the Rideau Canal, Major’s Hill Park, and the Byward Market. It is a 5-minute walk to most places of interest. Arriving at the front door is a bit of a challenge on a busy Saturday afternoon, but the valet attendants quickly found a home for our car.
Chateau Laurier’s Amenities
Afternoon Tea at Zoe’s
Part of my gift certificate win included an Afternoon Tea for Two at Zoe’s Restaurant in the lobby of the Chateau Laurier. My daughter and I enjoyed the tea, the treats and the atmosphere! We selected the Maple Cream and the Bella Coola teas. The service was excellent! Our server was attentive but not intrusive. We sampled all of the savoury sandwiches and sweet treats assembled on our tiered plates. Zoe’s Restaurant changes the menu selection with each season. The light-filled restaurant had comfortable couches and chairs.
Our GOLD Experience
The Gold Experience is often described as a hotel within a hotel. We definitely noticed the enhanced concierge service. Our check-in experience was excellent as we checked in on the 4th floor, with no wait! We were able to check in early, just before our afternoon tea reservation time. I loved the architecture of the lobby and rooms. Our room was generous and beautifully appointed. We enjoyed our quiet and comfortable room!
Lounge Access
The best part of the GOLD experience is the 24h access to the Lounge. We enjoyed the 5 pm canapes. It was the perfect place to recharge after a busy day before we went out to dinner. Dessert is also served from 7-9 pm. We didn’t sample these as we were out for dinner with our family. We returned to the lounge for a hot breakfast the next morning. I really enjoyed my blueberry scones! The lounge is always stocked with hot and cold beverages for guests.
Fitness Areas
We got up early to check out the fitness area. This is available to all guests who stay at the Chateau. The exercise machines in the large gym were new and in excellent working order. We completed our circuit easily with no crowds. Then we went to the pool. The pool was opened in 1929, and it still embraces the original Art Deco style. The pool was busy with families and couples. I admired the original lighting, which warmed my towel while I was in the pool. It was a lot of fun to compare today’s pool with its 1929 photo! The pool is located in the lower level of the hotel and requires navigating some stairs to access it.
Would we stay at the Chateau Laurier again?
Yes, we would enjoy another night at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier because it was comfortable with excellent service and amenities. We experienced only cheerful, helpful and professional employees during our stay.
At times, I felt like a time traveller staying in this historic place. We enjoyed the ambiance, architecture and superb location to attractions in Ottawa. If you want to experience part of our national history, then it’s worth the splurge to stay here.
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