The Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel

I flew to Ottawa for Canada Day celebrations this year and had a great time! I stayed at The Fairmont Chateau Laurier during the long weekend. The location of the hotel was very convenient. Close to shopping and landmarks. The staff and service were professional. The rooms were clean, spacious, comfortable and luxurious. Room service did a great job restocking and cleaning. The restaurant was good but pricey. I would rather check out other restaurants around the city. The price of the hotel started at about $200 per night which I think is reasonable. I would recommend the Fairmont Chateau Laurier to anyone with a budget of $200 per night!

From the street, the hotel looks like a castle (hence its name, Chateau Laurier). The valet guys greet you right away, and you don't feel like they're there just for tips. They are very friendly and helpful. When you walk into the lobby, it felt like walking on board the Titanic. It was gorgeous. The front desk people did everything and anything to ensure a pleasant stay. The room I stayed in was slightly dated, and could have used some newer furniture. But it was spotless. There was no noise. They must have built those walls pretty good 100 years ago. The restaurant was good, but slightly over priced. The Chateau Laurier is right downtown, about 2 minutes from the Parliament buildings, 10 minutes from museums, Sparks Street, the market and the Rideau Centre. It's a great location, and a beautiful building.

I was at the Nation's capital last weekend with a few friends and we decided to stay at this hotel. Judging from the outside, the hotel is extremely big and beautiful, at leas that was my impression. The price being charged reflected once again that it was a high class hotel. However, when you get to your room you might be a bit disappointed. The rooms are not in any way horrible, but they do not measure up to what you would expect from such a grand hotel. The reason we stayed at this hotel over the others was for the sake of convenience. There are many things located outside of the hotel and it provided us with great access. The service and cleanliness of the hotel was exceptional and I believe I would stay again if I had the choice.

We stayed at the Chateau Laurier the first weekend in February and we had a wonderful time there. I had booked a room on the Concierge Floor and upon arrival we were upgraded to a suite. The room was gorgeous and I could not find one flaw and I am admittedly picky...always looking to see if I am getting what I pay for...and the Chateau Laurier delivered. The bed was a dream to sleep in and the washrooms were clean. The hotel staff was attentive and polite enough to guide me to our room. The hotel itself is beautiful and they managed the Winterlude crowds with professionalism and ease. I felt very welcome there and I wouldn't want to stay anywhere else in Ottawa. This hotel is worth every penny and I allow others to enjoy it.

The Fairmont Chateau Laurier in the heart of Ottawa is a great stay for any who are interested in Gothic architecture, being in the hub of it all, and having a great room to boot. Fairmont didn't get to the top of the hotel market for nothing: they really know what they're doing with this hotel. Superbly trained staff, immaculately maintained lobby and first floor, you can see your reflection in every surface and floor.

The rooms themselves are beautiful and luxuriously decorated. The only issue I have with them is the size of the windows. It being a VERY old building, the windows were small to keep in the heat and keep out the snow, and I realise they are trying to keep it as original as possible, not to mention the difficulty in putting in full-size windows! This being my only dislike of the hotel means a lot, considering I'm an extremely picky person. The rate isn't too high, higher than most Fairmonts though and I think that's because of its location. You can get a view of the Parliament and the river for a bit more money and I must say, it's worth it if you can afford it!