Fairmont Chateau Laurier
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Summary of reviewsFairmont Chateau Laurier, a historic gem in the heart of Ottawa, is renowned for its central and convenient location. Perfectly positioned near Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal and Byward Market, the hotel offers guests easy access to major attractions, museums, markets and restaurants. The property's rich history, coupled with its classic architecture, adds to its charm with many visitors appreciating the stunning views and the hotel's overall aesthetic.
Guests frequently praise the breakfast offerings, emphasizing the quality and deliciousness of the food with favorites like omelette buffets and breakfast bread enhancing the experience. The friendly and entertaining service further elevates breakfast time. However, the high cost of breakfast and the limited buffet selection are notable drawbacks.
Dinner experiences at Fairmont Chateau Laurier receive mixed feedback. While some guests enjoy the exceptional food and beautiful views, especially from the terrace, others are disappointed by the limited menu variety and high prices. The impeccable service and enjoyable offerings at Zoey’s are positively highlighted, but securing a table can be challenging due to high demand.
The rooms at the hotel have both admirers and critics. Positively, they are described as clean, spacious and possessing historical charm with fantastic views of landmarks. Nonetheless, many guests feel the rooms are dated and in need of renovation with issues such as small size, inadequate storage and occasional maintenance problems detracting from the experience.
Cleanliness is generally praised with many guests commenting on the clean and comfortable accommodations and excellent housekeeping services. However, there are sporadic lapses in maintaining this standard with certain areas and rooms falling short of expectations.
The staff at Fairmont Chateau Laurier is often highlighted as a standout feature, described as friendly, professional and accommodating. Their attentiveness and warm service contribute significantly to the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere, though occasional issues such as short-staffing and unhelpful receptionists are noted.
One major inconvenience for modern travelers is the lack of complimentary Wi-Fi, which many guests find surprising and frustrating. The additional charges for internet access are seen as inappropriate for a hotel of this caliber.
The pool area offers an impressive size and architectural beauty, making it a pleasant spot when accessible. Nevertheless, problems like cold water, murky conditions and the need for renovations are common complaints.
Parking is another contentious point with many guests citing high costs, limited spaces and logistical difficulties. Despite the valet staff's exceptional service, the overall parking experience is often described as chaotic and inconvenient.
Families find the Fairmont Chateau Laurier to be a good fit with spacious rooms and a welcoming atmosphere for both children and pets. Its prime location simplifies visiting nearby attractions, though some noise concerns and issues with certain room features, such as sofa beds, are mentioned.
In conclusion, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is celebrated for its central location, historical charm and friendly staff, making it a recommended choice for those looking to explore Ottawa. However, potential guests should be aware of possible drawbacks related to dining options, room conditions, additional Wi-Fi and parking costs.
Categories
Guests frequently praise the breakfast offerings, emphasizing the quality and deliciousness of the food with favorites like omelette buffets and breakfast bread enhancing the experience. The friendly and entertaining service further elevates breakfast time. However, the high cost of breakfast and the limited buffet selection are notable drawbacks.
Dinner experiences at Fairmont Chateau Laurier receive mixed feedback. While some guests enjoy the exceptional food and beautiful views, especially from the terrace, others are disappointed by the limited menu variety and high prices. The impeccable service and enjoyable offerings at Zoey’s are positively highlighted, but securing a table can be challenging due to high demand.
The rooms at the hotel have both admirers and critics. Positively, they are described as clean, spacious and possessing historical charm with fantastic views of landmarks. Nonetheless, many guests feel the rooms are dated and in need of renovation with issues such as small size, inadequate storage and occasional maintenance problems detracting from the experience.
Cleanliness is generally praised with many guests commenting on the clean and comfortable accommodations and excellent housekeeping services. However, there are sporadic lapses in maintaining this standard with certain areas and rooms falling short of expectations.
The staff at Fairmont Chateau Laurier is often highlighted as a standout feature, described as friendly, professional and accommodating. Their attentiveness and warm service contribute significantly to the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere, though occasional issues such as short-staffing and unhelpful receptionists are noted.
One major inconvenience for modern travelers is the lack of complimentary Wi-Fi, which many guests find surprising and frustrating. The additional charges for internet access are seen as inappropriate for a hotel of this caliber.
The pool area offers an impressive size and architectural beauty, making it a pleasant spot when accessible. Nevertheless, problems like cold water, murky conditions and the need for renovations are common complaints.
Parking is another contentious point with many guests citing high costs, limited spaces and logistical difficulties. Despite the valet staff's exceptional service, the overall parking experience is often described as chaotic and inconvenient.
Families find the Fairmont Chateau Laurier to be a good fit with spacious rooms and a welcoming atmosphere for both children and pets. Its prime location simplifies visiting nearby attractions, though some noise concerns and issues with certain room features, such as sofa beds, are mentioned.
In conclusion, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is celebrated for its central location, historical charm and friendly staff, making it a recommended choice for those looking to explore Ottawa. However, potential guests should be aware of possible drawbacks related to dining options, room conditions, additional Wi-Fi and parking costs.
Historic Hotel
The ambitious General Manager of the Grand Trunk Railway, Charles Melville Hays, travelled to Canada to build a grand and luxurious hotel. After the hotel was built, the management including Charles Hays perished on the Titanic of 1912. The hotel however, flourished in the following decades. It has been loosely dubbed as the "Third Chamber of Parliament".
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Fairmont Chateau Laurier is a Fairmont property that is part of the brand's overarching sustainability program. Fairmont hotels are committed to environmental responsibility, including achieving third-party eco-certifications and implementing programs focused on reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible tourism.
Hotel for Honeymoon
This hotel exudes elegance and romance with its castle-like architecture and luxurious amenities. Its central location offers easy access to Ottawa's attractions, and the Gold Experience provides an enhanced level of service and exclusivity.
Family Friendly Hotel
This historic hotel features an indoor art-deco pool and offers spacious rooms. The Fairmont Family Offer provides a discount on a second room, making it ideal for families needing more space. Its central location is close to Parliament Buildings and the Rideau Canal.
Dog Friendly Hotel
This upscale hotel welcomes dogs and cats with a maximum of two pets per room. There is an additional fee of C$50 per room per stay, with $5 from each stay donated to a local animal-related charity. The hotel is close to amenities and backs onto a park.
Romantic Hotel
This hotel offers a grand romantic experience with its castle-like architecture and luxurious amenities. Features include a Fairmont Gold level with exclusive lounge access, afternoon tea service, and special packages for romantic getaways, including chocolate-covered strawberries and sparkling wine.
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier houses Zoe's Lounge, a revitalized bar and lounge offering craft cocktails and a sophisticated ambiance. Its central location provides easy access to the ByWard Market and other nightlife options.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
This historic hotel features a large, art-deco indoor pool that is a significant size for swimming. It offers a luxurious experience adjacent to Parliament Buildings and the Rideau Canal.
Indoor Pool Pool Lap Lanes
Business Hotel
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier is a 4.5-star hotel that offers multiple meeting rooms and family amenities, making it suitable for business travelers and families. It provides a central location and upscale accommodations.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel offers parking, although it may come with an additional fee. It is a luxurious option with a range of amenities.
Accessible Hotel
This hotel offers 13 specially designed accessible rooms with features like wider entrance doors, lower light switches, and grab bars in the bathroom. Wheelchairs are also available upon request. Public areas including the entrance, registration, restaurants, meeting rooms, fitness center, and business center are accessible, and service animals are welcome.
Hotel with Gym
Offers a luxurious health club with cardio machines, weights, and a pool. The fitness center provides a premium workout experience.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Fairmont Chateau Laurier boasts a unique and stunning 20-yard (18.3 meter) indoor Art Deco swimming pool. This architecturally distinctive pool area offers a luxurious swimming environment.
Luxury Hotel
Hotel near Ski Resorts
5-Star Hotel
Haunted Hotel
Hotel with Pool Lap Lanes
Guest Reviews
Fairmont Chateau Laurier boasts an impeccable, central location in Ottawa, making it a top choice for visitors aiming to experience the city's key attractions on foot. This historic hotel is positioned conveniently close to Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal and Byward Market, ensuring that guests are within easy walking distance of museums, markets, restaurants and the city's bustling downtown area.
The property's prime setting not only offers stunning views, but it also embodies the rich history and elegance of the area. The classic ambiance and beautiful façade of the hotel add to its charm, making it a landmark that many reviewers appreciate both for its aesthetic and historical significance. Guests consistently laud the unbeatable convenience, noting that the location is perfect for sightseeing and easily accessing all the major points of interest Ottawa has to offer.
Whether attending events, exploring cultural sites or enjoying the vibrant market scene, visitors find the hotel’s proximity to everything remarkably advantageous. Its central setting facilitates spontaneous city adventures without the need for taxis or extensive travel, further enhancing the overall guest experience. The views from the hotel, particularly those overlooking Parliament, are frequently highlighted as spectacular, contributing to the overall sense of staying somewhere special.
Overall, Fairmont Chateau Laurier’s central location, coupled with its historical charm and beautiful architecture, makes it a highly recommended choice for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the heart of Ottawa.
Breakfast at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier generally receives positive remarks with many highlighting the excellent and delicious offerings. Guests frequently praise the quality of the food, describing it as fantastic, delectable and even magnificent with some saying it is worthy of royalty. Elements like delicious omelette buffets and tasty breakfast bread add to the appeal. The friendly and entertaining service, especially during breakfast at the restaurant, adds to a positive dining experience. Moreover, the building itself contributes an old-world charm that enhances the overall ambience.
However, the high cost of breakfast is a common issue with many guests finding the prices excessively expensive and sometimes not justified by the quality. For example, room service breakfasts have been noted as particularly pricey. The breakfast buffet, while described as very good by some, is frequently criticized for its limited selection, especially given the hotel's five-star status. The Sunday brunch has mixed reviews; though some found it great, others felt it was below Fairmont's usual standard. Guests sometimes noted logistical issues like cold food on arrival, missing items like fruits and orange juice and the availability of breakfast only until 11 am.
Overall, while the breakfast offerings at Fairmont Chateau Laurier are often delicious and delivered with excellent service in a charming setting, the high prices and limited selection can detract from the experience.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier offers a mixed experience when it comes to dining. Guests have praised some aspects of the hotel’s restaurants, citing breathtaking views, particularly from the terrace with a clear sightline to Parliament Hill at sunset. The service at the hotel is described as impeccable and some find the food and cocktails at Zoey’s exceptional. There are also positive mentions of the excellent Sunday brunch and fulfilling dining options at the hotel.
However, the dining experience is marred by some criticisms. Some guests find the food just OK and many express frustration over the limited food menus and high prices, especially at Wilfred’s and The Terrace. A significant point of contention is that restaurant reservations can be difficult to secure, often being fully booked by external guests. Additionally, there are issues with the in-room dining service and restaurant reservation system. Various diners also note that the restaurants sometimes feel understaffed, which impacts the overall experience.
Overall, while some guests thoroughly enjoy dining at the hotel, others encounter challenges that detract from their stay, particularly regarding menu variety and cost.
The rooms at Fairmont Chateau Laurier have left guests with a mixed bag of experiences. On the positive side, many describe the rooms as clean, spacious and well-appointed, offering great views of landmarks like the Parliament buildings. The historical charm and architecture of the rooms are appreciated, adding a stately and impressive aesthetic to the accommodations. Some guests even found the rooms to be very comfortable with suitable facilities for families, including rooms with two bathrooms and the option to add an extra bed.
However, there are several areas where the rooms fall short. Many reviews point out that the rooms and facilities are dated and in need of urgent renovations. Issues with cleanliness were noted, including dust, dirty showers and poorly maintained furniture. Guests also faced problems with malfunctioning air conditioning systems, poor soundproofing and rooms that were uncomfortably hot at night. Storage space in both bedrooms and bathrooms was often found to be inadequate.
The size of the rooms was frequently mentioned as a drawback with many guests describing them as small and cramped, especially for the price. The bathrooms, in particular, were noted for being tiny and outdated with some maintenance issues like peeling paint and rusty fixtures. Additionally, amenities like fridges or USB ports were either missing or required a surcharge, which detracted from the overall convenience.
In summary, while the Fairmont Chateau Laurier offers rooms with historical charm and some beautiful views, there are notable downsides related to room size, outdated facilities and cleanliness that future guests might consider.
The beds at Fairmont Chateau Laurier received a mix of feedback from guests. Many of the reviews highlight the comfort of the beds with multiple mentions of mattresses and pillows being superb and very comfortable. Guests also frequently described the beds as exceptionally comfy and praised the bedding. Some noted that the beds, despite being narrow or small, were still comfortable. There were complaints about the bed size with double beds being preferred over queens and instances of the beds being too soft or small for a comfortable sleep. Some guests found the beds to be outdated, uncomfortable or narrow and a few mentioned issues with bed linens. Nonetheless, the positive remarks on the comfort and quality of the beds were notable, indicating that many guests did enjoy their sleep experience at the hotel.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier, nestled in a beautiful historic building, offers an intriguing mix of reviews regarding cleanliness. Many guests have praised the hotel's impressive cleanliness, noting very clean and comfortable accommodations. Common areas were often described as grand and clean, adding to the luxurious feel of the historic establishment. Housekeeping services received accolades for their excellent performance with several guests specifically highlighting very clean rooms and fresh updated renovated spaces.
However, not all experiences were uniformly positive. Some guests encountered cleanliness issues such as dirty duvets, tables and bathrooms, along with dust on the furniture and mold in the bathrooms. There were also reports of lingering odors, including smells of sweat and plumbing issues. A few reviews mentioned that the rooms were not cleaned well with specific instances of debris, nail clippings and even blood stains being found.
Overall, while many guests enjoyed their stays with clean and comfortable spaces, Fairmont Chateau Laurier appears to have occasional lapses in maintaining uniform cleanliness standards across all areas of the hotel. Despite these inconsistencies, the hotel remains a beloved historic site with the potential for a delightful stay, particularly if housekeeping can address these sporadic issues.
Visitors to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier often highlight the hotel's staff as one of its standout features. Descriptions such as helpful, friendly, professional and accommodating abound in the reviews. Many guests found the staff to be particularly welcoming upon arrival, citing efficient check-in and check-out services. The valet parking and concierge teams are notably praised for their exceptional service and bilingual capabilities.
The staff's attentiveness and proactive nature were frequently mentioned, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere within this historic and iconic hotel. Guests appreciated the friendliness and courteous behavior of the staff, whether they were interacting with receptionists, waiters or bellhops.
However, not all experiences were universally positive. Some guests noted issues such as short-staffing at the front desk, unhelpful or cold receptionists and shortcomings in housekeeping and responsiveness. Despite these occasional negative remarks, the overall sentiment points to a high level of satisfaction with the personnel, who often go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
In summary, while there may be room for improvement in certain areas, the staff at Fairmont Chateau Laurier is generally described as warm, professional and attentive, playing a crucial role in the hotel's charm and appeal.
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier, despite its renowned status and luxurious amenities, seems to have missed the mark when it comes to providing complimentary Wi-Fi access—a feature that many guests consider essential in this day and age. Reviews highlight the absence of free Wi-Fi, which astonished numerous visitors who found themselves having to pay extra for internet access. The charges for Wi-Fi, considered relatively high, were seen as inappropriate by many, especially in such an esteemed establishment.
Moreover, some guests mentioned that they were not informed about the additional Wi-Fi costs during the booking process, adding to the frustration. Although there is an option to receive free Wi-Fi by joining the Accor Live Limitless program, the general sentiment is that free Wi-Fi should be standard, irrespective of membership status. It's apparent that guests feel that offering complimentary internet access would greatly enhance the overall experience at this otherwise magnificent hotel.
The pool at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier has received a mix of reviews from its guests. On the positive side, many visitors have highlighted the pool’s architectural beauty and its impressive size, which offers ample space for swimming and relaxation. Some guests appreciated that the pool was not overcrowded, making it a pleasant experience for those who managed to secure access.
However, there were a number of concerns raised by other visitors. The water temperature was frequently described as cold and some found the pool to be murky or in need of cleaning. A few reviews pointed out that the pool area shows signs of aging and requires renovation. Additionally, there were operational hiccups such as temporary closures for repairs and the need to reserve access to the pool, which some guests found inconvenient.
Overall, while the pool has its charms and potential, it also faces several issues that could detract from the swimming experience. Improvements in maintenance and user accessibility would likely enhance the overall guest satisfaction.
Parking at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier presents a range of experiences. Many guests compliment the valet parking staff for their exceptional service, describing them as wonderful and helpful. However, numerous reviews highlight significant challenges with the parking facilities at the hotel. A primary concern is the cost with many finding it very expensive with some mentioning fees upwards of $50 or $60 per night.
Guests frequently report difficulties such as limited parking spaces and the need to park at alternative, often distant, locations such as the National Arts Centre or an art gallery. Several reviews note the absence of self-parking options, leaving valet parking as the only choice, which isn’t always operational or timely. Despite the convenience of valet services for some, others find the process chaotic and stressful, particularly when dropping off luggage.
The parking garage is described as small, often full and not easy to navigate. Some travelers mentioned having to spend considerable time looking for a parking spot with one recounting a 40-minute search. The limited parking availability often leads to further complications, such as difficulty accessing the hotel entrance due to congestion caused by cars and taxis.
In summary, while the valet staff's service is praised, the general sentiment around parking at Fairmont Chateau Laurier is mixed, primarily due to high costs, limited spaces and logistical challenges. For a more seamless experience, guests might consider alternative parking options nearby.
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier offers a delightful stay for families visiting Ottawa. The spacious rooms, some even with two bathrooms, provide ample space for family members to relax. The hotel is notably friendly towards both children and pets, ensuring a warm welcome for the whole family, including the furry ones.
A highlight for many is Zoe's Lounge, which serves as a fantastic gathering spot for everyone, making it an enjoyable family experience. While some reviews mentioned noise concerns and an uncomfortable sofa bed, the overall ambiance is described as pleasant and comfortable. The hotel’s location is incredibly convenient with major attractions like Byward Market, Parliament and numerous restaurants all within walking distance.
The swimming pool is a popular feature, particularly for children, making it a great choice for a family stay in Ottawa. Although there were mentions of noise and some discomfort with the sofa beds, Fairmont Chateau Laurier remains a charming option for families looking to explore the city and create lasting memories.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier is perceived as offering remarkable services and having friendly staff, creating a welcoming environment for guests. However, some aspects do not align with typical five-star expectations. While the hotel provides complimentary items and is praised for its good value for money, there are noted shortcomings in service and amenities. Some guests were surprised at the lack of a comprehensive breakfast buffet and no free Wi-Fi, which is usually a standard in five-star establishments. The comfort level of rooms also fell short for some visitors. Despite having a huge pool, the restriction of only allowing ten guests at a time raised concerns. The hotel’s policy of accepting pets in the rooms surprised many, who felt it detracted from its five-star reputation.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier provides several amenities that cater to business travelers. The hotel offers a renovated computer system and business-like features, making it convenient for work-related tasks. The intelligence and understanding of the staff are noteworthy, ensuring a smooth experience. Regular room service is available at 10 am, which is helpful for those on tight schedules.
The hotel accommodates the needs of short business stays, offering extended guest checkouts tailored to travel itineraries. Valet services, including valet parking and airport parking, are accessible, although there are reports of occasional long waits. Business guests can also utilize mobile Skype calls efficiently within the hotel. Overall, the facilities meet business standards effectively.
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier features an indoor pool located in the basement, which some guests find lovely. However, there are several concerns about its management. A common issue mentioned is the water temperature, which several guests found not warm enough, especially for children. The pool room itself has been described as very cold and dated. Additionally, several guests experienced unexpected closures of the pool and found it often fully booked, limiting access due to COVID restrictions and lack of reservation information.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier is celebrated for its rich historical significance and charming presence. Guests are consistently impressed by the beautiful, historically maintained building, which exudes an aura of historic glory. The hotel is located in a historic neighborhood, offering unbeatable proximity to Parliament, adding to its allure.
Visitors often marvel at the imposing exterior appearance of this grand old hotel, which manages to retain its historic charm while providing a good experience for its guests. The interior also captivates with the history inside described as amazing. The hotel's historical feel and the significance of its past are frequently highlighted.
Overall, Fairmont Chateau Laurier stands out as both a place full of history and a historic property, providing a unique and memorable stay for those who appreciate its storied past and magnificent architecture.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier, a prestigious and magnificent hotel, stands out for its modern and sophisticated decor, attractive architecture and prime location. The property exudes an opulent historical charm, often described as truly like a castle. Visitors consistently highlight the luxurious ambiance of the hotel with expensively designed rooms that maintain a traditional yet plush atmosphere. The authentic architectural features add to its luxurious vibe, enhancing the overall experience. While some guests feel that the experience falls short of high-end luxury standards, others appreciate the blend of comfort and elegance at a great price. Despite mixed feedback, the property is widely regarded as one of the premier luxury hotels in Ottawa.
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Location
The property's prime setting not only offers stunning views, but it also embodies the rich history and elegance of the area. The classic ambiance and beautiful façade of the hotel add to its charm, making it a landmark that many reviewers appreciate both for its aesthetic and historical significance. Guests consistently laud the unbeatable convenience, noting that the location is perfect for sightseeing and easily accessing all the major points of interest Ottawa has to offer.
Whether attending events, exploring cultural sites or enjoying the vibrant market scene, visitors find the hotel’s proximity to everything remarkably advantageous. Its central setting facilitates spontaneous city adventures without the need for taxis or extensive travel, further enhancing the overall guest experience. The views from the hotel, particularly those overlooking Parliament, are frequently highlighted as spectacular, contributing to the overall sense of staying somewhere special.
Overall, Fairmont Chateau Laurier’s central location, coupled with its historical charm and beautiful architecture, makes it a highly recommended choice for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the heart of Ottawa.
Breakfast
However, the high cost of breakfast is a common issue with many guests finding the prices excessively expensive and sometimes not justified by the quality. For example, room service breakfasts have been noted as particularly pricey. The breakfast buffet, while described as very good by some, is frequently criticized for its limited selection, especially given the hotel's five-star status. The Sunday brunch has mixed reviews; though some found it great, others felt it was below Fairmont's usual standard. Guests sometimes noted logistical issues like cold food on arrival, missing items like fruits and orange juice and the availability of breakfast only until 11 am.
Overall, while the breakfast offerings at Fairmont Chateau Laurier are often delicious and delivered with excellent service in a charming setting, the high prices and limited selection can detract from the experience.
Dinner
However, the dining experience is marred by some criticisms. Some guests find the food just OK and many express frustration over the limited food menus and high prices, especially at Wilfred’s and The Terrace. A significant point of contention is that restaurant reservations can be difficult to secure, often being fully booked by external guests. Additionally, there are issues with the in-room dining service and restaurant reservation system. Various diners also note that the restaurants sometimes feel understaffed, which impacts the overall experience.
Overall, while some guests thoroughly enjoy dining at the hotel, others encounter challenges that detract from their stay, particularly regarding menu variety and cost.
Rooms
However, there are several areas where the rooms fall short. Many reviews point out that the rooms and facilities are dated and in need of urgent renovations. Issues with cleanliness were noted, including dust, dirty showers and poorly maintained furniture. Guests also faced problems with malfunctioning air conditioning systems, poor soundproofing and rooms that were uncomfortably hot at night. Storage space in both bedrooms and bathrooms was often found to be inadequate.
The size of the rooms was frequently mentioned as a drawback with many guests describing them as small and cramped, especially for the price. The bathrooms, in particular, were noted for being tiny and outdated with some maintenance issues like peeling paint and rusty fixtures. Additionally, amenities like fridges or USB ports were either missing or required a surcharge, which detracted from the overall convenience.
In summary, while the Fairmont Chateau Laurier offers rooms with historical charm and some beautiful views, there are notable downsides related to room size, outdated facilities and cleanliness that future guests might consider.
Beds
Cleanliness
However, not all experiences were uniformly positive. Some guests encountered cleanliness issues such as dirty duvets, tables and bathrooms, along with dust on the furniture and mold in the bathrooms. There were also reports of lingering odors, including smells of sweat and plumbing issues. A few reviews mentioned that the rooms were not cleaned well with specific instances of debris, nail clippings and even blood stains being found.
Overall, while many guests enjoyed their stays with clean and comfortable spaces, Fairmont Chateau Laurier appears to have occasional lapses in maintaining uniform cleanliness standards across all areas of the hotel. Despite these inconsistencies, the hotel remains a beloved historic site with the potential for a delightful stay, particularly if housekeeping can address these sporadic issues.
Staff
The staff's attentiveness and proactive nature were frequently mentioned, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere within this historic and iconic hotel. Guests appreciated the friendliness and courteous behavior of the staff, whether they were interacting with receptionists, waiters or bellhops.
However, not all experiences were universally positive. Some guests noted issues such as short-staffing at the front desk, unhelpful or cold receptionists and shortcomings in housekeeping and responsiveness. Despite these occasional negative remarks, the overall sentiment points to a high level of satisfaction with the personnel, who often go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
In summary, while there may be room for improvement in certain areas, the staff at Fairmont Chateau Laurier is generally described as warm, professional and attentive, playing a crucial role in the hotel's charm and appeal.
Wi-Fi
Moreover, some guests mentioned that they were not informed about the additional Wi-Fi costs during the booking process, adding to the frustration. Although there is an option to receive free Wi-Fi by joining the Accor Live Limitless program, the general sentiment is that free Wi-Fi should be standard, irrespective of membership status. It's apparent that guests feel that offering complimentary internet access would greatly enhance the overall experience at this otherwise magnificent hotel.
Pool
However, there were a number of concerns raised by other visitors. The water temperature was frequently described as cold and some found the pool to be murky or in need of cleaning. A few reviews pointed out that the pool area shows signs of aging and requires renovation. Additionally, there were operational hiccups such as temporary closures for repairs and the need to reserve access to the pool, which some guests found inconvenient.
Overall, while the pool has its charms and potential, it also faces several issues that could detract from the swimming experience. Improvements in maintenance and user accessibility would likely enhance the overall guest satisfaction.
Parking
Guests frequently report difficulties such as limited parking spaces and the need to park at alternative, often distant, locations such as the National Arts Centre or an art gallery. Several reviews note the absence of self-parking options, leaving valet parking as the only choice, which isn’t always operational or timely. Despite the convenience of valet services for some, others find the process chaotic and stressful, particularly when dropping off luggage.
The parking garage is described as small, often full and not easy to navigate. Some travelers mentioned having to spend considerable time looking for a parking spot with one recounting a 40-minute search. The limited parking availability often leads to further complications, such as difficulty accessing the hotel entrance due to congestion caused by cars and taxis.
In summary, while the valet staff's service is praised, the general sentiment around parking at Fairmont Chateau Laurier is mixed, primarily due to high costs, limited spaces and logistical challenges. For a more seamless experience, guests might consider alternative parking options nearby.
Family
A highlight for many is Zoe's Lounge, which serves as a fantastic gathering spot for everyone, making it an enjoyable family experience. While some reviews mentioned noise concerns and an uncomfortable sofa bed, the overall ambiance is described as pleasant and comfortable. The hotel’s location is incredibly convenient with major attractions like Byward Market, Parliament and numerous restaurants all within walking distance.
The swimming pool is a popular feature, particularly for children, making it a great choice for a family stay in Ottawa. Although there were mentions of noise and some discomfort with the sofa beds, Fairmont Chateau Laurier remains a charming option for families looking to explore the city and create lasting memories.
5 Star
Business
The hotel accommodates the needs of short business stays, offering extended guest checkouts tailored to travel itineraries. Valet services, including valet parking and airport parking, are accessible, although there are reports of occasional long waits. Business guests can also utilize mobile Skype calls efficiently within the hotel. Overall, the facilities meet business standards effectively.
Indoor Pool
Historic
Visitors often marvel at the imposing exterior appearance of this grand old hotel, which manages to retain its historic charm while providing a good experience for its guests. The interior also captivates with the history inside described as amazing. The hotel's historical feel and the significance of its past are frequently highlighted.
Overall, Fairmont Chateau Laurier stands out as both a place full of history and a historic property, providing a unique and memorable stay for those who appreciate its storied past and magnificent architecture.
Luxury
Yes, Fairmont Chateau Laurier has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool, Pool Lap Lanes.
No, a spa isn't available at Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
Yes, Fairmont Chateau Laurier welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
Yes, Fairmont Chateau Laurier has a gym.
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