I cannot talk enough about what a fantastic experience it was staying at the Chateau Laurier. The staff are very friendly and always trying to see if they can help. We didn’t like the first room we got and they upgraded us to the next category with one of the best views I’ve ever had! And the ultimate luxury was the valet parking where you simply press a link on your phone and your car is brought in less than 10 minutes. I was very sad to leave and can’t wait to be back to any Fairmont hotel. I don’t even remember when or where I last had such a wonderful experience!
We have just returned from Ottawa, and the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, where we last stayed in July 2021, when FCL had just opened following a pandemic closure. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that there had been a sea change since then...and we suspect that new-as-of-November-2021 GM, Genevieve Dumas, is responsible. Alex at valet parking welcomed us with a smile and an efficient handover, despite the fact that we arrived at prime check in time. Mikaela - an intern! - was the first to greet us as we checked in and she was so friendly and so engaged and engaging (we witnessed this when at the desk or in the lobby throughout the stay - a breath of fresh air). When I enquired re. a gold member room upgrade (from the already booked Junior Suite), she immediately looked at stock and then asked Christian (front desk manager?) for advice. Christian came over and not only praised Mikaela for her proactive suggestion of room (love when managers ensure that the team members are commended), but made us feel very welcome as well (Christian had been very helpful last July when our stay was so surprisingly disappointing, and he had tried to make things right at the time). The room we were given - a stunningly situated suite in the west tower with perfect views of the Parliament Buildings, and the city beyond from the multiple windows - was PERFECT! Spacious, well appointed, with a separate living room, desk with a view, comfortable bathroom and multiple closets; 340 is a lovely space to stay in. During our wanders through the lobby, I was fortunate enough to meet Ms. Dumas, along with Stewart, FCL's canine ambassador, and the lovely Bello, newly-retired ambassador from Chateau Montebello (where we stayed last summer - love, love, love). This was when I realised who was responsible for the culture shift - Ms. Dumas was as welcoming and smiling as her team, and made me feel truly welcome, even as she and her companions headed out at the end of the day. That evening we enjoyed drinks at Zoe's where Fabiola and Katie made us feel so welcome (while I stuck to simple Bailey's, our son enjoyed the theatre and taste of the Statesman - as recommended by Katie). This morning, after seeing room attendant Ray and his lovely smile in the halls, we visited Wilfred's at 8am for a lovely and relaxing breakfast, with a team of hosts and staff who were as friendly and helpful as their desk counterparts (but clearly I had not had my morning coffee when I entered as I cannot recall names: female host's name started with A, male with M I believe, and our waitstaff with an R - terrible, apologies, as they really made for a lovely breakfast experience). As we left, we once again ran in to Ms. Dumas, Stewart and Bello - and her first words were "oh, look who it is" to the dogs - a true host who made us feel as if we were visiting friends - what incredible skill, and clearly recognised by the Fairmont leadership! At check out, Matthew was professional and friendly, while being so efficient with the process, while the lovely host in the lobby was quick to point us to smiling Gordon at valet, whose team had our car out within minutes of requesting it. I realise that I have been verbose, but we truly cannot get over how much Ms. Dumas' influence (which we saw at Montebello last summer) has so positively influenced the team at the Chateau Laurier. This experience will bring us back, and we encourage others to book with Fairmont Chateau Laurier when coming to Ottawa.…
A comfortable Hotel in a central part of Ottawa adjacent Rideaux Canal. Good but not as good as some of the others in the Fairmont range. Convenient to walks around Parliament buildings. Walking distance to war Museum - unfortunately closed on New Years holiday.
We took advantage of the Gold Experience while here. The upgrade proved to be one of the most memorable experiences of the stay. For a couples vacation, the private check in on the 4th floor is so much better than the chaos of the main lobby. The private lounge was a great spot to have a quiet coffee (or latte), drinks, appetizers and breakfast. We stayed in the Fairmont Gold Suite which was comfortable and spacious. I read some reviews where people were commenting that the hotel is showing its age. That may be so however it needs to be taken into consideration that this is a heritage building which has undergone incredible changes over the years. The staff were wonderful. The fourth floor check in desk staff were friendly and helpful, Zoe's restaurant makes the most incredible drinks (try the Statesman or the PB) and the valet parking attendants were quick and courteous. The gym was one of the largest I have seen in a hotel while the pool is an incredible legacy to Art Deco style. All around wonderful experience.…
The room was lovely and the hotel had a very opulent feel especially as we walked into the lobby Unfortunately, the walls of the room are so so thin that we could hear the conversation word for word that our neighbour next door was having. We complained twice to reception and we were told that this is just a feature of the hotel and there was nothing that could be done about it. I think that it's disgraceful that a 'feature' as fundamental and intrusive as this is not mentioned on the website so that clients are aware that the walls are thin and you will probably not get a good night's sleep if the neighbours next door are having a simple (not loud) conversation. Was also dissapointed about the door of the minibar which was hanging off the hinges; not what I expect from a luxury hotel. We were offered a waiver of the valet parking fee and a 15% discount on the room. Frankly, we would rather have had a good nights sleep. We spent a lot of money to have a nice and peaceful evening and to get some respite from young children, 2 cats and 1 dog who all make all sorts of noises during the night, but we got a more disturbed night at the hotel than we do at home.…
Great stay. Great location. I love the Gold salon. Very comfortable Beds and pillows. Will definitely return. It would Be nice however if there was more entertainment like a nice piano bar like the Oak bar at the Fairmount Copley in Boston, Massachusetts.
it was our first time taking our six year old son to the Chateau and our first time staying on the Gold floor…. what a magical time we had! thanks to the Gold floor team for all their attention… sometimes it’s the little things… a late evening surprise hot chocolate (w gold leaf) for example… It was so nice to have breakfast in the lounge- the selection is huge! the french toast with a hint of nutmeg was delicious… M’y husband loves the honour bar and was impressed with what was on hand to mix himself a good Negroni… I was happy with the rose (-; thanks to everyone again- especially Taylor! not sure I can go ‘back’ to regular Chateau … lol 😂
Hotel was lovely, staff was very pleasant but overall the manpower is lacking . Valet is $60 !!!which is crazy on its own but when I need to wait 25 to 40 minutes for my car that's unacceptable. Check in was equally long 10 minutes for the bell hop to take my bags. Simple room service requests took 20-30 minutes to fulfill. All in all the staff that was present we're great , they just need more help. Valet jockey was running like crazy but he can only pull one car at time pool attended wasn't there 1/2 the time. No towels available from 10am to 1pm. Only 2 chairs available pool side. YES 2 chairs for the entire pool area. 4 if you count the 2 broken ones that were in the corner with a "defective" sign on them. Pool was also freezing. It literally felt like it was 75 degree at best.…
Very clean throughout. Wonderful and abundant staff. Beautiful room overlooking parliament. Clean, organized, wonderful staff. Perfectly located, walking distance to everything you want to see in Ottowa.
I remember so distinctly when I first visited Ottawa in October 2013, how mesmerized I was to see The Château Laurier. It took me almost 9 years before I went to Ottawa again, and this was my Christmas present to me, to wrap up an amazing year on both ~ personal and professional level. In those 9 years, I discovered Fairmont hotels and got used to that pampering feeling so it was no questions where to stay, once I decided to treat myself with another trip. On that note, I feel that it would be the best to start from the beginning. The bus from Montréal arrived to Ottawa fairly early, and I didn't expect that my room will be ready at noon (standard check in time is 4pm). Immediately as I entered, I was captivated by the Lobby, decorated accordingly with the festive season. I was warmly greeted by Jessica, a pleasant and cheerful Desk representative, who offered to move me to another room so I can check in, but I already had another plans in mind, so I declined the offer and asked to have my luggage stored until I come back. Jessica "completed" the check in and referred me to concierge. At the concierge desk I was welcomed by Maxime, who is without a doubt the most positive, charming and genuine person I have come across in a very long time. He explained me how to get to the National Gallery and took my suitcase, offering to deliver it to my room once I get back. After three hours in the Gallery, I came back to the Hotel, I took the keys and my suitcase and got to my room. I always ask for the room on the highest floor available and if possible, with a nicer view. I have been working in the hotel industry, and I know that it's not always possible, and I will not pretend that I wasn't amazed with the room Jessica assigned me to originally. Château Laurier is my ninth Fairmont property in Canada I had privilege to stay with, and I had a good fortune to withes the breathtaking views from the Alberta's mountain properties, which are unbeatable, but I wasn't expecting to have a view from three different windows, overlooking the War Memorial, the entire Parliament Hill and the Rideau canal. And of top of that, the room itself was beautifully appointed. Spacious corner king room, with lots of space, soft seating and working area. Absolutely spotless with standard Fairmont amenities. Bathroom was clean, and it had a glass shower. Kettle, Nespresso coffee maker and mini bar were all one needs to have a nice stay. An hour after my check in, I was surprised with a complimentary delivery of fresh fruits and water. I think that was a nice touch from the hotel's side. Bit laterI also received a cocktail coupon as an additional perk I am entitled to as a gold member. When I decided to have a dinner, Annabelle informed me that they didn't have a table available (I didn't make a reservation, so I was the one to blame), but she quickly made one for me for the first available seating. My server, Hannah, was a lovely lady who was professional, knowledgeable and quick. I decided to treat myself with a cocktail La Dame Française (I think) and it was delicious. The best part of my dinner was the French onion soup, which was by a clear mile the best FOS I have ever tried in my life. Onions were not just chopped, they were minced, which made the soup thicker, and the bread was not mushy at all, it was still crunchy. I audibly gasped after the fist bite. The portion was surprisingly big and it could be a main meal easily, not just the started. I wasn't very impressed with the bun in my main meal, but the burger and fries were great. Overall, an excellent experience. My sleep was uninterrupted and I had enough time to walk around the hotel a bit, enjoying the grandness of the property as well as I had an opportunity to walk around the Parliament hill. I woke up too late fo the breakfast, so I had to skip it this time. Check out time is at noon and I was lucky enough to see Jessica again, if nothing else, to thank for for the beautiful room she had picked for me. I've been a Fairmont guest for quite some time now and I have never had a bad experience. I may not live in Alberta anymore, and who knows when I will get to enjoy the nature view from the Fairmont rooms again, but cityscapes are equally enjoyable. Fairmont is my preferred hospitality partner whenever that's possible and I am always happy when I get the chance to discover new property, its charm and uniqueness. The exceptional customer service I have been spoiled with is just an additional experience enhancement, thanks to which I always look forward to staying at Fairmont again. Thank you for, yet another, memorable stay! Until the next time.…
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