Here’s what it’s like to live in a 112-year-old castle in Ottawa

Sometimes, to truly appreciate something, you have to allow yourself to take a step back. For me, it was a boat ride on the famous Rideau Canal that allowed me to understand just how spectacular Ottawa’s Fairmont Chateau Laurier is.

As the leisurely journey slowed down and we got closer to the Fairmont, the hotel began to look like something out of a storybook. It towers high above the canal – a towering palace conveniently located in the Canadian capital. The clear sky and rising sunset further intensified the magic. Given its romantic exterior and interior, it was no surprise that during my stay on a Saturday night, I saw brides and bridal party members chatting excitedly near the lobby elevator.

Despite its fairy tale charm, the Fairmont has one particular chapter that is full of disappointment.

Just days before the Palace in the Sky opened, Charles Melville Hayes, the man who started construction of the building, lost his life. Businessman who arrived in Canada with a dream to build a transcontinental railway and several hotels dies during RMS titanic Sank in the Atlantic Ocean on April 14, 1912.

Given the tragic timing, Hayes did not get a chance to witness the grand opening. Or did he?

Many travelers have claimed that the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is also home to guests from the other side. There is even a tour offered through The Haunted Walk, a company that hosts ghost tours in Ottawa. While I (thankfully) didn’t encounter any paranormal phenomena during my stay, a fellow writer noticed his closet light turning on and off several times.

Ghosts aside, parts of the Fairmont seemed downright terrifying. The long, almost dizzying hallway leading to the guest rooms looked like something from “The Shining.” Although heavy on Art Deco, an indoor pool is beautifully gloomy. Leaving aside the drabness, some parts of the hotel shine.

Here is my review of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

rooms

If you’re looking for variety, you’ll find it at the Fairmont Château Laurier. The lofty palace houses a vast collection of guest rooms and suites, which display their distinctive features and layout due to the original palace floor plan.

Before stepping inside my deluxe room, I had no idea what the space arrangement would be like. So, imagine my surprise when I saw a mysterious door a few hours after checking in. Given the Fairmont’s haunted history, I was a little nervous about exploring this elusive area that I had somehow become unaware of. To my relief, the door did not lead to some hidden corner that harbored sinister secrets. Instead, I was surprised to find a second bathroom. And if you’ve ever traveled with friends and family and shared the same room, you know what a lifesaver a second bathroom is. Even as a solo traveler, I was grateful for the extra space. In total, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier has 18 rooms equipped with two bathrooms.

Despite the hotel being over 100 years old, I didn’t feel like I was living in the past during my two-night stay. Both bathrooms leaned heavily toward modern, and the 55-inch television in the sitting area ensured I never forgot what decade I was living in. The final touch was a king size Sealy bed which left no shortage of space.

Unfortunately, I encountered two live insects during my stay at the Fairmont. Although small, the insects induced a sense of paranoia that made my stay a little less enjoyable. I also encountered an outlet that didn’t work, which can be a hassle when traveling with multiple gadgets that need constant charging.

Food and Drink

For foodies, you may find dining options limited at Fairmont Chateau Laurier. In addition to in-room dining, current options for dining include La Terrasse, Café Laurier and Wilfrid Restaurant.

I started my first morning with a hearty meal at Wilfrid’s Restaurant. The spacious dining room allows guests to order from a menu filled with breakfast main dishes or choose from a breakfast buffet. Although the breakfast buffet is always tempting, I ordered the French toast with mascarpone cream and Canadian bacon (because that’s when I was in Rome). It was a delicious, albeit heavy, way to start the day. Serving mint tea was the perfect way to end the breakfast. Service was prompt, which was especially appreciated given my busy schedule during the day.

Given that the hotel’s outdoor restaurant, La Terrasse, has a more carefree atmosphere than Wilfrid’s, I expected a menu that would reflect the easygoing ambiance. Instead, I was met with a crazy menu that included everything from ratatouille to pizza. Still, the stunning views from La Terrasse make it hard to get lost in a glass or two. And for those who prefer a quick breakfast or lunch, Café Laurier is the perfect choice if you want a small bite to eat (think salads and pastries) and a casual drink. Just keep in mind that the café closes at 4pm

Activities and Experiences

In addition to an indoor saltwater pool, the Fairmont includes a health club and fitness center equipped with premium fitness machines and free weights. As a bonus, the health club’s fitness machines feature personal flat-screen televisions to entertain you while you burn calories.

But if you prefer biscuits and clotted cream more than treadmills and squats, afternoon tea at the Fairmont may be more your speed. Afternoon tea normally takes place at Zoe, but given that the restaurant is closed for renovation, the experience now takes place at La Mezzanine. On the sweet-and-savory menu, you’ll find an assortment of tempting dishes, including blueberry scones with mascarpone cream and house-made strawberry jam, as well as herbed goat cheese sandwiches.

Accessibility and Stability

The Fairmont Chateau Laurier has 11 ADA-compliant rooms. Many areas of the hotel are also accessible, including public entrances, public restrooms, restaurants, and the fitness center. Service dogs are also welcome at the Fairmont.

If you hear a subtle buzzing during your stay, don’t worry; This is likely due to the nine beehives on the roof. The honey from the bees is used to create the hotel’s newly launched “Royal Reserve” body product line.

Place

Be prepared to make your pedometer proud as the Fairmont’s central location puts it within walking distance of many attractions. Whether you’re a museum buff or a shopaholic, a 10 to 15-minute walk takes you to a variety of galleries and shops. A fair number of restaurants are equally walkable. Regardless of the dining experience you choose, you’ll have to try the Beavertail, Canada’s most famous pastry, on your way back to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. The hotel is just steps away from Beavertails’ first brick-and-mortar location.

And for the adventurous, you can ice skate from one destination to another via the Rideau Canal. During winter, the canal becomes “the world’s largest skating rink”. Just know that nature is with you. To ensure safe skating it is necessary that the ice be 30 centimeters thick. To achieve that thickness, 10 to 14 consecutive days will be required between -10 and -20 °C.

How to get the most value from your stay

Described as a “hotel-within-a-hotel”, Fairmont Gold is a luxury offering that provides guests with an elevated experience. Fairmont Gold guests enjoy private check-in options, personal concierge service, butler services, and access to the Fairmont Gold Lounge. With this exclusive lounge access, you will be treated to a complimentary continental breakfast, evening canapés and dessert.