I just returned from a short stay in the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. My stay was in a regular room on the Fairmont Gold floor, so if you are on another floor, YMMV.

In general, the hotel is a great property that is unique in Ottawa for having a sense of style and place that no other property has. The location, just opposite Parliament Hill, is perfect for downtown sightseeing and for hanging around the Byward Market. The hotel is a city landmark, and really does look like a "castle".

The 4th floor Gold rooms are average Fairmont rooms that are showing signs of wear. Furniture is old though well maintained, bathrooms are reasonably plush and the room is otherwise "average". This is a disappointment for those paying a premium to stay on the Gold floor, however the magic of the floor is truly in the service.

I've previously stayed in a suite on the Gold floor, and they are a cut above (but just, and they won't wow you with their opulence).

The Gold lounge is well stocked for breakfast and evening snacks with a mixture of hot and cold items. The staff there are fantastic at taking care of you. Any request is looked after promptly, and alway "with pleasure".

The common areas (Lobby, restaurants) of the hotel are quite nice, however the health club change facilities are very poor for a city centre hotel of this calibre.

I recommend the hotel because of the location more than anything else. While the rooms could use an extensive modernization program to compete with new top tier hotels, when visiting a city like Ottawa, location is most important. And if you are on the NFAF rate, the prices can't be beat.

Location: 10/10
Rooms: 6/10
Service: 9/10
Common Areas: 8/10

Overal: 8.25/10