Fairmont Château Laurier
Aug 16, 04, 5:17 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Here, There and Everywhere (but now on the Pacific)!
Programs: AC E75, MPC G and NEXUS/GE fan, Fairmont Plat, SPG Gold, National EE, Amex Plat
Posts: 724
Fairmont Château Laurier
While there isn't much available in terms of searching, perhaps you've stayed at the hotel, and can tell me what you thought of it.
I'm planning a trip there in the next few weeks, and while I usually stay at the Westin, i've been thinking that using my suite upgrade cert might not be a bad idea.
Thanks in advance!
I'm planning a trip there in the next few weeks, and while I usually stay at the Westin, i've been thinking that using my suite upgrade cert might not be a bad idea.
Thanks in advance!
Aug 16, 04, 5:24 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Programs: AC 50K, Hertz President’s Circle, Accor Platinum, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 10,034
Stay at the Westin. They need to dump a pile of serious cash into this joint for it to be respectable again. The pool and fitness centre is from the 20's (okay they have a treadmill or two), there are frayed carpets in the halls, the rooms are okay but overall the place is in need of a major refurb. It is nothing like the Frontenac so far as the facilities are concerned!! I would not stay there again until a refurb. The pool etc is supposedly getting a facelift in 2005.
Aug 16, 04, 5:32 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Here, There and Everywhere (but now on the Pacific)!
Programs: AC E75, MPC G and NEXUS/GE fan, Fairmont Plat, SPG Gold, National EE, Amex Plat
Posts: 724
Wow--thanks for the input.
I've stayed at some of the other "older" Fairmont properties, and have found them to be ok (Banff Springs, Frontenac, Hotel Vancouver, etc). I expected the same from the Laurier! I'll continue to stay at the Westin, I guess.
I've stayed at some of the other "older" Fairmont properties, and have found them to be ok (Banff Springs, Frontenac, Hotel Vancouver, etc). I expected the same from the Laurier! I'll continue to stay at the Westin, I guess.
Aug 17, 04, 10:29 am
#4
Join Date: May 2003
Location: YEG
Programs: AC E50 MM, WJ Gold, Marriott Titanium Elite Lifetime
Posts: 3,080
I would recommend you stay there. The corner suites have just undergone a renovation similar to some of the Jr suites which I had in May. The rooms were very nice. When you call check to see if there corner suites have been completed as they will be very nice. They are definitely better than the cookie cutter room you get at the Westin.
The Westin is great if you like to stay in a Mall. If you like some character and a newly refurbished room stay at the laurier. It is not as bad as others would have you believe.
Good Luck either way.
The Westin is great if you like to stay in a Mall. If you like some character and a newly refurbished room stay at the laurier. It is not as bad as others would have you believe.
Good Luck either way.
Aug 17, 04, 12:18 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Here, There and Everywhere (but now on the Pacific)!
Programs: AC E75, MPC G and NEXUS/GE fan, Fairmont Plat, SPG Gold, National EE, Amex Plat
Posts: 724
Ah, Flyertalk at it's greatest! Differing opinions, with both correct!
I doubt i'll be able to score a suite upgrade from a Fairmont room to a Corner Suite (probably end up in Junior Suite territory), but I can certainly try.
As far as the Westin being a "mall" property--you are completely correct. The rooms have always been decent, but the hotel DOES lack character (from the back side, at least).
I doubt i'll be able to score a suite upgrade from a Fairmont room to a Corner Suite (probably end up in Junior Suite territory), but I can certainly try.
As far as the Westin being a "mall" property--you are completely correct. The rooms have always been decent, but the hotel DOES lack character (from the back side, at least).
Aug 17, 04, 2:30 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Programs: AC 50K, Hertz President’s Circle, Accor Platinum, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 10,034
My view may be somewhat skewed as I personally value a high quality fitness centre and pool, at least a hot tub. Oh, did I mention there is no hot tub!! Anyways, yes the hotel has character but if you are thinking Frontenac you WILL be disappointed. I didn't use an upgrade here as the hotel did it themselves, up to a Deluxe anyways and this afforded a decent size room.
Aug 18, 04, 10:52 am
#7
Join Date: May 2003
Location: YEG
Programs: AC E50 MM, WJ Gold, Marriott Titanium Elite Lifetime
Posts: 3,080
Usually the upgrade is to a corner suite. I was downgraded last time to a JR as they had not yet finished their renovations. (or so they told me)
It is definitely better than the westin to have a drink in the bar and watch some of our politicians in action.
I will agree that it is not in the caliber of the Frontenac but not many properties are. Including none in Ottawa.
It is definitely better than the westin to have a drink in the bar and watch some of our politicians in action.
I will agree that it is not in the caliber of the Frontenac but not many properties are. Including none in Ottawa.
Aug 24, 04, 5:11 pm
#8
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: oak
Programs: UA slave, DL hostage, HGP tool, HH captive, SPG reject
Posts: 408
the laurier is indeed showing its age. a great location does not make up for the tiny bathrooms, worn out carpets, and rooms that seriously need renovation. i stay at the hilton even if it means an extra 10 minute drive. heck imo the hilton is one of the best hotels in canada.
Aug 27, 04, 5:43 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2001
Location: NWA Platinum, PC Platinum, HH Gold, Radisson elite, Hertz #1 Gold; National Emerald, Wausau, WI
Posts: 1,482
Get the Sunday brunch, if you are in Ottowa
Whether you stay at the Chateau Laurier or not, the Sunday bruch is super. Served in Zoe's lounge, which is just to your right as you enter from the hotel's front door, the presentation is a feast for the eyes in variety, colors, smells and succulent textures of food. There is so much that it is not possible to even sample much of it, but you can resolve to visit again and it is a promise you should be happy to have the opportunity to keep. French specialities such as pates and delicately smoked salmon; croissants and breads; beef bourgignon; glazed fruit desserts; bay shrimp; trout; charcuterie; leg of lambs; crepes -- plus a full line-up of traditional breakfast favorites -- it's a fabulous cornucopia and it's all very well-prepared and presented.
As if the luscious menu itself isn't enough, it is all enjoyed in a classic, white-linen, chandeliered, dining room that will leave you feeling that you are experiencing one of life's great luxuries -- and you most certainly are. You owe yourself this wonderful treat if you find yourself in Canada's capital city on a Sunday morning. It's fabulous.
As if the luscious menu itself isn't enough, it is all enjoyed in a classic, white-linen, chandeliered, dining room that will leave you feeling that you are experiencing one of life's great luxuries -- and you most certainly are. You owe yourself this wonderful treat if you find yourself in Canada's capital city on a Sunday morning. It's fabulous.
Sep 28, 05, 4:15 pm
#10
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: MSP (and will only fly NWA in re-routes if I HAVE to)
Programs: AA EXP (4.5MM), hotel programs as needed
Posts: 5,800
FAIRMONT CHÂTEAU LAURIER - Ottawa
Just got back from a WONDERFUL (again) weekend at the Fairmont in Ottawa.
Took the YOW Shuttle from the airport to the hotel (and back) .. decent timing and not bad ride.
Hotel. Small checkin area and a roped off line for President's club ... the Concierge and Bellmen share a desk on the right.
Got an 'upgrade' to a deluxe room courtesy. Room 600. WAY at the end of the halls (several turns) and wondered if it was worth the walk. YES YES YES!!! A corner room (bed and sofa and work desk) facing the lake and the canal/Parlinment building. The desk was in the 'turret' area of this top floor room and had two long narrow windows again facing the lake and canal. FABULOUS VIEW and could not complain on the room at all!!
Bathroom decent sized .... the tub was strange that its bottom seemed lower than the rest of the floor ... kinda a step down into it... but plenty of hot water and pressure!
Room service was nice .. and fast. No complaints there.... tho should have ordered the Table De Hote menu vs a sandwich!
Concierge made suggestion of Gray Line tour .. city by hop-on/off bus and then a lake cruise tour. There was not much other choices .. the 'ducks' looked a bit confining (no open deck space). The stops that were available were nice and interesting enough, but you had to dedicate one hour to the process as the bus dropped you then the next bus an hour later came by again. If you wanted to do two tours it was a long day tho I understand the tour purchase allowed you two days of bus access. Did not do anything else .. a bit of shopping!
The hotel recommended an Indian restaurant (my choice and there were MANY other ethnic choices as well as seafood) in the historic area (historic=touristy) that was VERY VERY good. The rest of the area did have street markets (veg and clothes) as well as many trendy shops.
Hotel was VERY good by Fairmont standards .. GREAT staff and wonderful location. No Fairmont doggie tho!
A word the the Cross-Border travelers (back to the US) about the airport tho. You pre-clear US Immigration/Customs at YOW and then are in a secured area... the gates (like 1-12). There is ONLY one restaurant in that secure area (ok bar and carry out) and the food was POOOOOOR. I had seen a Tim Horton's (ok I am a tourist but like it) on the way in at the airport (must have been the arrivals side) and wanted breakfast there. No such luck .. and not a decent breakfast! If you want food .. DO NOT check your luggage in at the airline as they said once you check in with the carrier you MUST go thru Immigration.
Off to the Royal York in Toronto next month as a tourist .. and will report back. Stayed there for months on business (ok slept there working 10-12 hour days) so need to see the 'real' side of the hotel.
Took the YOW Shuttle from the airport to the hotel (and back) .. decent timing and not bad ride.
Hotel. Small checkin area and a roped off line for President's club ... the Concierge and Bellmen share a desk on the right.
Got an 'upgrade' to a deluxe room courtesy. Room 600. WAY at the end of the halls (several turns) and wondered if it was worth the walk. YES YES YES!!! A corner room (bed and sofa and work desk) facing the lake and the canal/Parlinment building. The desk was in the 'turret' area of this top floor room and had two long narrow windows again facing the lake and canal. FABULOUS VIEW and could not complain on the room at all!!
Bathroom decent sized .... the tub was strange that its bottom seemed lower than the rest of the floor ... kinda a step down into it... but plenty of hot water and pressure!
Room service was nice .. and fast. No complaints there.... tho should have ordered the Table De Hote menu vs a sandwich!
Concierge made suggestion of Gray Line tour .. city by hop-on/off bus and then a lake cruise tour. There was not much other choices .. the 'ducks' looked a bit confining (no open deck space). The stops that were available were nice and interesting enough, but you had to dedicate one hour to the process as the bus dropped you then the next bus an hour later came by again. If you wanted to do two tours it was a long day tho I understand the tour purchase allowed you two days of bus access. Did not do anything else .. a bit of shopping!
The hotel recommended an Indian restaurant (my choice and there were MANY other ethnic choices as well as seafood) in the historic area (historic=touristy) that was VERY VERY good. The rest of the area did have street markets (veg and clothes) as well as many trendy shops.
Hotel was VERY good by Fairmont standards .. GREAT staff and wonderful location. No Fairmont doggie tho!
A word the the Cross-Border travelers (back to the US) about the airport tho. You pre-clear US Immigration/Customs at YOW and then are in a secured area... the gates (like 1-12). There is ONLY one restaurant in that secure area (ok bar and carry out) and the food was POOOOOOR. I had seen a Tim Horton's (ok I am a tourist but like it) on the way in at the airport (must have been the arrivals side) and wanted breakfast there. No such luck .. and not a decent breakfast! If you want food .. DO NOT check your luggage in at the airline as they said once you check in with the carrier you MUST go thru Immigration.
Off to the Royal York in Toronto next month as a tourist .. and will report back. Stayed there for months on business (ok slept there working 10-12 hour days) so need to see the 'real' side of the hotel.
Jul 2, 09, 7:28 am
#11
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Sol III
Programs: FPC Plat, SPG Gold, HH Diamond, PC Plt Amb
Posts: 1,329
Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Ottawa
Finishing a two night stay at Chateau Laurier for Canada Day. Wonderful Stay!
First, check in was smooth. My room was ready for me when I arrived. Even (for the first time) got upgraded without using a coupon. Got a very large Deluxe room with a view of Parliament. Great for fireworks etc. Room is X81. Very nicely furnished. Good size bathroom with marble etc. Large walk in closet, with safe. Sofa, flat screen, fridge, the usual. Just generally a very comfortable and spacious room.
But, AC is not the most efficient. I can imagine it would be quite warm in the room on a really hot day. As is, I have to set it to the lowest temp and highest fan speed, and it's barely cool enough.
Had dinner at Wilfrid's on Canada Day. They featured a nice buffet for just $49 a person. Great deal. Then we went on the terrace (private access for Fairmont guests) to watch the fireworks (better than in our room). Just wonderful.
Self-park is available, but if your car needs high clearing, valet is better. The garage has a clearing of only 6' 2". We did valet. Cost $9 more a day, we were told. But I wasn't about to drive around looking for a garage, esp not with Canada Day festivities happening over the two days.
Asked about late check-out, and was told no problem, Plt automatically get late checkout till 3 pm. More than what I needed. Great.
Room noise very manageable. Next door neighbours are quiet, even though the next room had little kids (yes, so occasionally I do hear them, but nothing really loud). Exterior noise not bad, despite all the music and stuff going on July 1. Overall, very good sound insulation.
This is my first time at this hotel, and I am very happy with it. Will definitely return.
First, check in was smooth. My room was ready for me when I arrived. Even (for the first time) got upgraded without using a coupon. Got a very large Deluxe room with a view of Parliament. Great for fireworks etc. Room is X81. Very nicely furnished. Good size bathroom with marble etc. Large walk in closet, with safe. Sofa, flat screen, fridge, the usual. Just generally a very comfortable and spacious room.
But, AC is not the most efficient. I can imagine it would be quite warm in the room on a really hot day. As is, I have to set it to the lowest temp and highest fan speed, and it's barely cool enough.
Had dinner at Wilfrid's on Canada Day. They featured a nice buffet for just $49 a person. Great deal. Then we went on the terrace (private access for Fairmont guests) to watch the fireworks (better than in our room). Just wonderful.
Self-park is available, but if your car needs high clearing, valet is better. The garage has a clearing of only 6' 2". We did valet. Cost $9 more a day, we were told. But I wasn't about to drive around looking for a garage, esp not with Canada Day festivities happening over the two days.
Asked about late check-out, and was told no problem, Plt automatically get late checkout till 3 pm. More than what I needed. Great.
Room noise very manageable. Next door neighbours are quiet, even though the next room had little kids (yes, so occasionally I do hear them, but nothing really loud). Exterior noise not bad, despite all the music and stuff going on July 1. Overall, very good sound insulation.
This is my first time at this hotel, and I am very happy with it. Will definitely return.
Aug 4, 09, 10:51 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Here, There and Everywhere (but now on the Pacific)!
Programs: AC E75, MPC G and NEXUS/GE fan, Fairmont Plat, SPG Gold, National EE, Amex Plat
Posts: 724
Chateau Laurier Review
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
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
May 10, 10, 1:35 pm
#13
Join Date: May 2007
Location: YYZ, but my heart is in Asia
Programs: AC-SE, CX-DM, DL-G, Hyatt-DM, Hilton-DM, Fairmont-Plt, Marriott-S, Accor-Plt, SPG-G, IHG-Plt
Posts: 4,396
Is there anybody recently stayed at the Fairmont Ottawa? I have an upcoming stay there with a confirmed corner suite. One of my employees just came back from a nightmare stay there. Because of her experience, I am now thinking twice whether I should stay elsewhere in my upcoming trip to Ottawa.
She is not a Fairmont status member and she didn't get any room upgrades. But she was digusted by the old/dirty/musty rooms at the hotel. She said she will not return to this hotel ever.
I know I am pickier than she is. But will that be substantial difference between a regular room and a corner suite in this hotel? If there is, I would give it a try. If there is not, I might want to cancel my booking and stay at the Westin across the street.
Thanks in advance.
She is not a Fairmont status member and she didn't get any room upgrades. But she was digusted by the old/dirty/musty rooms at the hotel. She said she will not return to this hotel ever.
I know I am pickier than she is. But will that be substantial difference between a regular room and a corner suite in this hotel? If there is, I would give it a try. If there is not, I might want to cancel my booking and stay at the Westin across the street.
Thanks in advance.
Last edited by jarusoba; May 10, 10 at 3:22 pm
May 10, 10, 6:02 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Programs: DL PM, HH Diamond, Fairmont Prem, SPG Gold, Priority Club Plat/IC Amb, AmEx Plat
Posts: 10,839
Is there anybody recently stayed at the Fairmont Ottawa? I have an upcoming stay there with a confirmed corner suite. One of my employees just came back from a nightmare stay there. Because of her experience, I am now thinking twice whether I should stay elsewhere in my upcoming trip to Ottawa.
She is not a Fairmont status member and she didn't get any room upgrades. But she was digusted by the old/dirty/musty rooms at the hotel. She said she will not return to this hotel ever.
I know I am pickier than she is. But will that be substantial difference between a regular room and a corner suite in this hotel? If there is, I would give it a try. If there is not, I might want to cancel my booking and stay at the Westin across the street.
Thanks in advance.
She is not a Fairmont status member and she didn't get any room upgrades. But she was digusted by the old/dirty/musty rooms at the hotel. She said she will not return to this hotel ever.
I know I am pickier than she is. But will that be substantial difference between a regular room and a corner suite in this hotel? If there is, I would give it a try. If there is not, I might want to cancel my booking and stay at the Westin across the street.
Thanks in advance.
May 11, 10, 8:01 am
#15
Join Date: May 2007
Location: YYZ, but my heart is in Asia
Programs: AC-SE, CX-DM, DL-G, Hyatt-DM, Hilton-DM, Fairmont-Plt, Marriott-S, Accor-Plt, SPG-G, IHG-Plt
Posts: 4,396
I guess I would give it a shot. It will be just a short one-night stay there. Plus I'm using the free night cert, which I don't think I would have a chance to use it if I don't use it this time. All my trips till Feb 11 have been booked and I don't plan to go to anywhere with a Fairmont by then.
If there is anyone else with poor recent experience there, please post or PM.
