Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is a historic luxury hotel dating back to 1893. Set on a bluff above the Old City and the St Lawrence River, its imposing French chateau-like exterior dominates the Old City skyline, with turrets, steep pitched roofs, and an elegant stone-and-brick facade. Inside, the lobby is a major tourist attraction, with a grand staircase topped by a 15-foot chandelier, coffered and painted ceilings, wood paneling throughout, and gleaming marble floors with plush rugs. Extensive renovations in 2014 gave the hotel a fresher, more contemporary feel while preserving the structure’s historic elements, creating sophisticated interiors that combine tasteful decor with commanding views from many of its common spaces and rooms. The hotel is an extremely popular tourist attraction in the Old City and can feel overrun with tourists at times, especially the lobby, which is also the meeting point for the hotel’s guided tours, available to guests and non-guests for a fee. This is a unique luxury hotel in Quebec, but some guests find entry-level rooms overpriced, especially for their size and decor, which can be classic or dated depending on taste. The nearby Auberge Saint-Antoine is another top luxury pick in town, with slightly lower rates and sophisticated rooms that are double the size of those at the Fairmont. Travelers seeking something more budget-friendly and casual in the Old City may want to consider L’Hotel du Vieux-Quebec. 

The Fairmont is not just in the heart of the Old City, the hotel itself is a popular destination in the neighborhood. The area around it is always busy with tourists, and non-guests taking photos are a common sight in the lobby. The hotel offers some of the best views of the Saint Lawrence River and the city center, and is within walking distance of many popular tourist attractions, including Notre-Dame de Quebec Cathedral, Maison Chevalier, Place Royale, and the Citadel, all within a 10-minute walk of the hotel. The House of Parliament and the Museum of Civilization are both just a little farther away. The cruise terminal is a 10-minute drive away, while the airport can be reached by car in about 25 minutes. 

The vast majority of the hotel’s 611 rooms underwent extensive renovations in 2014 and have sophisticated, plush decor in a soft palette with pops of jewel hues. Caramel-colored walls and warm lights make rooms cozy and welcoming, while padded headboards and wooden furniture with clean lines stand out against the smoky-gray carpets with delicate geometrical patterns. Entry-level Fairmont units are the only rooms that did not receive major updates, and while they’re in great shape and tastefully designed with classic elements, some guests have found the style a tad dated, due to the yellow wallpaper, blue and off-white carpets, heavy curtains matching the bed skirts, and dark-wood furniture. Starting at 175 square feet, these rooms are also small for the price. Most rooms have big windows offering wonderful river or city vistas, but some -- including Fairmont Rooms and some Deluxe units -- have limited views. Amenities are up-to-date across the board and include coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs with pay-per-view movies, and minibars. All rooms are also equipped with air-conditioning, but there have been some reports that it can be temperamental. Bathrooms vary between room types, but most are compact (if modern), with walk-in showers, small sink areas with antique-style taps, Le Labo toiletries, and hairdryers. Non-renovated bathrooms have shower/tub combos with fabric curtains.  

Aside from the stunning architecture and rich history, the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is known for its fabulous dining options. The beautiful Le Champlain, with its elegant paneling, big windows, handsome wooden floors, and extensive wine selection, is the place to go for a formal dinner (or Sunday brunch). Le Sam Bistro offers lunch and happy hour drinks, along with food to share in a sophisticated dining rooms with a casual atmosphere and beautiful river views. 1608 serves up wine and cheese in a beautiful space with a cozy feel, while Place Dufferin is a popular spot for breakfast and afternoon tea. There is also a Starbucks corner on-site. Moment Spa features a good menu of body treatments and salon services in a contemporary space on the sixth floor. It also offers direct access to the heated indoor pool, which features a kiddy section and a whirlpool, and a 24-hour gym. Fitness classes and personal training sessions can be requested for a fee.Wi-Fi is available for a fee, except in Fairmont Gold rooms, which also come with access to a private lounge offering free breakfast and free evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The hotel also features extensive meeting space, including a 700-person ballroom, several meeting rooms, and a business center with printing services. Valet parking is available for a nightly fee.