EXPLORED

Fairmont Château Laurier – Ottawa

February 2, 2015

There’s something so special about staying at a historic hotel; just the thought of people enjoying the same space for over a century makes me giddy. I always wonder: who would have stayed there? what clothes would they have worn? what food would they have feasted on? what special occasions would they have celebrated? It’s kind of enchanting if you stop to think about it. Sadly, it’s becoming increasingly rare to find these majestic hotels in our parts of the world. But don’t fret, there remain some gems that embrace their history with a unique sense of pride: Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa is one such hotel…

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

Reminiscent of a 16th century French château, the hotel was built in 1912 and stands proudly between the Canadian Parliament Buildings and the Rideau Centre. It’s truly a site to marvel at from any angle. I still remember admiring the grand structure when I was a kid. We never ventured inside, so the rest of it remained a mystery to me until a recent trip to Ottawa…

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

The hotel is as charming and regal as I had imagined; I could honestly feel its history as soon as I stepped foot inside the historic lobby…

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

Hotel lobby circa 1960s. Photo credit: Fairmont Château Laurier archives

Like kids in a candy store, my photographer and I wandered through the stately halls on a self-guided, historical tablet tour (free and available at the concierge 24/7). We left no area unexplored as we closely examined the vintage photographs and paintings that line the walls while listening to the history of the hotel. Each area was equally fascinating as the next – from the Reading Room and the French Corridor to The Alcove and the Drawing Room (we had a few Downton Abbey and Beauty and the Beast moments)…

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

I was a bit melancholy as we walked through the elegant château knowing that the visionary behind the hotel, Charles Melville Hays, never had a chance to see it himself (he sadly perished on the Titanic). But I found some solace in knowing that so many guests have been able to share his dream for over a century – from vacationing families and international tourists to some of the most influential people in history (King George VI, Queen Elizabeth, Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle, Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama and Yo-Yo Ma, just to name of few). Needless to say, we felt incredibly fortunate to stay in the same quarters…

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

Our Deluxe Room with two double beds had a great view of the Parliament Buildings, a huge walk-in closet for all of our winter gear, free WiFi (as part of their complimentary Fairmont President’s Club perks) and a luxe bathroom with all the modern touches.

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

We didn’t get a chance to swim in the art deco pool at the hotel, but we did get a quick peek:

I started daydreaming about what it would’ve looked like in the early days and was pleasantly surprised to find a photo from the 30s in their archives!

Photo credit: Fairmont Château Laurier archives

We did have a chance to brunch at the award-winning Wilfred’s Restaurant. Although it offers a fantastic view of the Parliament Buildings and an extensive selection of hot and cold items, the buffet is a bit pricey ($44 for adults, $22 for children). It’s a great place for a long, leisurely brunch (where you can take full advantage of their offerings), but can be skipped if you’re in a crunch for time. Do not leave without trying the blueberry tarts and maple crepes: they are divine.

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

Photo credit: Sik Photography.

Overall, we had a great stay at Fairmont Château Laurier; the rooms were spacious, the service was attentive and you really can’t beat the location. But what I found most impressive was its charm and history: a story that fascinates me now as much as the exterior captivated my heart years ago.

Our stay and brunch at Fairmont Château Laurier was complimentary. As always, all reviews and opinions are entirely my own.

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