Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Hello! I have just come back from a fabulous trip to Quebec City and wanted to share my experience after referring to it frequently for tips and suggestions for my stay of 1 evening at the Fairmont Frontenac. I have added photos for perusal as the reviews here lacked any “inside glimpses.” I hope it will shed just a tad more insight and help with your decision to either stay here or not. I bit the bullet and splurged on a “Gold Room” so that I could cap the last night of my excursion in luxury with an experience that would be quintessentially “Quebec” as the Frontenac is both symbolic and central to this beautiful city. I wrestled with what type of room I should book: Inner court room view vs. Gold Room (Guaranteed upper level room w/ view of Old Quebec or St. Lawrence River) It was ultimately the latter after some feedback on a Trip Advisor Forum on the topic. The “inner court yard view” is basically a view of the car port with no views of the city or river at all. Noisy as well, as tourist foot traffic and the hustle & bustle of patrons checking in and out is taking place continually. So, if a beautiful sea or cityscape and quiet serenity is important to you, I will advise against booking for such a room. So alas, I footed for the astronomical price for a Gold Room just to satisfy my obsession with staying at the Frontenac once in my life and was glad that I chose the upgrade, even if ultimately it still wasn’t all as glamorous as I had imagined. ~ The Hotel: Yes; it is a majestic and beautiful site to behold – particularly at night when soft lights illuminate from its’ patina-laden pointed rooftops. Once inside, the historic charm follows through and electric candelabras, dark woods and oriental carpeting make for a stately impression at first – but because it is so popular, its’ attempt at a grand impression can be easily dashed as it can quickly become more like Grand Central Station. Upon our check-in, we had to wait in a roped-off line and felt like we were checking in at an airport. There was some kind of convention going on, so the lobby would quickly become crowded and the jovial scotch-drinkin crowd drowned out the elegant background music, as did the occasionally camera flash, baby-stroller or hyper-active child. The Frontenac offers hotel tours too, so if you want a walk around with a history lesson attached, do so – it would probably be the thing to do. The lobby level also contains the hotel restaurant and various shoppes and services. High-quality items but OVERPRICED. You can get any of those things cheaper anywhere, somewhere. We were quite reserved and kept our dining and shopping experiences outside the Frontenac and were quite, quite pleased. (e.g. 1 litre of spring water or chocolate bar at the hotel = $5.00 USD – yikes!) The Gold Room treatment afforded us to easily escape all this as Gold Room clients have a private concierge located on the 14th floor. Our room was located on the 12th (1214, to be exact) and it was convenient enough to walk the flight up to get there rather than wait for the elevator to get to you (FYI: Gold Room floors have their own separate elevators) My room in 1214 was almost directly across from the elevator, so once in the room you could hear it as it moved up and down and the doors opened and shut. I barely heard it and found it faint, but my beau felt compelled to leave our TV on when we turned in, to mask the sound. ~ The Room: It is pretty. It is. Just not drop-dead gorgeous. The décor was one of dark cherry, beige, cream and light gold. Big on the Jacquard prints and embossed wallpaper. Like Grandmum’s heirloom room: think Bombay Company/Victorianesque and you get the picture. The décor, though pretty and elegant – was certainly still only basic, considering what you pay for it. In addition, bath fixtures and other details appeared dated. This was mentioned in some prior reviews and I agree. I failed to mention how my beau nudged me when checking in to point out the frayed rug binding and how they did not bother to replace it, but simply cut pieces off with a scissor. For a supposed top-notch hotel, there are definite flaws; there is no denying. When entering my room, I dropped my bag and ran over to the window. after all, the sweeping views are a big part of the price tag. The view was gorgeous: of “Old Quebec” but could become quite old for some. I have attached a photo of my view with this review, as well as a view of what one might see if you are lucky enough to have a view of the city/ St. Lawrence River. We asked to switch at check-in as it seemed much more impressive, but it was not possible. I clicked a picture of that awesome view and have also included here as well. So, you think that the hotel could at least offer you a basket of goodies when you get into your room – well, the catch is they do, but with a high price $$ - Don’t eat anything in your room, particularly from the basket, lest they’ve got you for good $50 if you decide to devour it all: pretzels, bottled water, chocolate bar, nuts, etc. Nothing special. We quickly realized that the Frontenac appeared to be a rip-off and seemed to be paranoid as the evening went on. For instance, we left to further scope the scene and came back to find that “someone” came into our room and prepared it for our night’s rest. A small note card of thanks with 2 shortbread cookies lay on the bed. It was a sweet gesture, but we wondered: Are these free? Can we eat them? After turning them over several times and rereading the note card we failed to see a sticker price and took the risk and ATE them! Yum, they were delicious!! It was a little disheartening to be made to feel like a cash-cow for this hotel, I have to say. And I have to admit that I checked the itemized bill to see if I had been charged! Luckily, no. Back to the room: Not much to really say – pretty clean, soft great bed with down comforter (The bed gets an A++), armoire with tv inside, writing desk and 2 beautifully upholstered lounge chairs (Super comfy) – But no bells and whistles here. Carpeted average size room, marble bath, safe-deposit box. There was an iron, ironing board, extra blanket, his & her terry cloth bathrobes and even umbrellas in the closet – but no refrigerator and no hairdryer in the room. ~ The Service/Concierge : Very, very good. The concierge cannot be beat in terms of being kind, effective, informative, helpful, and efficient. It was the best aspect of this hotel, aside from its beautiful façade and location. ~ Extras to note: We utilized the pool on the 6th floor – Warning to those staying on the 6th floor or a floor close to it: IT WILL SMELL OF CHLORINE –take note This pool is small and has no diving platform – I don’t think it goes beyond a height of 5 ft or so. Used primarily for laps. There is also a great hot tub, also small - located in the rear of the pool and small kiddy pool off to the side. It was never that crowded so it was okay, going once at about 8:00pm and again in the morning at about 8:00am. This is a refreshing respite after walking around all day. There was also an exercise room which we did not utilize. By the pool, you can go outside to a terrace and enjoy the architecture and festive music that rises from the street cafes below. This is one of 2 terraces; the other faces the Dufferin Terrace overlooking the river on the opposite side of the hotel. ~Food: Did not allow myself to have dinner here, but was completely led amiss about the breakfast. Gold members have a breakfast included with their stay and I thought this included the “gastronomical feast fit for a king” I had heard some trip advisors rave about. I was soo looking forward to it and so was my beau as it was the only meal included with the stay. We were mistaken! It was not the all-you-can-eat buffet – they must have offered somewhere else for the $25 per person charge, but rather just an average all-you-can eat Continental Breakfast!! You should have seen the disappointment on our faces. The offerings: Croissants, Danish/sweet buns, cereal, fresh juices, brown beans & maple syrup, oatmeal, mackerel fillet (capers & onions), fresh and fruits, yogurt, apple crepes and a variety of jams and breakfast pates and spreads. We were expecting so much more than this and imagined thick, billowing Belgian Waffles with fruit, eggs prepared in sundry tasty ways, juicy sausages and homemade, hot buns smothered in butter. We got zip. Nothing hot but the coffee and maybe the brown beans - Not the nicest sight to see first thing in the morning. The breakfast takes place on the private concierge lounge on the 14th floor and between 5-7pm there is a lounge cocktail open where an all-you-can-eat appetizers are offered (crackers, cheeses & finger foods) Alcoholic beverages and spirits are charged to your room. There is no balcony that lets you take advantage of this lounge, which would have been terrific - but you can take a tray of assorted food up to your room if you wished. The lounge also has free internet access. Just one computer (and always someone on it when we were around) ~Ending notes: If you are used to great 5 star hotels, you will not be that impressed by the Frontenac, unless of course your attitude is either you just want that Quebec City experience of the Frontenac for experience sake, OR money is no option (therefore, you could eat, drink, and dream the night away without a care of the $1000 CAD bill once the evening is tallied) Otherwise, I’d suggest you look elsewhere. Parking is additional: Around $25 or $35 dollars a day, I think. We were there a few days prior and had only one duffle bag each and so we kept our car at the municipal garage on the corner of St. Anne & Desjardins and were able to pay $10 a day via our previous hotel. This garage is a 5 minute walk away. Also, if you are a young couple (As we, both 30 yrs.) You may find this place a bit too puffy in taste and a bit dowdy – as it attracts more of an older crowd. If you are in Quebec City for a fun/care-free romantic weekend I would suggest a place like: Hotel Sainte-Anne (read my upcoming review on Trip Advisor) Overall, if you MUST stay here – by all means do so. No one could talk me out of it. My beau, on the other hand, raises an eyebrow after I tell him that I was grateful for the inside experience. He was extremely disappointed and cheated. Not impressed in the least, as we have stayed in nicer digs for a fraction of the cost with so much more included. I agree and have to give him credit. “Frontenac, Schmatenac” he says. This review is the subjective

This hotel is gorgeous. Impeccable rooms, friendly staff and delicious food. You feel as though you have entered France without the long flight. The rooms are like rooms you would find in a castle. High ceiling large bathrooms, antique decor. I would recommend this hotel to anyone who would like a fantastic getaway. Plenty of restaurants and cofffee shops to walk to. I loved it, I can't say enough about it!

Just spent 5 nights at le chateau with a friend to celebrate new years. we spent 4 nights in a big room (8284) with two beds, a small tv, and a shower that was not that great. the beds were excelent and there was not much noise in the halways. the room did not have very big windows so basically no views unless you stand right next to them. the next room (5112) was small but had a plasma tv and a much better shower. one the bad side it was right in front of the elevator and as a result there was lots of noise. One big window but the view was of the courtyard area. pool - nice hot tub and pool gym - out dated weight equipment but cardo stuff was good lobby bar - an excelent place to meet fellow travellers, great friendly service location - awesome - plenty of bars/reastaurants/shops close by (make sure to wear waterproof boots if you visit in the winter because the streets and sidewalks don't get shovelled or plowed very well!)

Especially in Quebec City, don't even think about staying anywhere else if you are here to see Old Quebec (which everyone is). Don't worry about the $$$$$, as you will defnly be thankful you spent the extra moola. I have a simple principal....when you are in a city as walkeable as Quebec, stay at the biggest and most visible and prettiest hotel in the city....uh, I wonder which one that would be in QC. One other plus was we were there over Easter weekend, and they had an Easter Sunday Brunch that did cost quite a bit.....but MAN, was there enough food or what - basically an entire Ballroom full of food....When it comes to Food Feasts, Fairmont knows their stuff!

This amazing castle must be one of the most magical places I have ever stayed in. We were there for 3 nights as part of our honeymoon and fell in love with this little town and the hotel. Firstly, you will spend about 10 minutes before entering the hotel just admiring the outside. We had a very large room which overlooked the water. You are in the heart of quebec city, so restuarants, cafes etc are at your doorstep. The staff were very friendly and helpful. My husband left some clothes in our hotel in montreal and they organised for it to be sent to us. Quebec city is like a little old french town, so staying here made the experience even more beautiful. I would definately go back to quebec and stay here only.

Words are insufficient to convey the experience of living for a few days in such a place of Canadian History. This hotel is fairytale like in all of its finishes. We were a family of four and never tired of exploring all of the interesting aspects of this property. Being winter, we availed ourselves of the many family friendly activities in the Quebec City area...i.e. toboganning on the terrace outside the hotel, using the ferry to cross the river, riding on the Furnicular, driving out to see the Ice Hotel and spending a day at the Valcartier Village winter amusement park. Fairmont clearly focuses on the attention to detail...e.g. they provided complimentary child size robes to enjoy while using their pool aswell as ensuring friendly encounters with all manner of staff. Our suite was historical in its charm and maintained to a very high standard. The worst part of our stay was having to leave. I highly recommend this property to those making this their first or perhaps only visit to Quebec City.

Everything we hoped for in this Castle like Hotel It was a very short ride from the airport. When we checked in we learned we were upgraded quite a few levels to our surprise. The room was very very lovely and accommodating. We have traveled in Europe and the room and hotel gave us the same special feeling without leaving North America. The staff was very very attentive and the location of the Hotel was the best. Middle of everything in Old Quebec City! Marvelous Time! Traveller's tip on getting the most out of your stay If your concerned about he high price of food. Try having dinner at lunch time. Also, try to take a tour outside the area to get a better feel of the life in Quebec!

Old-world elegance Chateau Frontenac is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a grand hotel with the ambiance of an earlier era. The rooms are a bit small, but nicely decorated and outfitted. (Except for music options, no CD-player or iPod dock where we were) But look out the window and you’ll think you’re in France a century or two ago, so who needs much more than that? Also, the pool was really wonderful, especially when you look out on the snowy landscape. Take the hotel tour, too. Traveller's tip on dining There are many good options near the hotel. If you’re into bland, over-priced food, go to Aux Anciens Canadiennes restaurant. But I’m not. Go to the Continental instead.