TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

I used to stay at the Fairmont a few times a year, as it is so well located, and a beautiful historic building, but after a disappointing experience, have stayed elsewhere the past few years. I decided to try to give it another chance. I used to stay in the Gold floors, but rates have gone up significantly, so tried a deluxe room, assuming that perhaps there had been renovations to justify the increase. The room was disappointing to say the least. First off, it was spacious, and had a couch and chair, as well as a king bed. However the couch/chair had seen better days, and the not new carpet covered a raised spot (some 20cmsq) right at the end of the bed that was a tripping hazard, the worse that it was not visible. The room was very dark, with only a small window (maybe a bit bigger than 2m x 1m). The climate control was completely ineffective - was 23 C when i entered, and despite outdoor temps in the single digits, neither AC or opening the small window achieved any temp lower than 22C. The safe was inaccessible - in a corner of the closet that could not be reached with a small suitcase on the luggage rack, and when everything was moved to access it - low and behold it was out of battery- didn't work. Don't usually use TV, but when i tried my final night - "no signal" was the message I got on turning it on, so couldn't use it. They provided bottles of water daily - which was appreciated, but they were room temp 23c), and though there was a mini bar, it was crammed full of drinks, with a warning that removing items results in an automatic charge, so no ability to cool the complimentary water. Further, ice machine on the floor - out of order. Took dingy staircase nearby to lower floor to try to get ice and found the door was locked - great! Very few power outlets - and they were loose, charging cords kept falling out. Gave it a try, but won’t be back. The area has lots of great hotels, enjoy the view of this one from the outside, and enjoy the park behind - it is worth a visit

This is an amazing hotel. Truly one of a kind. I stayed here for a work trip which happened to be in the off-season otherwise I expect my travel allowance would not have covered the cost. The hotel was relatively quiet most of the time and during my week long stay I only saw two other guests on my floor. Which had me channelling The Shining from time to time (but not in a bad way). Although the lobby can become quite busy on a weekend. On my one free day the weather was absolutely miserable so I booked a tour from one of the local companies that did a tour of the hotel. This was really good as it went into a lot of the history of the hotel and gave you access to a lot of the areas that even as a guest you could not get to like the ballrooms and function rooms which had a lot of history. It also pointed out lots of nooks and hideaway areas that you could go back and explore in your own time as a guest after the tour. Amazingly the hotel has a lot of public spaces where people can come in off the street and hang out. Including the spiral staircase that leads up to the top floor with little window seats where you can stop and read a book and look out over the city. I did use room service one night which was a little bit disappointing but I expect a little bit out of character with the salmon being quite overcooked. Breakfasts were excellent served in the restaurant a little pricey but a lot of variety. I also was fortunate enough to do the high tea one afternoon which was exceptional. These apparently book out weeks in advance on the weekend so unless you’re planning a mid week high tea I would book well in advance of your stay. All in all an amazing experience that I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to have.

The rooms and the building was too Filthy and old. The paints were falling off the walls and the doors. The AC was too loud, not functioning good enough . The rooms were too small Security is weak anyone can enter the hotel and go up to the rooms Just good for its location Long lines at the reception See the photo attached for my full review. Not worth it

Absolutely amazing hotel in the heart of Ottawa. Originally we did our research and booked a suite in a nearby hotel which was supposedly more modern, it was terrible and we left after one night! We then booked into the Fairmont Chateau Laurier for three nights which was by far the best hotel in Ottawa. Full of character, fantastic facilities, restaurants and bars and as for our room, it was stunning. We went for the Fairmont Gold experience which really worked well for us. Our initial research suggested the Fairmont was dated and gave the impression it was not modern. This was far from accurate, it had character, stunning features and every available convenience. The concierge were also extremely helpful with excellent recommendations, suggestions and advice. If you're going to Ottawa, this is the place to stay.

The Fairmont Chateau Laurier has been our go-to hotel in Ottawa for years. Our most recent stay was just a single night enroute back home after spending the New Year in Quebec. It was a Saturday night, and the World Junior Hockey Championships were in full swing, but the rates were surprisingly reasonable. I booked a Deluxe King through our travel agent, so the booking included a complimentary upgrade, late checkout, breakfast for two, and a $100 dining credit. The lobby, still decorated for Christmas with myriad trees and lights, was bustling with hockey types when we checked in, but the process was handled quickly, nonetheless. I was disappointed that we were not given an upgrade, but as it was such a short stay it didn’t really matter that much. Our room overlooked the interior of the hotel. It was spacious, with a sitting area in addition to the sleeping area, and a very large bathroom, but it lacked much character and was in need of updating. The décor was rather sparse, and the wallpaper, paint, and carpeting all showed signs of wear. The closet doors were a challenge to slide open, and one of the lamps did not work. The impression was more of a “Courtyard Marriott” than a Fairmont. We had a couple of well-prepared cocktails at Zoe’s lounge, and then decided to order a room service dinner, as the only restaurant open was rather hectic. The order arrived quickly, but again it wasn’t quite at the usual level of a Fairmont with regards to quality or presentation. The buffet breakfast the next morning continued the theme of “underwhelming.” It was sufficient, but not as elevated as what we’ve experienced at other Fairmonts. We checked out wondering where we would stay in the future when passing through Ottawa. The Chateau Laurier still enjoys a premier location, and we love its dramatic architecture and CP Hotels legacy, but it needs some TLC to bring the magic back.