The hype
Guests are blown away by the castle architecture and location but frequently disappointed by the dated condition of standard rooms.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want the quintessential Ottawa experience where you can sleep in a castle, spot politicians in the lobby, and walk to Parliament in 3 minutes.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location right next to Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal
- The 'Fairmont Gold' floor offers a private, luxurious hotel-within-a-hotel experience
- Historic grandeur that feels like a Canadian version of Downton Abbey
Quick Take: It’s a stunning historic icon from the outside, but unless you book a renovated room or Gold floor, the interiors can feel like a tired grandmother's house with small bathrooms and lumpy mattresses.
Reviewed by @travelagentwithoutborders: I felt like actual royalty staying here. From the moment those golden elevator doors opened, the experience was magical. My suite was enormous, and working at the desk with a view of the castle turrets made even emails feel cinematic. Definitely the best spot in Ottawa.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the address and the lobby; the standard rooms often have peeling paint, old carpets, and noisy heating units.
- You are a history buff who loves the idea of staying in a railway castle
- You are attending a conference or wedding on-site
- You have the budget to upgrade to a 'View' room or the Gold Floor
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.2
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reports of 'missed spots' like dust on baseboards.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean but dated. Grout in older showers can look discolored simply due to age.
- Maintenance: The biggest issue. Peeling wallpaper, chipped paint, and cracked tiles are common in non-renovated rooms.
- Linens & towels: Standard Fairmont quality—crisp and clean, though towels can feel a bit thin in standard rooms.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of expensive perfume (Le Labo Rose 31); older hallways can have a faint 'old building' musty smell.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street traffic from Rideau Street
- Old, rattling heating/AC units
- Hallway noise due to large gaps under doors
Before you book
Good to know
- Join the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) loyalty program for free before booking to get free Wi-Fi (otherwise it's ~$16 CAD/day).
- The pool water is often reported as 'freezing' by guests—be prepared.
- Afternoon Tea at Zoe's is popular and requires reservations weeks in advance.
What to pack
- Slippers (carpets in standard rooms can feel worn)
- A sleep mask (blackout curtains in older rooms may have gaps)
- Formal attire if you plan to have tea at Zoe's or dinner at Wilfrid's
Room Genie
Best picks
- Fairmont Gold Room (3rd/4th floor) for renovated interiors and lounge access
- Fairmont View Room (West Wing) for direct views of Parliament and the Canal locks
- Corner Suites in the East Wing for more space and quiet overlooking Major's Hill Park
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Fairmont Rooms facing the inner courtyard (dark, no view)
- Rooms near the elevators on lower floors (noisy)
- 5th Floor rooms if you are superstitious (rumored to be haunted by Charles Melville Hays)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a room in the East Wing facing Major's Hill Park for a quieter stay. If possible, a renovated room with a bathtub would be much appreciated.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool open?
Yes, usually, but it is closed for annual maintenance from Jan 5-16, 2026. It's an Art Deco lap pool, not a warm leisure pool.
How much is parking?
Valet is approx. $68 CAD/night with in/out privileges. Self-parking is available at nearby garages (e.g., Rideau Centre) for less but is not connected to the hotel.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
Yes, for a fee of $60 CAD per stay. They even have a canine ambassador named Stewart.
Does the hotel have air conditioning?
Yes, but in older rooms, it can be a loud window/wall unit rather than silent central air.
Is breakfast included?
Only if you book a 'Gold' floor room or a specific bed-and-breakfast package. Otherwise, it's à la carte at Wilfrid's.
Is the hotel haunted?
Legend says yes. Charles Melville Hays, who commissioned the hotel but died on the Titanic, is said to haunt the 5th floor.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Use the side exit near Wilfrid's to get directly to the Rideau Canal locks for a morning run.
- ✨
The 'mail chutes' by the elevators are still functional—bring a postcard and drop it in from your floor.
- ✨
If you don't want to pay for the hotel breakfast, 'Le Moulin de Provence' in the ByWard Market is a 5-minute walk for great pastries.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Canine Ambassador' Stewart is a black Lab who actually lives there and has his own book.
💡The gym is surprisingly well-equipped (Technogym) but has carpeted floors which some guests find unhygienic.
💡There is a hidden speakeasy called 'Tredici' nearby in the ByWard Market behind a bookcase—ask the concierge for directions.
💡The hotel was originally furnished with antiques intended for the Titanic (which obviously didn't make it), but the hotel itself is inextricably linked to the tragedy.
💡The 'standard' rooms are very small by modern standards—barely enough room to open a large suitcase.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Fairmont Chateau Laurier is located and what's nearby.