Here’s What It’s Like to Stay in a 112-year-old Castle in Ottawa

Sometimes, to truly appreciate something, you have to allow yourself to take a step back. For me, it was a boat ride on the famed Rideau Canal that allowed me to grasp just how majestic Ottawa’s Fairmont Château Laurier is.

As the leisurely cruise began to wind down and we inched closer to the Fairmont, the hotel looked like something out of a storybook. It towered over the canal — a soaring castle conveniently located in Canada’s capital. Clear skies and a looming sunset only intensified the magic. Given its romantic exterior and interior, it was no surprise that during my stay on a Saturday night, I witnessed a flood of brides and bridal party members excitedly chatting by lobby elevators.

Despite its fairy tale charm, the Fairmont does have one particular chapter that’s filled with gloom.

Days before the chateau in the sky was set to open, Charles Melville Hays, the man who commissioned the building, lost his life. The businessman who arrived in Canada with dreams of building a transcontinental railway and several hotels died when the RMS Titanic sank into the Atlantic Ocean on April 14, 1912.

Given the tragic timing, Hays did not get to witness the grand opening. Or did he?

Several travelers have claimed that the Fairmont Château Laurier is also home to guests from the other side. There’s even a tour offered through The Haunted Walk, a company that hosts ghost tours throughout Ottawa. While I (thankfully) did not encounter any supernatural occurrences during my stay, a fellow writer did catch a glimpse of her closet light turning on and off several times.

Ghosts aside, parts of the Fairmont felt downright eerie. The long, almost dizzying hallways leading to guest rooms seemed like something out of “The Shining.” Though heavy on art deco, an indoor pool borders on beautifully gloomy. Eeriness aside, there are parts of the hotel that shine.

Here’s my review of Fairmont Château Laurier.

The Rooms

If you’re looking for variety, you’ll find it at the Fairmont Château Laurier. The soaring castle has a vast collection of guest rooms and suites, which all flaunt their distinct features and layouts thanks to the original castle floor plan.

Before stepping inside my Deluxe Room, I had no clue what the space setup would be. So, imagine my surprise when I spotted a mystery door hours after checking in. Given Fairmont’s haunted history, I was a bit nervous about exploring the elusive area to which I had somehow become oblivious. To my relief, the door didn’t lead to a hidden nook hiding ghoulish secrets. Instead, I was surprised to find a second bathroom. And if you’ve ever traveled with friends and family and shared a single room, then you know how much of a lifesaver a second bathroom is. Even as a solo traveler, I was grateful for the extra space. In total, 18 rooms in the Fairmont Château Laurier are equipped with two bathrooms.

Despite the hotel being well over 100 years old, I didn’t feel like I was living in the past during my two-night stay. Both bathrooms leaned heavily towards the modern, and a 55-inch television resting in the sitting area ensured that I didn’t forget what decade I was living in. The final touch was a king-size Sealy bed that didn’t skimp on space.

Unfortunately, during my stay at the Fairmont, I encountered two live bugs. Although small, the insects awakened a sense of paranoia that made my stay a bit less enjoyable. I also encountered an outlet that didn’t work, which can be a nuisance when traveling with many gadgets that constantly need to be charged.

Food and Drink

For avid foodies, you might find the dining options at the Fairmont Château Laurier to be limited. Outside of in-room dining, current options to grab a bite to eat include La Terrasse, Café Laurier, and Wilfrid’s Restaurant.

I started with a hearty meal at Wilfrid’s Restaurant on my first morning. The spacious dining room allows guests to order from a menu filled with breakfast staples or choose the breakfast buffet. Although a breakfast buffet is always tempting, I ordered the French toast with mascarpone cream and a side of Canadian bacon (because when in Rome). It was a delicious, though heavy, way to start the day. A serving of mint tea was the perfect way to conclude breakfast. Service was speedy, which was especially appreciated due to my packed schedule for the day.

Given that the hotel’s outdoor restaurant, La Terrasse, has more of a carefree vibe than Wilfrid’s, I expected a menu that would reflect the easygoing atmosphere. Instead, I was met with a frantic menu that included everything from ratatouille to pizza. Still, the stunning views from La Terrasse make it hard not to get lost in a glass of chardonnay or two. And for those who prefer a quick breakfast or lunch, Café Laurier is a worthy option if you’d like a small bite to eat (think salads and pastries) and a cozy beverage. Just keep in mind that the café closes at 4 p.m.

Activities and Experiences

In addition to an indoor saltwater pool, the Fairmont includes a health club and fitness center equipped with premium fitness machines and free weights. As a bonus, the health club’s fitness machines feature personal flat-screen televisions to keep you entertained while you crush calories.

But if you’re more biscuits and clotted cream than treadmills and squats, afternoon tea at the Fairmont might be more your speed. Afternoon Tea typically takes place at Zoe’s, but given that the restaurant is closed for renovations, the experience now occurs at La Mezzanine. On the sweet-meets-savory menu, you’ll find an assortment of enticing bites, including blueberry scones with mascarpone cream and house-made strawberry jam, alongside herbed goat cheese sandwiches.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The Fairmont Château Laurier has 11 ADA-compliant rooms. Several areas of the hotel are also accessible, including the public entrance, public restrooms, restaurant, and fitness center. Service dogs are also welcome at the Fairmont.

If you hear a subtle buzzing during your stay, don’t worry; it’s likely from the nine bee hives on the rooftop. The honey from the bees is used to create the hotel’s newly launched “Royal Reserve” body product line.

Location

Prepare to make your pedometer proud because Fairmont’s central location is within walking distance of numerous attractions. Whether you’re a museum buff or the shop-til-you-drop type, a 10 to 15-minute walk gets you to an assortment of galleries and shops. An ample number of restaurants are equally walkable. Regardless of the dining experience you choose, you’ll have to grab a BeaverTail, Canada’s most famous pastry, on your way back to the Fairmont Château Laurier. The hotel is just a stone’s throw from BeaverTails’ first brick-and-mortar location.

And for those daring, you can ice skate from destination to destination via the Rideau Canal. During winter, the canal becomes “the world’s largest skating rink.” Just keep your fingers crossed that Mother Nature is on your side. It’s required that the ice be 30 centimeters thick to ensure safe skating. For that thickness to be achieved, there would need to be between 10 and 14 straight days of -10 to -20 degrees Celsius.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Described as “a hotel-within-a-hotel,” Fairmont Gold is a luxe offering that provides guests with an elevated experience. Fairmont Gold guests are privy to a private check-in option, personalized concierge service, butler services, and access to the Fairmont Gold Lounge. With this exclusive lounge access, you’ll be treated to a complimentary continental breakfast, evening canapes, and dessert.