Châteauesque capital landmark
Limestone turrets and a grand marble staircase welcome delegates, travelers, and locals into the capital's defining political landmark.
“Occupying perhaps the best piece of real estate in Ottawa—right next door to Parliament Hill, directly across the Rideau Canal—is this 426-room castle-like hotel...”
Where it shines
Remarkable
A 1912 French Châteauesque landmark with limestone turrets, designated a National Historic Site.
Remarkable
Ottawa's political gathering place, hosting dignitaries and afternoon tea under Zoe's chandeliers.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in AFAR.
It resembles a French château made of granite blocks, with a copper roof and a marble staircase in the lobby.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Perched beside the Rideau Canal locks, the property connects directly to Major's Hill Park and sits moments from ByWard Market.
The rooms
Classically styled rooms look out over Parliament Hill and the canal locks, while Gold rooms include private check-in and dedicated lounge access.
The indoor pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 20-yard Art Deco indoor saltwater pool is lined with period tilework under suspended globe lights.
The gym and spa
Technogym cardio machines and strength equipment fill the gym, which also houses dedicated massage treatment rooms.
Dogs stay too.
Bar
Zoe's Lounge & Restaurant
Scenic landscape murals and pink velvet banquettes surround the marble bar, where drinks are poured under classical plaster moldings.
At the table
The outdoor terrace looks out across the Rideau Canal, and Café Laurier serves baked goods and local coffee.
How it began
Commissioned by the Grand Trunk Railway and opened in 1912, the limestone chateau was named after Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier.
Good to know
Stay here
Fairmont Château Laurier
See rooms and prices on Expedia or Booking.com.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
We may earn a commission when you book through Expedia or Booking.com. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Ottawa
More like this
Le Germain Hotel Ottawa
“Contemporary gallery tower”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.