Fairmont Château Laurier
Ottawa, Canada
ByWard Market
Vibe
A historic political buzz fills the public corridors, where Yousuf Karsh portraits watch over delegates, visitors, and lively gatherings.
“Châteauesque capital beacon”
A 1912 French Châteauesque National Historic Site crafted from limestone and copper, overlooking the Rideau Canal locks.
Ottawa's capital grande dame since 1912, serving afternoon tea under chandeliers in Zoe's lounge.
Dedicated check-in, private concierge service, and evening canapés within the exclusive Fairmont Gold lifestyle floors.
Beside the Rideau Canal locks, overlooking Parliament Hill and steps from ByWard Market.
“It resembles a French château made of granite blocks, with a copper roof and a marble staircase in the lobby.”
Rooms
Classically styled rooms look out toward Parliament Hill, while Gold floor rooms include access to a private lounge for breakfast and evening canapes.
“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.”
Wellness
An indoor Art Deco pool lined with vintage tiles anchors the lower level alongside a Technogym fitness center and massage treatment rooms.
Backstory
Commissioned by the Grand Trunk Railway and opened in 1912, the limestone chateau was named for Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier.
Eat & drink
Dine on Japanese dishes at Akira Back, sip cocktails in Zoe's lounge, or take in canal views from seasonal Emilie's Terrace.
The neighborhood
Steps from the artisan stalls of ByWard Market, the hotel overlooks the stepped Rideau Canal locks and the grounds of Parliament Hill.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.