Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Canada / Ottawa / Fairmont Château Laurier
Fairmont Château Laurier
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada · Fairmont · Core Luxury
Grand Trunk president Charles Melville Hays commissioned this French Gothic chateau beside Parliament, then died on the Titanic weeks before opening; Sir Wilfrid Laurier still cut the quieter ribbon on 12 June 1912. Indiana limestone, copper roofs, and original Tiffany glass face the Rideau Canal locks and Ottawa River. For eighty years CBC radio lived on the top floors, and portraitist Yousuf Karsh kept studio and home here from 1972 to 1992. A National Historic Site since 1980.
- 429 rooms
- Opened 1912
- Neighborhood: Major's Hill Park
- Rooms from 300 sq ft (28 m²)
- Architect: Bradford Lee Gilbert; Ross & MacFarlane
About Fairmont Château Laurier
- Ottawa still calls it the third chamber of Parliament: politicians have used the public rooms as an unofficial annex to the Hill.
- King George VI and Queen Elizabeth stayed during the 1939 royal tour of Canada.
- Fairmont Gold floors run as an inner hotel, with lounge breakfast and evening canapés.
- Guest rooms, bathrooms, and the lobby are in a 2026 refresh, with the lobby aimed at December.
- Entry-level rooms start at 300 sq ft (28 m²).
History
Fairmont Château Laurier opened on June 12, 1912, built by the Grand Trunk Railway under the direction of railway president Charles Melville Hays, who tragically perished aboard the Titanic just weeks before the opening. Designed in French Gothic style, the hotel was constructed of Indiana limestone and has been a fixture at the heart of Canada's capital, adjacent to the Parliament Buildings, since its opening. It hosted King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during the royal tour of 1939 and has been a gathering place for Canadian politicians and diplomats throughout its history. Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1980.
Restaurants and bars
- Zoe's — Restaurant
- La Terrasse — Restaurant
Experiences
- Zoe's Afternoon Tea — Signature English scones, open-faced sandwiches and sweets, paired with LOT 35 teas curated exclusively for Fairmont.
- Health club and indoor art deco pool — Complimentary access to premium health club with indoor art deco pool.
- Fairmont Gold hotel-within-a-hotel experience — Exclusive lifestyle floor with private lounge access, all-day honor bar, complimentary breakfast and afternoon canapes, and dedicated concierge.
- Relax Luxe Spa massage — Rejuvenating massage at Relax Luxe Spa.
- Dining at Zoe's and La Terrasse — Seasonally-inspired dining and cocktails at renowned dining venues Zoe's and La Terrasse.
- Cultural programs and themed dinners — Hotel hosts cultural programs, themed dinners, live music, lobby activations and seasonal festivals.
Amenities
- Fairmont Gold lounge floors
- French-Gothic Indiana limestone chateau beside Parliament
- Spa
- Indoor pool
- Hot tub
- Fitness center
- Pet-friendly
Awards
- MICHELIN One Key (2026)
- AAA Four Diamond (2025)
Open Fairmont Château Laurier in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.
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- Fairmont Empress — Victoria, Canada · High Luxury
- Fairmont Hotel Macdonald — Edmonton, Canada · High Luxury
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- The Metcalfe Hotel — Independent · Near Luxury
Fairmont in The Maison: the brand's idea, history and every house on the atlas.