Looking to read a detailed Fairmont Le Château Frontenac review before booking your next trip to Quebec City? You’ve come to the right place!
Affectionately known as “the most photographed hotel in the world,” Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a historic castle located in the heart of Quebec City’s Old Town.
I spent 3 nights in a luxurious room with a river view at the Chateau. My review of the Fairmont in Quebec City features info on the award-winning luxury hotels accommodation options, spa services, restaurants, and unique on-site amenities.
Book A Luxurious Holiday at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City
The Fairmont in Quebec City is located in the historic walled fortification of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Originally built in 1893 by the Canadian Pacific Railway to promote luxury tourism, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac offers breathtaking views overlooking the St. Lawrence River
Quebec’s capital was founded by the French explorer Champlain in the early 17th century. It is the only North American city to have preserved its ramparts, together with the numerous bastions, gates and defensive works which still surround the Old Town.
The Upper Town, built on the cliff, has remained the religious and administrative centre, with its churches, convents and other monuments like the Dauphine Redoubt, the Citadel and Château Frontenac.
Visit other historic Fairmont properties in Canada by planning a trip to stay at the Château Laurier in Ottawa, The Royal York in Toronto or The Empress in Victoria.
For over a century Quebec City’s luxurious castle has dazzled visitors with its impressive architecture, luxurious service, chic rooms and gastronomic restaurants.
Past A-list celebrities who have called the Chateau home sweet home include Celine Dion, Paul McCartney, Steven Spielberg, Leonardo DiCaprio, Montgomery Clift and Charlie Chaplin.
For many first time visitors to Canada, a stay at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a travel bucket list dream…an unforgettable opportunity to travel back in time.
Guests first arrive to the hotel’s eye-popping lobby, which wows first time visitors with its historic revolving doors, twinkling crystal chandeliers, ceiling covered in blue lacquer, original Carte Blanche marble floors, dark quarter sawn oak wall paneling and gilding, and windows framed by blue-to-white ombré curtains.
Skip from the lobby towards the restaurants and you’ll be greeted by a dramatic staircase, wrapped in an ombré carpet that shifts from wine red to light blush pink. A striking 15’ long, 500 pound chandelier comprised of slender pieces of cut glass arranged in a long spiral pattern, is inspired by the many icicles that form during Quebec’s chilly winters.
Guests staying in a suite enjoy private butler service during the duration of their stay. Upon arrival suite guests are greeted by their butler at the entrance of the hotel and then whisked to their suite to check-in from the comfort of their room.
Upon arrival Fairmont Gold guests can go directly to the exclusive Fairmont Gold lounge on the 14th floor, where a private concierge team conduct a quick check-in without having to wait in line.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Review Highlights
Before booking your trip to Quebec City, here are a list of highlights that make Fairmont Le Château Frontenac stand out from the rest.
- The Château Frontenac is ranked as the most luxurious 5 star hotel in Quebec City. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion like a honeymoon, anniversary or birthday.
- With 10 Clefs d’Or concierges, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is the hotel with the most Golden Keys concierges in Canada.
- The famous castle hotel features a variety of luxury accommodations that are spread across 18 floors, from chic guest rooms to jaw-dropping suites.
- Stroll along the hallway from the lobby to the restaurants and you’ll find several upscale fashion boutiques and gift shops.
- If you’re a fitness fan who likes to workout on holiday visit the hotel’s 24 hour fitness centre to workout with treadmills, bikes and free weights.
- The hotel boasts a beautiful indoor heated swimming pool that has a section dedicated to swimming, a shallow kids pool and a Jacuzzi. During the summer months guests can enjoy tanning on the adjacent pool terrace.
- If you’re looking to pamper yourself on holiday book a soothing massage or rejuvenating facial at Moment Spa.
- The hotel features several refined culinary concepts, from dainty afternoon tea service to Quebecois gastronomic excellence at Champlain Restaurant .
Accommodation
The most important question you have to ask yourself when reading a Château Frontenac hotel review is, “what type of accommodation would I like to book for my holiday.”
In 2014 the hotel underwent a head to toe $75 million renovation of its rooms and public spaces. The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac has 610 rooms spread across 18 floors including 41 suites, and 70 rooms on Fairmont Gold.
All rooms at the hotel boast Nespresso coffee makers, cozy bathrobes and slippers, and comfy king sized beds with plush bedding. During nightly turn down service a personalized card is left on your bed, which shares a fun fact about the hotel. A little box of sweets is also waiting on your bedside table featuring homemade jellies, truffles and maple leaf shaped chocolates.
If you’re looking to splurge we suggest booking a Dream Suite. The hotel’s 8 most spacious suites were designed in honour of famous guests that made history here: Churchill, Roosevelt, Van Horne, Trudeau, Celine Dion, Queen Elizabeth II, Alfred Hitchcock and Charles de Gaulle.
These rooms are fit for royalty, featuring complimentary private butler service, pillow menu, fresh flowers, personal bar and in room food and beverage set up, sensorial bath experience, private tour of the hotel’s Wine Spectator award-winning wine & and cheese cellars, priority seating at Champlain restaurant, nanny service, and VIP transportation service.
Fairmont Gold Club Lounge
Guests staying on Fairmont Gold floors have access to the exclusive Fairmont Gold lounge on the 14th floor. Fairmont Gold Amenities include:
- Private Check-In
- Dedicated Fairmont Gold Manager & Personalized Service
- Continental Breakfast in Lounge
- Afternoon canapés
- Honor Bar
- Coffee, Tea and Beverage
- Turn down service
- Personalized wake-up calls
- Selection of DVDs, CD, books and games to enjoy
Moment Spa Le Château Frontenac
Looking to rest and relax on a romantic getaway to Quebec City?
Moment Spa is the hotel’s onsite wellness oasis, conveniently located in the most recent wing on the 6th floor near the swimming pool, whirl pool and fitness centre.
The spa was recently renovated 2024, now boasting 10 treatment rooms with heated beds for facials, massages, and body wraps. There are also 2 manicure stations and 3 pedicure chairs.
Moment Spa offers a complete range of massage therapy, aesthetic, and body treatments. They also offer high-end products from Valmont and Sothys Paris, designed for effective beauty rituals, which are also available for purchase in the chic boutique.
The spa boasts a relaxation room, easy access to the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac swimming pool and changing rooms, which have a dry sauna for men, and a steam eucalyptus sauna for women.
The pool complex features an indoor heated chlorinated pool, kids pool, whirlpool and choir of comfy lounge chairs. Four luxurious cabanas create a magnificent, exclusive open-plan living area to enjoy sunny days in comfort with friends and family.
Feeling peckish at the pool?
Skip over to Eléa on the roof of the 6th floor and enjoy sips and nibbles on the al fresco terrace. Depending on when you drop by, the patio also hosts live music, DJ sets, yoga classes, and a section of the turrets is even dedicated to outdoor massages.
Fairmont Château Frontenac Restaurants & Bars
No review of the Château Frontenac is complete until you’ve had an opportunity to wag your finger down each of the hotel’s marvellous menus.
The hotel offers guests 5 unique culinary concepts, from decadent maple syrup doused Quebecois buffet breakfast at Place Dufferin to fine dining tasting menu with a St Lawrence River view at Champlain.
Place Dufferin
Each morning guests at Quebec’s iconic castle hotel wake up to the world at Place Dufferin.
Located on the terrace level, Place Dufferin allows you to see the city awaken while enjoying your breakfast with an exceptional view of the Dufferin Terrace.
Breakfast can be ordered a la carte or guests can indulge in a buffet priced at $45 per person. During my visit the breakfast buffet was teaming with mouth-watering options. The hot buffet table is located in front of the a la minute egg station, which offers scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, maple crepes and waffles.
The cold buffet station features a selection of French pastries, homemade bread and preserves, oatmeal, yogurt, fresh fruit, smoked seafood, cretons and charcuterie, and freshly squeezed juices.
Highlights from the Place Dufferin a la carte breakfast menu include Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Waffles with banana and chocolate ganache, and signature Maple Crepes with spiced apples.
The hotel’s signature culinary experience is an elegant English-style Afternoon Tea, which is served daily at Place Dufferin.
The classic 3 tiered service features a selection of LOT 35 teas, gourmet sandwiches, scones served with Devon cream and homemade jams, and eye-popping sweets. Upgrade to “The Royal” to enjoy a glass of champagne.
Afternoon Tea at Château Frontenac is served Tuesday to Saturday at 2pm.
Champlain Restaurant
If you’re celebrating a special occasion while on holiday in Quebec City booking dinner reservations at Champlain Restaurant is a must!
The design concept for Le Champlain, the Château’s 198-seat signature fine dining restaurant, was inspired by a manor house, in a nod to the hotel’s original English architectural details.
Le Champlain is organized into several distinct dining areas, boasting an elevated dining room with walnut floors, veranda with views over the St. Lawrence River and private dining room at the end of the corridor.
As guests are whisked to their tables, jaws-drop when strolling past the impressive walk-in cheese fridge outfitted with a window showcasing a wide variety of local Quebec fromage, charcuterie, caviar tins, and oversized bottles of champagne.
The hotel’s signature fine dining restaurant offers a unique Quebecois gastronomic experience, created by Chef Gabriel Molleur-Langevin. Combining heritage and the latest culinary trends, Le Champlain knows how to create a sensory experience unparalleled in Quebec by highlighting the best flavours of local terroir.
Chef Gabriel’s menu evolves with the seasons. During my visit in September highlights included Quebec Elk Fillet with hunter’s sauce and morels and Gaspe Lobster with Corn Mousse. Be sure to leave room for a final cheese course if you’re a fromage fan!
Visit Champlain for an unforgettable feast in the evening or for its over-the-top Sunday brunch.
1608 Bar
Located off of Le Champlain, the circular bar at Château Frontenac is reminiscent of a clock frozen in time, pairing the historical richness of the place with an innovative mixology menu.
The 58-seat cocktail bar is named after the year Quebec City was founded by the French explorer Samuel Champlain. It’s based on the radius of a clock, and is organized around a circular bar bisected by a curved banquette. The custom bar features a bar die made from alternating pieces of blue-to-white dip dyed Kinon resin and fluted brass, and a polished Calcutta Gold marble bar top.
A custom banquette has ceiling-high shelving built into the back of the seat creating a classic library vibe. The shelving displays antique French encyclopedias and artifacts that were excavated from around the nearby Citadelle. The much-photographed 11-foot-high lighting fixture comprised of taxidermied geese in flight leaves a lasting Canadiana impression.
In 2024, 1608 Bar was ranked 41st in the list of the 50 Best Bars in the country, by Canada 100 Best, making it a must-see for craft cocktail lovers.
If you’re feeling peckish, pair a cocktail or glass of wine with nibbles from the 1608 Bar menu. Highlights include Oysters, Caviar, Duck Croquettes, Cheese Kromeskies, Salmon & Beef Tartare Duo, freshly baked focaccia or selection of cheese and charcuterie.
The bars extensive drinks list includes fashionable cocktails made with top shelf spirits, from gins to grappas and calvados to cognac.
Bistro Le Sam
The hotel’s “Evolutive Bistro”, named after Quebec City founder Samuel de Champlain, showcases the latest culinary trends in a casual setting with a glass roof with a view and open concept kitchen.
Bistro Le Sam’s interior design is inspired by the hotel’s unique history on the Canadian Pacific Railway. The linear approach to the floor plan is influenced by vintage train cars, while the furnishings and finishes recall Art Deco and the Jazz Age.
The front of the restaurant features a stone raw bar. Food is prepared in a brass-clad open kitchen with a design based on decorative French stoves. A small stage with a baby grand piano allows for romantic live music on Thursdays and Fridays.
Enjoy a casual lunch or dinner at Bistro Le Sam with highlights from the menu including Chateau French Onion Soup, Boston Salad with Waldorf Dressing, Foie Gras Parfait, Cod Fish & Chips, Dark Beer Braised Beef Short Ribs, and Pulled Beef Cheek Poutine.
Eléa Terrace
Located on the 6th floor of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Eléa Terrace is the hotel’s best-kept secret.
On a chic, contemporary patio, enjoy attentive service and exceptional views over the rooftops of Old Quebec. In the warm summer months the terrace is a popular spot for those enjoying a spa day or afternoon at the pool to pop over for a midday snack.
The short but sweet menu features a selection of craft cocktails, craft beers and fine wines, which are best paired with healthy menu staples like Fish & Shrimp Ceviche, Quebec Tomato Mozzarella Salad, Middle Eastern Mezze, or Croque Monsieur.
There is live music or a DJ spinning on Thursdays and Fridays.
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Hotel Contact
1 Rue des Carrières, 418-692-3861
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