If you’ve ever seen a postcard of Québec City, you’ve seen the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. With its copper roof and castle-like silhouette sitting above the St. Lawrence River, this hotel defines the city’s skyline. After seeing countless photos, I decided it was time to provide my own Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Review.
Disclosure: I paid for my stay at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City using a discount code provided for Tbex Attendees. This review reflects my honest experience.
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I stayed here with two friends during TBEX North America, in June 2025, to see what it’s like to check into one of the, (if not THE), most photographed hotels in the world. Some things impressed me, others didn’t. In the end, the stay gave me a clear answer to the question I always get: should you book it?
The short answer is: YES but read along to find out why…
The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac stands at the heart of Old Québec. If you’re planning your trip, this stay is only one piece of the experience. To see how it connects with the rest of the city, read my Québec City Travel Guide.
Ready to book? Here are my go-to resources:
About The Hotel
- Location: 1 Rue des Carrières, Old Québec
- Construction Period: 1892–1893
- Architect: Bruce Price
- Commissioned By: Canadian Pacific Railway Company
- Purpose: To encourage luxury tourism and attract wealthy travelers to board the company’s trains.
- Rooms: The hotel features over 600 rooms, offering guests a choice between beautiful city views or stunning vistas of the St. Lawrence River.
- Dining: Champlain Restaurant (fine dining), Bistro Le Sam (casual), 1608 Bar (cocktails), high tea service
- Tours: Cicerone tours available, plus an on-site museum
- Rates: Rooms are typically priced at around $179-$196 CAD during off-peak months, with April being the least expensive month to stay. The summer, much like November and December, will experience luxury rates that can range from $350 to $600 CAD or more per night
- Accessibility: Lower floors are easier to navigate if stairs and or accessibility are a concern
- On Screen Credit: Featured in films and the Korean drama Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)
- Seasonal Highlight: December, when the lobby fills with Christmas trees and festive displays.
Walking Into the Lobby
The lobby is the heartbeat of the Château. Marble floors stretch under chandeliers, wood-paneled walls frame the space, and there’s a hum of guests arriving, pausing, and taking it all in.
The Château was built in 1893 as part of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s network of grand hotels, designed to lure luxury travelers crossing Canada by train or arriving on transatlantic liners. The lobby reflected that purpose: a space to impress guests the moment they arrived. Over the decades, expansions added new wings and towers, but the lobby remained the centerpiece. In 1981, the Château was designated a Canadian National Historic Site, and when you stand in the lobby, you understand why. For example, a plaque near the main entrance commemorates its role in the Quebec Conferences of WWII.
You may also recognize the lobby from the screen. The Château has appeared in films and television, but it gained global fame through the South Korean drama Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God). Fans from across Asia and beyond visit specifically to see the lobby where key scenes were filmed, turning it into a destination within a destination.
Checking in was smooth and efficient, even during a busy conference week. If you enjoy hotels that make arrivals feel like an occasion, this lobby delivers.
The Room
Our room leaned classic, with warm wood, and robes ready in the closet. We had plenty of space for the 3 of us. The closet space was enough for us to keep our luggage organized. The beds were comfortable, but too soft for my liking. My roommates also said that after long days of exploring Old Québec’s steep streets and long conference sessions, the size of the beds was small (for a double). I had requested Queen Size beds when I called in for my booking.
The décor is somewhat modern yet traditional, and if you’re used to ultra modern design hotels, it may feel understated. But pulling open the curtains to see the St. Lawrence River reminded me why people book this property. If you can, pay extra for a river-view room—it changes the stay completely.
I heard from another guest that the position of the windows in their tower room was a bit odd but they understood the history of the hotel and how this made the room unique.
The Le Labo Rose 31 bath products, with their soft rose scent (and one of my personal favorite), added a small luxury to everyday routines.
Room categories:
- Fairmont Rooms are the entry level. Some are compact due to the building’s historic layout.
- Deluxe Rooms and Suites add space and views, though layouts vary depending on the wing.
- Fairmont Gold Floor offers private check-in, a lounge with breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres, and a quieter atmosphere. If you value exclusivity, Gold Level is worth the splurge.
Exploring Beyond the Room
The Château rewards guests who look deeper. The Cicerone tours guide you into hidden corners, explaining how the architecture evolved and pointing out details you might otherwise overlook. It’s a worthwhile experience even if you’re not staying overnight.
There’s also a small museum inside the hotel, where artifacts, photographs, and displays showcase the property’s role in Québec’s history. Spending time here changes how you walk through the rest of the hotel—you see it less as a backdrop and more as part of the city’s identity.
Dining and Drinks
The Château has several dining outlets, each with a different purpose:
- Champlain Restaurant is fine dining, with seasonal menus and refined service. It’s a strong choice for anniversaries or milestone trips.
- Bistro Le Sam offers a more casual brasserie feel, with French-inspired comfort food and great views of the St. Lawrence.
- 1608 Bar is the cocktail lounge, and it feels like the kind of place you dress up for. Order one of their signature cocktails and enjoy it by the windows as the river glows at sunset.
During our stay, we ate at Bistro Le Sam. The food was well prepared, and the setting gave the evening a celebratory feel.
If you want a memorable experience outside dinner, book the high tea service. It’s one of the Château’s most popular offerings, and a perfect way to enjoy the property if you’re not staying overnight.
A Hotel With History
The Château Frontenac has hosted royalty, political leaders, and celebrities since its opening. Its walls hold history.
The most significant example is the Rose Room, where Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt met during World War II to plan key military strategies. Standing there, you sense the weight of the decisions that were made within those walls. Today the room is used for meetings, smaller wedding receptions and even baby showers.
Over the years, the hotel has also curated cultural events and art exhibits. When I visited in 2016 during the holidays, the lobby featured its famous Christmas displays but also an exhibit of Salvador Dalí’s work ws exhibited in one of the small shops. The combination of art and history elevated the visit into something unforgettable.
The Château at Christmas
If you’ve ever wanted to know what it feels like to spend the holidays in a castle, the Château gives you that experience. December transforms the property into a spectacle. The lobby fills with dozens of Christmas trees, each decorated in a different style. Garlands wrap staircases, wreaths hang on doors, and chandeliers sparkle against the glow of ornaments.
Outside, Old Québec comes alive with its German Christmas Market, horse-drawn carriages, and carolers in the cobblestone streets. Inside, the contrast is warm and theatrical.
When I visited in 2016, I didn’t stay in the hotel overnight but came to see the holiday displays. The trees were spectacular, and the Dalí exhibit added a surreal layer to the festive atmosphere. Even if you’re not a guest, visiting the Château at Christmas is worth adding to your itinerary.
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Amenities
The hotel includes an indoor pool, spa, and fitness center. The spa offers massages and treatments that pair well with a winter escape, and the pool is a retreat when the weather outside is frigid. The fitness center is modern and large enough for most workout routines.
The Château is also dog friendly, which makes it easier for you to travel with a pet. It’s a nice touch, especially in a property that otherwise leans formal.
Managing Expectations at the Château
This property is a historic landmark first and a modern hotel second. It was built in the late 19th century and expanded over time, so the layout is not standardized. Some rooms are generous, others are compact.
Accessibility has improved with elevators and ramps, but stairs remain. If mobility is a concern, request a room on the lower floors, which are easier to navigate.
The Château is also one of the busiest landmarks in Québec City. While the lobby attracts visitors all day long in high season, you may prefer a boutique property elsewhere if you’re looking for complete quiet.
This isn’t the hotel for you if you want sleek, modern design. Instead, a stay here offers atmosphere, chandeliers overhead, and the feeling of staying inside a castle—an experience worth claiming at least once
Insider Tips for Your Stay at the Château
If you’re planning to experience Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a few insider tips can help you make the most of your stay:
- Booking a Cicerone Tour: Tours can be arranged by clicking on this link. They last about an hour and typically cost around $25–$35 CAD per person. They fill quickly, especially in summer, so reserve early.
Why do I recommend the tour so much? You learn so much about this historical property that you wouldn’t learn otherwise. They truly take you to areas that most guests staying at the hotel miss.
- Choosing the Best Room: The river-facing rooms in the newer sections tend to be larger, while city-facing rooms in the older wings are charming but can be smaller. The Fairmont Gold Floor is best if you want more privacy and access to the lounge.
- Navigating the Crowds: The lobby is busiest from late morning through late-afternoon, when tour groups, guests checking in and day visitors stop by. For photos or a quieter drink, aim for early mornings or late evenings.
Tips for Making a Stay at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Possible
If staying at the Château has always felt out of reach, there are ways to make the experience more accessible without compromising on the magic.
- Look for Off-Season Rates: Prices drop after Canadian Thanksgiving in mid-October and again in January through March. You’ll pay far less than peak summer or Christmas, while still enjoying the same castle- like stay.
- Stay for One Night: Even if your budget doesn’t allow for several nights, book one night at the Château and spend the rest of your trip in a boutique or mid-range hotel nearby. You’ll still get the experience of waking up inside the castle without the full cost.
- Use Loyalty Points: Fairmont is part of the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) program. Points earned through Accor or transferred from certain travel cards can offset the cost of your stay.
- Visit Without Staying Overnight: If an overnight stay isn’t possible right now, you can still experience the Château. Book high tea, have a cocktail at 1608 Bar, or join a Cicerone tour. These options let you enjoy the property without the overnight bill.
Who This Hotel Works Best For
This hotel is right for you if:
- You’re visiting Québec City for the first time and want to stay at its most iconic address.
- You enjoy historic hotels with character and atmosphere.
- You’re celebrating a milestone trip with friends, family, or a partner, such as an engagement, honeymoon or other similar milestone.
- You value location and setting more than the most modern design in a hotel stay.
My Final Verdict: Is this Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Review a Recommendation?
The Château Frontenac didn’t exceed expectations in every detail. I’ve stayed at other luxury hotels in Québec City where the service felt more attentive, with turndown and small welcome touches included at a similar price point. I did love how spacious our room was, making it a very comfortable stay for 3 people to share. The desk also made it an easy command center for those of us needing to get some work done or take a business meeting.
The biggest value came from sharing a dream “castle stay” with two close friends in this beautiful historical hotel, pulling up the curtains each morning to see the St. Lawrence, standing in the Rose Room where world leaders once met, and remembering my 2016 holiday visit with Christmas trees and a Dalí exhibit.
For me, staying at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac was so much more than a hotel stay. As a Latina traveler, it felt like stepping into a space that a younger me thought was out of reach — a castle type hotel with centuries of history, stories of world leaders, and a place that so many people dream about.
I no longer see this as a privilege reserved only for others anymore, and I want many Latinas to feel the same. Even if you stay just one night, the chance to wake up here, walk through its halls, and be part of its story is an experience worth claiming at least once in your lifetime.
If you’re ready to plan your own stay, check current rates here. And if you’ve stayed at the Château or hope to one day, share your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear your story.
Resource List
? If you are traveling to Quebec City, make sure to read the Québec City Travel Guide. It includes all you need to know about how to make the best of your trip to Quebec City.
? If learning about a place’s history before you arrive interests you, make sure to read Quebec City History for Travelers. Within 10 minutes it will bring you up to speed with Quebec City’s History and give you resources for where to dig deeper.
? ? If you are considering visiting other destinations in Canada, make sure to check out the Canada travel guide.
? For currency conversions, use XE. This tool is extremely easy to use.
? For visa entry requirements to Canada and any country around the world, check this website.
? If this is your first time considering solo travel, you might find my Guide to Solo Travel helpful. It covers everything from picking your first destination and even Travel Hacking 101.
? Never travel abroad without travel insurance. To compare coverage and rates from many reputable insurers, use this tool.
ES
Wow! What an incredible review of your time at the Fairmont Le Château!! I love the tips for staying there and also your take on the restaurants available on the property! Would you say this hotel is great for groups or more so solo travelers looking for a night to treat themselves!?
I think it is great for both. The hotel also has a spa (which due to time constraints I was unable to visit) but I think it works well for both travelers in a group, a couple or a solo traveler looking to spoil themselves a little.
Wow this place looks amazing!! Def gonna look into staying here for my next trip?
It is the landmark building that defines the skyline of Quebec City!! I definitely recommend staying there at least once.