4/10 Poor
Bill
Travelled with partner
20 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Our stay at the Chateau Laurier on Dec. 14th was very disappointing. On arrival we waited nearly 30 minutes just to pull under the portico to unload our bags and begin the check-in. Only valet parking is available, but it was pure chaos. Cars jamming up the entrance and the driveway in and out of the parking lot.
Check-in, once we got inside, was quick and friendly. The room was small but very comfortable. The Chateau is an old style hotel so the bathrooms are generally small but well appointed.
Then we tried to access food service around 6pm. The main dining room is only open for breakfast, the former, lovely bar now serves as the main food venue and it was chaotic. We had to line up in the lobby which is over-run and freezing cold from the poor front door management. The cafe alternative had a line-up of more than 25 also lined up just off the lobby. Finally we gave up and went to a local restaurant around the corner and had a lovely meal. The next morning we tried the main restaurant for breakfast at 10:30 (supposed to be open until 11am) and were told we had to come back at 11:30 and only for brunch now, a much more elaborate option. Again we went somewhere else. Last insult was an hour wait to get our car.
In short, the Chateau Laurier has gone from being a peaceful oasis of top-quality, high-service and great food to a chaotic mess with poor service and an unsettling experience. Not what one would expect from a Fairmont property.
Bill
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
