It’s rare to find a photo of Quebec City that doesn’t feature Fairmont Le Château Frontenac — and for good reason. The stately stay has stood sentinel over the St. Lawrence River for more than a century, welcoming luxury rail travelers, celebrities, diplomats and even royalty with its signature towers and turrets that would look equally at home in the Loire Valley. In fact, the regal retreat’s design was inspired by the Chateauesque architectural style. The French term applies as much to its impressive facade as its sumptuous interiors.
Sparking chandeliers line the molded ceilings of the wood-paneled lobby as smartly dressed bellhops whisk luggage racks through crowds of tourists and revelers visiting Bar 1608. Exhibits recalling the luxury hotel’s 130-year history line alcoves off the Old World entryway while key-card-only accessible room floors provide solace from the crowds perched outside one of the world’s most photographed hotels.
- Perched on Quebec City’s tallest hill, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac boasts the perfect home base from which to explore the old city. Be sure to beat the crowds by taking a morning stroll along the picturesque Dufferin terrace boardwalk just outside the hotel’s front doors.
- Among the historic property’s more storied guests are the likes of Alfred Hitchcock, Queen Elizabeth II and Celine Dion. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill even planned parts of the invasion of Normandy from the Quebec City hotel’s stately rooms in 1943.
- A private rooftop garden is home to four very busy beehives that supply the luxury hotel’s bars and restaurants with honey they need for breakfast parfaits, desserts and cocktails.
- After a long day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a dip in the natural-light-drenched whirlpool and a basalt stone massage at Moment Spa.
- The latest opulent offering from Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is Eléa, a sixth-floor alfresco terrace named for inspiring female figures Eleanor Roosevelt and Eléonore d'Aquitaine. Open during the summer, the newly debuted space delivers prime river views, classic cocktails and plenty of seating so you can soak up some rays in style.
- A piece of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac history, Champlain Restaurant has been a mainstay of the hotel since its grand opening in 1893. Savor upscale French cuisine with a glass of wine from the 1,600-bottle collection or stop in for an indulgent Sunday brunch with gorgeous river views.
- For more casual fare in chic surroundings, head for the stylish confines of Sam Bistro. French classics like steak frites or goat cheese and spinach puff pie pair well with the St. Lawrence views.
- Enjoy a bountiful breakfast buffet on the historic Dufferin Terrace at the aptly named Place Dufferin. If you prefer to order à la carte, selections like maple syrup crepes and smoked salmon eggs Benedict are sure to satisfy nearly any craving.
- Take a break from old Quebec’s bustling crowds with a classic afternoon tea. Cozy up at Dufferin Terrace on Friday and Saturday afternoons to sip a steaming cuppa alongside a blend of British- and French-inspired treats.
- Savor a taste of Quebec at Bar 1608, where you can nibble on locally sourced cheeses paired with vintages from the luxury hotel’s impressive cellar.
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Pet friendly
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