Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
While my 20’s were focused on affordable accommodations due to long night outs and little care as to where I slept (car, floor, couch), my 30’s are focused on well-being and self-care. Let’s face it, my energy level can’t compare to what it was at 21 and my enthusiasm for staying at the club until 3AM is barely there except for special occasions. I prefer my own room versus sharing with 10 other friends, a nice comfy robe, and room service has to be an available option. Is this what they call growing up?
I’ve been hotel hopping for about a year and half now, and while I won’t call myself a hospitality expert, I do know what I love and seek when it comes to stays. After all, you want to make sure you get what you pay for.
With that being said, there has been no other name that I’ve trusted more during my travels and that makes me smile every time I see it in the city I’m exploring, The Fairmont.
In fact, this is a true story and proof of how excellent the Fairmont truly is. Our flight to Quebec was cancelled as soon as we landed in Montreal (due to weather conditions) with a rebooking for the next morning. We freaked out, thinking we were stranded for the night. However, The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth got word and quickly had us checked into a room on the gold floor, with a hot cup of coffee. Talk about top of the line service. We cannot thank them enough for this!
Fairmont Queen Elizabeth (Gold Floor)
Now back to Quebec and the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac…
Granted that I’ve only stayed at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth (back in Nov), my first impression and experience at that one was beyond expectations that I fell in love immediately after that stay. So much so that I didn’t hesitate to jump on a plane to Quebec for the 125th Anniversary of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
While I expected a grand time, what I didn’t expect was to roll up to a castle that many have dubbed as Hogwarts from my Instagram stories. This charming, historical hotel sits on top of the hill in old Quebec and is the world's most photographed hotel, and you can easily see why. Against the white snow, this place looks absolutely magical. However, don’t let the word historical fool you into thinking that the rooms are old and dingy. In fact, the room we stayed in was newly renovated with a gorgeous bathroom, the most comfortable bed, and a beautiful river view. We all know that I’m a sucker for a view and the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac did not disappoint.
Our itinerary was set for us since this was a press trip, but we did have some spare time to enjoy the amenities of the hotel including the indoor pool, jacuzzi, Starbucks, breakfast buffet, drinks at the two bars and four restaurants. In addition, there was tobogganing available and if you’re up for some shopping, Simon’s is just a five-minute walk. Just make sure you have the proper footwear on because I sure didn't and had to purchase snow boots, hah.
We spent our three-day trip exploring Quebec City, from ice fishing in igloos to beautiful views around the city during our photography tour from a local blogger, to an amazing private dinner featuring five courses. The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac was so kind to also celebrate my birthday with a surprise dessert at the end of the meal. It was certainly very thoughtful and shows how much they truly care about their guests.
The big event for the trip was the 125th Anniversary Gala, which was lavish, full of drinks, food, performances, and an array of rooms that had different fun themes. Of course, my favorite was the candy room.
In addition, the trip also fell in line with the Carnaval de Quebec which I can simply describe as a winter wonderland meets Coachella. We ended our last night with espresso martini’s, Polaroid photos, and a final stroll through the beautiful lobby of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Despite being below zero on most days, I had the best time and can confidently say that the Fairmont never disappoints. I look forward to the next visit and highly recommend that if you get to visit Quebec, you have to stay at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. I mean, why would you not want to stay at Hogwarts?
Note: While this trip was meant for us to get to know Quebec City and the Fairmont brand better, it also gave us bloggers a chance to get to know one another better - and that’s what I love about traveling.
Hektor, Deddeh Howard, Mel, Lisa, Gregory Dava, Ty, Lindsey, and Maxine (missing a handful of people in this shot)
Thank you for birthday surprise Fairmont!
