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Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac: Luxury Stays in Quebec City

Opened in 1893, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City, Canada, is a gorgeous five-star luxury hotel designed to help you relax, re-energize, and reconnect with your traveling companions (and yourself). The views are exquisite, and there is no shortage of activities on the premises and nearby.

The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac next to the St. Lawrence River in Quebec City.

The local travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations create unforgettable vacations, personalized to travellers’ needs and interests. Many of our popular itineraries include time in Quebec City, where we highly recommend staying at this castle-like hotel. 

Discover more about this iconic property in our guide to Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. 

Architecture

The Canadian Pacific Railway Company built Le Château Frontenac, but it's Bruce Price, an American architect, who gets the credit for designing the château-style hotel. There have been many expansions over the years to the UNESCO World Heritage site, which offers views of the St. Lawrence River and Old Québec thanks to its incredible position on the promontory known as Cape Diamond.

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

One look at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, and you know you're in for an experience you'll always remember. Since there's so much to know about this hotel, it's ideal to prepare ahead of time by learning more about what you can expect, such as the types of available guest rooms and where you can eat. It can help you make the most of your time and allow you to enjoy as much as possible.

Location, Accessibility, and Parking

1 Rue des Carrières CITQ No. 040703, Québec City, Quebec, G1R 4P5, Canada 

Le Château Frontenac is in the Upper Town (Haute-Ville) area of historic Old Québec. It's approximately 25 minutes from Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, making it quick to get to if you plan on renting a car or want to take a taxi or limo. If you drive your own vehicle or rent a car, indoor valet service is available for a per-day cost, which includes in and out privileges. Self-parking, which includes accessible parking spaces, is also available. EV charging stations are on the property. 

There are many wheelchair-accessible areas of the hotel, including the swimming pool, public entrance, and restaurants. ADA-compliant rooms and suites have 32-inch wide doorways. 

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, which has a 4 Green Key Rating, prides itself on making positive changes for the environment. For example, it no longer uses single-use plastic items, and it has four beehives on its roof. 

Make sure you wear comfortable footwear to tour the area near Le Château Frontenac. Some of the beautiful streets are cobblestone and may be difficult to navigate in anything but flats. There are numerous places nearby to explore and visit, including the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral. Guests who don't feel like walking but still want to stay out in the fresh air can request a bike rental.

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Hotel Rooms and Suites

There are 610 suites and hotel rooms at Le Château Frontenac. Visitors can choose among five types of guest rooms: the Signature Room, Deluxe River View Room, Fairmont Room, Deluxe City View Room, and Deluxe Courtyard View Room. Nine types of suites give guests an upgraded experience. The smallest option is the Junior Suite at 485 sq.ft., followed by the Frontenac Suite at 670 sq. ft., the Hitchcock Suite at 800 sq. ft., and the Roosevelt Suite at 880 sq. ft. The Charles de Gaulle Suite, Elizabeth II Suite, and Celine Dion Suite are all 1000 sq. ft. The Trudeau & Trudeau suite is 1,356 sq. ft., and the largest suite is the Van Horne Suite at 1,464 sq. ft. 

Fairmont Gold Fairmont Le Château Frontenac rooms and suites, which take up floors 11 through 17, are also available. Guests interested in one or more of these rooms or suites can ask for the Fairmont Gold River View Room, Fairmont Gold Signature Suite, Fairmont Gold City View Room, Fairmont Gold Junior Suite, Fairmont Gold Signature Room, or Fairmont Gold Suite. Special perks and amenities range from priority dining reservations to entrance to the private Fairmont Gold Lounge. 

Some amenities of the rooms and suites typically include (but aren't limited to) air conditioning, a hair dryer, and video checkout. Please note that fees may apply for WiFi access and the Refreshment Center, depending on the type of room or suite you're in. 

Guests wanting wheelchair-accessible rooms can click the "Accessible Room Required" box on the website or make the request to the employee if creating the reservation by phone.

Food and Beverage Options

Guests have several ways to enjoy the food at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. In-room dining room service is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and there's a Starbucks for when you want a quick caffeine jolt. Sam Bistro is open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Champlain Restaurant is open every day but Monday, and it hosts a brunch on Sundays. Place Dufferin, which hosts afternoon tea on Fridays and Saturdays, is open every day for breakfast. 

Those who prefer a bar atmosphere can visit the Eléa outdoor terrace on the sixth floor, but note they're open only at certain times of the year. Please check its page for updated information. The 1608 Bar, an homage to Québec City's founding date, is open year-round from Monday through Sunday.

Indoor Pool and Other Recreational Facilities

Guests have access to many activities at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, including the indoor pool on the sixth floor. Large windows welcome plenty of beautiful natural light. The fitness and aquatic center also features a whirlpool, a dry sauna (men's room), and a steam bath (women's room).

Spa and Body Treatments

Moment Spa Le Château Frontenac is where you go when you desire exceptional pampering options with a focus on renewal and relaxation. There are multiple body treatments and massages available, including a foot massage, mother-to-be massage, deep tissue massage, facials, pedicures, and body wraps.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Pet Policy

Pet dogs are allowed at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but there's an extra housekeeping charge. Dogs get the luxury treatment of their own with their very own mat, bowl, goodies, and a blanket in one of three different sizes to use. Please note that it's vital to inform an employee while you're making a reservation that your pup will be coming with you, as not all floors of the hotel are pet-friendly.

Room Amenities

Whether you're getting a guest room or suite, multiple amenities are part of each room. Let's talk about two that many guests deem important.

Air Conditioning/Heating System

The air conditioning in the rooms at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is individually controlled, allowing guests to adjust the temperature accordingly to meet their preferences

In-Room Coffee Maker

A coffee/tea maker is one of the many amenities available in the guest rooms and suites at the hotel. It gives guests time to sip and slowly enjoy their coffee or tea while they relax in their bathrobes and use the hair dryer as they start the process of getting ready for the day. 

Fairmont Gold guests have access to the Nespresso Virtuoline coffee machine as their in-room coffee maker. They can also visit the Fairmont Gold Lounge, which offers tea and coffee service all day.

Nearby Attractions Around the Hotel

From the activities offered on-site at the hotel to the ones nearby, there's no chance of getting bored while visiting the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City, Canada. Although there are many attractions to visit, there are three musts to start with. 

Guests who love art can be thrilled about the chance to head over to National Battlefields Park to visit Musée National des Beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ). It features tens of thousands of works that guests can browse. 

There's one must-see right outside of Le Château Frontenac: Terrasse Dufferin (Dufferin Terrace). It's the perfect spot to appreciate moments with loved ones, take in views of the St. Lawrence River, and enjoy time with your own thoughts. 

Originally Notre-Dame de la Paix, the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral has tremendous historical significance. It was built in 1647, and its cultural impact became even more prominent in 2014 when it was named a Holy Door location, one of only seven in the world.

Special Offers and Packages

There are always special offers and packages available at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. For instance, one of the year-round package options is the Spa Package, which is available from Sunday through Thursday. It includes a $150 treatment credit at the spa and overnight accommodation. The Bed and Breakfast Package is another one of the many prospects. It also includes an overnight accommodation, along with an À la carte breakfast for two adults. Review the "Offers" section on the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac website for limited-time and year-round updated packages and offers.

Events and Celebrations at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac Hotel

There are 23 different venues at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel, so just imagine how many happy gatherings have occurred over the years. There are venues of varying sizes, including a Grand Ballroom that can accommodate 1,000 guests. You can host a wedding, meeting, large reception, formal dinner, engagement party, and almost any type of event. There's even an Elopement Package available. 

Many customizable menus are accessible for everything from beverages to breaks, making it easy to choose which options are best for you and your guests. View the menus online to see the possibilities. 

Many prominent figures have walked the halls of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, and it's been the site of multiple important events. For example, it was the site of the Quebec Conferences of World War II in 1943 and 1944. Some of the many famous faces who have walked through the doors of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel range from Celine Dion and Charlie Chaplin to Charles De Gaulle and Jimmy Carter.

Unique Experiences

There's always something interesting going on. For instance, if you want to learn more about the hotel, you can take a Fairmont Le Château Frontenac guided tour. Make sure to check out the hotel's website for up-to-date information about the latest experiences in which you can participate.

#Travel Tip: Enjoy a cocktail in style

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Don’t miss a visit to Bar 1608. Named for the year Quebec City was founded, this elegant cocktail bar overlooks the St. Lawrence River. Try a cocktail made with Lore and Legends, a cumin-infused local gin exclusive to the Château Frontenac.

Blog Author - Athena McKenzie
Athena McKenzie
Content Manager

How to Plan Your Stay

There's never a bad time to visit Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. However, while the winters create a magical landscape, they may also result in travel delays, whether you're coming into town by public transportation, airplane, or car. Make sure to allow yourself enough travel time. Certain times of the year, such as during the holidays, may be busier than other, so the sooner you book your reservations, the better, to ensure you get the accommodations you desire. 

Our travel experts can help you with special arrangements during your Canadian vacation. For example, if you're bringing your dog, need wheelchair-accessible amenities, want to be on a floor that's not pet-friendly, want a connecting room, or want to be on a Fairmont Gold floor, we can provide you with personalized assistance.

Check-in is daily at 4 p.m., while check-out is at noon. A late check-out is available (for an extra cost) until 3 p.m.

#Travel Tip: Family friendly Fun

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Ask the concierge at the Le Chateau Frontenac about special activities for the kids, including a self-guided scavenger hunt around the hotel.

Katherine Foxcroft
Product Manager, Tours and Vacations

Credit Card Acceptance

There are currently six types of credit card payment methods available to input on the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel website: American Express, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, JCB, and Diner's Club / enRoute. Your credit card won't get charged the day you make your reservation unless there's a prepayment or deposit required, but either way, you still need to put in your credit card information. Before you click the "Confirm the Reservation" button, read all the terms, restrictions, and policies, so you know what you won't and will be getting charged for and when it will happen.

Customer Reviews

There are 20,000+ Fairmont Le Château Frontenac reviews available on Google. Just a few of the many include: 

  • Diamia Mardan (Dimi) - "I had the greatest stay. We even had a Christmas tree in our room! The best hotel ♥️" 
  • Anny Royes - "Beautiful hotel in old Quebec, and they have an excellent restaurant called Bistro Le Sam. Absolutely delicious and a beautiful view of the city. Highly recommended it!" 
  • Émilie Lepage - "Magical decor, impeccable service! The Château is located near Old Quebec and the neighborhood of small shops and restaurants nearby and the German Christmas market in winter." 

Final Thoughts

Visiting Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City, Canada, can be a beautiful experience, whether you want to only participate in activities on the property or expand your travels to see what the local area also has to offer. There are activities to do every season with breathtaking scenery at every time of day.  

Talk to the local travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations about including this iconic property on your personalized itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac hotel from the airport?

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is approximately 25 minutes (15.9 kilometers / 9.88 miles) from Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport in Canada.

What specific services are at Moment Spa Le Château Frontenac?

There are numerous services available at Moment Spa Le Château Frontenac. Manicures, men's treatments, pedicures, body treatments, facial treatments, classic massages, and signature massages are available. Please check the spa's website for any current package deals.

About the author: Katherine is Product Manager with Fresh Tracks Canada. Having worked in the Canadian travel industry for almost 20 years, she enjoys sharing her local expertise with visitors. She is based in Calgary and one of her favourite Canadian destination is the... Read more

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