Built in 1912 in the style of a 16th century French chateau, this structure is so captivating that some may mistake it for Canada's Parliament Buildings. Its ideal location in the central heart of Ottawa, on both Confederation Square and the Rideau Canal, add immensely to its charm. The grande dame underwent a complete renovation in the mid-1990s, and follow-up redecorating and replacements have kept up with the property's enormous popularity. Availability is often scarce, but no trip to Ottawa is complete without at least a cursory walk-through of this beauty. The "Chateau," as locals call it, is directly across from the Ottawa Congress Centre and Ottawa's largest shopping mall, The Rideau Centre, and only five minutes' walk from the Parliament Buildings or the trendy Byward Market.
Unlike The Westin, this place has grand public spaces. Arrivals marvel at the exquisite ceilings and moldings, marble floors and rugs, antiques and maze of comfortable sitting areas. A walk down "Peacock Alley," one of the more spectacular corridors
leading to the Grand Ballroom, evokes the atmosphere of times now past. The main lounge offers business luncheons at noon, piano music every night and dancing on weekends. A reading lounge is up on a riser framed by balustrades. Regular registration is efficiently and pleasantly handled in the spacious main lobby while executive registration for Gold Club members is on the fourth floor.
The upscale, completely renovated family restaurant, Wilfrid's specializes in Canadian cuisine and serves all meals within view of the Rideau Canal locks and Parliament Hill. The grand bar, Zoe's Lounge, evokes an early-20th-century feel while introducing a host of upbeat elements into the property, like a tapas menu, live weekend jazz soirees and afternoon tea from 3 to 5:30.
Amenities include a stunning art-deco pool incorporating decorative fountains and 1920s detailing, a sauna, an expansive health 
club and a kid's castle with a playground. Enclosed parking elicits a fee. The largest of two ballrooms seats 900 at banquets, 2,000 can be accommodated theater-style in 18 function rooms, and the business center offers six mini-offices for guests' use. Visit Galerie d'art Vincent on the main floor for a splendid choice of exquisite Inuit stone carvings.
Guest rooms line a maze of meandering hallways, many wide enough to drive down—which wouldn't be a bad idea considering how far some rooms are from the elevators. Most offer traditional furnishings in a consistent design of upscale styles interwoven with classic filigree. A number of the rooms have been recently renovated, with a tasteful eye and a determination to maintain the traditional elegance of furnishings. All rooms offer TVs, minibars, coffeemakers, data ports, Sony Playstation game systems, high-speed Internet access, and double, queen or king beds. Some have two baths with heat lamps, phones, hair dryers and marble vanities. Air-conditioning with separate climate 
control is everywhere, as are robes, wireless telephones, halogen lamps, windows that open, herbal teas and Van Houtte coffee. East-wing units overlook government buildings. Room 514 overlooks the Rideau Canal. It has extra nooks and no neighbors because it is located in an outcropping of the castlelike structure. Premium rooms, known as the Fairmont Gold, are considered "a hotel within a hotel." Rightly so, for they have a private floor, dedicated staff and separate check-in, along with a plethora of exquisite amenities. Room service runs at all hours.
The hotel is popular with families for its children's programs and menus, rooms with two baths, and babysitting. It is similar to Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City which is part of the same chain, but understated and less touristy. The Fairmount Chateau Laurier is in a class by itself; everyone should experience such elegance at least once.
