Quebec City, with its cobblestone streets, European charm, and rich history, has always been a bucket list destination for me. As a quick getaway from Montreal, it’s hard to beat the allure of this UNESCO World Heritage site. I recently visited with my mum, who flew in from Australia for a special girls’ weekend getaway. We decided to stay in one of the most iconic spots in the city—and perhaps in all of Canada—the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Built in 1893, this historic castle-like hotel is not only a national landmark but also often referred to as the most photographed hotel in the world. We treated ourselves (thanks to my amazing mum) by booking a Fairmont Gold River View King room. The perks that come with Fairmont Gold, such as access to an exclusive floor, a private lounge, and personalized concierge service, made this stay truly amazing. In this Fairmont Gold Château Frontenac Review, I’ll walk you through the hotel’s amenities, activities, and nearby local attractions.
How to Get to Quebec City from Montreal: A Scenic Train Journey
Quebec City is about a 2.5-hour drive from Montreal, but we decided to take the train with Via Rail, and it was the perfect choice. The train ride was relaxing, offering breathtaking views of the Quebec countryside, with scenic rivers and forests changing along the way. Via Rail offers comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and a café car for snacks and drinks, making the journey both enjoyable and effortless. We were fortunate to be on one of Via Rail’s newest fleets, featuring ergonomic leather chairs, panoramic windows, reclining seats, and more. The trip cost $53 per person and took around 3.5 hours. I highly recommend considering the train for your trip to Quebec City from Montreal (check out my full review and guide here)! The train station is just a 10-minute drive from the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
First Impressions of Château Frontenac
The grandeur of Château Frontenac is truly unmatched. As you approach the iconic building, the majestic turrets and historic architecture are truly awe-inspiring. Stepping into the lobby, you immediately notice the hotel’s classic charm, with elegant décor, gold accents, and a welcoming atmosphere that sets the tone for the stay. Fairmont Gold guests are treated to a private check-in experience on the 14th floor, which streamlines the arrival process and gives you a sense of exclusivity from the start. Check-in was seamless, and although we arrived two hours early, we were allowed early access to our room, giving us more time to settle in!
Fairmont Gold River View King Room at Château Frontenac Review
Our home for the two-day stay was the Fairmont Gold River View Room, located on the upper floors of the historic Château Frontenac (16th floor). The Fairmont Gold level is the hotel’s top-tier offering, featuring exclusive services and perks that elevate the experience.
The River View Room we stayed in exceeded every expectation for a luxury suite. At 28 m² (301 sq. ft.), the space was thoughtfully designed, with a king-sized bed that was exceptionally comfortable, plush down pillows, and crisp linens. The room was spacious, seamlessly blending modern amenities with the hotel’s historic charm. A large work desk, flat-screen TV, mini bar, and a cozy seating area created a welcoming space that felt like a home away from home. On each side of the bed, there was a bedside table with a light, ample storage, and convenient outlets. The closet was well-equipped with plenty of hangers and space, along with bathrobes, slippers, a hairdryer, a steamer, an iron, and a safe.
The bathroom featured marble counters, plush towels, and my personal favorite – Le Labo shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and soap. These signature Fairmont products always transport me back to the luxury of the Fairmont experience.
The large windows in the room allowed an abundance of natural light, and gave us panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River & city. Overall, the room was incredible and super luxurious (check out my room tour here)!
Exclusive Fairmont Gold Perks
Staying on the Fairmont Gold floor offers several exclusive perks that truly elevate the experience. Upon arrival, we checked in privately on the 14th floor at the Fairmont Gold Lounge, which is located on the hotel’s top floors. This spacious lounge, with panoramic views of the city, provides a relaxing retreat for guests. During the day, there’s an honor bar and light refreshments, but where the lounge truly shines is during breakfast and evening canapés.
The daily deluxe continental breakfast was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a hot buffet with eggs, bacon, sausages, breakfast potatoes, waffles, pancakes, and more. There was also an array of breads to toast, fresh pastries, fresh fruit, juices, and a cold platter with smoked salmon, salads, cream cheese, and other delicacies. And if you’re a coffee lover, you can order your coffee just the way you like it. This generous spread kept us full for most of the morning!
In the evening, the canapés served in the lounge were the highlight of our stay. For two hours, a mini buffet of hors d’oeuvres was available, along with bartender service. The quality of the food was amazing and certainly not your typical buffet. There were so many delicious options: sushi (some of the best I’ve ever had), lamb chops, chicken wings, beef filet on mashed potatoes, crispy rice with tuna, nachos, salads, charcuterie, cheeses, and even snacks like crackers, nuts, candy, and dried fruit.
Everything was freshly stocked and impeccably cleaned throughout the evening. It was so good that we didn’t need to go out for dinner; we just retreated to our room afterward (which had been turned down as part of the Fairmont Gold service).
This canapés service was my absolute favorite part of the stay! I’m still dreaming about the sushi, and honestly, we didn’t need dinner after indulging in such a feast. The value of the Fairmont Gold experience really became evident as we realized we had saved on four meals out, which can be quite expensive in Quebec City.
Additionally, we had access to a dedicated concierge team who were always available to assist with any requests, from restaurant reservations to personalized city recommendations. The Fairmont Gold experience made this trip one of the best of my life. Every detail felt luxurious, and the incredible staff made us feel truly cared for. Fairmont offers this Gold service at most of their hotels, and I highly recommend upgrading to it for a truly unforgettable splurge.
Hotel Amenities: Everything You Need for a Relaxing Stay
Beyond the stunning rooms and exclusive services, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac offers a range of luxurious amenities that ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or keeping up with your fitness routine, here’s what you can expect:
Indoor Pool with a View
A standout feature of the hotel is the indoor pool, which also includes steam baths and a whirlpool. Located on the 6th floor, it’s open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The pool area offers a peaceful escape, with large windows that let in natural light and provide a breathtaking view of Old Quebec’s cityscape. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Fitness Center
The hotel’s fitness center is equipped with modern machines, free weights, and plenty of space. You’ll also find pre-workout snacks, chilled towels, and cold scented towels to refresh yourself. The center is open 24 hours, offering flexibility for those with early or late schedules.
Spa & Wellness
For ultimate relaxation, you can treat yourself to a rejuvenating experience at Moment Spa Le Château Frontenac. Offering a wide range of luxury treatments, from massages to facials and couples’ treatments, it’s the perfect way to unwind and recharge.
Additional Services
- Bell Staff
- Butler Service
- Concierge
- Florist
- Pet Policy
- Luxury Car Rental
- Laundry Services
- Electric Vehicle Charging Station
- Indoor Parking
Dining Options at Fairmont Château Frontenac
There are some fabulous dining options to choose from:
- Bistro Le SAM: A casual spot with an open-concept kitchen and a modern mixology bar. The sunroom offers views of the St. Lawrence River.
- Place Dufferin: Located on the Dufferin Terrace, this is a relaxed restaurant offering breakfast and afternoon tea with river views.
- Champlain: A restaurant blending regional cuisine with modern design, offering a refined dining experience.
- Bar 1608: Known for creative cocktails and stunning views of the St. Lawrence River. We enjoyed cocktails here one evening. The cocktails were so inventive and whimsical and the bar was stunning (check out my video here)
Cocktails at 1608 Bar
Things to Do in Old Quebec: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Quebec City is a place where history truly comes alive. With its cobblestone streets, European charm, and centuries-old architecture, a visit here feels like stepping back in time. Staying at the Fairmont Château Frontenac puts you right in the heart of it all—just steps away from the best that Old Quebec has to offer. (Check out my vlogs here & here to see what we got up to)! Old Quebec is divided into two main areas: Upper Town and Lower Town, each with its own distinct character and charm.
- Upper Town: Perched above the cliffs and surrounded by fortified walls, Upper Town is home to the iconic Fairmont Château Frontenac. It offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and is surrounded by historic buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Here you’ll find cafés, boutiques, and some of the city’s best restaurants. Fun fact: Old Quebec is the only walled city north of Mexico, adding to its unique appeal.
- Lower Town: Nestled below the cliffs, Lower Town showcases the city’s European influences. Don’t miss Place Royale, a charming square lined with stone buildings, or take a stroll along Rue du Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest commercial streets in North America. We loved wandering through this area, popping into local art galleries, artisan shops, and cozy restaurants. A must-do is taking the funicular, which connects Upper and Lower Town with ease and offers scenic views
Must-See Attractions in Quebec City
- Ferry from Quebec City to Lévis: A quick $4.50 CAD ferry ride with breathtaking views of the city skyline and Château Frontenac. Check out my video here for inspo!
- Montmorency Falls: A stunning waterfall taller than Niagara Falls. Check out my video here.
- La Citadelle of Quebec: A historic fortress offering panoramic views and insights into Quebec’s military history.
- Plains of Abraham: A large park just outside the city walls, perfect for picnics, walks, or soaking in the scenery.
- Morrin Centre: A former prison turned cultural center with fascinating tours that explore Quebec’s English-speaking heritage.
- Notre-Dame-de-Quebec Basilica-Cathedral: A stunning cathedral, rich in history with intricate architecture.
- Strøm Spa Nordique: One of the best Nordic spas I’ve experienced. Located by the river, this spa offers hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, cold plunges, infrared chairs, and relaxation zones—perfect for unwinding after sightseeing.
For more inspiration, check out my full blog post on the best things to do in Quebec City.
Booking a Fairmont Gold Château Frontenac: Is It Worth the Splurge?
While staying at the Fairmont Gold comes with a premium price tag, the experience is undoubtedly worth it. but the luxury, privacy, and top-tier service made it a memorable and indulgent experience. Given the central location and exclusive perks, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to experience the best Quebec City has to offer. You can easily book your stay at Fairmont Château Frontenac through their website here, where you’ll find special offers and packages that can make your stay even more luxurious.
Final Thoughts & Your Next Escape to Fairmont Gold at Château Frontenac
Thanks for reading my Fairmont Gold Château Frontenac Review. If you’re looking to treat yourself to a truly luxurious getaway, staying at the Fairmont Château Frontenac, especially in a Fairmont Gold River View King room, offers an unparalleled experience. From the incredible views and top-tier service to the exclusive amenities, every detail is designed for comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re traveling for relaxation, history, or gourmet experiences, this iconic hotel is the perfect base for your Quebec City adventure.
Ready to plan your own luxury escape? Book your stay at the Fairmont Château Frontenac today and experience the splendor for yourself.
