Ottawa: Secrets of the Château Laurier – Guided Hotel Tour

The Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa is a historic landmark that’s captivated visitors for over a century. Now, you can uncover its secrets on a guided tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll explore ornate lobbies, Renaissance-style ballrooms, and hidden nooks, uncovering fascinating tales of notable guests and the hotel’s rich history. With wheelchair accessibility and stunning photo opportunities, this 75-minute experience offers a unique glimpse into one of Canada’s most iconic hotels. But the real question is – what other hidden gems might you discover?

About Your Stay

• Explore the ornate lobbies, Renaissance-style ballrooms, and hidden nooks of the iconic Fairmont Château Laurier hotel on a 75-minute guided tour.
• Discover the hotel’s storied history, including tales of its notable guests and the haunting of Room 2045, from a knowledgeable guide.
• Gain access to typically guest-only areas and marvel at the hotel’s architectural highlights, such as high ceilings and gleaming marble floors.
• Capture the stunning interiors with photographs, but video recording is not permitted to maintain the intimate atmosphere.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, priced at €25.12 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Secrets of the Château Laurier tour offers visitors a 75-minute guided exploration of Ottawa’s iconic Fairmont Château Laurier hotel.

Priced from €25.12 per person, the English-language tour is wheelchair accessible and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests meet at the concierge desk inside the hotel, then embark on a journey through grand corridors and famous ballrooms, discovering tales of notable visitors and hidden secrets.

Photographs are allowed, though video recording isn’t permitted. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, and paid underground parking is available nearby.

Exploring the Fairmont Château Laurier

Although the Fairmont Château Laurier‘s grand exterior and stately architecture are impressive, the true gems of this historic Ottawa landmark lie within.

On the guided tour, visitors explore the hotel’s ornate lobbies, where high ceilings and intricate marble floors create a regal ambiance. They wander through grand corridors leading to Renaissance-style ballrooms, marveling at the architectural details.

The tour also provides access to areas typically reserved for guests, offering a rare glimpse into the exclusive spaces. Throughout the experience, the knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories about the hotel’s past and the notable figures who’ve walked its halls.

Notable Guests and Hidden Secrets

Beneath the Fairmont Château Laurier‘s stately grandeur lies a trove of captivating tales and hidden wonders.

This iconic hotel has welcomed a who’s who of notable guests over the decades, from royalty to politicians to celebrities.

Visitors can uncover the secrets of the Château’s lavish ballrooms, where dignitaries waltzed the night away, and discover the hidden nooks and crannies that even regular guests miss.

From the legendary haunting of Room 2045 to the hidden underground tunnel system, the guided tour allows guests to peel back the layers of this historic landmark’s storied past.

Architectural Highlights

Stepping beyond the hotel’s captivating tales, the Fairmont Château Laurier’s architectural grandeur leaves visitors in awe.

From the stunning lobby‘s high ceilings and gleaming marble floors to the Renaissance-style ballrooms, the hotel’s design showcases impeccable craftsmanship.

Guests can’t help but marvel at the elegant corridors, where original light fixtures and ornate woodwork create an atmosphere of timeless luxury.

Though typically reserved for guests, the tour allows visitors to step into these magnificent spaces, seeing the hotel’s architectural splendor.

The experience offers a rare glimpse into the Château Laurier’s refined elegance.

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Exploring the Historic Corridors

As visitors embark on the guided tour, they’re led through the Fairmont Château Laurier’s historic corridors, where the hotel’s storied past unfolds before their eyes.

Expertly narrated by the guide, the tour explores grand passageways lined with ornate architectural details and artwork. Guests marvel at the opulent Renaissance-style ballrooms, marveling at the high ceilings and elegant marble floors.

They learn about the hotel’s notable guests and hidden secrets, gaining a deeper appreciation for the property’s rich history and timeless grandeur.

The tour concludes back at the starting point, leaving visitors enchanted by the Château Laurier’s enduring charm.

Visiting the Renowned Ballrooms

The grand ballrooms of the Fairmont Château Laurier take center stage as the tour progresses.

The guide leads guests through the hotel’s ornate Renaissance-style ballrooms, marveling at the soaring ceilings and intricate architectural details. Visitors learn about the storied history of these spaces, which have hosted high-profile events, dignitaries, and social galas over the decades.

The tour offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes, providing access to areas typically reserved for hotel guests. With cameras at the ready, guests capture the grandeur of these magnificent halls, seeing the hotel’s illustrious past.

Photography and Video Policy

Visitors are generally permitted to take photographs during the tour, though video recording isn’t allowed. This policy helps preserve the intimate and historic atmosphere of the Château Laurier.

Guests are encouraged to capture the stunning architecture, lavish décor, and grand ambiance through still photography. However, video cameras can be disruptive, so they aren’t permitted. This ensures the tour maintains a peaceful and immersive experience for all participants.

Guests should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid interfering with the guide or other visitors. By following these simple guidelines, everyone can enjoy the tour and take home lasting memories.

Planning Your Visit

When planning your visit to the Château Laurier, be sure to arrive at the Fairmont hotel’s concierge desk a few minutes before the scheduled tour start time.

Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as the 75-minute tour involves walking through historic corridors and grand ballrooms.

Paid underground parking is available nearby at the World Exchange Plaza, City Hall, and National Arts Centre.

Paid underground parking is available nearby at the World Exchange Plaza, City Hall, and National Arts Centre.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the hotel staff can accommodate any special needs.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can plan your Château Laurier experience with confidence.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Book a Room at the Fairmont Château Laurier During the Tour?

No, you cannot book a room at the Fairmont Château Laurier during the guided tour. The tour is focused on exploring the hotel’s history, architecture, and stories rather than providing accommodation services.

Are Food and Drinks Available During the Tour?

Food and drinks are not available during the tour. The tour focuses on exploring the hotel’s historic spaces and learning about its notable guests and secrets. Participants should plan to have any refreshments before or after the tour.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. The price is a flat rate of €25.12 per person regardless of age or student status. However, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can I Extend the Tour Beyond the 75-Minute Duration?

The tour duration is fixed at 75 minutes and can’t be extended. However, guests can explore the hotel further on their own after the tour concludes. Any requests for extending the tour should be directed to the tour provider.

Is the Tour Offered in Any Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is currently only offered in English. According to the tour details, the language is specified as "English". There’s no mention of the tour being available in any other languages.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Château Laurier’s guided tour offers a unique opportunity to unveil the hotel’s captivating history and architectural grandeur. Enjoy the opulent lobbies, stately ballrooms, and hidden gems that have welcomed dignitaries and celebrities over the decades. With wheelchair accessibility and stunning photo opportunities, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to uncover the Château Laurier’s Secrets.

You can check availability for your dates here: