Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Ottawa

The Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel is one of the landmark buildings in the centre of Ottawa. Situated across the Rideau Canal from Parliament buildings, the hotel has had a rich and varied history. According to the plaque on the wall out the front, the Hotel was commissioned by the General Manager of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. Unfortunately, the means he chose to travel to open the hotel in 1912 was the Titanic, so instead the hotel was opened by the then Prime Minister, Sir Wilfred Laurier, whose name the hotel bears. A suite in the hotel was also used by a Canadian Prime Minister in the 1930, R B Bennett. Its opulent facilities being used by numerous politicians, together with its proximity to Parliament Hill meant it has sometimes been called "the third chamber of Parliament".

The grandeur that was evident nearly 100 years ago strikes you in the reception lobby. I found the check in very smooth, the staff extremely courteous and helpful. I had signed up to the Fairmont Loyalty scheme before travelling. This was free and not only did it speed up checking in and out, but also entitled me to free LAN internet access throughout the stay. The lobby had wonderfully comfortable settees and armchairs to sit in while waiting for people, and the whole atmosphere was redolent of a bygone age of grand hotels and luxurious living.

The room too was very well appointed. The bed was north American standard, ie large by European standards, but nice and firm and very comfortable. In addition to the huge TV set, there was also a coffee maker and kettle, plus the minibar. At the desk, there was a LAN cable for internet access, which thanks to signing up to the Fairmont club was free of charge, and there was still room for another couple of armchairs. The bathroom was large, although some of the fittings might usefully be modernised.

The breakfast here was a joy. There was an excellent buffet, with lots of different fresh fruit. There was also a hot buffet with bacon, eggs, french toast etc and you could also ask the omelette chef to prepare you something to order. You could sit by the window and look over towards the parliament.

The location was ideal for my work visit - it is near the parliament and many of the federal government offices were nearby. There were plenty of bars within short strolling distance, and a big indoor shopping mall was just across the street.

I will definitely choose this hotel again if I have the good fortune to go back to Ottawa.