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Chateau Frontenac

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Julia Rosien | 11/15/2007 - 10:00 | Add new comment

European elegance, Canadian hospitality

Routine kills desire faster than an empty wine cooler.

My answer: Get outta town.

Chateau FrontenacChateau FrontenacLooking across the St. Lawrence River, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is as far from routine as Nickelodeon is from a sexy Botticeli nude. The century-old hotel gently pulls you back to a time when ladies were ladies and fine dining was the height of civility.

Retire to your suite on the 18th floor overlooking the picturesque St. Lawrence River and you can be Marie Antoinette, Queen Victoria or any other hoity-toity vixen looking for love in all the luxurious places.

What they do right...

  • The great outdoors: You're an hour's drive away from world-class skiing, an ice hotel and breathtaking waterfalls. If shopping's your thing, head out the front doors of the hotel for block after block of European-style boutiques and cafes.
  • Dining: My partner and I dined in Le Champlain, overlooking the boardwalk and river. He worked his way through the cast of Bambi (venison, rabbit, bear) while I noshed on uniquely French vegetarian dishes (why, oh why, does any other culture even bother to cook?). We finished off with specialty coffees created table-side. Our server poured the remaining alcohol on our tablecloth and lit it - the blue, green and purple flames danced harmlessly into oblivion.
  • Historical tour: Your tour guide (a bellhop, Chateau FrontenacChateau Frontenacbourgeois mistress or chambermaid) in authentic costume will make you think she's seen and heard all her stories firsthand. From the most luxurious suites (more than $2000CAN per night) to the mysterious fire in the tower to rumblings of wandering spirits, you'll be led through all the nooks and crannies of the most photographed hotel in Canada.

    • What they need help with...

  • The language barrier: Language in Quebec is only a problem if you make it one. Whenever I visit, I always greet people in both official languages (French first, then English). My bonjour, comes with a mangled accent, but at least locals know I'm eager to bridge the gap.
  • Parking: Quebec City is not meant for drivers. If you arrive at the Chateau with a car, park it during Chateau FrontenacChateau Frontenacyour stay.
  • Spa: There isn't one. A spa is no longer considered a luxury - it's an expected amenity. They come close with the Massage Therapy Salon, but a full-fledged spa complete with a robust menu is long over-due.

    • Passport to Chateau Frontenac

    • 618 rooms
    • Year built: 1893
    • Dining -St-Laurent Bar & Lounge, Old Fashioned Tea, Le Café de le Terrasse, Le Bistro, Le Champlain, room service available
    • Gym, massage therapy salon
    • Close by: Old Quebec City, The Citadel, Parliament Buildings, Parc-de-l'Artillerie, Palace Royal, Montmorency Falls
    • Room Rates
    • o Standard Minimum: $149CAN
    • o Standard Maximum: $499CAN
    • o Suite Minimum: $449CAN
    • o Suite Maximum: $2083CAN
      • Chateau Frontenac
      1, rue des Carrieres
      Quebec City, Quebec
      G1R 4P5
      Canada
      Toll Free: 800-866-5577
      Local: 418-692-3861

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