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The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Category: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels [Edit]
111 Lake Louise DrLake Louise, AB T0L 1E0
(403) 522-3511
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
21 reviews for The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Review Highlights
"Afternoon Tea with the breathtaking glacier, surrounding..."
(in 3 reviews)
"Fantastic breath taking views especially in winter."
(in 8 reviews)
"The view is quite beautiful in the winter."
(in 6 reviews)
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21 reviews in English
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Review from Colin O.
1/14/2012
Spectacular scenery, top notch service, clean, comfortable rooms - the perfect place for our honeymoon! (or any vacation for the matter).
If you are looking a fun active vacation with lots to do and see, but also be pampered during your quiet times - Chateau Lake Louise is it.
They offer different activities to do (at additional cost) like horse drawn sleigh rides, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, etc - we participated in the the Johnston Canyon Ice Hike and the sleigh ride along Lake Louise - both were quite enjoyable. Our interpreter (guide in layman's terms) was very friendly and knowledgeable of the terrain, wildlife, and nature around us. The sleigh ride was relaxing, enjoyable, and was a great way to see the lake. There are also neat little shops located on the first floor and basement of the hotel that are interesting to walk through.
The rooms were spacious and comfortable, and the bathrooms were very clean and spacious (we had a good size tub and a large shower in ours).
The wait staff, and concierge were outstanding. They went above and beyond to make us feel special on our honeymoon. There was a bottle of cold sparkling wine waiting for us in our room when we checked in, every meal we had they congratulated us on our marriage and either comped our desert or sparkling wine or both. (we weren't looking for freebies, but this was something they did to make us feel special and cared for).
My wife really enjoyed her manicure pedicure she got in the spa - she came back to the room relaxed and relieved of all the stress she had from our traveling. She really enjoyed the staff in the spa as well - they were very friendly and caring.
The Chateau has many different restaurants to choose from - we ate at most of them. Overall the quality of the food was decent, but thought it should have been better for what we were paying - this wouldn't discourage us from going back though, because the dishes were acceptable, food portions were good or even too big, and the wait staff was outstanding.
We really enjoyed the Fairview Restaurant! We had a 3 course meal with wine pairings, and the flavors and pairings were delicious. The chef also sent out little bites and palate cleansers that were amazing (we ended up wanting more!). The service was excellent too. When we showed up for our reservation, they were a little behind (nothing unacceptable we maybe waited 5 minutes), but they brought out complimentary sparkling wine for us and other couples who had the minor wait as well to ease the tension. We also dined at a "5 diamond" restaurant in Banff called the Eden at the Rimrock Hotel - the Fairview put Eden to shame.
Back to the hotel - it is also located minutes from an excellent ski resort. The reason i mention the skiing and outdoor activities is the hotel did start to feel like a cruise ship because there is not much else around but wilderness so you are pretty much confined to the hotel and the adventures around you (so if you are a city/towny kind of person, you might get cabin-fever towards the end of your stay). Regardless, the Chateau Lake Louise is a great place to stay - and if/when we visit Banff/Lake Louise again we will definitely stay at the Chateau!
Last thing - if your a fairmont member you get free wi-fi, and the connection/speed is pretty good. -
Review from Nina P.
9/29/2011
5 STAR LUXURY ON THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LAKE IN THE WORLD!
I'm writing this review while sitting in the lobby of the chateau! To my right a woman is playing Moon River on the harp to my left is a huge window with a view of the crystal clear Lake Louise. This place is out of a dream - you could not ask for a more beautiful setting - you couldn't paint a more beautiful picture!
So onto my in depth review...I'm gonna try to organize this in a sensible manner!
The hubby and I are here in the first place thanks to a business conference. When I found out the location of this conference - I right away knew where it was and immediately shouted out "I'M GOING!". As a kid my folks had always wanted to go helicopter hiking in the region (with the mega awesomeness that is Tauck Tours...another story for another day!). So I was well aware of the amazing things located within Banff National Park and the Fairmont Chateaus.
So we drove in from Calgary late at night - which was lame - we had not a clue what beauty we were driving past!
Got in at 1am...desk and bellman were staffed and ready to help. We got to our room - an non-lake facing view. Room was as to be expected for this caliber of resort. Soft plush bed linens and pillows. Nicely upgraded bathroom but you could tell the bathtubs were original - well kept up but definitely original. Back to the non-lake view, this is a once in a lifetime place and many would argue a room with a view is worth 3x as much as a room without BUT for us we were able to stay longer by saving on a room without the lake view. Instead we looked out at the front of the building with mountain views. I don't really care because you don't spend
your whole time in your room anyway!
This brings us to my next two points - the money and the draft!
ABOUT THE DRAFT...one of my only complaints is that our room and the hotel hallways have a serious draft of cold air! We experienced some pretty crazy mountain weather - 72F on a Monday by Wednesday it was 31F! And I can't imagine heating and cooling a place of this magnitude - I'm sure it's a challenge BUT it was very noticeable and often annoying at night.
SO ABOUT THE MONEY...I've read many folks reviews and I'm sure the people that grappled with cost here will wanna shoot me in the face but a lot of our costs were covered by our conference. We probably would have had to save a lot more to have done this trip on our own. That aside
- this place is crazy expensive BUT I think it's worth it - you are in the
middle of nowhere in a castle with the finest of everything!
TIP: Thanks to my fellow Yelpers for the tip about The Presidents Club which is free to join and in doing so gives you free 24 hour WIFI daily!
I won't be reviewing restaurants at the Fairmont here - I've done those separately...
ON THE SUBJECT OF CROWDS...I've read a lot of peoples complaints regarding the amount of tourists especially on the lake front. To me it is a bit annoying but if you focus your activities earlier in the AM or after 3PM it's much less crazy - I mean there are still a lot of hardcore hikers but that doesn't bother me cause they are focused and respectful of the environment.
One could launch into a long monologue specifically about the bounty of Asian tourists in the area. To me this observation yields a great talking point:
- Asian tourists must be rich! From my experience, Asians are the majority of visitors here. They are dressed in the latest high end fashions, have the best designer hand bags, and thee most top of the line cameras that money can buy you! Therefore, I have concluded the market can sustain the prices here at the Fairmont thanks to a large base of well to do Asian visitors. ---This is an observation and in no way a complaint or criticism ---
CONCLUSION: this place is amazing! If you can afford it or find a package deal - do it! Nowhere else in the world can you find this view! And when the crowds go home this place is a peaceful - feel the power of nature kind of place. -
Review from Sandra L.
9/15/2011
Chateau Lake Louise is amazingly beautiful. Fairmont's lake view hotel rooms are priceless. I can wake up to this view every morning. The view is quite beautiful in the winter. I can imagine how wonderful it would be to see their summer view with the tranquil blue lake. Classic, traditional, and historical Fairmont provides excellent service during your stay. Don't expect anything modern. Rooms are a bit above average. They do need some maintenance in certain areas since it's such an old building. Each of the guest room doors are hand painted with a different floral design. Very nice details all around the hotel.
It seems to be booked during winter time. Many conferences and events in the hotel. There are plenty of extracurricular activities indoor and outdoor. There are plenty of shops in the hotel. Gift shops, necessity shops, photo processing shop, and art gallery. They have rentals equipment for outdoor activities. You can also bring your dog.
The restaurants have beautiful views of the lake as well. I was pleased with their breakfast buffet. Fresh fruits, pastries, eggs, cheese, french toast. They even have eggs benedict. Can't resist any meal next to such an astonishing view. -
Review from Shaun D.
Calgary, AB
1/23/2012
So I paid a kings ransom for a closet sized hotel room, and they expect me to dish out some more money to park underground. Instead I park in the free public area (first come first served!), ended up walking 10 minutes with my luggage up to my room.
I do some AMAZING cross country skiing! Gorgeous, beautiful landscape, great weather. I get up to my room and enjoy an ICE COLD SHOWER.
Now I'm hungry, so I go down to the glacier saloon and pay $45 for a mediocre pizza and a single beer.
Now I'm upset.
The next day, wash rinse repeat, except my car is closer because I went down after the day tourists left and moved it to the close end of the public parking. I went to the post hotel for dinner (which was crappy too).
Seriously, great location, lame hotel. If you were able to enjoy your meals or time indoors here, you have piles of money lying around and don't seem to care if you throw it out, light it on fire, or waste it. -
Review from Jordan K.
1/24/2012
The fondue place is the best place. They have the best meat products.
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Review from Linda S.
The only reason this gets 4 stars instead of 5 is the cost and how busy it is in the summer. If you want to go on some amazing short hikes, park in the public lot and go to the Lake Agnes Teahouse, or the one on the Plains of the Six Glaciers -- it's a great workout, and you'll be willing to pay the cost of tea and a meal because you'll realize that all the ingredients had to be carried in (either by person, or by horse -- actually, I think they use a helicopter for bring in water at the beginning of the season) ... plus, the meals are delicious.
I think the closest I've come to spiritual peace is on the hike to the Plains of the Six Glaciers teahouse. Well, there, and on Cortes Island, BC. :)
Otherwise, I agree with all that's been said before, I have no additional things to say. -
Review from Jasz L.
3/23/2011
Afternoon Tea with the breathtaking glacier, surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks, and extravagant sunset views anyone?
During our crossed country trip USA & Canada, in search of what America & Canada got to give? Traveling through the northern part of Rocky Mountain in Canada, the scenery here are breathtaking! With the sight of mountain, the lake, and most of all, we have clouds just bundled all around us in our front view... I felt like heaven being here...we were in cloud 9!
We spend one of our stop at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Our perfect view of heaven is located here. The clouds, mountain and lake set surreal reality on my travel. Started with a glass of sparkling wine, and then enjoy perfect bite-sized finger sandwiches, buttermilk scones, pastries and sweets over a pot of my choice of afternoon tea. This is The Place for 'high tea'; because I am memorized by what's in front of me... The Lakeview seen through the room's signature Palladian window, the breathtaking glacier, surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks, and extravagant sunset; it was a perfect ambiance lounging experience.Listed in: MY Favorite..Love LOVE....Yum…
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Review from steve l.
10/17/2011
One thing about Lake Louise in the winter...Its cold, minus 30 constantly, which helped since there was an ice sculpture contest going on lakeside. Our room over looked the lake and glacier, we were warned not to venture off the trail due to grizzley bears, I obeyed. The place is on of the most stunning hotels anywhere. It sits on Lake Louise and that in it self is stunning. I hurt my knee three days into our stay, over at Lake Louise, but what better place to hobble around. Every window and hallway have some point of interest, it feels majestic being there. The service and food were first rate. The only downside is the travel, three hours from Calgary. I did see a mountain lion on the side of the road, and , oh, we ran over a wolf going home, as the shuttle driver explained as we passed over it...this area and Banff have the most breathtaking mountain views anywhere!!!
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Review from Bill N.
8/1/2011
A world class hotel! Fine lodging, food, service and more! Fantastic breath taking views especially in winter!
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Review from Gina K.
6/22/2010 1 photo
This is my 4th Fairmont, and the least impressive. This Fairmont really deserves a 2 but considering it's location and good service in general it gets a 3.
The Fairmont looks like a swiss mirage or something from the 'Sound of Music,' it's beautiful. The the exterior and grounds of the building took my breath away. It's beautifully positioned front and center at the foot of Lake. The turquoise blue water of the glacial lake is unreal. The interior of the hotel however needs updating. It appears dark and dated.
After seeing the Swiss climber dressed valets that greet you, and the period dressed harpist in the lobby. I have to ask why were the servers and hostesses dressed in such shabby uniforms? I didn't expect them to be in costume as the others but attention to professional appearance was seriously lacking. They don't fit in with the rest of the Hotel. Do they represent the Fairmont or are they one of the tourists?
There is limited seating for the Tea service so be sure to make reservations before you get there. Otherwise no tea sandwiches for you and really the 39 dollar tea service is the best deal at the Fairmont. Without RSVP, you'll be seated closer to the bar, great for a view from the indoors but highly undesirable considering the wind that comes from the emergency exit door they insist on keeping open to serve the patio. Was not impressed. It was like being seating in a wind tunnel. Fun!
I had a variety of Sliders, Elk, Lamb, and Beef served with the best sweet potato fries! If I could I would pass on the 21 dollar sliders and order a side of sweet potato fries!! Seriously the best Sweet potato fries. The sliders were tough, if I dropped one on the floor, i was curious to see if it would bounce back considering it's texture was closer to that of an eraser. The grilled vegetable sandwich was very generous in size, call it the 'safe choice', unimaginative but acceptable.
Lunch for 2, grilled vegetable sandwich, sliders and 2 teas came to about 50 dollars. I wouldn't have minded except I feel it wasn't up to Fairmont standards.
Back to that windy table, it's not just the one table that feels the wind, it's that whole center window area near the bar. We asked our server to move us and she was couldn't give us any tables along windows as all other window tables except for ours were reserved for the tea service! Must RSVP for that Tea Service! We ended eating on the patio and if that's offered, take it. As long as it's sunny out I guarantee a scenic lunch. -
Review from Eric B.
1/7/2009
Like the Banff Springs Hotel down the road, I haven't stayed here either. Yet, the Chateau Lake Louise is sort of my obelisk that I gravitate to when I'm in the area.
The view of Lake Louise from the hotel lounge is worth sneaking past (or down and around) the "guests only" ropes. It's stunning in any season you're here.
From there, I have walked to the end of the lake and back. In the winter, you can walk on the lake, admire the ice walls, and look forward to your next day's skiing nearby at Lake Louise or Sunshine. In the summer, I have proceeded up to the Lake Agnes Tea House and to the other establishment near the foot of the glacier for a great day's hike.
The only negative perhaps is that their new addition (including convention space) doesn't do the original building much justice. Please also note that although there is ample parking, folks there will sometimes check to see that you have your national park pass before you enter the lot. -
Review from Mary I.
8/8/2008 10 photos
This place is pure MAGIC.
Easily my most favorite place in the world! I have been here 3 times, all of which have been in winter, and my experience has always been fantastic!
The hotel is PERFECTION! Something that I have learned to expect from a Fairmont. The view from my hotel room was breathtaking, and let me tell you, nothing beats waking up on Christmas morning and looking out your window to the unreal scene that awaits outside.
This place has come to define the term "White Christmas" in my eyes.
The holiday program here is unreal!
Check it:
Last year on Christmas Eve, all of the hotel guests were invited to gather in the hotel lobby that night, where the staff sang Christmas Carols and provided us with hot cocoa. It really felt like some sort of family gathering!
After Christmas Caroling for a bit, we were all invited to go outside close to midnight, to witness a live Nativity. Chateau employees had volunteered to put on this live Nativity for the guests, complete with live animals.
And, there we all were, gathered outside the beautiful Chateau Lake Louise, and even though it was snowing, we didn't mind.
We all shared the magic of Christmas that night. Chateau guests from all around the world gathered, speakers of many different languages, and the hotel somehow united all of us.
But wait! There's more! A lot more!
Since the lake is completely frozen in December, the staff polishes off the ice so that guests can go ice skating! Plus, there are ice sculptures, and a section set aside for ice hockey!
You can easily access a variety of hiking trails from the Chateau which means that in the winter, you can go snow shoeing (under the stars is an option) and you can also go cross country skiing!
A lot of people that don't stay at the Chateau come to visit anyway, and that's because Lake Louise is an amazing site! I highly recommend the sleigh ride, Even though it is about $20.00 per person, a sleigh ride along Lake Louise is something you wont soon forget.
Again, I have only been here in Winter, but I have heard equally fantastic things about it during Summer, particularly the color of the water.
I can't wait to see what the staff has in store this Christmas!
Please see the photos, although they really don't do this place justice! -
Review from Vicky L.
2/26/2009
Omigod... Beautiful... It always takes my breath away everytime I visit.
The cafeteria can be kinda pricey but the sandwiches and soups are good. They offer little canoe rentals so you can row around on the lake.
The hotel lounge is absolutely gorgeous... until the Asian tourists raid and the flashes keep going off... -
Review from Chris B.
8/21/2009
Remarkably breath taking, but very cold! Came here during the winter season and it was quite grand! The rooms are spacious, offering serene views of the snow capped mountains, frozen lake and snow blanketed wilderness! My most fond memory was standing on the frozen lake inside of an igloo! Room service was amazing with an abundance of gourmet offerings and delectable desserts!
Some of the activities here include, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, ice hockey ( on the lake) and video games in the arcade! This would be an amazing place for a wedding or honeymoon! -
Review from Keith H.
7/10/2010
Look at the view from this room. Wow. Look at the lake for hours, go down for a walk around the lake, then come in when it starts raining and have a cuppa hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps. The weather clears and take the 3 or so hour hike up to the Plain of Six Glaciers. Turn around and say - wow - That is one gorgeous view. On your way home, look at your beautiful hotel, enticing you to come take a bath.
The service is excellent and do yourself a favour and join the Presidents Club. You will receive nice little perks like your own line and a very quick check in. A call will come from the front desk to make sure all is to your liking. Our room was awesome (Deluxe King with Lake View) The window size is more than 2x the normal View rooms.
The Walliser Strube restaurant was OK. Fondue. La Fondue in S'toga CA is much better according to the wifey. I'm not a fondue guy.
The views are excellent from the restaurant and with our 9pm reservation we ate until the sun set at 11pm. You cannot beat that (except if the food were better) but then again. Its about the view.
The lounge is so great with better food in my opinion. More casual, but food more to my liking.
The spa, is OK. I expected a little more. There are no "spa facility" It felt more like a business hotel spa. Its not like Silverado or Pebble Beach or any nice resort spa. It is clean and elegant but simple. You change in your room and get your treatment. Very expensive too. $200/hr Canadian roughly. Once again. The view and the other services surpass the downsides to me. -
Review from Susan S.
9/28/2009
This Fairmont's Gold Level comes as close to the most elegant service I've ever experienced (in the world,) even as compared to traditionally high-end service locales like The Mandarine's concierge level in Manila and/or The Hyatt's gold level in Hong Kong!
Guests on this level can look forward to picking up registration packets and keys from the valet on arrival (no need to go to any desk,) greeting by name at the club level every time you pass a staff member, personally addressed letters of welcome, along with the stupendous views of the lake and glaciers.
The afternoon snacks and the robust breakfasts (baked egg and bacon on top of crispy taters, gorgeous layered yogurt and fresh fruit parfaits, fresh smoked salmon with capers and dill, nummy little muffins made of cherry and coconut or bran or fresh blue berries, I could go on and on and on) are kept full and fresh until the end of service. If you are unfortunate to have slept thru service, well, they leave plenty of pastries out for the late comers too!
Shopping was much less than expected - Fairmonts in Canada are notoreous for their beautiful shops with Canadian furs, leather goods and art. This Fairmont had adequate shops, but nothing that tempted me to lay out money for anything more serious than a hair cut.
There's a ubiquitous dog in the lobby (seems most upscale hotels we have been to recently either had an alligator, a duck or a dog,) with a nice little history of his life before coming to the Fairmont posted by his bed, and the positing held suggestions that he can be walked by appointment. It was a tad hard to get close to pet him, since he was surrounded by bus loads of Japanese tourists shoving extra large camera lens's into his face.
The only down side to the Fairmont is that there are no other options on the property if you want some variety. the Fairmont is the only business, so if you are looking for a 'non-Fairmont" restaurant or shop, you'll have to drive off the property aways away!
It was a great stay!! -
Review from Jeff L.
Calgary, AB
7/4/2010
This review isnt totally fair since it's more of a comparison to a previous experience. My wife and I had tea at The Empress in Victoria on our honeymoon and decided to make it a tradition so we booked tea at the Chateau Lake Louise for our anniversary.
When we were at the Empress, I noted it was our honeymoon and we were greeted at the stand by our names and with congratulations.
When I approached the stand at the Chateau and asked which room served tea, the nonchalant hostess asked "you mean tea and coffee?" I had made the reservation with the information that we were there for our anniversary and no congratulatory acknowledgement was made. Sure, it's no big deal, but considering the Empress did make it an occasion, I expected it to be appreciated throughout the chain.
That was just the start of an experience that just lacked the shine and polish of the Empress experience. Perhaps it's because that's what Victoria's Fairmont is famous for - tea. At the Chateau, the view is the star and everything else is second.
From a waiter who was soft spoken, nervous and lacking confidence, to an eternity to receive a second spot of tea, the finishing touches on this experience left it a distant second.
Let me assure you, it is an elegant afternoon that has a spectacular view and dainty nibblies, but when you're paying $40 for half a cucumber sandwich without the crusts, you expect a few little nuances to be looked after. -
Review from Victor P.
4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
For a Spring break getaway, we upgraded to a Fairmont Gold Junior Suite overlooking the lake. Concierge service was attentive, as expected. The Gold lounge was a bit more traditional than at the Fairmont Banff Springs (which also has a much larger lane pool), and included complimentary wine tastings with canapes served during the cocktail hour. We dined at the Walliser Stube, and had (in turn) cheese, meat, and chocolate fondue. Our sommelier suggested Sokol Blosser Evolution 9, which we'd never tried before, and it paired well with the fondues even though it took a bit of extra time to chill, so props to the staff. WiFi is only free in public areas, in-room you have to use a wired connection: bring a travel router for your own private cloud. Do: sign up online for the Fairmont President's Club (it doesn't cost extra) because you'll get preferred parking spaces and extra-attentive service from staff (we asked for an extra bathrobe and slippers for our son and these were delivered promptly). Fairmont Gold service includes evening turndown and overnight shoeshines - put your footwear in the wicker basket provided and place it outside your door by 11PM. I'd rate the Chateau as a great place for a quick family holiday, but it can be a romantic retreat, too.
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Review from mark c.
10/13/2010
Pretty pricey--especially paying $25 per night to park your car. There is a public lot nearby. Nice rooms--but not all have a great view of the lake.
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Review from Michael M.
2/10/2010
The service is excellent and the setting is unsurpassed. The restaurants are way too fru fru - chicken and grits (polenta) cost over $100 USD. Excellent service and the food was top quality. If you stay there you are basically trapped because there are no other places to go near by i.e. restaurants. Jasper would have been a better place for us to stay because we arrived on the Via rail service from Vancouver. The natural beauty is the reason to stay here beautiful glacier lake and natural glacier. The afternoon tea, in the lobby, main floor is worth the wait and price - reservations everywhere are recommended.
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Review from kana m.
3/2/2011
went here during the late months of summer:
located in front of the beautiful lake Louise, and very near (walking distance) to Mirror Lake.
hotel: beautiful, and beautiful
afternoon tea: does not do justice (especially compared to high tea at the empress), nothing too impressive (i would skip afternoon tea at this place if i went back): 3/5 stars
would i go back? maybe, to look at the lake (in a different season perhaps, b/c the lake is beautiful!)
