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The Fairmont Hotel MacDonald
Categories: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Hotels, Venues & Event Spaces [Edit]
10065 100 Street NorthwestEdmonton, AB T5J 0N6
(780) 424-5181
- Price Range:
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$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
16 reviews for The Fairmont Hotel MacDonald
Review Highlights
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"...you stay at any Fairmont hotel, join the President's Club." In 2 reviews -
"...terminal, on the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River." In 2 reviews
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"...a Hot Chocolate in the lounge that I believe came from..." In 4 reviews
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16 reviews in English
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Review from Oliver D.
Edmonton, AB
3/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Was at an event hosting around 200 people, we were in the Empire Room which was decorated to theme and overall was very classy and which was also nicely secluded from the rest of the hotel. There was a wedding taking place at the same time and there was absolutely no overlap between the two events. We had access to a foyer and large hall with a central dance floor and speakers podium. The décor is amazing, and that applies to both the setting and interior design. I noticed numerous people taking pictures of the fixtures and even the table settings.
Drinks from the bar were expensive, but the selection was good especially for wines. Dinner was fabulous, the stuffed chicken was perfect. Serving staff were attentive to everyone's needs throughout the different courses, and handled all special requests and requirements professionally. There was one instance though where the person I was sitting next to was over-poured coffee for no apparent reason and with scant apology. -
Review from Jessie M.
Edmonton, AB
4/27/2012
So I've been to a few brunches with the Fairmont chain and this one was on par with the others, which is fanatasic!
I decided to do something different for my birthday this year (I am a lady now:)) so I gathered a few friends and made it a fancy brunch birthday.
It was nice to see everyone dressed up at noon on a Sunday and the food was very delicious.
I wish it was summer time in Edm. because it would have been nice to sit out in the garden, but it was still a nice time...highly recommend:) -
Review from Crystal W.
Calgary, AB
8/29/2011
I attended a wedding reception held in the Wedgewood Room, which is absolutely gorgeous. The entire presentation, from tables to chandelier, is one of the most elegant I've seen. We had access to the terrace as well, which is also lovely with great views. The buffet food was to die for. They served some of the best dessert I've had in awhile, including mouth watering hot strawberry rhubarb crisp with cream, apple pie with marble cheese and maple mousse (served in champagne flutes with shaved chocolate on top).
The only downside was the very expensive drinks, which are even more expensive in the lounge. I didn't explore much else of the hotel and I wasn't an overnight guest. I must add that the parking is also pricey. I took a cab home, which cost me less.Listed in: Effortless Romance
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Review from Adam D.
8/15/2011
So its nice and all but seems kind of outdated still? This maybe done on purpose but I dont get the elegance I expect from a place of this nature. The bar was wicked , service was awesome real quick. The rooms seemed crammed though. The tv was tiny and the honeyroom suites meh..I have definetly seen better. For the dollars its not worth but because Im from Edmonton I though I would stay at one of our historiacal buildings. Be wary of parking too it costed me $55 for the night.
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Review from shawnna p.
Edmonton, AB
10/30/2011
Four of us came here for after dinner drinks on a Saturday night. We wore a mixture of jeans, khakis and sweaters. The room was quite full. Some wedding guests were milling about. We grabbed a table for for by the fireplace. Nice. The drinks are not cheap, but the service and seating is terrific. They have Big Rock on tap. Some guests at the next table joined into our conversation. I have experienced this before in the same room. Overall, an enjoyable evening. The bathrooms are super clean. Unless you're a guest, the parking is not really easy.
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Review from Liza T.
9/27/2010
Fairmont Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It is located in downtown Edmonton, very convenient location. This is a character hotel with lovely and elegant ambiance. If you are looking for something modern and high tech, then this hotel may not be your choice.
I was staying there two nights at the suite level. The room was big, comfortable, luxury and cozy. The view from my room overlooking the river was amazing.
All of the staffs were very professional, from the restaurants, the health club, the receptionists and housekeeping. It was obviously that everyone have all been well-trained.
I will definitely stay there again when in Edmonton. -
Review from Eric B.
1/31/2010
The Hotel MacDonald is one classy and architecturally ample lady. Coming from the south, you see it standing high on the bank overlooking the North Saskatchewan River Valley. It's one of the old Canadian Pacific Railroad hotels and has been serving guests in great style since 1915.
Like Jennifer, I have never actually slept here, but have often wandered over from where I was staying at the Westin. In particular, I love wandering around the Lobby and then pretending that I'm on vacation as I relax at their Garden Patio and take in the stunning views. Such elegance can be a little pricey, but it is definitely worth the splurge. And if I ever end up bringing Gayle up to Edmonton, this will be our romantic place to go. -
Review from Erin D.
1/24/2011 2 Check-ins Here
We spent a beautiful weekend at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald and I have to say it was for the most part a wonderful weekend splurge. The Fairmont customer service is in a league of its own. It is intuitive, not intrusive and for the first time, where service is concerned I felt like I got my money's worth.
If you are considering a stay at this particular location here is a list of pros and cons:
PROS:
1. The service is impeccable
2. The valet parking is worth it, parking downtown is over the top expensive so for an extra couple of dollars on top of the standard 20+ parking fees downtown it is a wonderful thing to be able to just pull up, exit your car and head right up to your room.
3. The valets and doormen take care of all your luggage upon arrival
4. Check-in is quick and seamless
5. Make sure you join the President's Club before your stay, this will provide you with free wireless and also provide your with beautiful Adidas workout wear for a $10.00 fee (including shoes)
6. If you leave your shoes outside your door, they will be returned to you polished the next day
7. I drank a Hot Chocolate in the lounge that I believe came from Narnia
CONS:
1. The in room dining is a colossal waste of money. A friend that stayed in the hotel at the same time as us ordered a piece of chicken for her son. She knew it would be expensive but we were astounded at the price for what we got. It was a plain piece of rubbery chicken, a cup of white rice and 3 pieces of broccolini. No drinks, no dessert, her total bill was $41.00. We also ordered breakfast one morning; we received some rubbery eggs, a sausage and some fingerling potatoes. We also had toast that looked like Dempsters bread and half a carafe of coffee with a small glass of juice each. Our total bill for both breakfasts was $61.00. It would be worth the cost if the food was out of this world, sadly, it was less than average quality ensuring I will never make the mistake again. You can call waiters en route and they will deliver food to your room for half of the price, and it will taste a whole lot better.
2. Dining in the lounge is also a huge waste of money. My brother ordered a portabella mushroom burger. It took almost 45 minutes to get to the table, and was a mushroom on a soggy bun with a tiny little bowl full of fries that looked like they were from a bag. For $19.00 I expected much, much more.
3. I expected a bit more in terms of décor and amenities for the rooms. They looked a little run down; the showerhead in particular had mildew stains on it and looked like it could have easily been in a Super 8 motel.
4. The pool looked nothing like what was pictured on the website. It was very misleading; it looked like an average run of the mill motel pool. I imagine, the area in general might be a little prettier in the spring and summer when they open the doors up and patrons can sit out in the garden after taking a swim, sadly, in the winter, it's not much of an experience. Also one of the mornings someone had left a apple core sitting next to the Jacuzzi tub which sat there for the hour and a half I was using the facilities. Kind of gross. The change rooms were nice, but dated looking. They also advertised the area as a spa, and the only spa services were massages, which were incredibly overpriced.
So in summary, I would recommend this beautiful, old hotel however I don't believe the cost of a room for the evening is worth given the fact you have to pay for the amenities that make the hotel special. I would also warn you to not order room service, it is overpriced and not worth it by any means. I could have prepared a meal that was substantially better and I am not even that great of a cook. If you can score a deal for a weekend, I would say it's worth it, even if the room is around $180.00 a night. While researching hotels in Edmonton, I was shocked to see Best Western's and Holiday Inn's charging upwards of 150+ a night. I would definitely rather spend a few dollars extra to receive the level of service provided by the Fairmont over the lack of service I know those types of hotels would provide. -
Review from Jason L.
Edmonton, AB
5/31/2010
Okay, full disclosure first, I'm a Fairmont President's Club Premium member, so I've a history of liking these grand hotels. The hotels in Canada were formerly the Canadian Pacific Hotels before the merger with Fairmont Hotels. Virtually every major Canadian city has a grand hotel built with Tyndall stone on top of what was once the railhead for downtown. CP built these luxury hotels for their railway customers. Because the train used to drop their passengers downtown, most of these hotels have great downtown locations. What makes the Hotel MacDonald special is that it was built a little bit away from the rail terminal, on the north bank of the North Saskatchewan River. Views of Edmonton's river valley are simply spectacular.
The standard Fairmont room is on the smaller side (these are old hotels), but all rooms are well appointed and decorated in the classical style, with really comfortable beds and bedding. Each hotel also has mini-suites and suites for those who want more room. There is a concierge floor for those wanting a little more personal service, but the service levels at Fairmont are pretty high to begin with. Each of the older hotels usually has a suite that's designed specifically for the Queen when she comes for visits.
If you stay at any Fairmont hotel, join the President's Club. It's free and you start getting free perks from day one: WiFi, Adidas workout gear, daily newspaper, shoeshine service (otherwise at a fee), not to mention special rates each month. It is not difficult to reach premium levels and that means upgrade certificates, yay! -
Review from Jennifer P.
Edmonton, AB
11/21/2008 1 photo
If there's one building in Edmonton that is worth taking note of it's The Hotel Mac. It's a gorgeous, old building - one of the first to go up in the city. It used to be called "The Hotel on the River" and it opened in the early 1900s.
Today it's still the most distinguished building in the city. It's got the best view in the city of our gorgeous river valley, is a beautiful place to hold weddings, banquets or come for lunch or dinner in their lovely lounge, and there is even a special suite here for the Queen, who visited and stayed in the room that is like a two-storey condo.
I spent several days in that suite a few years back doing a lingerie photo shoot for the Edmonton Sun. I met with the hotel manager to arrange it and he was lovely to work with. If you want to enjoy some ritz in your life this is the perfect place to check-in. I haven't slept here yet, but I love going to the restaurant/cafe/lounge, which is filled with rich decor and plush seats.
Ah, it's nice to pretend.... -
Review from Francesca K.
Edmonton, AB
2/20/2010
This impressive and beautiful hotel has hosted some of the world's most influential and beautiful people.
The historic hotel MacDonald can been seen from halfway across the river and it is equally as impressive when you step in the front doors. All Edmontonians should at least step into this hotel and take a look around -- it is as if you have walked into a life of luxury.
I had the opportunity to be at a party in the "Queen's Suite" in this hotel and it was more than impressive. The suite had two floors, with a loft bedroom overlooking the suite at the top.
I have also stayed in a "normal" suite here too and it was plain, yes, but still, more beautiful than any other hotel I have ever stayed in.
The brunch at the Hotel MacDonald must be seen and enjoyed as well. -
Review from Nicole B.
Edmonton, AB
2/21/2010
The Hotel MacDonald is a really beautiful hotel. You can't help but want to be there. It's truly gorgeous.
The reason I'm only giving it 4 stars is because I think that all Fairmont hotels are pretty ridiculously priced. I know that they are very luxurious and they are supposed to be "upper class" but I think it's a little over the top.
I went to a wedding reception here and it was absolutely gorgeous. I mean, it really took my breath away (so did the the reply I got when I asked them how much it cost them). I can't really think of a better place to take pictures and celebrate that special day though. It was so beautiful. I'll never forget it.
I've never had a room here (I can't afford one) but I hear that they are equally amazing. The Fairmont hotel chain definitely knows how to create a standard and follow through on it in every aspect of their hotels. Their hotels are, for the most part, flawless.
Stepping inside this hotel makes you feel like royalty. If you've never been to the Hotel MacDonald to look around, you have to go. It's a historical landmark in Edmonton and it's incredible. -
Review from Paula K.
11/4/2010
I have never stayed here, but sometimes go to the lounge on the main floor to enjoy a drink or coffee. The coffee is excellent - I usually order a latte and it comes with a small biscotti and stick of crystal sugar to stir in to the drink. The food prices are high, but that is expected in a place like this. There are lots of tables and soft cushioned seats. It's a great place for a casual get together or to take a client.
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Review from David C.
Calgary, AB
4/1/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Great hotel, and fantastic service. Food is also fantastic!
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Review from Starkie S.
Calgary, AB
1/28/2011
What can you say about the 'MAC'? Well, the simple fact is that it is a great historical property in the Fairmont chain and the trim level inside is superb.
Upon check-in I was informed that I had been upgraded to the Winston Churchill suite...sweet. President's Club status which is free to sign up for on-line may have got me there. Wow - when entering the room it is noted all the Winston Churchill memorabilia located throughout the suite which is a nice touch as well as updating your appreciation of how accomplished Churchill was in life.
The suite was more than ample on space over two floors with two bathrooms and two separate sitting areas. If you have a chance when checking in at the Mac one should ask about getting bumped up to the Churchill.
Now downstairs on the main floor is the Confederation lounge which has a good menu covering off snacks and quick bites to full on meals. I opted for the onion soup, chicken club and a Classic cocktail - the mojito. Needless to say this was an excellent meal and the Fairmont's take on the mojito was very fine.
The decor is very warm and comfortable with various types of chair and table set-ups (similar to Rimrock at the Palliser Calgary) which lends itself to meeting most anyone's needs.
Staff is situational: turn down lady was extremely friendly while to server in the lounge was "phoney nice' and somewhat efficient. Front desk in and out is quick and friendly. -
Review from Diane B.
6/21/2010
This hotel was a delightful surprise for a business trip. It was so nice not to be in a typical hotel chain. Service was just all around great! Room was nice and comfortable. The hotel had a lovely lovely bar which was a nice way to end my late days. In addition I was a presenter at an event at the hotel and the meeting facilities were perfect. Great hotel!
