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The Fairmont Winnipeg
Category: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels [Edit]
2 Lombard PlWinnipeg, MB R3B 0Y3
(204) 957-1350
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
13 reviews for The Fairmont Winnipeg
13 reviews in English
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Review from Ali Z.
3/4/2012 6 Check-ins Here
The Fairmont Winnipeg is as comfortable and well appointed as you would expect any hotel in the Fairmont chain to be. The lobby, though small, has comfortable couches and a marble floor for a sophisticated feel. The doormen are excellent, always attentive and able to assist. We had a question about which nearby restaurants were open on a Sunday evening and the front desk had a large line; the doormen, without hesitation, called to enquire on our behalf. Which leads to a small complaint, the front desk usually has one staff member on duty during the evening leading to occasional traffic jams, the staff are always polite however they do not seem overly knowledgeable about the local area in terms of restaurants and directions using the downtown underground walkways. This leads me to a warning, not of the hotel, but of the downtown area of Winnipeg in general. By 6pm the entire underground city is empty. Storefronts are closed; the occasional commute straggler can be heard as their shoes click / clop along the floor. Various parts of the underground city had been renovated while others still retain the dingy 1960's design; between the poorly lit halls and complete lack of life you will feel as though you're in a horror film. And since this is winter Winnipeg, seeing rapidly moving people covered head to toe in winter gear including a full face ski mask is not abnormal; it's someone trying to get home and not the reincarnation of Jason Vorhees come to welcome you Winnipeg style.
Rooms at the hotel (Fairmont style) are nice, they have been renovated in the past few years and the furniture and paint look current. The washrooms are large with a full size tub, well lit and a lighted magnifying mirror is great for shaving and spending hours staring in horror at what your face looks like close up. Oddly a ventilation fan is not included in the washroom resulting in condensation and moisture build up in the room at large.
Restaurants include the Velvet Glove and the Lounge (which, not shockingly, is in fact a lounge). Both have good quality food however for the price it would be worth it to get dressed and venture out to any of the quality restaurants within a few blocks walk.
Overall the Fairmont Winnipeg is exactly what you would imagine a Fairmont hotel to be, warm, comfortable at expense account prices. -
Review from Stefanie A.
Toronto, ON
5/10/2012
This hotel gets three stars for the location, not for the actual facility or customer service.
The Fairmont Winnipeg isn't quite as high-end or special as other Fairmonts I've stayed at, although I understand they are mid-way through renovations which will hopefully make it feel like more of a luxury hotel. But for the important stuff: The rooms are immaculately clean, the beds and linens are comfortable, the water runs hot, the toiletries are wonderful, and the doormen are very courteous and helpful.
I did not like the area, however. Virtually everything shuts down by 5 p.m. and if you want to return to the hotel after a busy workday, freshen up, and then go for a walk and see the sights/leisurely find a dinner spot, downtown Winnipeg is not a great choice. There are lots of galleries and shops nearby in the Exchange District, but everything closes very early and by 8 p.m. the streets were completely empty and could be unsafe if you're walking alone. Osbourne Village is lovely in the evenings and could be a better choice of location if you plan to walk to drinks or dinner often. But if you'd just like a clean, comfortable room and good customer service (and great room service) the Fairmont is lovely. -
Review from Kenny M.
11/1/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Love this hotel!! It might even be the most exiting place in all of winnipeg!! The rooms are great! Comfortable beds with clean linens and exellent pool located on the top floor, a steam room! ( my favorite feature ) also they have reception/conference facilities complete with fresh water and great basic catering!I really like the staff here to, very helpful and personable! I have been to a lot of fantastic hotels in my day all over the world and this one is one is in my top ten, and that's no joke!
It's location is wicked to! You're right in downtown to explore some interesting shops. Also a mall nearby and a Starbucks down the road! One interesting fact, it is located right on the street that a local told me is the most windy location in Canada! Also its about a ten minute walk from the famous Winnipeg forks! If I ever go back to Winnipeg this is where I am gonna stay!
2/30Listed in: Kenny's 30 day challenge!!!
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Review from Brandy N.
Edmonton, AB
3/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The Fairmont Winnipeg was a fantastic hotel to stay at on our mini hockey vacay. It wasn't too far from the airport which made our taxi ride only $20 (including tip). The hotel staff was very helpful and friendly. Even though we arrived well before check in they had a room available for us. The room was very clean, and the bed was beyond comfortable. In terms of getting to the MTS centre to watch the hockey game, we were able to walk under ground the entire way. This was great seeing as it was -25 outside. The only downside to this hotel was that the prices in the restaurant was quite expensive for average tasting food. We found ourselves eating elsewhere for less money and food that tasted just as good. If I ever return to Winnipeg I would definitely stay at the Fairmont again.
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Review from Teena D.
9/16/2011 8 photos
When I checked in on Tuesday about 5:30pm, it had been a tiring day traveling ... delayed flight and brutal traffic coming from the airport. I just wanted to get in my room and relax.
I was told that my room wasn't ready. Not ready at 5:30pm??!! Huh?? I could either wait 'til 6pm or I could take a smoking room. Neither option was acceptable. So she found a room that was ready but then spent 20 minutes juggling whoever was going to be staying in it for the next three days ... as I'm standing there! I'm sure she could have given me my key and let me be on my way (I had let her know I was tired and cranky) and did all that afterwards.
The room itself is okay ... it's the same room as any other hotel. Nothing special. I expected more because it's a Fairmont.
I was told that self-parking is $13 and valet parking is $20 a night. I opted for the valet parking. When I looked at my bill this morning, I see that valet parking is actually $23 a night.
The Internet charge is $20 a night. In this day and age, WIFI should be free. Most hotels don't charge for it. If you join the Fairmont Club, it's apparently free. I have a Bell Internet stick so used that.
I ran a bath on Tuesday night. It took a while because the water was a mere dribble. The water pressure isn't great at all at times :(
My remote didn't work. I asked to have it checked the next day and after that it was fine.
The mini fridge was locked. All I wanted was a bottle of water. So I asked for a key on Wednesday (day two). The girl at the front desk asked me I was sure it was locked. I've been opening fridges all my life so knew it was locked. She gave me a key. When I opened it, I found a key for it locked inside. Huh??!!
I had breakfast in the restaurant yesterday. It was good, though the service wasn't all that warm and fuzzy. I had supper last night in the lounge. The server was friendly but my Red Thai Chicken was basically an expensive Lean Cuisine ($17). I would have expected that they would use real chicken rather than frozen processed chicken.
I wouldn't stay here again because there's not much around and the area is surprisingly sketchy. I was walking around last evening looking for a restaurant for supper and a drunk guy yelled at me, "Hey Blonde Chick ... can you spare some change." There are blockades so you can't cross the street to head down to Portage or Main ... you have to go downstairs through pedestrian walk (like going into a subway station) and pop back up on the other side. That's annoying and I wasn't sure how safe it was in the evening (because there's no one around). So I dodged around the blockades and ran across the busy street (probably illegal).
On the plus side, there are some good restaurants nearby. I had lunch at Johnny G's (pub grub ... good), and supper at Tre Visi (Italian ... excellent) and Bailey's (fine dining/pub grub... so-so). Alas, they close early (about 9pm). That's why I ended up in the lobby lounge last night.
The shining glory of this hotel are their valet parking guys. They are amazing! I had to do seminars three times a day and after the first day they anticipated my schedule and had the car waiting for me. And they were always so friendly and greated me by name every time. They were awesome! -
Review from Dan D.
9/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love the Winnipeg Fairmont. I have visited a few times and have always found it to be nice rooms, clean atmosphere and great service.
I am not sure what the going rate of the rooms are, given that I often stay as part of a conference (where they offer a discount), so I can't really speak for the value as much as the quality of the hotel itself.
I like the decor of the place and the pool/workout room is pretty decent.
Always a pleasure to stay here! -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
10/19/2010
I was here about 2 years ago, staying for 2 weeks on a work trip. The only reason I picked the Fairmont was the ability to use my upgrade vouchers (it's definitely not my first place pick), but unfortunately I couldn't.
I got in from the Parking, and on a dark night it's quite a tough find (not at the main entrance, but around the back somewhere). It seems like they share it with the office building around.
It connects to the underground path, which connects to the hotel. The whole pathway was a little scary as there is no one around, and only after studying the signs I could find my way. And the aesthetic itself is stuck in the 1970s.
The room was typical room room size, nice and clean. The most annoying thing was that it's the 2010 and this room had no available plugs for me to plug my gadgets. The socket near the bed was hidden behind the bed, and once I finally pulled it out, they were all taken with with this giant 4 piece splitter.
(the saddest part is that i'm looking at recent reviews on here and doesn't look like that changed)
The restaurant downstairs is touted to be the best in Winnipeg. It was quite good, but the price tag is $$$$. Yay for per diem and eating very little that day.
I found there was no Coffee shop per say to get a decently priced meal, but downstairs en route to the parking there was a nice muffin/coffee place to get a $2 breakfast!
One thing that was good, was that I forgot my phone charger and I was able to get one from the front desk.
Also, they gave me some good advice on where I can get a manicure via the concierge (this was before I discovered Yelp)
I wish Fairmont in general, can update their whole look and persona. No one cares about regal and upscale when there is a $200 price tag on it with less perks than the others. -
Review from Katey S.
5/30/2011
I love the fact that my BF asked for an upgrade, and got us a king-sized bed. That was fabulous.
I love the fact that we were able to keep the cheese and fruit tray intended for another guest and incorrectly delivered to our room.
I love the fact that there were a billion (okay, like 6) pillows and a big ole flat screen TV.
I didn't love the fact that there were water marks on our ceiling, in more than one area.
I didn't love the fact that our sink was all scratched to hell.
I didn't love the fact that there were NO SIGNS directing us to the hotel from the parking garage. We ran into another couple who was just as lost as we were. Seriously, could you splurge for an arrow? Just one?
The pool was a little misleading - the room lit said "enclosed" and also "rooftop." While technically probably true, the pool was just in a regular room on the 21st floor. Not quite what I expected (and whoa, the chlorine smell was STRONG).
This hotel is in a little sketchier area than the Fort Garry and only about $20 cheaper when all was said and done. -
Review from Nandan F.
Ottawa, ON
10/19/2010
So I am giving this place 2 stars because its a Fairmont and I expect more! Any other hotel and it would be 3 stars.
Location: close to downtown and the orchastra. The hotel is also accessible from an underground network of malls. It doesnt look very welcoming from there but it gets a bit better once you get to the lobby. Note that the place is not located 'in the middle' of downtown or 'very near' to the Forks.
Front Desk: Smooth checkin and friendly staff. They however didn't have a lot to say when asked about dining options.
Parking: They have valet parking but I am not too sure of the price.
Rooms: The decor is dated and beyond the lobby, there is no feel of the Fairmont hospitality. The room actually had a tube TV, not even flat screen! The carpet was kinda worn and there was nothing that made me feel that I am in a top notch hotel.
Restaurant: The hyped Velvet Glove is okay. I personally dont believe its worth the price. I ordered a few gin-tonics and they were never the same! The food was nothing to rave about. A true 'meh' experience.
Healthclub: Average facilities. They have a pool and sauna as well.
Overall: I was very disappointed with my experience. It was no better than the Delta and I am not returning here for the price point. -
Review from Amy K.
11/9/2010
I stayed here during a conference and overall the experience was quite nice.
The staff was very friendly and helpful, the lovely ladies in banqueting were especially helpful to accommodate my request for a glass of water or a cup of oatmeal and steered me in the right direction for vegetarian items in the buffets.
Our room was always very clean, housekeeping did a great job and the nightly turn down was a special touch. Who doesn't want to come up to their room after a 14 hour day of conferencing to be welcomed by relaxing radio music and a bottle of water?
We experienced slow service one evening in the lounge area of the bar but the other time we went into the bar area service was prompt and attentive.
The salt water pool was nice but my absolute favorite was the jacuzzi. I popped up to the 21st floor to be welcomed by a great view of Portage and Main Streets via windows along one wall. Too bad our evenings were so full, I think the view would have been lovely after dark too! -
Review from Nora J.
Toronto, ON
7/22/2011
Had a great stay here on a business trip. Staff were helpful and friendly, from entry to the desk to the bar and restaurant. Most remembered my name throughout my stay.
Bed and room were extremely comfortable. Great quality bath products. Also liked the fitness center here, much better than other hotels in terms of selection, size, and location in the hotel.
The food in the lounge and restaurant is reliably good as well. Would recommend the Fairmont. -
Review from Mar R.
6/21/2009
Note: my initial impression did not take into consideration the efforts of the front desk staff that went above and beyond what I regard as great service. One lady in particular at the front desk was sweet enough to remember my mentioning that I was looking for the hospital that I was born in, and she looked it up, printed a map, and left a message to my room. She also wanted to check in on whether the room was any better than the first room I was given. Not only was she sincere in trying to help me, but I felt she really went out of her way, and thereby single-handedly brought the rating up a couple stars higher; such quality service CANNOT be ignored. Fairmont, you need to update your decor to remain in keeping with your competitors, but you certainly hire great people! And I DO believe I'd come back, because I've met some wonderful people out here!
Here's the original review, for which I gave only 1 star:
"Being San Franciscan, I had certain expectations for staying at the Fairmont--anybody have any mental images of the Fairmont in San Francisco? I chose this hotel because of its reputation and high standards. Further, it had some pretty high reviews online, so when I got here and saw the 70's furnishings, the fake wood shelves behind the front desk, the fingerprint-laden, unpolished, scratched elevator doors, and the cheap furniture in the room, I wondered if we were at the right place. The first room I was offered on the 12th floor was stain-ridden! However, the front-desk staff was VERY courteous and friendly, and not only gave us another room, but helped me find certain locations tied to my being born in Winnipeg.
On the first night, an unseen "neighbor" left empty pizza boxes and beer bottles next to my door, AND the icemaker on my floor didn't work. At this point, my expectations were greatly diminished. Where EXACTLY were the high standards for this place?!
Finally, the descriptions of the hotel being within walking distance to the Forks as well as other traveler's sites was misleading; rather than being outside the door, even perhaps a couple of blocks away, the Forks was a good 12-15 minute walk. By the time I realized this, it was too late to hail a cab as there were none to be found.
This was far too ghetto-licious for the price. I would certainly try another hotel before coming back to this one, if I EVER find myself in Winnipeg again." -
Review from Adam W.
6/7/2011
To say that my stay at this hotel was unsatisfactory is an understatement. I am a frequent traveler (Marriott Platinum Elite, Hilton Diamond, United 1K, Delta Elite Medallion...) that was looking forward to my stay at the Fairmont. The room was unkept, dirty and badly outdated. I asked to be relocated to another room and was quickly told it was not possible. I submitted pictures of the room to management, in hopes that no other unsuspecting traveler would have to settle for what I settled for one night. I was brushed off with an insincere email. I checked out of the hotel ASAP and did not turn back.
