Chateau Frontenac

It is said to be the most photographed hotel in the world, and it is easy to see why. The Chateau Frontenac has towered over Old Quebec City since 1893 and resembles a castle from a fairy-tale with its grand copper turrets and majestic stone towers. Located high on a bluff overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the Chateau Frontenac’s elegant rooms have hosted royalty, world leaders and movie stars for over a century. It is more than just a grand hotel with stunning architecture- it is the symbol of the city.

The History

The Chateau Frontenac was built in the late 19 th century as a stopover location for those travelling on the Canadian Pacific Railway. New York architect Bruce Price (the father of famous etiquette author Emily Post) was tapped for the project. Price’s majestic design for the hotel combined the architectural styles of both the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The elegant “chateau-style” of design incorporated the use of towers and turrets, and the grandness of the structure sought to celebrate the luxury of travelling by rail. The Chateau Frontenac is named after the legendary French governor Louis de Buade, Count of Frontenac. This colourful war hero is renowned for his brave and fearless defence of New France from 1672 to 1698.

The Hotel

With its magnificent lobby lit by ornate crystal chandeliers, luxurious rooms with regal design details, and spectacular panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River, it is not surprising that the Chateau Frontenac has been the accommodation of choice for royalty like Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and celebrities such as Alfred Hitchcock and Montgomery Clift. Named by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the 500 Best Hotels in the World in 2009, the hotel offers over 600 rooms on 18 floors, including the Fairmont Gold floors with a separate concierge and reception. Dining options on-site include the acclaimed cuisine of Chef Jean Soulard at the Champlain restaurant or the Café de la Terrasse . The hotel also houses an indoor pool, state-of-the-art health club and a business centre. The hotel even has a friendly Canine Ambassador on staff. Originally bred and trained to be a guide dog, Santol is happy to accompany guests on walks around the city.

Special Events

There is no better setting for a fairy-tale wedding than a fairy-tale castle, perched upon a steep cliff overlooking one of the most romantic cities in the world. The Chateau Frontenac offers memorable wedding ceremonies in its stunning reception rooms that include the Grand Ballroom and the Salon Rose which is located in one of the castle’s turrets. The banquet team offers a wide selection of menus to suit every taste. Tables are set lavishly with silver flatware and elegant china, and white-glove service is provided throughout cocktail and dinner service. The hotel also offers flexible space for business and corporate functions, and has a history of hosting important meetings and world leaders such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and William Lyon Mackenzie King during the Quebec Conferences of World War II in 1944.

The Surroundings

Located in the heart of Old Quebec, the Chateau Frontenac is surrounded by the cobble-stone streets of this picturesque city, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel is within walking distance of all the most popular sites and attractions including the beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica and the sprawling Plains of Abraham. The Dufferin Terrace is just steps from the hotel, and visitors can easily access the funicular (or take the Breakneck Staircase) down to the city's lower town to explore the charming Petit Champlain shopping district and the historic Place-Royale. Here in the one of the oldest sections of the city, visitors will find the popular Musée de la Civilisation and can browse numerous art galleries, antique shops, and unique boutiques.

Visiting the Chateau Frontenac

The Chateau Frontenac is located at 1 rue des Carrières at Place D’Armes, in Quebec City’s Upper Town.

For more information on rates and accommodations, call 1-(866)-540-4460, email at chateaufrontenac@fairmont.com or visit the official website at www.fairmont.com/frontenac