Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

IT HAS TO BE THE CHATEAU

by DOUGALSMUM about FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE

THE CHATEAU"S STANDARDS MAY HAVE DROPPED SINCE IT WAS TAKEN OVER BY THE FAIRMONT HOTEL CHAIN, BUT IT IS STILL ONE OF THE BEST HOTELS IN CANADA, WITH A SITUATION THAT IS UNSURPASSED.
THE CHATEAU SITS RIGHT ON THE LAKE THAT GIVES IT IT"S NAME, AMONGST A FOREST OF PINES THAT HIDE MILES OF HIKING TRAILS, NORDIC SKI TRAILS AND BACKCOUNTRY FOR ALL SORTS OF ACTIVITIES. THE LAKE PROVIDES FOR ICE-SKATING, CURLING AND HORSE SLEIGH RIDES.
INSIDE THE HOTEL IS A WARM, FRIENDLY BUT LUXURIOUS WELCOME, WITH A GREAT CHOICE OF RESTAURANTS, BARS AND SHOPS TO SPEND YOUR TIME IN IF YOU EVER GET TIRED OF LOOKING AT THE MAGNIFICENT VIEWS.
THE HOTEL IS VIRTUALLY A MINI TOWN-ANYTHING YOU NEED CAN BE PROVIDED IN THE HOTEL OR ITS SURROUNDINGS. THERE ARE 488 ROOMS OF VARYING STANDARDS OF LUXURY AND SIZE FROM A STANDARD MOUNTAIN VIEW TWIN ROOM TO THE LAKESIDE CROWN SUITE WITH SPIRAL STAIRCASE AND TWO BATHROOMS (ONE WITH JACUZZI).ALL TYPES OF ROOM COME WITH EITHER MOUNTAIN VIEW OR LAKE VIEW AT A SUPPLEMENT-PAY THE SUPPLEMENT FOR THE LAKESIDE ROOM, ITS NOT EVERYDAY THAT YOU GET A CHANCE TO WAKEUP LOOKING AT ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS (AND BEAUTIFUL) SPOTS IN CANADA. VISIT IN LATE JANUARY AND YOU WILL HAVE THE ADDED BONUS OF SEEING THE HOTEL GROUNDS STUDDED WITH MAGNIFICENT ICE-SCULPTURES(THE WORLD ICE-CARVING CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE HELD HERE EVERY JANUARY). THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN BEING THE ICE CASTLE BUILT ON THE LAKE THAT YOU CAN SKATE AROUND.

way out of my price range

by richiecdisc about Chateau Lake Louise

Chateau Lake Louise was the brainchild of the Canadian Pacific Railway at the end of the 19th century to lure well-healed Eastern Canadians to the splendor of Lake Louise before it was even recognized as a National Park. It went through many incarnations including being the original mecca of Canadian mountain climbing in the 1920s. Though originally a summer only facility, it was winterized in 1982 and now offers up the whole ski lodge experience to further capitalize on the area's scenic beauty. It is a decidedly high end affair today with lower end rooms fetching close to C$500 per night in summer peak season. Suites are considerably more. It is a massive complex and to be honest a bit foreboding. I had to sound like a Yankee Doodle Dandee but the old historic hotels and lodges in US National Parks are National Historic Sites and anyone visiting the parks is welcomed like they were staying in the hotel. It is perfectly fine to hang out by the fire place and write postcards in famed parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. I am not sure if Chateau Lake Louise is recognized as such but in no way did I feel like I could just waltz in there and hang out in my hiking attire. Please let me if I am wrong. I would love to stand corrected.

I am not a big fan of putting hotels or any man-made structures right on incredibly beautiful lakes, especially in a National Park but this baby predates the park so I guess there's no going back. So, you can enjoy views of it from the hiking trails if that is what you like to see in nature. The hotel does look prettier from above but my guess is the lake would look even prettier without it.

Glacier Saloon

by bkathryn about Bar in Chateau Lake Louise

This was also where the dancing moved to after the wedding celebration had to leave the wedding, dinner and dance location upstairs in the Sunroom. It worked out pretty well and we danced until the wee hours! I don't think there is normally any dress code and we were mostly dressed in the fancy duds we'd had on for the wedding.

While we're thinking of Lake...

by Beast

While we're thinking of Lake Louise, this is definately a spot you must see. The Glacier is named Victoria Glacier after the Queen 'ya know'. I highly recommend spending at least one night at the Chateau Lake Louise which has all the ammenities of a world-class resort. The Chateau is on the shores of Lake Louise. Do yourself a favor and pay a 'little' more for a view of this magnificent sight. You may enjoy the easy hike around either side of the Lake. Just go as far as you like and bring your camera and binoculars. This Lake is beautiful in any season but with the flowers most prefer late April through August...that means crowds. During the winter the lake freezes and takes on another beautiful appearance. The resort management will clear a large area near the shoreline in front of the Chateau for ice skating.

Very nice but tiny rooms

by A TripAdvisor Member

I went Fairmont Lake Louise with my husband and my 1 year old baby in May. When I got to the hotel, valet people were nowhere to be found. I had to go into the hotel and make sure that I got to the right place because not a single soul was standing outside. My room had an awesome view of the lake but it was still completely frozen in May. Service was great except a guy came into our room middle of the morning saying that he needed to check the mini bar. When I told him that I didn't use anything, he still said he needed to check on it. Bathroom was tiny but it was clean. I wasn't too crazy about the room. Everything looked too old and dingy. Everyone there seemed to be friendly.

best hotel out of 7 during our 2-week stay

by A TripAdvisor Member

We were so pleased with our room and our experience at Chateau Lake Louise. We had a deluxe Q/Q + rollaway as a part of Family Adventure Pkg. (about $287/night US which included room, gondola rides, canoe rental, in rm. movie and pizza.) The room was exquisite in every detail and very spacious for our family of five. By far it was the nicest room and hotel of all the hotels (7) during our two-week stay in Canada (including even more expensive stays like Fairmont Banff). the hotel restaurant, Poppy Brasserie, was excellent and so was their deli. The entire staff was professional and helpful. We LOVED it there.

Spectacular

by TripAdvisor Member n2mtnz

Have stayed at the Chateau 3 times now. Every time was pure joy!!!! The staff was excellent and went out of their way to make sure we were content. 2nd time we stayed in a Jr. Suite - it was excellent!!! The bath was to die for!!! This last visit, we opted for the Bellvedere Suite and found it spectacular!!!!! Two balconies, spiral staircase and two levels - great for some privacy if someone in your party needs it.
We love the Chateau, not only for the service, but, combined with the scenery, you can't lose!!!! We were last there in April of this year, so we didn't get to see the new addition, but I'm sure it is as classey as the original hotel.

We will be visiting again next year and can't wait!!! A must visit in the winter is definitely Sunshine Village, if you are a skier! It is the stuff dreams are made of!!!!!!

Beautiful hotel, bad food

by A TripAdvisor Member

What a beautiful view. What a beautiful hotel. We were able to stay in the newly constructed wing with airconditioning. It does get hot and stuffy in the late summer. Yes it is crowded and busy. The dissappointing part is that this is just a really big hotel with lots of rooms that turn over every night and it is hard to keep up with the quality of things. There are several restaurants and the food is all cooked in one kitchen and the food for the most part is mediocre. The best value we found was in the deli, that had lattes and bagels in the morning and you could load up with huge sandwiches and snacks for your daily hike or outing. The sandwiches are so big you could easily split with somebody and still be satisfied. It was the only place we could find a room at the last minute and it was pricey. But it was very clean and comfortable, service was great. The downfall is the food, it's not that great and is expensive and out there, there is NO WHERE ELSE to eat.

Wonderful Honeymoon

by A TripAdvisor Member

We stayed at the Chateau for the second part of our honeymoon.

It was superb! We stayed in the jr suite overlooking Lake Louise - the view was magnificant. The services were great! ( I guess it pays to be a member).

The food at the Fairview Restaurant and the hightea was excellent. We both enjoyed the meals there very much.

Although - I do agree with some of the reviewers - the food from room services and the deli were average but expensive - However, you can always buy food from the Village Supermarket and have it at your room.

Nevertheless - we had an amazing time - for those that will be going to the Chateau please - make a visit to the Fairview Restaurant and try their famous high tea!

Lake Louise--beautiful Lake

by Hanau93

"The Chateau Lake Louise"

Why is Lake Louise called Lake Louise? Well, it all has to do with Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Louise Alberta ( thus also our province's name )...
The chateau itself is very posh and HM Queen Elizabeth has stayed there a few times. It offers beautiful vistas of the lake..

"Walk around the Lake"

"The Lake"