Pro tip to anyone staying here. There's a convenience store literally a block away that sells giant bottles of water for $2.50CAD, as well as wine, snacks, and even some prepared meals. So, no need to pay for the crazy high mini bar prices.
@@jackalenterprisesofohio yeah but the lead and fluoride testing is more strict for pipe water than it is for bottled water. So go figure how much heavy metals is in your bottled water
I'm a Type 1 Diabetic, one time whilst out with my family we decided to take a quick stop at this hotel due to me starting to feel a bit under the weather, one of the staff noticed how pale I was and immediately rushed me to a seat and got me a sugary drink... turns out she was also diabetic and saw the signs of really low blood-sugar levels and helps to correct it before it could get to the point where i'd possible end up in the hospital... She inspired me to do the same for other people when I see something like what I was going through at that time, it also taught me how to spot the signals so I can tell -by myself- if my blood-sugars are dropping dangerously low... A couple years ago at work whilst doing prepwork in the back of house (worked at a restaurant at the time of this short story) I noticed the colour of my skin was pretty close to the colour of the flour and I knew my blood sugars were really low, had a brownie and a kid's cup worth of rootbeer whilst taking a "mandated by my health" break, about 5 minutes later colour started to return to my skin so I went back to doing prepwork but at a slower pace till i fully recovered (about another 10 minutes after this)... TLDR: the Staff were really friendly, especially one lady of the staff
another story that sort of relates to the one above, One coworker was drinking a lot of soda and going to the bathroom, concerned I suggested he get checked for diabetes. He asked why and I said how i'm a type 1 diabetic and he's showing signs of having High blood sugar levels, he agreed to do so the next day since it was a day off for him, found out the next day i was working with him that he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes that day off, we exchanged phone numbers so he could contact me if he had any questions since he was a newly diagnosed Diabetic and i'm a veteran diabetic (diagnosed at 15 months old)
I dont know about others, but winter seems the most desirable time to visit just due to the fairytale charm. Its a beautiful city and perfect for a romantic getaway.
Winter in Quebec City has a cozy feel, you just dress for it and you’ll be fine. Great clothing sales start around the third week of December on into February. So, if you feel your clothes aren’t warm enough there are plenty of warm coats, boots, mittens, hats, sweaters. Simon’s Department store is iconic and if you like to shop go take a peek.
@@paulhinsky If you're not from a winter country, you have to experience it at least once in a lifetime. The ecstatic pleasure of going back inside after a few hours in the cold, to just sit in front of a warm home cooked soup and hot chocolate. But yes, being just by the river, Quebec city is more humid than other inland cities, so -15 Celcius might feel more like -20 or -25 if you're not used to it.
I’ve been in all seasons, and it is beautiful anytime, but the winter really is magical. We went for new years one year and the atmosphere and the decorations were amazing.
Agreed. As an American who never sees any advertisements for Canadian destinations, I've got to say that he did an amazing job making me want to visit Canada.
Quebec city is the birth place of Canada and historical city ... amazing museums , food , people and you may also watch 13 species of whales including Belugas and the largest animal on earth , the blue whale .... you can take the train from Quebec city to Charlevoix and come back the same day ..
I get you point however then we can't have honest reviews right? If every time someone gets x of views on this type of subject they should be paid? And if it isn't every time why should it be in this case?
Ok so there are two dumb errors I have made in the video. First, that is Franklin Roosevelt, not Theodore. (He was long dead by world war 2, I mixed up the names). Second, apparently the Epcot Canada pavilion is NOT based after this hotel. It’s actually off of another Fairmont in Ottawa called the Château Laurier. Similar architectural styles though! Sorry for these errors everyone, pls forgive me!
Thank you for videos, they are always interesting! I think the prices are very reasonable (except the suites, they are overpriced everywhere) I´m from Europe and i mostly rent houses/apartments when i (we) travel....i only would book a hotel when i stay 1 or 2 nights....in all other cases (holiday or business) i rent homes because you get much more privacy compared to a hotel, greetings Satis
Also, FDR didn't help map out the future after the war ended. He was dead, so while it would have capped an impressive career to rise from the dead to secure the peace, not even he can cheat the reaper :)
My partner and I booked Le Capitole after this video, and it’s the BEST hotel we’ve ever stayed at, hands down! Amazing rooms with even more amazing views-the chateaux is almost prettier to look at than to be in, and many of the rooms here frame it gorgeously. The staff is all wildly friendly, and our stay includes breakfast every day which we thought was just going to be a continental or buffet thing, but ended up being complimentary breakfast service at the hotel’s very swanky restaurant which was always a treat to wake up to. We were able to book a few nights right after New Years for around $230 a night, and we’re already thinking about coming back this time next year to take advantage of these prices again. An absolute steal!! Thank you Jake!!
As a resident of Quebec City, you did a very honest review of iconic Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. Your quick guide to Old Quebec is also excellent. I fully agree with you that when you walk at night in Quebec City after 9PM, in any season, there is stillness and magic in the air. The Christmas decorations of the Petit Champlain (lower town) are simply wonderful. (This year, Christmas 2023, there is very little snow remaining on the lawn because of the heavy rain we had last week. In fact, Quebec is the only Canadian city guaranteed to have a white Christmas)
i’m not sure if this was intentional, but 1608 is a very important year in Quebec history. It is nice that the hotel designated this as a “gold” room, even though they don’t live up to the expectation.
I love Quebec City. Even if you don't stay at the Fairmont the city is well worth visiting. The history, the people, the architecture is like nothing else in North America.
It's worth it just for the food, oh my god, when I went we had so much incredible food that was all some of the best I've ever had. You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a michelin star restaurant or one that ought to have one.
Mom & I spent our annual vacation in Montreal, staying on a somewhat upper floor of the Quebec Hilton, & she took a couple of pictures of the Frontenac from our window. This video brought back some seriously wonderful memories, esp. when you showed the intimate cobblestone streets. Mom passed a little over 24 years ago now (12 Dec. 99), but we had a ball on this vacation, & I have the photo album to show for it. Though I had tears in my eyes, I also had a smile on my face from ear-to-ear watching this one. From the bottom of my heart, Jake, thank you. I miss you, Mom. 💕
We live in Toronto and took the train down to Quebec City this summer. It was an absolute blast! We stayed at the Hotel Victoria Manoir for about $300/night as it had great reviews. The Chateau Frontenac was about $800/night for the cheapest room which we couldn't justify. It was still beautiful to walk by...and I agree, there are many awesome restaurants in the city. We went to Restaurant La Buche for dinner and it was incredible.
I love this hotel. When I was 16, the high school French club went to Montreal and Quebec City. We stayed at the Chateau Frontenac in a massive room in the roof of the tower. It was incredible and I’ll never forget it. That was 1974.
I've had the fortune to stay at the Chateau Frontenac twice -- once on a school field trip (!! Crazy I know -- they didn't put us in the best of the rooms for sure, as they were small with 3 people to a room, but we had a view of the St Lawrence which was great) and once as an adult on a cross-Canada voyage. I loved it both times, and could really appreciate it as an adult. Just wandering the halls through the various wings, seeing the design, architecture, and history was a treat in of itself. And stepping out the front door and down the steps straight into the streets of Vieux-Québec was delightful. Unfortunate that their gold level is not quite up to snuff, though that would likely always be above my price point anyway. ;) We went in mid-October and the price was reasonable enough, and well worth it for the experience. Great to relive the memories through this video, thank you!
It’s the closest European gem without crossing the pond. I live next door in New Brunswick and am of French ancestry (1690 or so) I’ve been there a dozen times or more. It is magical. Absolument magnifique. 👍🥂🥇🏆🌟
Speaking of National Park hotels-- it would be interesting for you to check out the Mt. Hood Lodge in Mt. Hood Oregon. The exterior of the hotel is where they shot exterior shots for The Shining hotel, and it's a very cool historic hotel. I don't know that it's stereotypically "luxury" but the rooms are pretty pricy and it's just a very interesting hotel, basically everything was hand-crafted for the hotel, so when you stay in the rooms it's like staying in a museum!
Montreal, Quebec City, Chateau Frontenac highly underrated places to visit and fall in love.I stayed twice in Chateau Frontenac, magic place, amazing food, people, French language, so much history around.
Fairmount is the best, Seattle, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal, Charlevoie and many times in Quebec city we have experienced and, indeed, the nice penthouse suite for 4 nights at the Chateau Frontenac , their knowledge how to make you feel special is paramount.
I'm so glad you decided to make this channel. I love your sophisticated but approachable voiceover style, your calmly dynamic footage style and your choices of accommodations to feature. Just lovely.
I stayed there during a trip to Quebec with my family when I was 8. They messed up our reservation and with 5 of us we needed a suite. We ended up getting to stay in Princess Grace’s suite!
I stayed at this hotel twice. Keep in mind that was back in the 1990's when I was in high school. I live in Pennsylvania and my sophomore and senior years our French Club traveled to Quebec City. Watching this video brought back several good memories. Thank you so much!
Love Quebec City. My wife and I use it as a long weekend away destination as its a reasonable drive from New England. Our favorite is Winter carnival as the whole city comes alive for it. Never stayed at the Frontenac, but go there often to window shop, get a drink, etc. The whole city is just so walkable (so long as you like hills) that anywhere near the wall of the old city is a good place to be.
In Quebec City, you should try the Auberge Saint Antoine. Regularly awarded the best hotel in Canada award, it is pricey but never feels overpriced. Best service, best breakfast (by far), awesome location. Less of a touristy hotel for sure, but I am willing to bet it would be your favourite hotel in Canada
I was so surprised you visited the city I live in! It's nice to see this place from another perspective. If you visit again there's a really cool jazz bar called Le St-Angèle and when you enter you feel like you've just discovered a cozy secret place. Nice video as always!
@@coastaku1954Most Québeckers are very accommodating to English-speaking tourists. There is more francophobia in Canada than anglophobia in my opinion.
@@user-mrfrog Bullshit, I've been to Montreal and people were very rude and pushy. It was clear they could speak English but refused when talking to us. Also, why aren't the signs on roadways more Bilingual? In Ontario, even in Anglophone Toronto and Southwest Ontario, all temporary construction signs are duplicated, one in English, one in French. Even many of the Electronic signs are bilingual too. Ontario gets more bilingual as you get closer to Quebec, but once you cross that border, there is no more English on any of the signs!
@@coastaku1954 Ontario is sure a model for the French language, only about 12% of its population can speak the language and according to Statistics Canada, the bilingualism rate English-French) has never been so low in forty years! In Québec, about 51% can speak English. As for your experience, I am sad to hear that. I was just in Québec City and most menus and other tourist oriented signage were bilingual or even with Spanish. Unfortunately, you will find rude people everywhere.
This past March, I took a trip with my college to Montreal and Quebec City. I recall going into the Frontenac's lobby with a few of my classmates to have a look around and being absolutely in awe, while also being curious as to what staying there would be like. So this review was a real treat! And I share your sentiment about old Quebec City. It's absolutely gorgeous. Just walking the streets at the tail end of winter was like nothing I'd ever experienced. Like you said, it felt like being in a movie. Absolutely amazing. I'm dying to go back sometime... and back to Montreal too.
Near Christmas you have the Christmas market and it's charming. In February you have winter Carnaval and it's a blast! In summer you can visit the vineyards on île d'Orléans and the Montmorency falls. In Fall, the beautiful colours in nearby Charlevoix region. In early Spring, sugar shacks around the city.
Quebec City is a diamond and so beautiful. It is breathtaking in winter, especially, as you showed us so well. It ain't cheap but well worth the splurge.
My wife and I stayed there last year for our anniversary, and the service was phenomenal. We ordered room service; the food from the restaurant staurant Champlain is very good. The breakfast buffet at Place Dufferin has a great selection and is quite tasty but a bit overpriced. While talking to one of the staff in the lobby, my wife mentioned that it was our anniversary, and later that night, we received a complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot. Anyway, it was a great experience.
What an imposing and intimidatingly beautiful structure that building is. Wow. It’s so expertly proportioned despite its monumental size. And the ornamentation 😮
One of my best mates had his whole family stay here in the luxury part, for his make a wish request. Such a thoughtful gesture. Hope you’re doing well Chris ❤
May I also suggest visiting during the winter carnival? It is the most beautiful city I have ever seen at this time. An ice castle in the middle of the city. A locally carved ice sculpture on every corner. Dozens of games and carnival activities all over the city at night, and ice bars all over. I ate maple taffy, which was poured into a trough of snow and stretched right in front of me (VERY strong maple flavor!). Carnival mascots, Cirque de Soleil performers, literally everything you could imagine. My favorite was a public dance game (think the JustDance video game) themed to folk music and dances. I went during covid when "It really isn't that good" and had a spectacular time. I love Quebec City, and I found the Quebecois people to be so kind and welcoming. I recommend everyone in North America go there first before going all the way to France.
My high school had an opportunity for the French students to visit Québec and I went in grade 9. That was longer ago than I care to admit but I still distinctly remember visiting the hotel and getting a tour, they told us a bunch of ghost stories! I have friends who occasionally live in Québec and I’ve been hoping to get back out there to visit, I’ve been in winter but looks like I need to specifically go around the holidays, it’s just absolutely magical looking!
Spent a week in Quebec City, old town. Le Capitol was where we stayed. We drove from Chicago. We almost stayed there but decided against it. We loved Le Capitol and their service. We walked around so much, we never had to drive until we went back home. I really enjoyed this video because I know we missed nothing. This place is truly a bucket list item, if you want to experience a bit of France without going there.
Thanks so much for posting this. Apparently, my family stayed at this hotel when we first emigrated from Britain. I have no memory of it as I was an infant, so it was nice to see the interior.
I feel like Quebec gets a lot of shit (I watched a review of La Ronde once, and the reviewer took points off of it because he heard people speaking French everywhere and was mad about that...?) so as a long time fan of it (and BSF) this video makes me SO happy! Quebec City really is so beautiful!
Regrettably, animosity towards Québécois and French Canadians is deeply ingrained in many Canadians. The tension between some Anglophone communities and Québec largely arises from various factors, including misunderstandings. There's significant animosity directed towards our efforts to prioritize the French language. People often forget that Québec has only one official language, which is French. Personally, I do not fully agree with all the measures implemented to preserve the French language in Québec, as some may seem ineffective. Nonetheless, these measures are sometimes viewed negatively by certain Anglophone groups, who believe we are attempting to erase their presence. However, it is vital to comprehend the historical context of these actions. Québec's language policies are not formulated with the intention of alienating or diminishing the Anglophone community. Rather, they emerge from an essential need to protect our distinct minority culture, language, national identity, and history from being overshadowed and submerged in a continent predominantly dominated by English.
Old comment but la ronde used to be one of the best rated team park in north america...legendary engineers and creative worked on it. However when it got bought by six flag in around 2010 is where it all started to fall down. They mistreated the old rides, replaced icon with social media baits and increased the price on everything. The state of it in 2024 is just painful to look at, very much on its last leg
Beautiful! I’m from the US, and got to visit Vancouver and Victoria in BC when living in Washington state. I think this city just made my “visit Canada” list.
It will save you the cost of a trip to Europe as France comes to you in Canada. I try to have a hot chocolate at Chauteau Frontenac every time I get to Quebec City, which isn't often enough. Still need to take Via Rails "Ocean" train to Halifax. Another once-in-a-lifetime event that becomes a repeated event I'll bet once you take it the first time. Ah, us humans and our cherished memories.
I had the wonderful experience of staying at Old Quebec City for several days. I was there in the summertime and it was wonderful. The artist that Drew your portrait on the sidewalk in musicians that strolled the streets and played music. Not to mention all of the old Quebec City history, it was totally amazing and I would love to do it again. I highly recommend that you go there in the summertime and experience what I got to experience because it was marvelous. ❤️
That's the most beautiful architectural style in my opinion. Just opulent looking and good materials. Modern architectural styles with lots of straight lines just feels so cheap.
Did a grade 8 trip to Quebec City. It is a gem of a place. I walked all day long, perusing the views, stores, and general ambiance. It's not crowded, it's welcoming, the food is spectacular, and the history is just the icing on the cake. Thanks for your great video!
I took a school trip to Quebec City when i was 13 and it was truly one of the most magical experiences I've had. Cities just aren't like that here the US.
I visited Quebec City on a bus tour that went from Toronto, to Kingston to Montreal to Quebec City and back and I loved it! I didn't get to spend as much time there as I wanted so this is inspiring me to go again someday. I even remember taking pictures of this hotel! It's even more gorgeous in person!
For everything you get, the history, plus the surrounding area I think it's a pretty fair price. Especially if you aqurie a lower tier room. It looks incredibly romantic and photogenic at night with the snow and old world buildings. Definitely on my list now. Thanks for another great video 💯👍🏼
I stayed here years ago on a road trip my family took across the Windsor-Quebec city corridor. Absolute magic to me as a ten year old. Best part of this hotel is how close it is to everything, the waterfront, battlements, museums, street performers, restaurants. I never felt like I was being dragged anywhere by my parents just because of how beautiful everything there was. I would highly recommend the waterfront to anyone visiting Quebec City. Everynight we would go out and watch the waves while eating ice cream, absolutely fantastic city. So much history packed into such a small space, and unlike in other cities like Toronto or New York, you can see the 1700s era history with your own eyes.
Hey I'm from (and live in) Quebec City! :) You showed nice pictures from my hometown and I'm glad you loved the streets, restaurants and shops around the Château :)
The “Hotel Canada” at Epcot Centre was modelled after the Château Laurier hotel in Ottawa, not the Château Frontenac in Québec City. Both hotels, however, were done in a similar architectural style and both were built and owned by Canada Pacific Railways so it’s easy to get the two mixed up. The Château Banff Springs hotel in Banff, Alberta was also built and owned by Canada Pacific Railways.
Vieux Quebec is my favorite place in Canada. I lived in Quebec City for 5 years, from 10 to 15 years old...I left my heart there actually, lol. Thanks for the mini tour of this beautiful and historic bit of our nation. Je me souviens!
@@MegaJellyNelly I was there for my honeymoon in 1999. Again in 2005 and 2007. We planned to go this year for our 25th wedding anniversary last week, but due to unavoidable circumstances, we have to wait now. Hopefully not for too long. 🤗
I absolutely loved Quebec City when I went last summer, it is truly a one of a kind city in North America, and I'm glad to see you review this famous hotel!
Haven't watched you in years and didn't know you had made this channel. It's nice to see you again! lol All you've done is solidified my need to go to Quebec city.
I'm staying 3 nights in Quebec City next week, so appreciate the review. Not at the Chateau Frontenac, but at a boutique hotel in the lower town. Hoping for a light dusting of snow and not too cold lol.
I stayed at the Chateau Frontenac in 1971. Back then, it did not belong to Fairmont, and a standard room was about $40US per night. I do recall that room service was absolutely dazzling. A cheerful voice would answer "service aux chambre" in French and immediately and seamlessly switch to English when I began to order. Presentation was beautiful. The room itself was small, traditional and elegant. I would think much has changed in 52 years, but Chateau Frontenac left a lasting impression, and if I ever return to Quebec City I will definitely stay there again.
We stayed at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac this summer before a cruise. It was expensive, over $1200 USD for a Gold Club level room. Our room while clean had a little wear. Like the bathroom shown in the video, the toilet was squeezed in between the vanity and shower, I had a phone app that does measurements (probably not real accurate but close enough) it measured 22 1/2 inches from shower glass to vanity! Like the width of a car seat! Club Level lounge food was okay, they did offer to make smoothies in the morning and when I was asked about a cup of coffee, I turn them down as I take Lactose free milk in mine, when I said as much,they let me know that it was available, so was able to have a coffee latte.😊The staff was very friendly and helpful during our stay. Even booking dinner reservations for us. That being said, I have stayed in a Hilton in Beijing that was just as nice maybe even nicer. It was cool to stay there but most likely will stay somewhere else if in Quebec City again.
i'm from quebec and have been to quebec city a couple times, and i'll never quite get over how beautiful it is! i'd love to see you try out chateau laurier over in ottawa- another fairmont castle :)
I’ve twice stayed at a small hotel directly adjacent to the castle (L’Hotel Château Bellevue) and I have had wonderful visits both times. I would also recommend the “Le Continental” restaurant nearby, as it’s decor matches the sort of gold-adorned feeling of the castle, and the service has beaten anything else I’ve ever experienced. Parking can be hard to find if you stay at one of the smaller hotels (their valet lots often fill up in the summer), but the parking below city hall is the cheapest I’ve found and is a nice walk.
During EXPO 67 We traveled in Quebec and my father wanted us to stay in the Hotel Frontenac. We got adjoining rooms, My parents in one and us 4 kids in another. This was before the renovations and the rooms were cramped, hot (no air conditioning) and we opened the window and leaned out to yell and wave at people. (bad kids) The rooms you experienced look much nicer.
I stayed there last month for the first time, despite having visited Quebec City many times before. It's definitely an experience that you should try at least once, the hotel and views are beautiful and the staff are great, but I wouldn't go back a second time. There are some fabulous little boutique hotels mere minutes away in the lower city that are just as interesting for a fraction of the price.
If anyone wants to visit Europe within North America, then Quebec City is the one to go,gorgeous, full of european style antique builing,delicious French cuisine with reasonable price and friendly service
I have never stayed in Le Château Frontenac, but I have always loved visiting Quebec City. Your shouting out Les Yeux Blseu, was amazing, I love that little bar
I did spend a long week-end at Le Cahteaux Frontenac and, aside from the overwhelming Royal feeling one experiences every time one enters the foyer, there was also the assurance that, no mater where I found myself in town, I only had to look up to find my way back to my residence. Unforgetable. Thanks for the memories!
The last time I was in Quebec City I took a room at someone's house up against the wall of the city. The room was large, clean, and the bed was very comfortable. I got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and when I got back to bed there was a cat sleeping there and the animal slept next to me purring contentedly for the rest of the night. You wouldn't find that at the Chateau!
Club/Gold/Executive rooms which still have chargeable mini-bars filled with items you can get for free in the lounge are one of my pet hates (especially water ffs!) It just takes away from what should be a premium experience - and it’s not like I’m actually stupid enough to pay for the stuff just to save a five minute trip to the lounge. Just weird, penny-pinching behaviour. Other that, this looks like one of those hotels that is absolute worth experiencing just to see something so totally unique and historical, even if the cost isn’t really objectively justified. Great video as always, Jake!
I’ve been visiting Québec City for decades. In my opinion, the way to go is staying at a quirky boutique hotel in the old city and then taking advantage of what Fairmont offers to the general public. The winter, especially come Christmas, can be magic.
Luxury hotels trying to nickle and dime you on snacks and drinks is just infuriating and really need to stop. They should skip the alcohol, include like $10-15 worth of drink and snacks for free and leave the rest of the fridge space for customer use.
My family and I stayed there between Christmas and New Year’s two years ago. It was magical. I would never want to stay anywhere else in Quebec City. The location in the city is incredible. The one down side was how crowded it was on the ground floor due to so many people visiting the holiday exhibits. He Frontenac ís the quintessential French Canada experience. Worth every penny.
The no rain shower head is such a plus in my book. As a black girl with natural hair, you can only depend on a shower cap so much and I get tired of ducking and dodging while trying to get clean.
Last year I preformed at many of the cathedrals around the hotel, it was the most amazing time of my life, and having a tour of the building was incredible
Visited Montreal and Quebec city at the end of November and had to have a peak inside the hotel, what a stunning building and was lovely to see the town in all the Christmas decorations. Glad we went when we did
This is so cool. Watched your main channel Bright Sun Films and was hooked about a year ago before I got busy with school. Love your Abandoned series. Now I find this channel and video. I stayed at the Chateau Frontenac around February. Wish I had seen this video first! It was a great experience. The room was only like $120 for the night because we used some cheap hotels website. The view from our room wasn’t the greatest (basically a wall) but it was still very luxurious, and touring the hotel was so much fun.
I think the downtown Vancouver fairmont would be interesting for you to stay at. It’s such a central location in downtown and has competition with the fairmont pacific rim, which is seen as more luxurious. It’s architecture really makes it stand out in downtown, and was used as the hotel for the suite life of Zachary and Cody (The Tipton). It’s in a very interesting position within the market as hotel rooms in Vancouver are already extremely expensive.
I stayed here in high school on a french club trip because the hotel is on the cover of the french textbook and I loved it so much. One of my favorite trips ever
I didn't know that perfect little fairy tale christmas towns actually exist. Why can't my life be a fairy tale? I'm kidding, but good lord Quebec City looks incredible. As someone from the American Southwest I've NEVER seen anything like that. The hotel looks like a mix of the plaza hotel and the overlook hotel lol
No doubt this hotel is one of the most iconic in North America and the exterior is stunning. However internally it seems a real mix of high quality and blandness. From what I see here I wouldn’t class it as luxury, overall it’s somewhat commercial looking which isn’t surprising considering the number of guest rooms. Thanks for your review, I’ve long been fascinated by this amazing building.
I thought as soon as the video started that I recognized that hotel from Goblin! Ever since we watched the show, my dad and I have been wanting to make a trip to Quebec City to visit some of the landmarks from it. I think we'll probably have to pick somewhere a bit less pricy to stay, though...
I've stayed here as a kid, and just walked by it when my cruise stopped in Quebec City. I have a very clear memory of going swimming in their indoor pool while it was snowing outside. Kinda magical, if you ask me.
This is so pretty. Hotels and inns with a history in historic locations are probably my favorite as you are in the heart of a place and get to learn about the place just a bit more. Hopefully one day you can visit Newfoundland a place with plenty of history and some wonderful places to stay.
My aunt worked in the hotel while they filmed a scene of “Catch me if you can” in old Québec and Leonardo DiCaprio asked to meet all of the staff and my aunt got an autograph from him
I've recently found your channels and want to congratulate you on some great work. On the abandoned videos, you put a lot of work into giving us context and history that elevates them to something much more interesting than 'wow, neat. An abandoned mall.' I think the back story to how they got that way is as interesting, if not more, than the tour itself. The travel vids go beyond the 'this hotel is good/crap' of other hotel vids to give the bigger picture of the area around it. This makes them much more realsistc to watch as, good or bad, if you're visiting some of these places you're not spending that much time in the hotel. Sometimes you'll put up with a crappy room for the sake of the location. I don't get the prices at some of these places. I guess there's enough uber rich and corporate travelers that they can fill them enough times not to have to invest much in the up keep or services. I also enjoy seeing the CanCon!
The gold level doesn't seem worth it. The other rooms seemed just as nice and more spacious. I'd likely go with a smaller boutique hotel myself. Regards from Indiana!
If you make it to Southern California again, you should check out the Mission Inn in Riverside. It has a lot of history and is also notorious for being haunted. It's also luxurious and was even where 8 US presidents have visited
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Pro tip to anyone staying here. There's a convenience store literally a block away that sells giant bottles of water for $2.50CAD, as well as wine, snacks, and even some prepared meals. So, no need to pay for the crazy high mini bar prices.
True pro tip: Bring a reusable bottle and fill it up in the sink. Our water has amazing quality control, better than most bottled water.
@@ZaDussault ohhn sure like you guyes don't have lead and fluride in your public water pipes laid circa 1925.
@@jackalenterprisesofohio yeah but the lead and fluoride testing is more strict for pipe water than it is for bottled water. So go figure how much heavy metals is in your bottled water
Is it as good as Swiss tap water?
@@gnuwaves743 can't compare, sadly. Can't say it's the best tap water, but it does the job and is very clean :p
I'm a Type 1 Diabetic, one time whilst out with my family we decided to take a quick stop at this hotel due to me starting to feel a bit under the weather, one of the staff noticed how pale I was and immediately rushed me to a seat and got me a sugary drink... turns out she was also diabetic and saw the signs of really low blood-sugar levels and helps to correct it before it could get to the point where i'd possible end up in the hospital... She inspired me to do the same for other people when I see something like what I was going through at that time, it also taught me how to spot the signals so I can tell -by myself- if my blood-sugars are dropping dangerously low... A couple years ago at work whilst doing prepwork in the back of house (worked at a restaurant at the time of this short story) I noticed the colour of my skin was pretty close to the colour of the flour and I knew my blood sugars were really low, had a brownie and a kid's cup worth of rootbeer whilst taking a "mandated by my health" break, about 5 minutes later colour started to return to my skin so I went back to doing prepwork but at a slower pace till i fully recovered (about another 10 minutes after this)... TLDR: the Staff were really friendly, especially one lady of the staff
another story that sort of relates to the one above, One coworker was drinking a lot of soda and going to the bathroom, concerned I suggested he get checked for diabetes. He asked why and I said how i'm a type 1 diabetic and he's showing signs of having High blood sugar levels, he agreed to do so the next day since it was a day off for him, found out the next day i was working with him that he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes that day off, we exchanged phone numbers so he could contact me if he had any questions since he was a newly diagnosed Diabetic and i'm a veteran diabetic (diagnosed at 15 months old)
I love your honest reviews as a "commoner" in these luxury hotels. It really makes me think if these rooms are actually nice or perceived to be nice.
still cheaper than Disney's Contemporary resort
and still more luxurious than Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Are you saying you *don't* wanna pay an arm and a leg to stay in the famous Edna Mode suite?????
But does it have Edna Mode staring at you in your sleep?
@@davis6123 hotel stay: expensive
edna stare: priceless
If I am staying at Disney I am in the cheapest room they have. Why would I go to Disney to stay around the hotel?
I dont know about others, but winter seems the most desirable time to visit just due to the fairytale charm. Its a beautiful city and perfect for a romantic getaway.
Yeah it's pretty but just wait until you have to walk outside at -25 Celcius. Hahaha. But yeah if the weather is between 0 and -8 it's a good time!
Winter in Quebec City has a cozy feel, you just dress for it and you’ll be fine. Great clothing sales start around the third week of December on into February. So, if you feel your clothes aren’t warm enough there are plenty of warm coats, boots, mittens, hats, sweaters. Simon’s Department store is iconic and if you like to shop go take a peek.
@@paulhinsky If you're not from a winter country, you have to experience it at least once in a lifetime. The ecstatic pleasure of going back inside after a few hours in the cold, to just sit in front of a warm home cooked soup and hot chocolate.
But yes, being just by the river, Quebec city is more humid than other inland cities, so -15 Celcius might feel more like -20 or -25 if you're not used to it.
This is where I went for my honeymoon
Nah fam, just as good to visit in summer than winter
Winter has the crazy snowy scenery but summer has the awesome lush calm scenery
the Quebec tourism board should be paying you big bucks for this. You made the city look amazing, and make me really want to visit.
I’ve been in all seasons, and it is beautiful anytime, but the winter really is magical. We went for new years one year and the atmosphere and the decorations were amazing.
Agreed. As an American who never sees any advertisements for Canadian destinations, I've got to say that he did an amazing job making me want to visit Canada.
Quebec City is absolutely amazing, you should visit, there’s nothing else like it in North America.
Quebec city is the birth place of Canada and historical city ... amazing museums , food , people and you may also watch 13 species of whales including Belugas and the largest animal on earth , the blue whale .... you can take the train from Quebec city to Charlevoix and come back the same day ..
I get you point however then we can't have honest reviews right? If every time someone gets x of views on this type of subject they should be paid? And if it isn't every time why should it be in this case?
Ok so there are two dumb errors I have made in the video. First, that is Franklin Roosevelt, not Theodore. (He was long dead by world war 2, I mixed up the names). Second, apparently the Epcot Canada pavilion is NOT based after this hotel. It’s actually off of another Fairmont in Ottawa called the Château Laurier. Similar architectural styles though! Sorry for these errors everyone, pls forgive me!
I find it humorous that I read that in your voice, though it needs a 'what's up guys?!' at the beginning :P
Try out the Chateau Laurier!
Thank you for videos, they are always interesting! I think the prices are very reasonable (except the suites, they are overpriced everywhere) I´m from Europe and i mostly rent houses/apartments when i (we) travel....i only would book a hotel when i stay 1 or 2 nights....in all other cases (holiday or business) i rent homes because you get much more privacy compared to a hotel, greetings Satis
Also, FDR didn't help map out the future after the war ended. He was dead, so while it would have capped an impressive career to rise from the dead to secure the peace, not even he can cheat the reaper :)
still very much enjoyed..good for you for catching the error. you're forgiven!! lol
My partner and I booked Le Capitole after this video, and it’s the BEST hotel we’ve ever stayed at, hands down! Amazing rooms with even more amazing views-the chateaux is almost prettier to look at than to be in, and many of the rooms here frame it gorgeously. The staff is all wildly friendly, and our stay includes breakfast every day which we thought was just going to be a continental or buffet thing, but ended up being complimentary breakfast service at the hotel’s very swanky restaurant which was always a treat to wake up to. We were able to book a few nights right after New Years for around $230 a night, and we’re already thinking about coming back this time next year to take advantage of these prices again. An absolute steal!! Thank you Jake!!
As a resident of Quebec City, you did a very honest review of iconic Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. Your quick guide to Old Quebec is also excellent. I fully agree with you that when you walk at night in Quebec City after 9PM, in any season, there is stillness and magic in the air. The Christmas decorations of the Petit Champlain (lower town) are simply wonderful. (This year, Christmas 2023, there is very little snow remaining on the lawn because of the heavy rain we had last week. In fact, Quebec is the only Canadian city guaranteed to have a white Christmas)
i’m not sure if this was intentional, but 1608 is a very important year in Quebec history. It is nice that the hotel designated this as a “gold” room, even though they don’t live up to the expectation.
I love Quebec City. Even if you don't stay at the Fairmont the city is well worth visiting. The history, the people, the architecture is like nothing else in North America.
They offer guided tours too!
The people suck, the Quebecois hate anyone from Ontario
It's worth it just for the food, oh my god, when I went we had so much incredible food that was all some of the best I've ever had. You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a michelin star restaurant or one that ought to have one.
@@SenorBolsa I don't like fancy food, I need chain restaurants or else I don't feel comfortable
@@coastaku1954 We have those too! Local ones even, like Ashton, Cochon Dingue, Chez Victor or Le Shaker.
Mom & I spent our annual vacation in Montreal, staying on a somewhat upper floor of the Quebec Hilton, & she took a couple of pictures of the Frontenac from our window. This video brought back some seriously wonderful memories, esp. when you showed the intimate cobblestone streets. Mom passed a little over 24 years ago now (12 Dec. 99), but we had a ball on this vacation, & I have the photo album to show for it. Though I had tears in my eyes, I also had a smile on my face from ear-to-ear watching this one. From the bottom of my heart, Jake, thank you. I miss you, Mom. 💕
We live in Toronto and took the train down to Quebec City this summer. It was an absolute blast! We stayed at the Hotel Victoria Manoir for about $300/night as it had great reviews. The Chateau Frontenac was about $800/night for the cheapest room which we couldn't justify. It was still beautiful to walk by...and I agree, there are many awesome restaurants in the city. We went to Restaurant La Buche for dinner and it was incredible.
I love this hotel. When I was 16, the high school French club went to Montreal and Quebec City. We stayed at the Chateau Frontenac in a massive room in the roof of the tower. It was incredible and I’ll never forget it. That was 1974.
As a québecois, I just want to say thank you for this awesome review! Merci beaucoup!
I've had the fortune to stay at the Chateau Frontenac twice -- once on a school field trip (!! Crazy I know -- they didn't put us in the best of the rooms for sure, as they were small with 3 people to a room, but we had a view of the St Lawrence which was great) and once as an adult on a cross-Canada voyage. I loved it both times, and could really appreciate it as an adult. Just wandering the halls through the various wings, seeing the design, architecture, and history was a treat in of itself. And stepping out the front door and down the steps straight into the streets of Vieux-Québec was delightful. Unfortunate that their gold level is not quite up to snuff, though that would likely always be above my price point anyway. ;) We went in mid-October and the price was reasonable enough, and well worth it for the experience. Great to relive the memories through this video, thank you!
I always recommend Quebec City to any traveler in Canada even though I'm in Saskatchewan. It's just the most beautiful city in the country.
Same, and I'm from Ontario
Same, also from Saskatchewan
yeah but it sucks if you can speak french.
this video is convincing me to visit Quebec city! I had no idea it was this beautiful!
Come see uuss ❤❤❤❤
Best maple beer.
It’s very small but it’s one of the best looking city in to world. It’s absolutely stunning and I’m very grateful to live here
cest une tres belle ville
It’s the closest European gem without crossing the pond. I live next door in New Brunswick and am of French ancestry (1690 or so) I’ve been there a dozen times or more. It is magical. Absolument magnifique. 👍🥂🥇🏆🌟
Speaking of National Park hotels-- it would be interesting for you to check out the Mt. Hood Lodge in Mt. Hood Oregon. The exterior of the hotel is where they shot exterior shots for The Shining hotel, and it's a very cool historic hotel. I don't know that it's stereotypically "luxury" but the rooms are pretty pricy and it's just a very interesting hotel, basically everything was hand-crafted for the hotel, so when you stay in the rooms it's like staying in a museum!
I’ve always wanted to visit.
It is called Timberline Lodge. It was built in the 1930's as part of Rosevelt's projects.
Architect for these NP buildings was Gilbert Stanley Underwood.
It looks so dreamy honestly. Like in a romantic movie 💗.
Montreal, Quebec City, Chateau Frontenac highly underrated places to visit and fall in love.I stayed twice in Chateau Frontenac, magic place, amazing food, people, French language, so much history around.
Fairmount is the best, Seattle, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal, Charlevoie and many times in Quebec city we have experienced and, indeed, the nice penthouse suite for 4 nights at the Chateau Frontenac , their knowledge how to make you feel special is paramount.
I'm so glad you decided to make this channel. I love your sophisticated but approachable voiceover style, your calmly dynamic footage style and your choices of accommodations to feature. Just lovely.
Your room number was actually the year Quebec City was founded !
I stayed there during a trip to Quebec with my family when I was 8. They messed up our reservation and with 5 of us we needed a suite. We ended up getting to stay in Princess Grace’s suite!
I stayed at this hotel twice. Keep in mind that was back in the 1990's when I was in high school. I live in Pennsylvania and my sophomore and senior years our French Club traveled to Quebec City. Watching this video brought back several good memories. Thank you so much!
Love Quebec City. My wife and I use it as a long weekend away destination as its a reasonable drive from New England. Our favorite is Winter carnival as the whole city comes alive for it. Never stayed at the Frontenac, but go there often to window shop, get a drink, etc. The whole city is just so walkable (so long as you like hills) that anywhere near the wall of the old city is a good place to be.
In Quebec City, you should try the Auberge Saint Antoine.
Regularly awarded the best hotel in Canada award, it is pricey but never feels overpriced.
Best service, best breakfast (by far), awesome location. Less of a touristy hotel for sure, but I am willing to bet it would be your favourite hotel in Canada
I was so surprised you visited the city I live in! It's nice to see this place from another perspective. If you visit again there's a really cool jazz bar called Le St-Angèle and when you enter you feel like you've just discovered a cozy secret place. Nice video as always!
Oh that sounds great!
Tell your province to be nicer to English speakers
@@coastaku1954Most Québeckers are very accommodating to English-speaking tourists. There is more francophobia in Canada than anglophobia in my opinion.
@@user-mrfrog Bullshit, I've been to Montreal and people were very rude and pushy. It was clear they could speak English but refused when talking to us. Also, why aren't the signs on roadways more Bilingual? In Ontario, even in Anglophone Toronto and Southwest Ontario, all temporary construction signs are duplicated, one in English, one in French. Even many of the Electronic signs are bilingual too. Ontario gets more bilingual as you get closer to Quebec, but once you cross that border, there is no more English on any of the signs!
@@coastaku1954 Ontario is sure a model for the French language, only about 12% of its population can speak the language and according to Statistics Canada, the bilingualism rate English-French) has never been so low in forty years! In Québec, about 51% can speak English.
As for your experience, I am sad to hear that. I was just in Québec City and most menus and other tourist oriented signage were bilingual or even with Spanish. Unfortunately, you will find rude people everywhere.
This past March, I took a trip with my college to Montreal and Quebec City. I recall going into the Frontenac's lobby with a few of my classmates to have a look around and being absolutely in awe, while also being curious as to what staying there would be like. So this review was a real treat!
And I share your sentiment about old Quebec City. It's absolutely gorgeous. Just walking the streets at the tail end of winter was like nothing I'd ever experienced. Like you said, it felt like being in a movie. Absolutely amazing. I'm dying to go back sometime... and back to Montreal too.
Quebec City near Christmas is now on my bucket list. Absolutely stunning!
Near Christmas you have the Christmas market and it's charming.
In February you have winter Carnaval and it's a blast!
In summer you can visit the vineyards on île d'Orléans and the Montmorency falls.
In Fall, the beautiful colours in nearby Charlevoix region.
In early Spring, sugar shacks around the city.
Quebec City is a diamond and so beautiful. It is breathtaking in winter, especially, as you showed us so well. It ain't cheap but well worth the splurge.
My wife and I stayed there last year for our anniversary, and the service was phenomenal. We ordered room service; the food from the restaurant staurant Champlain is very good. The breakfast buffet at Place Dufferin has a great selection and is quite tasty but a bit overpriced. While talking to one of the staff in the lobby, my wife mentioned that it was our anniversary, and later that night, we received a complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot. Anyway, it was a great experience.
What an imposing and intimidatingly beautiful structure that building is. Wow. It’s so expertly proportioned despite its monumental size. And the ornamentation 😮
Your travel channel has become one of my favorite TH-cam channels. Thanks for the entertainment!
Thanks for watching!
Just finished my stay.. really enjoyed the hotel and beautiful Quebec .. thank you for the tips.
One of my best mates had his whole family stay here in the luxury part, for his make a wish request.
Such a thoughtful gesture. Hope you’re doing well Chris ❤
Please keep reviewing the bougie hotels so that i may live vicariously through you. Excellent video Jake, thanks!
May I also suggest visiting during the winter carnival? It is the most beautiful city I have ever seen at this time. An ice castle in the middle of the city. A locally carved ice sculpture on every corner. Dozens of games and carnival activities all over the city at night, and ice bars all over. I ate maple taffy, which was poured into a trough of snow and stretched right in front of me (VERY strong maple flavor!). Carnival mascots, Cirque de Soleil performers, literally everything you could imagine. My favorite was a public dance game (think the JustDance video game) themed to folk music and dances. I went during covid when "It really isn't that good" and had a spectacular time. I love Quebec City, and I found the Quebecois people to be so kind and welcoming. I recommend everyone in North America go there first before going all the way to France.
My high school had an opportunity for the French students to visit Québec and I went in grade 9. That was longer ago than I care to admit but I still distinctly remember visiting the hotel and getting a tour, they told us a bunch of ghost stories! I have friends who occasionally live in Québec and I’ve been hoping to get back out there to visit, I’ve been in winter but looks like I need to specifically go around the holidays, it’s just absolutely magical looking!
Spent a week in Quebec City, old town. Le Capitol was where we stayed. We drove from Chicago. We almost stayed there but decided against it. We loved Le Capitol and their service. We walked around so much, we never had to drive until we went back home. I really enjoyed this video because I know we missed nothing. This place is truly a bucket list item, if you want to experience a bit of France without going there.
Thanks so much for posting this. Apparently, my family stayed at this hotel when we first emigrated from Britain. I have no memory of it as I was an infant, so it was nice to see the interior.
I feel like Quebec gets a lot of shit (I watched a review of La Ronde once, and the reviewer took points off of it because he heard people speaking French everywhere and was mad about that...?) so as a long time fan of it (and BSF) this video makes me SO happy! Quebec City really is so beautiful!
Regrettably, animosity towards Québécois and French Canadians is deeply ingrained in many Canadians. The tension between some Anglophone communities and Québec largely arises from various factors, including misunderstandings.
There's significant animosity directed towards our efforts to prioritize the French language. People often forget that Québec has only one official language, which is French. Personally, I do not fully agree with all the measures implemented to preserve the French language in Québec, as some may seem ineffective. Nonetheless, these measures are sometimes viewed negatively by certain Anglophone groups, who believe we are attempting to erase their presence.
However, it is vital to comprehend the historical context of these actions. Québec's language policies are not formulated with the intention of alienating or diminishing the Anglophone community. Rather, they emerge from an essential need to protect our distinct minority culture, language, national identity, and history from being overshadowed and submerged in a continent predominantly dominated by English.
Old comment but la ronde used to be one of the best rated team park in north america...legendary engineers and creative worked on it. However when it got bought by six flag in around 2010 is where it all started to fall down. They mistreated the old rides, replaced icon with social media baits and increased the price on everything. The state of it in 2024 is just painful to look at, very much on its last leg
Beautiful! I’m from the US, and got to visit Vancouver and Victoria in BC when living in Washington state. I think this city just made my “visit Canada” list.
It will save you the cost of a trip to Europe as France comes to you in Canada. I try to have a hot chocolate at Chauteau Frontenac every time I get to Quebec City, which isn't often enough. Still need to take Via Rails "Ocean" train to Halifax. Another once-in-a-lifetime event that becomes a repeated event I'll bet once you take it the first time. Ah, us humans and our cherished memories.
nothing can compare to Vancouver!
I had the wonderful experience of staying at Old Quebec City for several days. I was there in the summertime and it was wonderful. The artist that Drew your portrait on the sidewalk in musicians that strolled the streets and played music. Not to mention all of the old Quebec City history, it was totally amazing and I would love to do it again.
I highly recommend that you go there in the summertime and experience what I got to experience because it was marvelous. ❤️
That's the most beautiful architectural style in my opinion. Just opulent looking and good materials. Modern architectural styles with lots of straight lines just feels so cheap.
Did a grade 8 trip to Quebec City. It is a gem of a place. I walked all day long, perusing the views, stores, and general ambiance. It's not crowded, it's welcoming, the food is spectacular, and the history is just the icing on the cake. Thanks for your great video!
I took a school trip to Quebec City when i was 13 and it was truly one of the most magical experiences I've had. Cities just aren't like that here the US.
I visited Quebec City on a bus tour that went from Toronto, to Kingston to Montreal to Quebec City and back and I loved it! I didn't get to spend as much time there as I wanted so this is inspiring me to go again someday. I even remember taking pictures of this hotel! It's even more gorgeous in person!
For everything you get, the history, plus the surrounding area I think it's a pretty fair price. Especially if you aqurie a lower tier room. It looks incredibly romantic and photogenic at night with the snow and old world buildings. Definitely on my list now. Thanks for another great video 💯👍🏼
I stayed here years ago on a road trip my family took across the Windsor-Quebec city corridor. Absolute magic to me as a ten year old. Best part of this hotel is how close it is to everything, the waterfront, battlements, museums, street performers, restaurants. I never felt like I was being dragged anywhere by my parents just because of how beautiful everything there was. I would highly recommend the waterfront to anyone visiting Quebec City. Everynight we would go out and watch the waves while eating ice cream, absolutely fantastic city. So much history packed into such a small space, and unlike in other cities like Toronto or New York, you can see the 1700s era history with your own eyes.
Hey I'm from (and live in) Quebec City! :) You showed nice pictures from my hometown and I'm glad you loved the streets, restaurants and shops around the Château :)
The “Hotel Canada” at Epcot Centre was modelled after the Château Laurier hotel in Ottawa, not the Château Frontenac in Québec City. Both hotels, however, were done in a similar architectural style and both were built and owned by Canada Pacific Railways so it’s easy to get the two mixed up. The Château Banff Springs hotel in Banff, Alberta was also built and owned by Canada Pacific Railways.
Banff Springs Hotel is Scottish Baronial, rather than French Chateau in style.
Vieux Quebec is my favorite place in Canada. I lived in Quebec City for 5 years, from 10 to 15 years old...I left my heart there actually, lol. Thanks for the mini tour of this beautiful and historic bit of our nation. Je me souviens!
Why don't you go back eventually?
@@MegaJellyNelly I was there for my honeymoon in 1999. Again in 2005 and 2007. We planned to go this year for our 25th wedding anniversary last week, but due to unavoidable circumstances, we have to wait now. Hopefully not for too long. 🤗
I love these review videos and find them really nice to rewatch when nothing else sounds good so I'm always so glad when a new one comes out!
I absolutely loved Quebec City when I went last summer, it is truly a one of a kind city in North America, and I'm glad to see you review this famous hotel!
Haven't watched you in years and didn't know you had made this channel. It's nice to see you again! lol All you've done is solidified my need to go to Quebec city.
I'm staying 3 nights in Quebec City next week, so appreciate the review. Not at the Chateau Frontenac, but at a boutique hotel in the lower town. Hoping for a light dusting of snow and not too cold lol.
Such a gorgeous place, loved learning about the hotel's history. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
I really need to make it to Canada already 😩 happy new year, can’t wait for many more amazing videos!!
Make it to Québec instead, that's where the authenticity and magic comes from : a distinct nation
I stayed at the Chateau Frontenac in 1971. Back then, it did not belong to Fairmont, and a standard room was about $40US per night. I do recall that room service was absolutely dazzling. A cheerful voice would answer "service aux chambre" in French and immediately and seamlessly switch to English when I began to order. Presentation was beautiful. The room itself was small, traditional and elegant. I would think much has changed in 52 years, but Chateau Frontenac left a lasting impression, and if I ever return to Quebec City I will definitely stay there again.
We stayed at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac this summer before a cruise. It was expensive, over $1200 USD for a Gold Club level room. Our room while clean had a little wear. Like the bathroom shown in the video, the toilet was squeezed in between the vanity and shower, I had a phone app that does measurements (probably not real accurate but close enough) it measured 22 1/2 inches from shower glass to vanity! Like the width of a car seat! Club Level lounge food was okay, they did offer to make smoothies in the morning and when I was asked about a cup of coffee, I turn them down as I take Lactose free milk in mine, when I said as much,they let me know that it was available, so was able to have a coffee latte.😊The staff was very friendly and helpful during our stay. Even booking dinner reservations for us. That being said, I have stayed in a Hilton in Beijing that was just as nice maybe even nicer. It was cool to stay there but most likely will stay somewhere else if in Quebec City again.
i'm from quebec and have been to quebec city a couple times, and i'll never quite get over how beautiful it is! i'd love to see you try out chateau laurier over in ottawa- another fairmont castle :)
I’ve twice stayed at a small hotel directly adjacent to the castle (L’Hotel Château Bellevue) and I have had wonderful visits both times. I would also recommend the “Le Continental” restaurant nearby, as it’s decor matches the sort of gold-adorned feeling of the castle, and the service has beaten anything else I’ve ever experienced. Parking can be hard to find if you stay at one of the smaller hotels (their valet lots often fill up in the summer), but the parking below city hall is the cheapest I’ve found and is a nice walk.
During EXPO 67 We traveled in Quebec and my father wanted us to stay in the Hotel Frontenac. We got adjoining rooms, My parents in one and us 4 kids in another. This was before the renovations and the rooms were cramped, hot (no air conditioning) and we opened the window and leaned out to yell and wave at people. (bad kids) The rooms you experienced look much nicer.
I stayed there last month for the first time, despite having visited Quebec City many times before. It's definitely an experience that you should try at least once, the hotel and views are beautiful and the staff are great, but I wouldn't go back a second time. There are some fabulous little boutique hotels mere minutes away in the lower city that are just as interesting for a fraction of the price.
If anyone wants to visit Europe within North America, then Quebec City is the one to go,gorgeous, full of european style antique builing,delicious French cuisine with reasonable price and friendly service
That would be Franklin Delano Roosevelt who met with Churchill, not Theodore Roosevelt.
Oh damn whoops!
I have never stayed in Le Château Frontenac, but I have always loved visiting Quebec City. Your shouting out Les Yeux Blseu, was amazing, I love that little bar
I went to Quebec City back in 2011. It is the most beautiful town I've been to beside Banff and Jasper. And you're right, Banff Springs is better.
I did spend a long week-end at Le Cahteaux Frontenac and, aside from the overwhelming Royal feeling one experiences every time one enters the foyer, there was also the assurance that, no mater where I found myself in town, I only had to look up to find my way back to my residence. Unforgetable. Thanks for the memories!
Love these videos of the railway hotels. Keep em coming
The last time I was in Quebec City I took a room at someone's house up against the wall of the city. The room was large, clean, and the bed was very comfortable. I got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and when I got back to bed there was a cat sleeping there and the animal slept next to me purring contentedly for the rest of the night. You wouldn't find that at the Chateau!
Club/Gold/Executive rooms which still have chargeable mini-bars filled with items you can get for free in the lounge are one of my pet hates (especially water ffs!) It just takes away from what should be a premium experience - and it’s not like I’m actually stupid enough to pay for the stuff just to save a five minute trip to the lounge. Just weird, penny-pinching behaviour.
Other that, this looks like one of those hotels that is absolute worth experiencing just to see something so totally unique and historical, even if the cost isn’t really objectively justified. Great video as always, Jake!
I’ve been visiting Québec City for decades. In my opinion, the way to go is staying at a quirky boutique hotel in the old city and then taking advantage of what Fairmont offers to the general public. The winter, especially come Christmas, can be magic.
Luxury hotels trying to nickle and dime you on snacks and drinks is just infuriating and really need to stop. They should skip the alcohol, include like $10-15 worth of drink and snacks for free and leave the rest of the fridge space for customer use.
My family and I stayed there between Christmas and New Year’s two years ago. It was magical. I would never want to stay anywhere else in Quebec City. The location in the city is incredible. The one down side was how crowded it was on the ground floor due to so many people visiting the holiday exhibits. He Frontenac ís the quintessential French Canada experience. Worth every penny.
The no rain shower head is such a plus in my book. As a black girl with natural hair, you can only depend on a shower cap so much and I get tired of ducking and dodging while trying to get clean.
😂 not water in the puff. I know what you mean half up and high and that little piece that got wet
Last year I preformed at many of the cathedrals around the hotel, it was the most amazing time of my life, and having a tour of the building was incredible
Great video! The Chateau Frontenac inspired the design of my favorite train station, the nearby Gare du Palais. 😊
Visited Montreal and Quebec city at the end of November and had to have a peak inside the hotel, what a stunning building and was lovely to see the town in all the Christmas decorations. Glad we went when we did
Dude you are entertaining and informative at the same time . I hope you continue this channel in the New Year.
That's the plan! Thanks so much for watching
This is so cool. Watched your main channel Bright Sun Films and was hooked about a year ago before I got busy with school. Love your Abandoned series. Now I find this channel and video. I stayed at the Chateau Frontenac around February. Wish I had seen this video first! It was a great experience. The room was only like $120 for the night because we used some cheap hotels website. The view from our room wasn’t the greatest (basically a wall) but it was still very luxurious, and touring the hotel was so much fun.
I think the downtown Vancouver fairmont would be interesting for you to stay at. It’s such a central location in downtown and has competition with the fairmont pacific rim, which is seen as more luxurious. It’s architecture really makes it stand out in downtown, and was used as the hotel for the suite life of Zachary and Cody (The Tipton). It’s in a very interesting position within the market as hotel rooms in Vancouver are already extremely expensive.
I stayed here in high school on a french club trip because the hotel is on the cover of the french textbook and I loved it so much. One of my favorite trips ever
I didn't know that perfect little fairy tale christmas towns actually exist. Why can't my life be a fairy tale? I'm kidding, but good lord Quebec City looks incredible. As someone from the American Southwest I've NEVER seen anything like that. The hotel looks like a mix of the plaza hotel and the overlook hotel lol
You've never seen this hotel in a textbook or something? I remember seeing it all the time while I was in school, even in the US.
@@CockatooDude I'm sure I have, it's just never been something that really caught my radar, I don't know lol
@@jevinday Yeah that's fair enough.
I was there just before Christmas. I loved it , and it was worth it. The river view was spectacular!
No doubt this hotel is one of the most iconic in North America and the exterior is stunning. However internally it seems a real mix of high quality and blandness. From what I see here I wouldn’t class it as luxury, overall it’s somewhat commercial looking which isn’t surprising considering the number of guest rooms. Thanks for your review, I’ve long been fascinated by this amazing building.
Your voice overs are very comforting and friendly.. Good for you
I thought as soon as the video started that I recognized that hotel from Goblin! Ever since we watched the show, my dad and I have been wanting to make a trip to Quebec City to visit some of the landmarks from it. I think we'll probably have to pick somewhere a bit less pricy to stay, though...
I've stayed here as a kid, and just walked by it when my cruise stopped in Quebec City. I have a very clear memory of going swimming in their indoor pool while it was snowing outside. Kinda magical, if you ask me.
This is so pretty. Hotels and inns with a history in historic locations are probably my favorite as you are in the heart of a place and get to learn about the place just a bit more. Hopefully one day you can visit Newfoundland a place with plenty of history and some wonderful places to stay.
I would absolutely love to visit Newfoundland!
My aunt worked in the hotel while they filmed a scene of “Catch me if you can” in old Québec and Leonardo DiCaprio asked to meet all of the staff and my aunt got an autograph from him
Love the history of this hotel. Went there on a French class trip in 9th grade! So cool.
I've recently found your channels and want to congratulate you on some great work.
On the abandoned videos, you put a lot of work into giving us context and history that elevates them to something much more interesting than 'wow, neat. An abandoned mall.' I think the back story to how they got that way is as interesting, if not more, than the tour itself.
The travel vids go beyond the 'this hotel is good/crap' of other hotel vids to give the bigger picture of the area around it. This makes them much more realsistc to watch as, good or bad, if you're visiting some of these places you're not spending that much time in the hotel. Sometimes you'll put up with a crappy room for the sake of the location.
I don't get the prices at some of these places. I guess there's enough uber rich and corporate travelers that they can fill them enough times not to have to invest much in the up keep or services.
I also enjoy seeing the CanCon!
The gold level doesn't seem worth it. The other rooms seemed just as nice and more spacious. I'd likely go with a smaller boutique hotel myself. Regards from Indiana!
We stayed there for 3 nights back in 1988 whilst touring Canada, It was really a beautiful hotel. The Sunday Brunch was amazing.
Dude, when you showed the little town from the movie, I thought it in my head and you confirmed it for me. Looks amazing.
little town?, Quebec city has almost a million people
The Epcot Canada pavillionis based on the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, another iconic hotel.
If you make it to Southern California again, you should check out the Mission Inn in Riverside. It has a lot of history and is also notorious for being haunted. It's also luxurious and was even where 8 US presidents have visited
I grew up in the wood streets, I wholeheartedly second your recommendation. I always loved the stone faces in the brick fence.