Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec

We paid $400 a night, but the room felt outdated for a 4-stars hotel, with very dim lighting and only basic amenities. There was no bottled water or kettle, just a Nespresso coffee machine, and the bathroom products were basic rather than the luxury soap brand I expect at a 4-star hotel. Its inadequate vent fan left an odor in the bathroom that spread into our room. No breakfast was included at that price. The fancy lobby and hallway set a different impression from the room. The pool was small, and there were no towels when we arrived or an hour later. We had to bring ours from the room. I wonder what someone without a towel would have done. I left a note while booking that two family members had birthdays during our stay and hoped for a nice gesture, as we've received at other big chain hotels. On arrival, nobody acknowledged it, despite having told us they'd give one family member a gift. I asked the woman at reception once; she promised to send one to our room, but nobody came. I felt forgotten twice. Edit: someone eventually arrived with cookies and a can of assorted peanut snack. When I called reception from our room, I was put on hold for at least 30 minutes until I gave up and hung up. If the rate were $150-200 a night, my expectations would be lower. At more than $400, you'd be better off elsewhere. I regret not booking Marriott or Hilton nearby, where they'd easily have met my expectations for a 4 starts hotel.

The location is pretty good, but the rest of our 3-night stay at Château Laurier in Quebec City was one of our most disappointing hotel experiences. This didn't feel like a 4-star hotel, whatever the listing says. We paid over US$300/night, and in winter there was no proper driveway or drop-off spot. We had to unload a car full of luggage on the street in the cold, risking a ticket. At check-in, the staff member looked sick and had to excuse herself to cough intensely in a back area, which felt unpleasant and unprofessional. We were traveling with a dog, but despite the hotel's dog-friendly advertising, we were told our originally booked room "wasn't available" because of the dog and had to pay for an upgrade. The extra $60 was unwanted and on top of the pet fee. The upgrade was a joke: although the lobby and some areas looked presentable, Section D felt like a forgotten basement wing, worn down, dated, and depressing. The elevator looked like a back service elevator with cleaning staff constantly going in and out, not a guest area, let alone a 4-star one. The room had poor lighting, a broken TV, no nightstand on one side so I had to charge my electronics on the floor, and cheap basic furniture that made it feel like a staff room. No one offered help with luggage, and staff couldn't answer simple questions like the restaurant's closing time. The restaurant was basically useless, always closed, even on Friday evening. That's more than limited hours. Staying here was a mistake. For premium prices, the hotel didn't provide basic comfort, service, or honesty about being "pet friendly." I'd choose a reliable hotel chain instead.

The views from certain windows are magnificent, and the place feels warm and pleasant as soon as you enter. It's easy to navigate, and the staff are polite, helpful, and understand English well. French speakers should be fine too. The rooms are expensive, but I think a night or two is worth it, like being at home away from home. The pool is nearly always available or empty, measures 1.1M deep, and works well for a solo swim or chatting with peers. The sauna and spa are included. The main problem is getting in and out of the parking sections.

In March 2026, our group of 16 came back to Hotel Chateau Laurier for about the 15th time, this time for a week-long cross country ski trip. It offers a high standard of stay for very good value. We especially enjoy the breakfast, convenience store, pool/suana, and wine dispensers. We'll be back again.