Home Notifications Newsletters Next Share

I spent $600 to spend a night in a 200-square-foot room in the most photographed hotel in the world. Take a look inside.https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/news/i-spent-600-to-spend-a-night-in-a-200-square-foot-room-in-the-most-photographed-hotel-in-the-world-take-a-look-inside-/slidelist/94418777.cms2022-09-24T16:58:56+05:30

I spent $600 to spend a night in a 200-square-foot room in the most photographed hotel in the world. Take a look inside.

Joey HaddenSep 24, 2022, 16:58 IST

I recently booked a room at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a historic luxury hotel in Québec City, Canada, for about $600.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac opened in 1893. The castle-like hotel was built to attract luxury train travelers on the Canadian Pacific Railway, AFAR Magazine reported.

Located on top of Old Québec on Cap Diamant, the hotel draws visitors with its Renaissance-style architecture, according to the same source.

Prominent figures from Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt to Alfred Hitchcock and Queen Elizabeth II have stayed in the hotel, which claims to be the most photographed in the world, according to AFAR Magazine.

During my first visit to Québec, I stayed in the famed hotel and found it had incredible views and was in the ideal location for exploring Old Québec.

I traveled to Québec by train, and I thought the hotel was easy to spot after a 20-minute uphill walk from the station, Gare du Palais.

As soon as I saw the Fairmont up close, I could see how it got its reputation as the most photographed hotel in the world. From the outside, with such dramatic architecture framed by incredible views, I thought it was the most stunning hotel I'd ever seen.

When I stepped into the lobby, I thought the hotel had an elegant, classic style with dark-colored walls and medieval-looking light fixtures.

Aside from the 610 guest rooms, the hotel has publically accessible stores, restaurants, and hallways full of historical exhibits.

There are five restaurants at the hotel, including the landmark restaurant Champlain Restaurant, which features dishes from a world-class chef.

There's also a spa, pool, and fitness center, which I didn't get a chance to see for myself since my stay in Québec City was so short.

After checking in, I hopped in the elevator to the eighth floor where my room was located. The elevators were only accessible by key card since parts of the hotel are open to the public.

I booked a Fairmont room, the hotel's lowest tier room category. Fairmont rooms are between 175 and 220 square feet and are recommended for couples and solo travelers, according to the hotel's website.

My first impression of my room was that it appeared small and plain, especially for the most photographed hotel in the world.

But I thought the view from the window was anything but small.

Perched on the window sill, I could see the European-style architecture that filled Québec City ...

... as well as mountains in the distance.

It was easily the coolest part of the otherwise average hotel room, I thought.

To the left of the window was a queen-sized bed, which I found to be incredibly comfortable. It was simultaneously soft and firm, in my opinion.

Nightstands on either side of the bed had modern touches like easily accessible outlets.

On the right side of the room, the bathroom was also quite typical, I thought. There was a single sink, a toilet, and a shower with a rainfall shower head.

Above the sink, Le Labo toiletries were provided including shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion.

In between the bathroom and the bed, there was a desk in front of the window with a comfy leather chair I used to eat and take in the view.

During my stay, I ordered room service for dinner. I had a burger that I thought was juicy and full of flavor, and fries that were crisp and salty. The whole meal tasted high quality and I thought it was worth the price of the dish, $30.

I found eating in front of the window so pleasant, that I ordered room service again in the morning. For breakfast, I had a cappuccino and a yogurt parfait for $18.

My greek yogurt was paired with strawberries, blueberries, granola, and honey. With the perfect ratio of sweetness to tartness, I thought it was the best parfait I'd ever had.

When not in my hotel room, I spent the rest of my time in Québec exploring the hotel's surrounding photogenic streets.

The hotel has a fantastic location. Just outside was Dufferin terrace, a boardwalk with restaurants and benches overlooking the St. Lawrence River. I thought it was peaceful and quiet in the morning, but crowds filled the terrace by the afternoon.

On the other side of the hotel was lace d'Armes, a beautiful small park with a large fountain.

I also spent time exploring and photographing the surrounding streets full of shops and restaurants, like Quartier Petit-Champlain.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac was the most beautiful hotel I've ever stayed in from the outside. But since I thought the inside of my room was rather plain, I don't think it was worth the $600 price tag unless you're a fan of historic hotels or want to stay in one of the best locations in Québec City.

But it's still worth visiting, in my opinion, even if you're not staying there. I recommend seeing and photographing this stunning hotel up close and exploring the surrounding areas of Old Québec.

Next Story Photos show why I need a vacation from my vacatio...

View All Latest