Fodor's Expert Review Fairmont Château Laurier

This classic hotel's timeless elegance attracts so many celebrities, heads of state, and members of royalty that it has its own protocol manager. The Château was the dream of American Charles Melville Hays, a dream he never saw become reality. Hays perished in April 1912 while sailing back for the hotel's opening aboard the Titanic. One of Canada's greatest railroad hotels, it's named for Sir Wilfrid Laurier, prime minister from 1896 to 1911. Rooms are elegant though some standard rooms have only showers. Zoe's, the conservatory lounge, serves afternoon tea. The Terrace restaurant (open summer only) overlooks the Rideau Canal locks. Fairmont Gold Rooms (C$100 extra) offer complimentary Continental breakfast and evening appetizers.