Historic Hotel
In 1944, this beautiful monolith was the main conference centre of Quebec Conferences during the World War II. Deeply inspired by architecture in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the New Yorker architect Bruce Price designed Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac for the Quebec City. Its name was derived from the flamboyant French governor around 1672, Louis de Buade, the Fairmont boasts a strong French and Quebecois pride. Within its 300 year expansive history and fame, it is to no one's surprise that notable personalities such as Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Grace of Monaco were cared for within its walls.
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Summary of reviews related to the 'Historic' categoryIf you're looking for a hotel that oozes with history and character, you can't go wrong with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. This iconic hotel is an important piece of Quebec's history and guests rave about its stunning architecture and its status as the one hot spot to be in the city. The hotel boasts a foreign feel with French as the main language, providing a truly authentic experience in the heart of Quebec City. The building itself is emblematic and enchants visitors with its decorative and historical charm. Despite its age, the hotel has been well-preserved and maintained and guests note how clean and beautiful it is. In fact, many compare it to historical chateaus in Europe. The location couldn't be better and the hotel's reputation as an icon is well-deserved. If you're looking for a true historic experience, look no further than Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
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Year erected: 1893
What is the history of the property?
For more than a century, Québec City’s Fairmont Le Château Frontenac has been the true-life castle of many people’s dreams… Everyone - young and old, music and film stars, sports personalities and political figures - enjoys discovering Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and delights in returning again and again.
After Les Châteaux Saint Louis and Haldimand, residences of the French and English governors for over two centuries, Cape Diamond had lost its prestige and successive plans for a grand hotel in Québec City never materialized.
By the late 19th century, William Van Horne, President of Canadian Pacific Railways (C.P.R.), had raised enough funds to build the ideal stopover for C.P.R. travellers, Le Château Frontenac. Van Horne retained the services of the New York architect Bruce Price, who had already designed Montréal’s Windsor Station and who, incidentally, was the father of the American writer Emily Post. Drawing on the architectural styles of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Price immortalized the history of the two great powers that had occupied Québec City’s highest promontory.
On December 18, 1893 the first wing of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac was inaugurated. it had 170 rooms, 93 of which had bathrooms and fireplaces, remarkable luxuries at the time. The Hotel also included three magnificent suites—the Habitant, the Chinoise and the Hollandaise.
Several extensions followed until 1993 to build the hotel as it stands today with its 610 rooms, spread over 18 floors. The citadel wing was built in 1899, followed by the Mont-Carmel wing in 1908. The Saint-Louis wing and the central tower, whose look resembles the dungeons of medieval castles, were built between 1920 and 1924. Following a fire in 1926, an original section of the hotel was reconstructed from architect price's original plans. A new expansion phase was completed in June 1993 with the Claude-Pratte wing, which offers Château Frontenac guests an indoor pool, a fitness center and a magnificent outdoor terrace.
Today, Fairmont le Château Frontenac rises even more proudly on cap diamant, always ready to receive its guests from around the world in a pleasant, elegant and refined atmosphere.
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
A blend of Middle Ages and Renaissance architecture.
The hotel was inspired by the chateaux of the Loire Valley.
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
Yes, it is in the heart of Old Quebec, a UNESCO world-heritage site.
Has restoration work taken place?
Yes, in 2014
Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
The hotel has many painted ceilings and carved elements.
Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
A ROYAL CASTLE
The Château Frontenac is proud to have welcomed King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939. A luxurious suite has also been designated in honor of the official visits of Queen Elizabeth II and his Excellency the Duke of Edinburgh. T-he Princess Grace of Monaco and Prince Rainier III occupied a suite of the Château during their presidency of the Queen’s Ball at the Quebec Winter Carnival in February 1969. For the highest honor of the Château Frontenac, many other royalty members have visited the Quebec castle, including Prince Andrew and Lady Sarah Ferguson of England.
FRONTENAC: HOST OF CRUCIAL POLITICAL MEETINGS
In August of 1943 and again in September of 1944, Le Château Frontenac became the center of the Quebec Conferences of World War II involving U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. The heads of the Allies held talks that proved decisive to prosecuting the war to a successful conclusion. The Château has been the host of many other American and Canadian political figures over the years: Theodore Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Pierre Eliott Trudeau, Brian Mulroney, and many more. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is also proud to have hosted some of the world’s most known political personalities including Charles De Gaulle, president of the French Republic, Chiang-Kai-Shek from China, and François Mitterrand, from France are some of the legendary guests of the Quebec castle.
Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
FRONTENAC: HOST OF CRUCIAL POLITICAL MEETINGS
In August of 1943 and again in September of 1944, Le Château Frontenac became the center of the Quebec Conferences of World War II involving U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. The heads of the Allies held talks that proved decisive to prosecuting the war to a successful conclusion.
Has the property received any certifications for its historical status?
National Historic Site of Canada
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