The Fairmont

My husband often jokes to friends that while others camp in tents or a trailer, his wife roughs it at a Fairmont. Guilty! I will admit that I am not a camper and I very much appreciate the glamour and elegance of the Fairmont brand.

As you first drive up to a Fairmont, you cannot but notice its grandeur and chateau style appearance. Did you know that the first Fairmont in Canada was opened in 1888, in Banff Springs? It was opened by the Canadian Pacific Railway, as one of the earliest of Canada's grand railway hotels. While one of the most photographed Fairmont's, the Chateau Frontenac, opened in 1893, also by the railway company. The goal of the directors of the railway society was to encourage luxury tourism. Now that's a train I do not mind travelling on!

The Royal York - Toronto

My first experience at a Fairmont was at a New Year's Eve dinner and dance in one of the Royal York's ball rooms. Even at a young age I was smitten, at the time the hotel had a more traditional look, but still grand and royal with it's hand painted ceilings.. In recent years, the hotel has undergone a transformation as it celebrated it's 90th year, while still maintaining its elegance and charm. I have had the pleasure of staying at the Royal York in one of its tastefully updated rooms of baby blue and golds accents. We dined at their upscale restaurant Epic, which has been renovated and transformed now known as Reign. The service was perfect, the food was delicious to taste and presented beautifully. Since that visit, I have been back more then once, to the hotel's famous old fashion cocktail bar, The Library. A glass of prosecco always seems to taste better at this chic and yet metropolitan bar. I do hope to get back there soon, to see its newly decorated front lobby for a cocktail or champagne at the stylish Clock Work lobby bar. A blogger's job is never done.

The Fairmont - Mont Tremblant

During a short trip to Mont Tremblant, I enjoyed the Moments Spa at the Fairmont. Even though the visit was short and I was not a guest there, I did my best to explore. The hotel had more of a rustic theme due to the fact it is in the mountains, but it still maintained it Fairmont charm and elegance. The spa was modern and chic, and like any other Fairmont experience, the service was top notch. It was at that time I also discovered the brand Rose 31. I used their body lotion and fell in love with the scent, so much so, the front desk gave me some samples even thought I wasn't even a guest. Thanks Fairmont.

The Queen Elizabeth - Montreal

This past month, my husband and I enjoyed another Fairmont experience, this time for a few nights! Talk about roughing it in Montreal. Similar to the Royal York, the Queen Elizabeth has been renovated with a bold dynamic new look and artistic flare. Our room had amenities such as coffee, wine, water, and snacks, even a health kit with hand sanitizer and wipes. The decor was modern, the room comfortable and the view of the city priceless. I am not going to lie, I was excited to see the products from Rose 31 in the bathroom as one of my favourites. Did you know that in 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Give Peace a Chance" was recorded in Suite 1742, at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth? Now you know!

On our first night, we enjoyed a drink at their restaurant bar Rosélys, which had a Great Gatsby feel. From the black and white checkered floor, to the string of crystal beads over the bar to the art deco decor, Rosélys did not lack in sophistication. The following day, after a day of shopping and site seeing, I decided to return to Moments Spa for a massage, which felt lovely. My massage therapist lent me a lush robe which I enjoyed pool side next to the spa after my massage followed by a quick soak in the hot tub. Now this is the definition or R and R! Like other Fairmont experiences, their attention to details and service is bar none. Even when I would call down to the front desk, they always answered using our surname and no request was ever to big or too small.

With life getting back to somewhat kind of normal, I know there are more Fairmont Hotels across Canada (even in the USA). I hope to explore and experience or should I say, "rough it" at a Fairmont again!