Guest reviews Fairmont Le Château Montebello

by RogerS440 L'Orignal, Canada

Outdoor BBQ Disaster!

Our family of 3 have been multiple times to the Chantignole restaurant Saturday lunch buffets, and yearly Labor Day BBQ's. On these previous occasions, the service, the hospitality, the food the staff etc. were superb and we were always looking forward to our next special family occasion visit to this magnificent place. However our last Labor day BBQ was a disaster to say the least. The menu choice was poor, the staff inexperienced, and compared to previous years, more expensive. Although told that we could order more, since it was a "buffet style all you can eat", we were not encouraged to do so. To top it all, our waiter had the gall to ask out loud if we wanted to include the tip on the credit card...? Which we felt was imposing, considering the poor service we received. To top everything, I got an e-mail, which we received 2 min. before our reservation time had been cancelled. In retrospect I which we had received the e-mail before our 35 km drive to the Chateau. We understand that this is a CIVID-19 year...but it does not excuse the poor service. Needless to say, this was our last time at the Chateau Montebello Restaurants.

by DGSC2014 Toronto, Canada

Logs & River & Relaxation Galore - Beware of the "Resort Fee" Charges

This Fairmont property claims to be the largest log structure in the world and the 3-story lobby/atrium certainly would give you no reason to doubt it. It is a stunning log star-shaped structure. From the outside, one could not imagine the super impressive exposed log construction inside and the astounding 65 feet fireplace chimney rising in the middle of it all. Even though the fireplace had not been lit for the season while we were there, it took nothing away from its awe-inspiring splendor. Rooms are housed across 4 different wings that extend outward from the lobby/atrium. Ours, in the recently-renovated "Lacombe" wing, had been nicely refurbished. Bathroom was tiny but like new and perfectly serviceable. The property had a single restaurant operating during our mid-week visit - Aux Chantignoles - but instead we ordered room service throughout our stay, which was quickly delivered and decent for what it was. The indoor pool is just astounding - another enormous log structure with a 75 foot pool as well as whirlpools which were not operational. Being inside the pool house was like being transported back in time to some industrial or newspaper baron's (Hearst or Carnegie) estate in the country. The gym as well as the spa is also located in the same structure but unfortunately, did not schedule any treatments on this visit. There is also an outside pool, much smaller in scale, but that was closed during our visit (not sure if due to the weather or if it was already closed for the season). There are extensive walking trails on the grounds, as well as scattered Muskoka chairs on the grounds and alongside the Ottawa River. The number of activities that the property officially lists on the pamphlet they provide you upon check-in include: 14 during summer, 9 during winter and 8 year-round, and includes self-service parking. For this, they charge you a "Resort Experience Fee" (CAD 30+taxes). Photo of pamphlet included. Now this is the only thing that marred an otherwise splendid and tranquil visit to the Chateau Montebello. We are used to paying resort fees across properties worldwide since they were introduced. What we are NOT used to is being charged an "Experience Resort Fee" when the only "Experience" provided is that of parking your own car. Oh, yes, and indoor tennis. It unfortunately rained the entire duration of our visit and the majority of this resort's activities in September were outside and therefore not available during the rain (plus several of the activities that take place on the river were already closed for the season). Now while any rational person can appreciate that hotel management can't do anything about the weather, they CAN offer to either waive the fee, or, as we asked, credit it to a future visit - after all, what better way to ensure a future revenue-generating return visit. Instead, what we got was plenty of lies from the front office, claiming that things which THEIR OWN pamphlet list as "complimentary" - are in fact what we get for the "Experience Resort Fee" such as: Wi-Fi (free if you are like me, an Accor member); squash; indoor pool; and even basketball and board-games neither of which are included in their "Resort Experience Fee" pamphlet nor were we told about these being available at check-in. In other words, they told us these last two additional activities and amenities were available to us only AFTER we'd complained and were already back home. So, while the Chateau Montebello is certainly worth a visit for its architecture, beautiful grounds and history, be prepared to be defrauded of CAD 30 per night in the event that none of your “Resort Experiences” are available due to the weather….hotel management’s interpretation of “hospitality” seems to be focused on inflexibility and falsehoods when it comes to protecting their CAD 30 per night revenue.

by CrazyKphotography Toronto, Canada

Rustic charm

Set in nature and a fabulous couples retreat is this hotel where you can moor your boat and eat the most delicious lobster risotto I have ever eaten! The grounds are lovely and the rooms are rustic. Absolutely lovely!

by JNrlp Georgetown, Canada

River Relaxation & Beautiful views

What a friendly cozy place. You'd think it would be snobby but not here. All the staff front and back of the house were very pleasant and welcoming. The hotel is cozy and the food was good. The BBQ was a disappointment (met came cold) but it tasted excellent would have been the bomb if it was hot. At all the restaurants the food was plated exceptional and tasted really good. I would recommend this place as a getaway from it all and we will return.

by FrequentFlier309644

BEAUTIFUL RESORT

I usually don't name anyone in my reviews but this time I have to do it. A BIG THANK YOU TO JESSICA AT RECEPTION. You made our stay at the Chateau a memorable one. The administration should be proud of you as you are very clients satisfaction oriented. We will see you again.