x

Any opinions on which room would be better at the Chateau Frontenac for our family of four - the studio room (very large), or the Gold Floor room (about 2/3 size of the studio room). They're about the same price (including breakfast). I've heard mixed reviews about the Gold Floor - either that it's really wonderful, or that it's nice, but not that special. Bottom line: is it worth having a smaller room to be on the Gold Floor?

Frank

Stayed on the Gold Floor two years ago and found the room very nice, but not "special". However, I appreciated the easy checkin, helpful concierge, comfortable lounge, its views and complimentary newspapers, continental breakfast, evening hor douvres, complimentary internet use, etc and felt that, although pricey, there were benefits to the Gold floor.....whether these perks are worth the steep price, however, is really a tough call. If you are travelling on a budget, or simply would prefer to save some money for other uses on your trip, perhaps it would be wise to pass up the Gold Floor.

x

Thanks Frank. Based on your report and others, I think we'll pass on the Gold Floor. Even though it's about the same price as the studio room with breakfast, I think we'd prefer the larger studio room to the amenities of the Gold Floor.

rita

After reading these posts I had to write and tell a wonderful story about another Fairmount hotel I stayed at, the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa.<BR><BR>Like X I was travelling with a larger than normal group (myself and my two young teen nieces). Concerned about the room size I did research into the sizes of rooms before I left and booked a &quot;studio&quot; because I felt it would give us the most space. Before leaving a friend offered me a President's Club upgrade certificate.<BR><BR>When we arrived the girls were practically shaking with the anticipation at staying in such a regal hotel (the setting is why I'd booked the Laurier). <BR><BR>Upon check-in I presented the certificate and they offered to upgrade us to the Gold Floor. Since breakfast was also offered I gladly took the upgrade. So off we went up to see the concierge on the Gold Floor and complete our check-in. Pierre, the concierge on duty was a dream, he was sweet to the girls and very gracious to me. We went down the hall, opened the door and entered what was a lovely, but small room (with only two beds and no extra room for a cot). Trying to hide my disappointment, and wondering how three &quot;women&quot; would co-habitate for four days in such a small room I walked back to see Pierre.<BR><BR>I did not complain, I only explained to Pierre the amount of &quot;digging&quot; I had done to guarentee a room that would be large enough for all three. I asked about the size of the &quot;studio&quot; we had originally booked and asked if its' size was larger than the room we currently had. &quot;If it was&quot;, I said I would most likely prefer to be &quot;downgraded&quot; to my original choice.<BR><BR>I was astounded at what Pierre did next, he called his manager and engaged in a conversation. He finished the call and said &quot;yes, the room we originally booked was larger but that he could offer me the living room adjacent in addition to the room we currently occupied -- as long as I did not mind sleeping on a pull out couch&quot;. Well he took me down to see it and both the girls and I gasped when he opened the little door ajoining the rooms. A wonderful &quot;living room&quot; tucked into a turret of the hotel with another bathroom was now for our use. It was the perfect way to stay at the Chateau and Pierre made us feel like queens in our own private castle.<BR><BR>So I will say, enjoy your stay at the Frontenac, it is a beautiful hotel. I hope that you come across a concierge who was as gracious and generous as Pierre was.

x

Thank you for your story. I don't think that would happen to us because the hotel is pretty full (at least the Gold Floor is). Despite some recent mediocre &quot;press&quot; about the Chateau Frontenac (some small, rundown rooms), I have loved staying there and hope that my children enjoy it too! Thanks again.

y

So silly to be so anonymous!<BR><BR>At any rate, why don't you just PHONE AHEAD and discuss your preferences, along with all your silly ins and outs, with the reservations office.<BR><BR>It never ceases to amaze me what folks will pay extra and/or give up for a &quot;free breakfast&quot;. Should you manage to be even up and dressed and arrive to take advantage of same. (Do check the times.)<BR><BR>You're nuts if you don't book the &quot;(very large)&quot; studio room, versus smaller accomodations for the same price. For one thing, you may not make it to the FREE BREAKFAST in time, it may be one of those &quot;continental&quot; sort of things. Or, no one may be hungry for breakfast. You can all wander within steps of the Chateau and enjoy a huge and very cheap BREAKFAST, far better and for much less, than worrying about this being included with your room!<BR><BR>Regardless, most stay at the Chateau Frontenac for the &quot;luxurious accomodations&quot; and the &quot;VIEWS&quot;, and it's proximity. If your priority is BREAKFAST, go for it.<BR><BR>It doesn't take a genious to figure out that they can put YOU in much lesser accomodations with the LURE of FREE BREAKFAST. Get it???<BR><BR>If you've got any wits about you, you'll just book the best (and most spacious with glorious views), and forget the free breakfast.<BR>

z

x, you could not be more naive. You're taking your chances here.

x

I appreciate the constructive comments. I'm really quite surprised about the nasty ones - when all I did was ask for a simple opinion! (Does being nasty somehow make your point better?) Although the rude comments don't really merit a response, the Gold Floor is supposed to be nicer overall, not just offering breakfast (which, FYI, we do wake up for, and if similar to other Gold Floor offerings is a beautiful, bountiful &quot;Continental&quot; breakfast complete with cheese, meat, fruit, etc.). The amenities, room quality, and service are generally nicer, contributing to the overall quality of your stay. Clearly, it's not the most important issue, but again, I just asked for a simple opinion.

x

By the way y, the price of the larger room INCLUDING BREAKFAST is about the same as that of the Gold Floor room. My originial question was - Bottom line: is it worth having a smaller room to be on the Gold Floor? (with its overall nicer qualities, including room, view, amenities).<BR>

muffin

I will be stumbling down to breakfast in my robe.

desJardins

Just found your message and if you ever need a true alternative to the CF, and for a completly different accomodation, check out www.vrbo.com #21909. It's a fantastic historic home right in the heart of old upper town ...with parking, within 2 blocks from the CF and almost 2000square feet! We stay there every chance we have!