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It towered over the canal a soaring castle conveniently located in Canadas capital.

Aerial of Fairmont Château Laurier

Aerial view of the Fairmont Château Laurier on the Rideau Canal locks.Credit:Courtesy of Fairmont Château Laurier

Clear skies and a looming sunset only intensified the magic.

Given the tragic timing, Hays did not get to witness the grand opening.

Several travelers have claimed that the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is also home to guests from the other side.

Lobby of Fairmont Château Laurier

Interior of the hotels lobby.Fevzi Ondu/Courtesy of Fairmont Château Laurier

Theres even a tour offered through The Haunted Walk, a company that hosts ghost tours throughout Ottawa.

Ghosts aside, parts of the Fairmont felt downright eerie.

The long, almost dizzying hallways leading to guest rooms seemed like something out of “The Shining.”

Ballroom at Fairmont Château Laurier

Interior of the Adam Room also known as the “Wedgwood” or “Oval” Room.Fevzi Ondu/Courtesy of Fairmont Château Laurier

Though heavy on art deco, an indoor pool borders on beautifully gloomy.

Eeriness aside, there are parts of the hotel that shine.

Heres my review of Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

Guest room at Fairmont Château Laurier

Interior of a Deluxe King guest room.Fevzi Ondu/Courtesy of Fairmont Château Laurier

Before stepping inside my Deluxe Room, I had no clue what the space setup would be.

So, imagine my surprise when I spotted a mystery door hours after checking in.

To my relief, the door didnt lead to a hidden nook hiding ghoulish secrets.

Exteroir of Fairmont Château Laurier

Exterior of the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, Canada.Courtesy of Fairmont Château Laurier

Instead, I was surprised to find a second bathroom.

Even as a solo traveler, I was grateful for the extra space.

In total, 18 rooms in the Fairmont Chateau Laurier are equipped with two bathrooms.

The final touch was a king-size Sealy bed that didnt skimp on space.

Unfortunately, during my stay at the Fairmont, I encountered two live bugs.

Although small, the insects awakened a sense of paranoia that made my stay a bit less enjoyable.

I started with a hearty meal at Wilfrids Restaurant on my first morning.

It was a delicious, though heavy, way to start the day.

A serving of mint tea was the perfect way to conclude breakfast.

Service was speedy, which was especially appreciated due to my packed schedule for the day.

Instead, I was met with a frantic menu that included everything from ratatouille to pizza.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The Fairmont Chateau Laurier has 11 accessible rooms.

Service dogs are also welcome at the Fairmont.

The honey from the bees is used to create the hotels newly launched Royal Reserve body product line.

An ample number of restaurants are equally walkable.

The hotel is just a stones throw from BeaverTails first brick-and-mortar location.

During winter, the canal becomes the worlds largest skating rink.

Just keep your fingers crossed that Mother Nature is on your side.

Its required that the ice be 30 centimeters thick to ensure safe skating.