Fairmont Hotel Macdonald

The hotel stands as a historic castle-like building, offering stunning views of the river valley that captivate guests and serve as a memorable backdrop for their stay. This iconic landmark is celebrated for its exceptional staff service, consistently praised for their warmth and attentiveness, and its comfortable, clean accommodations. Many guests highlight the elevated experience provided by the Gold Floor, which offers exclusive amenities and personalized service. The hotel is an ideal fit for couples seeking a romantic getaway or celebrating special occasions, families enjoying staycations with access to the pool, and business travelers due to its central location and refined atmosphere. To enhance your visit, guests often recommend opting for a room with a river view to fully appreciate the picturesque surroundings, and exploring the benefits of the Gold Floor for an even more luxurious stay.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently commend the hotel's comprehensive facilities and amenities, particularly highlighting the exclusive Gold Lounge. This lounge is consistently praised for its quiet and comfortable atmosphere, offering a range of amenities including a decent breakfast spread, evening canapés, and coffee and soft drinks throughout the day, with many appreciating the espresso machine. While some find the value of the Gold Lounge subjective, many consider it a worthwhile upgrade for the enhanced experience. The hotel also features a well-equipped fitness center and a relaxing spa area complete with a pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. However, some guests note that the Wi-Fi incurs an additional fee, which is a point of contention for some, and a few find the pool area to be somewhat dated despite being clean.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high marks for its cleanliness and the overall comfort of its rooms. Many guests describe their accommodations as spacious and well-maintained, often highlighting the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that contribute to a restful sleep. A significant draw for many rooms is the stunning river valley views, which greatly enhance the guest experience. While many rooms have been beautifully renovated with modern decor and updated bathrooms, some guests note that older sections of the hotel can appear dated with signs of wear such as peeling wallpaper or chipped furniture. Noise can be a concern for some, with reports of street noise or sounds from hallways and adjacent rooms, though others find their rooms to be quiet. In-room amenities like Nespresso machines are frequently appreciated, adding to the comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
Guest feedback on dining and food quality is largely positive, with several standout experiences. The afternoon tea service is consistently praised as amazing and delicious, with attentive service and thoughtful preparation, even for dietary restrictions. The Harvest Room restaurant receives high acclaim for its excellent food, particularly dishes like the confit chicken leg, and its inviting atmosphere, making it a popular choice for special occasions and Sunday brunch. The Confederation Lounge is noted for its great bar and excellent cocktails, offering a sophisticated space for drinks and casual dining. Food provided in the Gold Lounge is also well-regarded, with guests enjoying the breakfast spread and evening canapés. While room service is generally described as delicious and prompt, some guests have reported issues with food arriving cold or missing items, and a few specific dining experiences, particularly around Valentine's Day, received mixed reviews regarding food quality and service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, offering beautiful views of the river valley and convenient access to downtown Edmonton. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of key attractions such as the Citadel Theatre and Rogers Centre, as well as various shopping and dining options. Direct access to the river paths is also a highlight for those looking to explore the outdoors. However, parking is a recurring point of concern for many guests. Both valet parking and self-parking options are available, but they are often described as expensive, and some guests experience long waits or confusion with the system, occasionally resulting in parking tickets. Furthermore, a notable number of reviews mention the presence of homeless people and a general feeling of sketchiness in the immediate surrounding area, particularly after dark, which can impact guests' comfort when venturing outside the hotel.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff and service consistently receive overwhelming praise, standing out as a major highlight for many guests. Reviewers frequently describe the team as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive, contributing significantly to a positive and memorable stay. The check-in process is often noted as quick and efficient, with staff going above and beyond to accommodate requests, including early check-ins or room upgrades. The dedicated service on the Gold Floor, particularly from the Gold concierges, is frequently commended for its personalized and anticipatory approach. Guests often share anecdotes of thoughtful gestures, such as handwritten notes, birthday desserts, or special amenities for children, which make them feel truly valued. While a few isolated instances of staff appearing confused or less welcoming were mentioned, the vast majority of feedback underscores a commitment to world-class customer service across all departments, including valet service and housekeeping.

Additional Information
Guests frequently highlight the hotel's pet-friendly policy, with many delighted by the presence of Hendricks, the hotel's ambassador dog, who offers a warm welcome. The hotel is a popular choice for weddings and other special events, with many guests attending or celebrating significant milestones within its elegant spaces. There are ongoing renovations and updates throughout the property, with many guests appreciating the refreshed and modern look of the newly refurbished rooms, though some note that construction noise can occasionally be present. The hotel is also a favored destination for staycations, offering a luxurious retreat for locals seeking relaxation and a change of scenery. Guests often mention the hotel's rich history and the numerous historic photos displayed throughout the building, adding to its unique charm and character.