A design for the hotel that is as bold and unforgettable as the Canadian icons themselves

Fairmont Château Laurier

Project Photos

Known as Ottawa’s Castle, Fairmont Château Laurier’s historical presence towers over the Canadian city, in both a literal and figurative sense. The importance of this iconic hotel to the city is evidently remarkable but the people that helped shape the history of the hotel is where the story of the suite renovation design begins and draws its influence from.

Inspired by the namesake Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the Canadian Prime Minister at the time the hotel was first built, Charles Melville Hays, President of Grand Trunk Railway and commissioner of the hotel, as well as Yousuf Karsh, famed photographer who maintained his studio and residence in the hotel for many years, we drew inspiration from these visionaries to create a design for the hotel that is as bold and unforgettable as the icons themselves.

The newly designed spaces showcase authenticity and integrity that blends seamlessly with the original details of the hotel tracing back to the early 20th century. From the intricate masonry to the delicate details of the mouldings, the suite design compliments these historical original features with utmost respect and admiration.

Shades of aged and antique gold juxtaposed with a mix of silvers and blacks paired with lush textured applications create depth that echoes the elegance of the time period. Special attention is paid to respecting the historical luxury while delicately positioning this suite in a more forward looking aesthetic.

Bringing the suite into the new century, streamlined and unexpected modern elements are incorporated, perfectly balancing the line of historic and urban nature of the city. Completely open bathroom design with a central vanity and a free-standing soaker tub back-to-back translate to the same independence and confidence these inspiring figures represented, all while bringing a revitalizing private spa experience to the guests in the comfort of their own suite.

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Of the highest importance, the new interior renovation, completed in January 2021, celebrates the unique character of this local landmark while, in the same breath, accentuates the beautiful and luxurious details that portrays “Canada’s tradition of grandeur”.