July 5, 2012 | By Doreen Lopez
During a recent trip to Canada, I stayed at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. As we approached the resort, it was exactly how I would imagine a fairytale chateau deep in the woods. It was picture perfect. Situated on the shores of an emerald lake, facing the Victoria Glacier and surrounded by the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies, located in the heart of Banff National Park, and within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is recognized for its progressive environmental stewardship and responsible tourism. Snowcapped mountains, glaciers, river valleys and lakes define Banff National Park, in the province of Alberta. It was because of the majestic landscape that the Canadian Pacific Railway, the property’s developers, chose the site. The company’s philosophy: “If we can’t export the scenery, we will import the tourists.”
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is complete with all the amenities you would expect from a world-class resort, luxurious with a perfectly balanced mix of rustic and European charm. Oversized couches and upholstered chairs fill the large lobby and sitting area, it is very inviting. The lake view lounge is also beautiful with floor-to-ceiling Palladian windows that overlook the green lake, a great place to enjoy afternoon tea. As we were walking to our rooms there was a harpist dressed like a golden angel, playing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.
The accommodations are elegant, warm, and offer great views of the lake. Choose from standard rooms to suites, and specialty rooms to the premier Fairmont Gold – with private check in and concierge service, exclusive gold lounge, complimentary breakfast, evening appetizers, and honor bar. Enjoy great gourmet restaurants, two bars, pool, health club, shopping arcade, and a great spa.
Summer adventures will include activities such as hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, biking and rafting. In the winter season ice walking, show shoeing, ice skating, dog sledding, snowboarding and world class skiing.
When I travel and visit a charming chateau, a luxurious resort or experience a fabulous spa, I always ask myself, “Which of my clients would love this property, the destination, what it offers and the experience?” When it came to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, all my clients came to mind! It could be the perfect honeymoon or romantic getaway. Or a great destination for multi-generational family trips, with endless activities to keep everyone happy. Great for the adventure traveler, the nature lover, or the photographer, you might get lucky and run into some wildlife. The Fairmont is also a great property for company getaways.
Fairmont tip: upon check in, ask to join the Presidents Club and get free internet, local calls, daily newspaper, and more.
And if you book a room through Andavo, you will receive the following Virtuoso complimentary amenities: