This weekend my partner Jennifer and I had the fortunate opportunity to be hosted to a night stay at the historic Fairmont Chateau Laurier. I’ve visited the hotel many times, either on shoots, touring friends visiting from out of town or just stopping in for a drink at Zoe’s lounge. As nice as those experiences have been, I’ve never stayed a night.

The experience of staying overnight and also having the chance to really explore the hotel with my camera, has made the world of difference. We looked more closely at the architecture (overall and detailed) and imagined the cultural history of the hotel. As we explored the unusually quiet hotel yesterday, we were humbly reminded that although the Chateau Laurier has not only hosted Kings, Queens and rockstars, it has also weathered great storms over the years. It’s prevailed through changes in government, economic challenges, world wars and now the Covid-19 pandemic. The Chateau Laurier is much more than an iconic hotel, it’s also a stoic and organic monument that has stood the test of time. Most importantly, it has humble hospitality and service at its core.

As quiet as the hotel was this weekend, it will bustle again soon, just as our great city will!

Thanks so much to Deneen Perrin and the rest of the Chateau staff for so kindly hosting us this weekend!

Dwayne.

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