She notes the characters you’ll encounter on the estate, including Irish wolfhounds and two sisters who have worked at the castle for decades. “There’s an innate sense of belonging once you pass through Ashford’s iconic stone gates,” says Catherine Reilly, managing director of Brendan Vacations, a bespoke Celtic tour company. But, for the epitome of white glove service, a stay in the private boathouse, including 24-hour butler access, is a must. politicians who have stayed there, including Ronald Reagan and Ted Kennedy. Guests can enjoy laying their heads in any of the 83 rooms and suites-a couple of which are named for U.S. This actual castle hotel, tucked on the scenic shores of Lough Corrib, has 800 years of history woven through its sprawling 350-acre estate (not to mention five restaurants and bars). A pro traveler tip: If you don’t mind the cold or the crowds, stay at the château during the city’s Winter Carnival when the town comes to life with snow sculptures, parades, and dogsledding, among other seasonal events.” “Château Frontenac is a tour de force, with 18 floors and over 600 rooms,” Synan continues. The hotel originally opened in the late 1800s, standing as one of the first of the Canadian grand hotels, a series of palatial accommodations that were created by the railway company when they expanded the Canadian rail system.”Īnd while the building is no longer the tallest in Québec City, it is still a prominent, unmistakable part of the skyline. Synan shares: “The historic property sits in the upper town, overlooking Old Québec City. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, known as the most photographed hotel on earth, deserves its rightful place on a list of iconic hotels. Abbie Synan, Fora Travel advanced adviser, OG travel blogger, and small group trip leader, has a few spots that stand out from her decade-plus of full-time traveling.

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