A Holiday Date With My Son Tripp At Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
“We only get 18 summers with them” .
But even fewer winters where they still believe in the magic
of Christmas
I’ve got 3 kids and it’s no surprise to anyone that it gets a little chaotic at times. Spending that one of one time with any of your kids is SO special because it hardly ever happens haha.
Tripp is the baby of the family; but he’s really not so much a baby anymore. He will be 2 in February and is just the sweetest soul. My new years resolution is to try to be more present with my kids & that includes spending that one on one time..
So I got a head start on it. Tripp and I headed to the iconic Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in downtown Edmonton with Edmonton’s Best Hotels. I absolutely LOVE that this property is part of the EBH group. It allows us to book a beautiful stay AND get rewarded for it.
When you book a hotel through Edmonton’s Best Hotels ; you get extra incentives like gas cards, gift certificates to restaurants or prepaid mastercards, even tickets to exciting events! No catch - you just gotta book through the Edmonton’s Best Hotels website. Why not boost your next vacation to the next level? It’s EASY with Edmonton’s Best Hotels!
WHERE WE STAYED
For more than 100 years, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald has effortlessly delivered timeless luxury in the heart of downtown Edmonton.
It is affectionately known as “Edmonton’s River Valley Castle”. This 198 room Châteauesque-styled building is considered one of Canada's grand railway hotels.
It offers rooms, suites and even a special GOLD floor. It is like a hotel within the hotel; complete with its own check in and lounge on the top two floors of the hotel. If you want an unforgettable experience; Fairmont Hotel Macdonald delivers every time.
Check in time is 3pm and check out time is 12pm.
From the stunning views to the warm and welcoming service; it’s no surprise to hear of the extensive guest list these walls have seen. Famous guests include Queen Elizabeth ll (who has a suite named after her!), Oprah Winfrey and The Rolling Stones. One time; Paul McCartney even sang a Christmas carol in the lobby.
While we were staying there this past weekend; Canadian star Jillian Harris was there as well! (Well….this is me watching her Instagram Stories talking about staying there!) Everyone LOVES Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.
OUR ROOM
Every room at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald has entered a new era of timeless luxury. The renovations are now complete and absolutely gorgeous. You can read more about the impressive renovations HERE.
Tripp and I stayed on the 4th floor in a “Deluxe View” room. Personalized touches, like a photo frame with our picture of us on the bedside table and a little Christmas tree made this stay so special . You can choose between 2 queens or a king size for these rooms. Since it was just Tripp and I; we were super comfy in a King. Although I’m pretty sure I had a foot in my face for some of the night.
There was a mini bar, a kettle, some snacks and wine as well as a Nespresso machine. I love having that for the morning. Robes are also in the closet for the entire family - and you know I love a baby robe! Tripp looked so dapper.
The bathrooms at Fairmont hotels are always the crown jewel. So beautiful . A marble vanity, porcelain flooring, and a European-style spa shower. As always - my absolute fav; Rose 31 Le Labo toiletries. I dream of that scent.
Our view was spectacular. We could see the Walterdale Bridge and the entire river valley. Edmonton is so pretty; especially with a fresh snowfall.
Complimentary WiFi is also included and their outlets are USB cord compatible!
OUR ITINERARY
The holidays in Edmonton are truly magical. There is so much to see and do. Here is a sample itinerary of what you could get up to! There are some alternative options as well if you are staying as a couple / friends.
3pm: Arrive at the hotel, check in and get settled.
5pm: An early dinner at the Harvest Room. See the menu HERE
6:30pm: Head to Fort Edmonton Park for the wonderful Edmonton Xmas Market (Starting Nov 28). / ALTERNATIVE: Head to the Alberta Legislature Grounds to take in the lights and walk through the beautiful grounds (Holiday lights start in December) / ALTERNATIVE: Head to the Valley Zoo for Zoominescence (Starting November 28)
8:30pm: Settle back in at the Hotel MacDonald. Order some hot chocolate to the room and enjoy the view! Or walk down to see the giant Christmas tree in the lobby! The tree is one of the best backdrops for any photo.
9:30pm: Bed time! / ALTERNATIVE: Relax in the Confederation Lounge just past the lobby OR if you are staying on the Fairmont Gold Floor; evening canapés are included with your stay.
8am: Wake up and head to the Harvest Room for breakfast or experience a little extra luxury & treat yourself to breakfast in your room. * If you are on the Gold Floor; breakfast is included and is just down the hall. It is spectacular. Bacon, eggs, sausages, muffins, fresh baked breads, fruit and cereal. Fresh coffee and juices.
9:30 / 10am: Time to check out the pool! This is such a gem of the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald./ ALTERNATIVE: Book yourself a massage at the spa located right at the hotel. Click HERE to book.
12pm: Check out
THE POOL & FITNESS CENTRE
As I mentioned above; the pool is a gem here. Tripp loved the fact there was a pool just his size! Fairmont Hotel Macdonald has a main pool , a hot tub and a kiddie (shallow) pool.
It was here at the Hotel MAC that we were introduced to Lil Betta’s Swim School a few years ago. It’s a really cool idea where they offer private swimming lessons for your little fishes! These lessons are a great option for parents wanting to just relax with a coffee poolside or catch up in the hot tub. Let’s us relax while the kids have that special one on one time too with the instructor. Just be sure to call and book ahead. We love Lil Betta’s!
There is also an extensive health club including a big workout room, sauna and steam room. They also have a squash court! Like I said - their fitness area is HUGE and very impressive. Massage therapy is also offered through the spa.
They also offer health club memberships for you to enjoy all year round!
WHERE WE ATE
Tripp and I enjoyed a wondeful dinner right at the hotel at The Harvest Room. I thought I had booked dinner early enough….but it was still pretty close to bedtime. We only stayed about 30 minutes before Tripp had enough. Hey - he is only 1 haha!
So to our delight; the staff boxed everything up and delivered it right to our room.
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald boasts some world renowned chefs on their roster. The Harvest Room is where you can taste some of their masterpieces. They offer breakfast, dinner and an all day dining menu. They also had a great kids menu.
Tripp had the chicken fingers and I had the Bucatini Pasta.
That night; we were able to order some hot chocolate and hot milk to the room . Their in room dining menu is extensive as we discovered the next morning for breakfast.
We woke up and ordered mini pancakes and the smoked salmon tartine.
I will forever have this core memory. Just my son and I enjoying breakfast in our room, in our robes with the sun shining in. He was so darn cute. He may not remember; but I always will. (cue the tears)
For Christmas; their Festive Dining does not disappoint. They have special menus for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Day.
More information on their Festive Dining this season can be found HERE.
HOLIDAYS AT THE FAIRMONT HOTEL MACDONALD
There is magic in these hallways. If you have ever thought about visiting this iconic hotel; the holidays are the time. There are trees everywhere and the massive tree in the lobby is really something to see.
From a Nutcracker Tea to Christmas Dinner; there are so many ways to enjoy the luxury and timelessness of Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.
If you’re still looking for New Years Eve plans; they have some fantastic ideas! Dinner, a champagne countdown - or both!
Reservations are limited for the festive dining season; you can find out more and book HERE.
PETS
When I asked about pets; the response I received was “We love our VIPs! (Very Important Pets)”.
So safe to say; your four legged best friend is very welcome at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. There is a charge of $35 CAD + GST per pet, per day, which includes a $5 CAD per day donation to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
They kindly request that pets are not left unaccompanied in guest rooms. If required, please ensure they are placed in a kennel. Pet fees do not apply for service animals. Please note, with the exception of service animals, pets are not permitted in dining venues, the Fitness Centre, function rooms, or backyard gardens.
And if you are travelling without your pet; but still need some dog kisses - meet Hendricks! He is Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s canine ambassador. He is the sweetest and friendliest dog. Besides yours of course ;) .
PARKING
They do offer valet parking and self-parking with in and out privileges.
Rates:
$50.00 CAD daily for valet parking overnight or over four hours, excluding tax
$25.00 CAD for valet parking up to four hours, excluding tax
$40.00 CAD for overnight self-parking, excluding tax
WHY BOOK WITH EDMONTON’S BEST HOTELS?
I absolutely love my partnership with Edmonton’s Best Hotels. It’s a website where you can book a hotel, get the BEST available rates and receive additional perks at no extra cost! You know I love a good deal and this website is awesome. Why not get something extra for something you were going to book anyways?
You get to pick your reward based on how many nights you stay!! You choose what is best for your lifestyle and your ideal vacation.
Book One Night & Choose From $50 in Rewards:
One Night Reward 1: $50 Gas Card
One Night Reward 2: $50 Prepaid Mastercard
One Night Reward 3: $50 Ultimate Dining Card
(That’s $50 in FREE rewards!)
OR
Book Two Nights & Choose From $150 In Rewards:
Two Night Reward 1: $150 Prepaid Mastercard
Two Night Reward 2: $75 Prepaid Mastercard + $75 Gas Card
Two Night Reward 3: $75 Gas Card + $75 Ultimate Dining Card
(That’s $150 in FREE rewards!)
OR
Book Three Nights and Choose From $225 in Rewards:
Three Night Reward 1: $225 Prepaid Mastercard
Three Night Reward 2: $75 Ultimate Dining Card + $75 Prepaid Mastercard + $75 Gas Card
(That’s $225 in FREE rewards!)
*Included rewards will be emailed to guests within 24 hours after checking in to their hotel. Rewards are not provided by the hotel’s front desk. While supplies last.
This night was so special with my (not so ) baby boy Tripp. Life gets busy and it’s easy to say we will do it another time. But trust me when I say; take the time NOW. Before we know it; our kids are grown up. I am really starting to feel the passage of time and just how fast it goes.
I hope this gives you some holiday inspiration for your next hotel stay! NOBODY does the holidays like Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. It is such a special place to stay ; and with Edmonton’s Best Hotels there is no reason not to!
Take the time with your kids, your partner, your girlfriends. You will never ever regret it.
xoxo Jacks
Some core holiday memories were made here