scorecardI spent $600 to spend a night in a 200-square-foot room in the most photographed hotel in the world. Take a look inside.
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  4. I spent $600 to spend a night in a 200-square-foot room in the most photographed hotel in the world. Take a look inside.

I spent $600 to spend a night in a 200-square-foot room in the most photographed hotel in the world. Take a look inside.

Joey Hadden   

I spent $600 to spend a night in a 200-square-foot room in the most photographed hotel in the world. Take a look inside.
Insider's reporter stayed at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a historic hotel in Québec City.Joey Hadden/Insider
  • I booked one night at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a historic hotel in Québec City, Canada.
  • For about $600, I stayed in a 200-square-foot room on the eighth floor.

I recently booked a room at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a historic luxury hotel in Québec City, Canada, for about $600.

I recently booked a room at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a historic luxury hotel in Québec City, Canada, for about $600.
The author in front of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.      Joey Hadden/Insider

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac opened in 1893. The castle-like hotel was built to attract luxury train travelers on the Canadian Pacific Railway, AFAR Magazine reported.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac opened in 1893. The castle-like hotel was built to attract luxury train travelers on the Canadian Pacific Railway, AFAR Magazine reported.
The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac on a sunny day.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Sources: AFAR, Fairmont

Located on top of Old Québec on Cap Diamant, the hotel draws visitors with its Renaissance-style architecture, according to the same source.

Located on top of Old Québec on Cap Diamant, the hotel draws visitors with its Renaissance-style architecture, according to the same source.
The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is on top of Québec City.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: AFAR

Prominent figures from Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt to Alfred Hitchcock and Queen Elizabeth II have stayed in the hotel, which claims to be the most photographed in the world, according to AFAR Magazine.

Prominent figures from Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt to Alfred Hitchcock and Queen Elizabeth II have stayed in the hotel, which claims to be the most photographed in the world, according to AFAR Magazine.
Timeline exhibits inside the hotel.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: AFAR

During my first visit to Québec, I stayed in the famed hotel and found it had incredible views and was in the ideal location for exploring Old Québec.

During my first visit to Québec, I stayed in the famed hotel and found it had incredible views and was in the ideal location for exploring Old Québec.
The author explores Old Québec.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I traveled to Québec by train, and I thought the hotel was easy to spot after a 20-minute uphill walk from the station, Gare du Palais.

I traveled to Québec by train, and I thought the hotel was easy to spot after a 20-minute uphill walk from the station, Gare du Palais.
The author's first look at the Fairmont.      Joey Hadden/Insider

As soon as I saw the Fairmont up close, I could see how it got its reputation as the most photographed hotel in the world. From the outside, with such dramatic architecture framed by incredible views, I thought it was the most stunning hotel I'd ever seen.

As soon as I saw the Fairmont up close, I could see how it got its reputation as the most photographed hotel in the world. From the outside, with such dramatic architecture framed by incredible views, I thought it was the most stunning hotel I
A side view of the hotel up close.      Joey Hadden/Insider

When I stepped into the lobby, I thought the hotel had an elegant, classic style with dark-colored walls and medieval-looking light fixtures.

When I stepped into the lobby, I thought the hotel had an elegant, classic style with dark-colored walls and medieval-looking light fixtures.
A look inside the hotel lobby.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Aside from the 610 guest rooms, the hotel has publically accessible stores, restaurants, and hallways full of historical exhibits.

Aside from the 610 guest rooms, the hotel has publically accessible stores, restaurants, and hallways full of historical exhibits.
Publically accessible hallways in the hotel feature stores and restaurants.      Joey Hadden/Insider

There are five restaurants at the hotel, including the landmark restaurant Champlain Restaurant, which features dishes from a world-class chef.

There are five restaurants at the hotel, including the landmark restaurant Champlain Restaurant, which features dishes from a world-class chef.
Ads for restaurants in the hotel pamphlet.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: Fairmont

There's also a spa, pool, and fitness center, which I didn't get a chance to see for myself since my stay in Québec City was so short.

There
An ad for the spa in the hotel pamphlet.      Joey Hadden/Insider

After checking in, I hopped in the elevator to the eighth floor where my room was located. The elevators were only accessible by key card since parts of the hotel are open to the public.

After checking in, I hopped in the elevator to the eighth floor where my room was located. The elevators were only accessible by key card since parts of the hotel are open to the public.
The author takes the elevator up to her room.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I booked a Fairmont room, the hotel's lowest tier room category. Fairmont rooms are between 175 and 220 square feet and are recommended for couples and solo travelers, according to the hotel's website.

I booked a Fairmont room, the hotel
The author's bed in her hotel room.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: Fairmont

My first impression of my room was that it appeared small and plain, especially for the most photographed hotel in the world.

My first impression of my room was that it appeared small and plain, especially for the most photographed hotel in the world.
The author insider her room.      Joey Hadden/Insider

But I thought the view from the window was anything but small.

But I thought the view from the window was anything but small.
Views out the window in the author's room.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Perched on the window sill, I could see the European-style architecture that filled Québec City ...

Perched on the window sill, I could see the European-style architecture that filled Québec City ...
The author looks out the window.      Joey Hadden/Insider

... as well as mountains in the distance.

... as well as mountains in the distance.
The sun sets in Old Québec.      Joey Hadden/Insider

It was easily the coolest part of the otherwise average hotel room, I thought.

It was easily the coolest part of the otherwise average hotel room, I thought.
The author enjoys the view.      Joey Hadden/Insider

To the left of the window was a queen-sized bed, which I found to be incredibly comfortable. It was simultaneously soft and firm, in my opinion.

To the left of the window was a queen-sized bed, which I found to be incredibly comfortable. It was simultaneously soft and firm, in my opinion.
The queen-sized bed in the hotel room.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Nightstands on either side of the bed had modern touches like easily accessible outlets.

Nightstands on either side of the bed had modern touches like easily accessible outlets.
Outlets are on the nightstand beneath the lamp.      Joey Hadden/Insider

On the right side of the room, the bathroom was also quite typical, I thought. There was a single sink, a toilet, and a shower with a rainfall shower head.

On the right side of the room, the bathroom was also quite typical, I thought. There was a single sink, a toilet, and a shower with a rainfall shower head.
A look at the bathroom.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Above the sink, Le Labo toiletries were provided including shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion.

Above the sink, Le Labo toiletries were provided including shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion.
Amenities in the bathroom.      Joey Hadden/Insider

In between the bathroom and the bed, there was a desk in front of the window with a comfy leather chair I used to eat and take in the view.

In between the bathroom and the bed, there was a desk in front of the window with a comfy leather chair I used to eat and take in the view.
The author looks out the window from the desk.      Joey Hadden/Insider

During my stay, I ordered room service for dinner. I had a burger that I thought was juicy and full of flavor, and fries that were crisp and salty. The whole meal tasted high quality and I thought it was worth the price of the dish, $30.

During my stay, I ordered room service for dinner. I had a burger that I thought was juicy and full of flavor, and fries that were crisp and salty. The whole meal tasted high quality and I thought it was worth the price of the dish, $30.
The author's dinner in the room.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I found eating in front of the window so pleasant, that I ordered room service again in the morning. For breakfast, I had a cappuccino and a yogurt parfait for $18.

I found eating in front of the window so pleasant, that I ordered room service again in the morning. For breakfast, I had a cappuccino and a yogurt parfait for $18.
The author's breakfast the next morning.      Joey Hadden/Insider

My greek yogurt was paired with strawberries, blueberries, granola, and honey. With the perfect ratio of sweetness to tartness, I thought it was the best parfait I'd ever had.

My greek yogurt was paired with strawberries, blueberries, granola, and honey. With the perfect ratio of sweetness to tartness, I thought it was the best parfait I
Coffee, yogurt, and a great view.      Joey Hadden/Insider

When not in my hotel room, I spent the rest of my time in Québec exploring the hotel's surrounding photogenic streets.

When not in my hotel room, I spent the rest of my time in Québec exploring the hotel
An archway leading to the streets of Old Québec.      Joey Hadden/Insider

The hotel has a fantastic location. Just outside was Dufferin terrace, a boardwalk with restaurants and benches overlooking the St. Lawrence River. I thought it was peaceful and quiet in the morning, but crowds filled the terrace by the afternoon.

The hotel has a fantastic location. Just outside was Dufferin terrace, a boardwalk with restaurants and benches overlooking the St. Lawrence River. I thought it was peaceful and quiet in the morning, but crowds filled the terrace by the afternoon.
The hotel viewed from Dufferin terrace.      Joey Hadden/Insider

On the other side of the hotel was lace d'Armes, a beautiful small park with a large fountain.

On the other side of the hotel was lace d
The park in the early morning before crowds showed up.      Joey Hadden/Insider

I also spent time exploring and photographing the surrounding streets full of shops and restaurants, like Quartier Petit-Champlain.

I also spent time exploring and photographing the surrounding streets full of shops and restaurants, like Quartier Petit-Champlain.
A street full of restaurants in Old Québec.      Joey Hadden/Insider

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac was the most beautiful hotel I've ever stayed in from the outside. But since I thought the inside of my room was rather plain, I don't think it was worth the $600 price tag unless you're a fan of historic hotels or want to stay in one of the best locations in Québec City.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac was the most beautiful hotel I
The Fairmont in Québec on a sunny day.      Joey Hadden/Insider

But it's still worth visiting, in my opinion, even if you're not staying there. I recommend seeing and photographing this stunning hotel up close and exploring the surrounding areas of Old Québec.

But it
The author explores Dufferin terrace.      Joey Hadden/Insider
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