Edmonton’s iconic Fairmont Hotel Macdonald celebrates a milestone as a must-visit destination for visitors and locals alike
The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald has stood as a beacon of elegance and hospitality in Edmonton since its grand opening on July 5, 1915. This iconic hotel has played host to countless visitors and locals looking to experience a touch of luxury. Today, under the leadership of General Manager Cole Millen, the hotel continues to evolve while preserving its rich history.
“We’re very fortunate to be one of the older buildings in Edmonton and to still have a very prominent position in the Edmonton landscape,” Millen shares. “We’ve been a pillar of the community for more than a century, and that’s something we carry with great pride. We try to celebrate inclusive luxury and want to make sure that everybody feels welcome and comfortable in our spaces.”
The restaurant’s chef, Eric Forbes, has gradually expanded the menu while keeping value at the forefront. “Our default setting is ‘make it delicious,’” Brochu laughs. “Over time we introduced burgers and mac and cheese—dishes people recognize, but done with love. We make our own buns, our own patties. We put real care into every plate. I’m biased, but I think we make the best burger in the city.”
Beyond the food, PlayWright’s ambiance is a testament to Edmonton’s artistic spirit. “We wanted to celebrate the city, so we worked with local artist Glen Ronald to create a mural that showcases Edmonton’s landscape–I think it’s one of his best works,” Brochu says. The restaurant also features soft orange lighting inspired by the Edmonton Fringe Festival’s lively market area and beer gardens at night. “I love going to the Fringe, walking around at night under Edison bulbs, and smelling fried dough. It’s a cool vibe, and we wanted to bring a bit of that here.” Other unique touches include the classic stone bar from former restaurant Normand’s, and a unique private space. “We built a not-so-secret library, and it’s a cool little private room with some hidden treats,” Brochu says.
Renovations have played a key role in maintaining the hotel’s grandeur. “In keeping with a building that is 110 years old, that comes with a lot of responsibility to make sure it’s kept and preserved,” Millen notes. Recent upgrades include a transformation of the Confederation Lounge at the end of 2022, the renovation of 165 of the hotel’s 198 guest rooms, and a full restoration of the Empire and Wedgwood ballrooms.
The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald is particularly renowned for its dining experiences. “Food and beverage is something that we absolutely pride ourselves on,” Millen says. The hotel’s signature restaurants, the Confederation Lounge and The Harvest Room, offer exquisite cuisine and one of the best patio experiences in the city. “Our backyard and our patio are something that not everybody is familiar with. If you were just driving by, you wouldn’t necessarily see it,” Millen says. “It makes it feel like a little bit of a resort inside of the city.” Approachable luxury includes twice-daily (except Saturday) happy hour specials. For a truly unique beverage experience, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald is home to Canada’s largest Dalmore whisky collection, including some very exclusive bottles that can only be found at the Confederation Lounge.
Brunch at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald is a cherished tradition for many guests. “We are well-known in Edmonton for our Sunday brunches,” Millen says. “Mother’s Day (May 11) is one of the busiest days of the year for us, and Easter (April 20) will be very busy as well.” If you haven’t visited for brunch recently, next time you visit you’ll have a new experience that has evolved to include interactive stations where chefs prepare dishes fresh before guests’ eyes, helping to reduce food waste while ensuring peak freshness. “We try to do as much as we can from scratch. Everything is made in-house, and we celebrate a lot of local ingredients,” Millen says.
Ultimately, Millen believes that what truly makes the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald special is the people. “We’re very fortunate to have a team of really, really highly engaged employees that love working here and love working with each other and taking care of guests,” he says. From the guest perspective, Millen thinks the patio is not to be missed. “To be able to sit out there on a nice, warm day and overlook the beautiful River Valley, enjoying a seafood tower and maybe a glass of champagne—what could be better?”
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