Met a couple of friends here for some drinks so I could slink back to my room before my early flight. The space is incredibly beautiful but unfortunately quality of the drinks and service don’t match the space.Their signature cocktails seemed watered down and uninspired. We spent over two hours here and the server only came around twice. No water nor food was offered.Also given the name of the lounge, it surprising that there’s no mention of the colonial history nor whose traditional territory the hotel and lounge sits on.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
MurrayS
Another long overdue date night with my wife. The food was outstanding, the carrot cake sooo good. The margaritas are the best anywhere, thanks Sushil. Thank you Emily, Erin, and Joe for such a wonderful evening.
Veronika Kopal
we had a few drinks right before closing time and Ramesh provided us with excellent service. he didn't seemed bother by us staying longer than closing time and let us feel really welcome! love to come here again!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Tyty
Visited for night caps after work, was close to last call but they still happily accommodated us. Stopped in at the bar for a couple drinks and Ramesh was outstanding. I was hoping for a lowkey vibe and he definitely provided that while also providing great service. Cocktails were fantastic, I definitely recommend the Signature Old Fashioned! All the drinks were so good I believe this will be my new favorite spot. Excited to return. Thanks Ramesh, and the Fairmont! :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
CherylJ
The food was fantastic. We appreciated there was a kids menu for our granddaughter. All the portions we substantial. The ambiance was amazing. We felt we were wrapped in history. Our server was attentive and very nice. The whole experience was outstanding.
MurrayS
The amazing Confederation Lounge! As always, our time there was “like going home.” We are fortunate to know many of the staff after many years as clients. My husband and I are always blown away that they are as efficient and professional to each person as they were when we met many of them so many years ago. The food is wonderful (a little something for everyone) and the margaritas expertly mixed by Sucheil are the best. To Carmen (our server) - you are the best. A special thanks to David , Emily and Antosh for coming by and greeting us with their smiles. A special note of thanks must be made to Hailey the hostess who (although off the evening we were there ) greets everyone with the biggest smile and sees you are comfortably seated. Yes, The Confederation Lounge remains a special place to us.
The music choice was not appropriate for a lounge. It was more like club/dance music and was playing very loudly. It was not conducive for conversation and not what one would expect of a high end lounge experience.
MurrayS
What a great evening out with my wife. The food was perfect, the carrot cake desert was just delicious. Thank you Sushil for the best lime margaritas on this planet. Carmen you looked after us so well. Great evening.
DavidF
We took in the Valentine's Day sharing board special. Excellent variety prepared to perfection and as always, impeccably served by great staff. Friendly, engaging, but not overbearing and very attentive. It has become a staple for special occasions or a casual afternoon respite.
RaniaY
The atmosphere is always good at the confederation lounge. The food was just ok. Starters were better than the mains overall. Service was very slow. Price does not warrant the amount or quality of food. A good place for a drink. The new set up also looks nice but is uncomfortable for eating more than a small snack. Majority of Tables are too low.
Rick is an amazing bartender! He made our night very special! Thanks Rick!!!
Tyler TM
Great bar based out of the Fairmont. Really feels like you’re stepping back into a Time Machine as you sit amongst oak walls, portraits of the founding fathers and cabinets of liquor. Great service and drinks as well!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
MarilynB
I have always loved going to the Hotel Macdonald over Christmas. I invited my sister and brother and we were fine with dining in the lounge on Christmas day. When I first arrived to be seated, I was a bit taken back by a young hostess who was trying to speak to us with a mouth full of something. Not really what I'm used to in any elevated setting. The food was very subpar for spending over $350. The service however was excellent. It's too bad that your food doesn't match up to your exceptional servers. Though it has been a tradition for me to visit the Hotel and dine over Christmas, I feel I will forego this next year. M. brodeur [email protected]
DeidreW
We come here quite often and not for the food anymore. The quality of food has gone down a lot. It's so disappointing for the cost vs value. First, she told us they were out of lamb at 6:45 pm. Then she checked and there was lamb but came out with cold broccoli and lumpy, cold mashed potatoes. It was so tough that my husband thought his molars were going to fall out. The beef ragu was all pasta with little bits of beef. The ribeye was about 3 oz of muscle and grissel. We were sat at a table with coffee table height tables when we made the reservation letting them know we had an 85 year old in a wheelchair. It was shocking to say the least.
Casey Zettl
I very rarely edit, or update my reviews of an establishment, but in this case I felt that it was necessary. Which is genuinely tragic, given that my previous review was a five star rating.The Confederation Lounge used to be our favourite place in the city to spend an evening. We have been patrons for nearly a decade, and had always loved to spend an evening, or afternoon lounging on the patio sipping cocktails, or enjoying an Old Fashioned by the fire. We have even attended their annual Christmas tree lighting, and our youngest daughter has had the privilege of being their official tree lighter twice.However since the renovations the space has completely lost its soul. They have traded classic cocktails for trendy drinks that frankly taste awful, and given up beautiful comfortable furniture with a classic feel, for trendy pieces that are horribly uncomfortable, and make you want to leave within your first half an hour, just so you don't have to continue sitting on them.The patio, once beautifully adorned with gorgeous wrought iron pieces, now looks just like any Sandman Inn, and has also become a fire hazard with those utterly useless fire tables that for some reason sit right in the middle of the walkways, and provide next to no heat whatsoever. That's not even to mention how ridiculously useless the chair, and table set up is with the majority of the tables sitting lower than the chairs themselves do.None of that is even to mention the new menu.Having tried several items on the new menu, there is not a single thing I would order again. The flavours seem to be attempting to channel Asian cuisine inspiration, but are falling flat in the execution. That's speaking as someone who is a chef, and grew up in an Asian family.That doesn't even touch on the ridiculously high prices for miniscule food portions. Don't get me wrong, I am more than happy to pay good money for smaller portions of high quality food, but the new menu dishes sadly do not even approach a level of quality that I would deem worth it to pay these kind of price tags.All of these issues culminate in one very sad reality. The fact that the Confederation Lounge has sold its soul in an attempt to be trendy, and as a result is really no longer worth the time it takes to visit.The only redeeming quality is the fact that the serving staff have as always remained impeccable, and completely above reproach. There is no equal to the service you will receive as a guest, or patron here. However sadly that one redeeming quality is not enough to entice us to continue to be regulars at this once fabulous establishment. A fact that is rather heartbreaking given the many years of happy memories, and family moments we've shared with the Fairmont family at the Hotel MacDonald.A place that was once our first choice to visit on an evening out, birthday, or anniversary. Whether it was for a drink on the patio in the summer breeze, or a warm night in by the fire, while you watch the snow or rain falling outside, is now one of the last on our list to visit.Were they to improve upon these issues, and reclaim some semblance of the character this establishment used to hold, I would happily become a customer once more. However in light of the fact that they seem more preoccupied hosting Jonas Brothers parties, than maintaining any semblance of class, I sadly doubt that will be the case.Our city has lost a once beautiful gem in her crown, and like a diamond setting being refitted with cubic zirconia, it has been replaced with a cheap facsimile of her former glory.
Met a couple of friends here for some drinks so I could slink back to my room before my early flight. The space is incredibly beautiful but unfortunately quality of the drinks and service don’t match the space.Their signature cocktails seemed watered down and uninspired. We spent over two hours here and the server only came around twice. No water nor food was offered.Also given the name of the lounge, it surprising that there’s no mention of the colonial history nor whose traditional territory the hotel and lounge sits on.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
Another long overdue date night with my wife. The food was outstanding, the carrot cake sooo good. The margaritas are the best anywhere, thanks Sushil. Thank you Emily, Erin, and Joe for such a wonderful evening.
we had a few drinks right before closing time and Ramesh provided us with excellent service. he didn't seemed bother by us staying longer than closing time and let us feel really welcome! love to come here again!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Visited for night caps after work, was close to last call but they still happily accommodated us. Stopped in at the bar for a couple drinks and Ramesh was outstanding. I was hoping for a lowkey vibe and he definitely provided that while also providing great service. Cocktails were fantastic, I definitely recommend the Signature Old Fashioned! All the drinks were so good I believe this will be my new favorite spot. Excited to return. Thanks Ramesh, and the Fairmont! :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was fantastic. We appreciated there was a kids menu for our granddaughter. All the portions we substantial. The ambiance was amazing. We felt we were wrapped in history. Our server was attentive and very nice. The whole experience was outstanding.
The amazing Confederation Lounge! As always, our time there was “like going home.” We are fortunate to know many of the staff after many years as clients. My husband and I are always blown away that they are as efficient and professional to each person as they were when we met many of them so many years ago. The food is wonderful (a little something for everyone) and the margaritas expertly mixed by Sucheil are the best. To Carmen (our server) - you are the best. A special thanks to David , Emily and Antosh for coming by and greeting us with their smiles. A special note of thanks must be made to Hailey the hostess who (although off the evening we were there ) greets everyone with the biggest smile and sees you are comfortably seated. Yes, The Confederation Lounge remains a special place to us.
The music choice was not appropriate for a lounge. It was more like club/dance music and was playing very loudly. It was not conducive for conversation and not what one would expect of a high end lounge experience.
What a great evening out with my wife. The food was perfect, the carrot cake desert was just delicious. Thank you Sushil for the best lime margaritas on this planet. Carmen you looked after us so well. Great evening.
We took in the Valentine's Day sharing board special. Excellent variety prepared to perfection and as always, impeccably served by great staff. Friendly, engaging, but not overbearing and very attentive. It has become a staple for special occasions or a casual afternoon respite.
The atmosphere is always good at the confederation lounge. The food was just ok. Starters were better than the mains overall. Service was very slow. Price does not warrant the amount or quality of food. A good place for a drink. The new set up also looks nice but is uncomfortable for eating more than a small snack. Majority of Tables are too low.
Restaurantji Recommends
Rick is an amazing bartender! He made our night very special! Thanks Rick!!!
Great bar based out of the Fairmont. Really feels like you’re stepping back into a Time Machine as you sit amongst oak walls, portraits of the founding fathers and cabinets of liquor. Great service and drinks as well!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have always loved going to the Hotel Macdonald over Christmas. I invited my sister and brother and we were fine with dining in the lounge on Christmas day. When I first arrived to be seated, I was a bit taken back by a young hostess who was trying to speak to us with a mouth full of something. Not really what I'm used to in any elevated setting. The food was very subpar for spending over $350. The service however was excellent. It's too bad that your food doesn't match up to your exceptional servers. Though it has been a tradition for me to visit the Hotel and dine over Christmas, I feel I will forego this next year. M. brodeur [email protected]
We come here quite often and not for the food anymore. The quality of food has gone down a lot. It's so disappointing for the cost vs value. First, she told us they were out of lamb at 6:45 pm. Then she checked and there was lamb but came out with cold broccoli and lumpy, cold mashed potatoes. It was so tough that my husband thought his molars were going to fall out. The beef ragu was all pasta with little bits of beef. The ribeye was about 3 oz of muscle and grissel. We were sat at a table with coffee table height tables when we made the reservation letting them know we had an 85 year old in a wheelchair. It was shocking to say the least.
I very rarely edit, or update my reviews of an establishment, but in this case I felt that it was necessary. Which is genuinely tragic, given that my previous review was a five star rating.The Confederation Lounge used to be our favourite place in the city to spend an evening. We have been patrons for nearly a decade, and had always loved to spend an evening, or afternoon lounging on the patio sipping cocktails, or enjoying an Old Fashioned by the fire. We have even attended their annual Christmas tree lighting, and our youngest daughter has had the privilege of being their official tree lighter twice.However since the renovations the space has completely lost its soul. They have traded classic cocktails for trendy drinks that frankly taste awful, and given up beautiful comfortable furniture with a classic feel, for trendy pieces that are horribly uncomfortable, and make you want to leave within your first half an hour, just so you don't have to continue sitting on them.The patio, once beautifully adorned with gorgeous wrought iron pieces, now looks just like any Sandman Inn, and has also become a fire hazard with those utterly useless fire tables that for some reason sit right in the middle of the walkways, and provide next to no heat whatsoever. That's not even to mention how ridiculously useless the chair, and table set up is with the majority of the tables sitting lower than the chairs themselves do.None of that is even to mention the new menu.Having tried several items on the new menu, there is not a single thing I would order again. The flavours seem to be attempting to channel Asian cuisine inspiration, but are falling flat in the execution. That's speaking as someone who is a chef, and grew up in an Asian family.That doesn't even touch on the ridiculously high prices for miniscule food portions. Don't get me wrong, I am more than happy to pay good money for smaller portions of high quality food, but the new menu dishes sadly do not even approach a level of quality that I would deem worth it to pay these kind of price tags.All of these issues culminate in one very sad reality. The fact that the Confederation Lounge has sold its soul in an attempt to be trendy, and as a result is really no longer worth the time it takes to visit.The only redeeming quality is the fact that the serving staff have as always remained impeccable, and completely above reproach. There is no equal to the service you will receive as a guest, or patron here. However sadly that one redeeming quality is not enough to entice us to continue to be regulars at this once fabulous establishment. A fact that is rather heartbreaking given the many years of happy memories, and family moments we've shared with the Fairmont family at the Hotel MacDonald.A place that was once our first choice to visit on an evening out, birthday, or anniversary. Whether it was for a drink on the patio in the summer breeze, or a warm night in by the fire, while you watch the snow or rain falling outside, is now one of the last on our list to visit.Were they to improve upon these issues, and reclaim some semblance of the character this establishment used to hold, I would happily become a customer once more. However in light of the fact that they seem more preoccupied hosting Jonas Brothers parties, than maintaining any semblance of class, I sadly doubt that will be the case.Our city has lost a once beautiful gem in her crown, and like a diamond setting being refitted with cubic zirconia, it has been replaced with a cheap facsimile of her former glory.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 5