Agent Report: Margaret in Québec
Always On the Go, Margaret recently explored Canada’s province of Québec, flying in and out of Montreal but wandering far and wide. . .
Photo courtesy of Manoir Hovey
After flying to Montreal via La Guardia, Margaret picked up her rental car and made the pretty 2-hour drive to Manoir Hovey.
Hotel Spotlight: Manoir Hovey
Built at the turn of the 20th-century as a summer home modeled after George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Manoir Hovey became a luxury hotel in the 1950s and today is a member of Relais & Châteaux for their outstanding culinary offerings—which pay homage to their Québecois heritage—and their impeccable service.
Margaret was charmed by the hotel’s setting. She raved about the food, both the sumptuous breakfast and the two dinner options, one of which is their Michelin-starred restaurant and the other being a more casual option.
The hotel features two pools, one for adults that faces the lake and the other for families near the tennis courts, still with lake views. Margaret also enjoyed the hotel’s spa, which features a charming outdoor fireplace and small pool along with its treatment rooms.
Margaret’s room was in the main lodge, and she also noted that they offer cabins around the property. The rooms she would recommend most, however, are the ones in their brand-new building. All 12 rooms here face the water and have high ceilings, large bathrooms, and comfortable sitting areas.
Poe Perks at Manoir Hovey:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, in the restaurant or in-room dining
$100 USD equivalent food & beverage credit
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
On To Québec City. . .
From Manoir Hovey, Margaret made the 2.5-hour drive to Québec City to drop off her car and walked to the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac on the boardwalk.
Hotel Spotlight: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Right in the heart of Old Québec—which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and near the Place Royale and Dufferin Terrace, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac enjoys breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River. From its European-style charm to its five-star guest rooms and four dining options to its stellar spa, this hotel is all Canadian luxury.
Margaret stayed on the Concierge Level, which included a lovely breakfast. She noted that the hotel was bustling, with its large main-floor restaurant enjoying views of the water and boardwalk seeming quite popular.
Margaret spent her first day walking the boardwalk and its many local shops. Off the boardwalk, there is a tram that takes you down to the Le Petit Champlain area, which is full of restaurants and shops to explore.
Poe Perks at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100 USD equivalent food & beverage credit
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Railway to Montreal. . .
After two nights in Québec City, Margaret boarded the Via Rail to Montreal. The train station was close to her hotel, so getting there was easy even with luggage, and the whole journey felt “civilized.” The business class cars were at the front of the train, and the seats were comfortable for the 3.5-hour journey.
On arrival in Montreal, Margaret hopped in a taxi to the Four Seasons.
Hotel Spotlight: Four Seasons Montreal
A glamorous downtown hotel, the Four Seasons Montreal is located in the Golden Square Mile, making it the perfect base from which to explore Montreal. At their celebrated Marcus restaurant, local flavors are fused with international finesse. Their Guerlain Spa is much-lauded, and their fashion-forward Holt Renfrew Ogilvy combines shopping with storytelling.
Margaret says the Four Seasons was simply “the spot to be in.” Her room was large, featuring a palatial bathroom. Along with the fabulous dining options on offer at the hotel, Margaret also found cute shops and restaurants within a couple of blocks of the hotel, simply following her nose to find delicious seafood. Margaret also recommends the bar at the Four Seasons!
Poe Perks at Four Seasons Montreal:
Daily full breakfast for two people per bedroom, in restaurant or in-room dining
Hotel Credit based on room category booked ($100 USD per guest room/$200 USD per suite)
Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in
One last top tip: Margaret had a very early flight home from Montreal, so she was met by Royal Concierge to assist with airport check-in and speed up the process. The verdict? Worth it!
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