Choosing a place to stay in Pointe-au-Pic/La Malbaie is not always easy. It basically comes down to what you want. Is this just a stop-over on your way up to Tadoussac, or do you want to park yourself here for a few days?
If you want to want to settle in for a few nights then I would suggest the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu. It has many entertaining options from fine-dining, a casino, hot saltwater pools, tennis, skating, snowshoeing, games room for the kids and a gym and spa facilities..... all of which make it a great get-away for a couple or a family.
The Fairmont Hotel chain can certainly be commended for the attention their staff takes when it comes to dealing with clients. As well the staff seem happy at these hotels and certainly as a guest they go out of their way to ensure you enjoy your stay. We have had the odd negative experience but have always found that staff and management take time to determine the cause of the problem and find creative ways to keep you happy.
When you arrive at the hotel, you can drop off your keys with the valet and have your car parked or drop off your luggage and go park your car for free at one of the numerous parking lots around the edge of the hotel. Once your luggage is delivered to your room you may want to unpack and head down to the bar to listen to some music, or read a book and enjoy a refreshment as you soak in the beautiful view of the St. Lawrence River.
The hotel was built to resemble a French chateau so it can appear somewhat dark inside but in typical Fairmont style the traditional decor is warm and inviting. Equally inviting is the large fireplace that sits on the main floor surrounded by large wingback chairs. The music from the bar floats out to this space as you read your book by the side of the large crackling fire.
Breakfast, lunch and supper is served in the Belle Rive Restaurant on the lower level. This is the only spot for breakfast and there is a great selection at the buffet table for families as well as a menu for a la carte.
Supper is served as well in Le Charlevoix, which is definitely a 5 star gourmet restaurant. The food and service in this restaurant is impeccable and sure to please the gourmet lover in any crowd. The restaurant will also present you with an interesting and private selection of wines that you can discover with the aid of the restaurant sommelier. The hors d'oeuvre selection on their menu is outstanding and not to be missed for both presentation and taste.
The St. Laurent is the second restaurant for dining at night with equally stunning views of the river. This menu is less expensive than Le Charlevoix but given that the same kitchen serves the two restaurants you will understand quickly that the service and the quality clearly carries over between the two restaurants.
Here are our QT tips:
If you want to want to settle in for a few nights then I would suggest the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu. It has many entertaining options from fine-dining, a casino, hot saltwater pools, tennis, skating, snowshoeing, games room for the kids and a gym and spa facilities..... all of which make it a great get-away for a couple or a family.
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| By Bernard Gagnon (click image to go to source) |
The Fairmont Hotel chain can certainly be commended for the attention their staff takes when it comes to dealing with clients. As well the staff seem happy at these hotels and certainly as a guest they go out of their way to ensure you enjoy your stay. We have had the odd negative experience but have always found that staff and management take time to determine the cause of the problem and find creative ways to keep you happy.
When you arrive at the hotel, you can drop off your keys with the valet and have your car parked or drop off your luggage and go park your car for free at one of the numerous parking lots around the edge of the hotel. Once your luggage is delivered to your room you may want to unpack and head down to the bar to listen to some music, or read a book and enjoy a refreshment as you soak in the beautiful view of the St. Lawrence River.
The hotel was built to resemble a French chateau so it can appear somewhat dark inside but in typical Fairmont style the traditional decor is warm and inviting. Equally inviting is the large fireplace that sits on the main floor surrounded by large wingback chairs. The music from the bar floats out to this space as you read your book by the side of the large crackling fire.
Breakfast, lunch and supper is served in the Belle Rive Restaurant on the lower level. This is the only spot for breakfast and there is a great selection at the buffet table for families as well as a menu for a la carte.
Supper is served as well in Le Charlevoix, which is definitely a 5 star gourmet restaurant. The food and service in this restaurant is impeccable and sure to please the gourmet lover in any crowd. The restaurant will also present you with an interesting and private selection of wines that you can discover with the aid of the restaurant sommelier. The hors d'oeuvre selection on their menu is outstanding and not to be missed for both presentation and taste.
The St. Laurent is the second restaurant for dining at night with equally stunning views of the river. This menu is less expensive than Le Charlevoix but given that the same kitchen serves the two restaurants you will understand quickly that the service and the quality clearly carries over between the two restaurants.
Here are our QT tips:
- bring along a pair of flip-flops for your coming and goings to the heated outdoor pool and hot tub. In the winter it helps to make this experience more pleasant as you walk from your room to the health centre along the carpeted hallways.
- book your dining reservations in advance if you are picky about the hour since it does fill up quickly.
- bring along some good walking shoes as there are a lot of great trails in the area as well as the pleasure of a nice walk along the St. Lawrence and into the the town itself.
- Do leave the hotel and walk into the village where there are also some great little restaurants such as Café Chez Nous. Along that same street you will see a variety of other dining opportunities.
- Take a day trip to Tadoussac for whale watching. Cross on the ferry at the Baie St. Catherine and take time to see the little village of Tadoussac. Have lunch at the Café Bohème in Tadoussac and sign up for a boat tour with AML tours. They have a collection of boats that range from the smaller zodiac to the larger boats. Choose between a tour of the Saguenay where you will not necessarily spot whales but rather have a chance to see the fjord or head on out on the St. Lawrence for whale watching.
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