The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu: The Charlevoix castle

Welcome to the magnificent The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, located in La Malbaie in the magnificent Charlevoix region, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Quebec City and a stone’s throw from the Menaud distillery-brewery, another flagship of the region. This one has a frankly interesting history whereas at the beginning of its history, due to its location, it attracted mainly travelers who came by boat. Moreover, I was informed that the reception was previously located where the restaurant Le Bellerive is present, one of the hotel’s three restaurants.

Despite looking a little old, the latter is in the midst of a renovation phase in order to restore some beauty to its exterior, its reception and catering area, the hotel is simply magnificent. A real mansion with all the history that can be found there through its 405 freshly renovated rooms. Inaugurated in 1899 and completely destroyed in a fire in 1928 to be reopened in 1929 as we know it today, the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu is a place where relaxation is one of the pleasures.

The rooms

If you have a choice, ask for a room with a river view, they are just beautiful. The comfort of the bed is unforgettable. While I often sleep badly in hotels, it was quite the opposite at The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. The quality of Le Labo products is simply unmatched with their Rose 31 range, which is offered in all Fairmont hotels around the world. It’s hard to resist the temptation to bring them home, especially since they are often personalized. Speaking of the rooms, we should not forget the dressing gown, so comfortable that we would like to wear it everywhere in the hotel.

The Suites

La Seigneurie Suite  

La Seigneurie Suite, also known as our Presidential Suite, offers the ultimate hotel experience. Located on the second floor, this uniquely decorated suite contains a kitchenette and a large living room that can accommodate up to 12 people. This suite also includes two marble bathrooms, one of which has a whirlpool tub.

The Artist Suite 

The Charlevoix region is recognized for the effervescence and diversity of its artistic life. For a long time, it has been able to seduce and inspire several painters and artists with its dazzling panoramas. The Artist’s Suite honors the dynamism of local artists. In this large room with a view of the river, six paintings by a local landscaper are on display. On an easel, an unfinished canvas invites the visitor to be inspired and play the artist.

The Guardian of the River Suite

The St. Lawrence River has left Charlevoix with a rich maritime heritage, from the famous “White Boats” to marine mammal observation cruises. This suite is furnished in collaboration with the Maritime Museum of Charlevoix and offers visitors maritime antiques.

Something is missing in your room, room service is remarkably efficient, whether it is for slippers or any other commodity you may need.

The different guest services

The various hotel services range from the magnificent Moment Spa, winner of the Best Luxury Hotel Spa Regional Winner award to the 2017 World Luxury Spa Awards which will immerse your body in a state of relaxation and well-being. don’t be shy, and let yourself be carried away by the tranquility of the place and awaken your senses thanks to our full range of massages, beauty and body treatments of quality. The latter was completely renovated in 2015. The refinement and charm of the Fairmont make it an exceptional place conducive to absolute relaxation.

You will also find three majestic swimming pools, one inside and two others outside, one of which is accessible all year round and heated, which are perfect for a moment of relaxation, as they are often open late, you can relax outside. Sheltered from the noise of the day, and the evening view is superb, even at -30 degrees, you can take my word for it.

Don’t forget the recently upgraded 24-hour fitness center, perfect for keeping fit on the go, as well as its majestic golf club. For gambling enthusiasts, the Casino de Charlevoix is adjacent to the hotel. You can get there easily in all seasons via the tunnel that connects the hotel and the latter.

Basketball and tennis courts are also accessible to vacationers, which greatly increases the sports offer at this resort, not to mention all the different attractions in the area, which we were able to start observing on our outing with the Lincoln Corsair.

Fine dining at The Fairmont Manoir Richelieu

Catering is constantly changing at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. Summer is more upscale, with a host of visitors taking advantage of their vacation to stay at a hotel, while in winter, a smaller number of people stay at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, unfortunately. The service could also gain a mark, and the bar, it is not quite Le Nacarat of the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, while one does not find there the products of Menaud, yet a few minutes from the hotel. ‘place. Here are the different restaurants.

Le Saint-Laurent Restaurant

The regional flavors revisited by our team under the aegis of chef Sylvain Cuerrier are in the spotlight. The restaurant offers an à la carte menu, 2 or 3 course table d’hôte in a relaxed atmosphere where the views of the majestic St. Lawrence River are always breathtaking. Unfortunately, the views are not everywhere, part of the restaurant still exudes the 80s with mixtures of pink, wood and green, a little faded, which will thankfully be renovated, as it is in great need. Also, the upscale side of this restaurant seems to have been packed for the winter season when I was there, to the point where there is a buffet. A little less in connection with the luxury side of Fairmont. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this place.

Le Bellerive Restaurant

Here you will discover a restaurant where the relaxed atmosphere and bright decor, the Bellerive welcomes you for breakfasts and lunches with local flavors. The charm of the sunny terrace during the summer season will seduce you and make you come back. Someone would have to explain to me, and it is not only for this restaurant, but for several in different chains, why specialty coffees are not included in a table d’hôte menu …

Bar la Brise Restaurant

The latter is located at the lobby level and offers a splendid view of the St. Lawrence River. The cocktail menu could be greatly improved even if some are interesting, a live musical program offering a wide musical repertoire adds to the cozy atmosphere of the place.

Le Point Cardinal Restaurant

Enjoy lunch, dinner or a drink at the Golf Club chalet and admire the breathtaking view (open during golf season only)

While we are in a resort hotel, we should not forget the importance of snowmobiling in winter for this hotel. In fact, an exhibition on Joseph-Armand Bombardier’s famous invention was held there during my stay, and the partnership with BRP will also extend to other hotels in the group in the coming years. Keep in mind for your next vacation.

Also discover another resort hotel of the group, the Fairmont Le Château Montebello and its golf club and not far from there, in Quebec, the Château Frontenac.

Location of the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu

181, rue Richelieu
La Malbaie, QC
Canada
G5A 1X7

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Originally published in the Gentologie Magazine no. 3

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