Saguenay Fjord's BEST Hotel: Unforgettable Views & Luxury Await!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the… well, let’s avoid cliché and just say the absolutely breathtaking world of Saguenay Fjord's BEST Hotel: Unforgettable Views & Luxury Await! This isn't just a review, it's a confession – a love letter, even, sprinkled with the usual gripes and giggles that come from someone who lives for a good hotel stay. And trust me, this one… this one actually delivered.
Accessibility: A Grumble That Quickly Turned to Glee
Okay, let's be real. Accessibility is always a worry. My Aunt Mildred, bless her heart and her mobility scooter, is coming next time so Wheelchair accessible and Facilities for disabled guests were HUGE. We called ahead, of course, and I won't lie, the initial phone call was a bit… clunky. Trying to get the details of the exact accessible room was like pulling teeth. But, and this is a BIG but, the staff, once we arrived, were absolutely on it. They were helpful, patient, and actually cared. Ramp access was seamless, the elevator was spacious, and the accessible rooms were, gasp, actually accessible! Bonus points for the Elevator! They even had a Doorman who practically wrestled our luggage from our grasp. My blood pressure started to normalize.
Internet, the Modern-Day Necessity (and My Personal Addiction)
First things first: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! They got that right. Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN. I mean, seriously, a luxury hotel without solid Wi-Fi is like a car without wheels. Now, I'm one of those people who checks their email at 3:00 AM and I'm happy to report the Wi-Fi was speedy and reliable. I could binge-watch questionable reality TV without a single buffering hiccup. That’s a win for me. Though, a brief (and dramatic) meltdown occurred when the LAN cable in my room wasn’t working. I, of course, blamed the entire hotel, but it was just a loose connection. They fixed in minutes. Minutes!
Cleanliness and Safety: A Breath of Fresh, Purified Saguenay Air
Let's address the elephant in the room (or, you know, the lingering pandemic). This hotel takes hygiene seriously. They’ve got all the bells and whistles: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Hand sanitizer. Essentially, it felt like living inside a germ-killing fortress. They even had Hot water linen and laundry washing and, a big win for the germaphobe in us, Hygiene certification. I'm not saying I licked everything to test it, but it felt clean. And the peace of mind? Priceless. They also had Doctor/nurse on call – perfect since I'm convinced I'm allergic to something new every day.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Buffet to the Bar (and Everything in Between)
Okay, food. Let's get real. This is where hotels usually fall down. Not here! The Breakfast [buffet] was a glorious spread. Western breakfast with all the usual suspects (bacon, eggs, the works) and some surprisingly decent Asian breakfast options. I, of course, piled my plate high with both. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was a constant source of joy, and honestly, their Desserts in restaurant gave me a rush. I spent far too much time by the Poolside bar, sipping something fruity and forgetting all my worries.
There's a Bar, multiple Restaurants with International cuisine in restaurant, a Coffee shop for a quick pick-me-up, and a Snack bar for those little, unexpected cravings. If you're feeling fancy, you can opt for the A la carte in restaurant. If you're feeling lazy, there is Room service [24-hour]. I, of course, tried it all. I especially have to bring up the Soup in restaurant, It was incredible and I would kill for the recipe.
But, let's talk about the Vegetarian restaurant. The options were so creative, so flavorful, that even the most devoted carnivore (me) was tempted to go meat-free. I’m also happy to report they have a Bottle of water for you, so you don't end up dehydrated and cranky. And, a Salad in restaurant that actually had flavor!
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: A Spa Day That Saved My Soul
Alright, deep breath. This place is built for relaxation. The Spa is a full-blown experience. They've got a Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap, and a Foot bath. I spent what felt like an eternity in the Swimming pool with a Pool with view and I’m not even ashamed to admit it. They also have a Fitness center if you're feeling virtuous. I only peeked inside, mostly because those post-buffet-induced food comas are intense. The Gym/fitness has some nice equipment though.
I was a little skeptical about the Couple's room, figuring it was just a gimmick. But, honestly, after a day of hiking around the fjord (more on that later), a couples’ massage was pure bliss. Highly recommend it.
Rooms: A Symphony of Comfort (With a Few Quirks)
The rooms are where the "luxury" part really shines. Air conditioning, Blackout curtains, and a Desk are non-negotiables for me. This hotel nailed it. I'm particularly fond of extra-long bed! The Bathroom phone was a bit… old-school, but hey, it worked. The Bathrobes and Slippers were a nice touch and made me feel like royalty, even while I was stuffing my face with breakfast pastries in a bathrobe. They also have Non-smoking rooms, and you bet I took advantage of that. They have a Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, and a refrigerator. Then the Ironing facilities are there in case you mess up the Linens. I’m happy to report they also have Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN. They include Toiletries and the Mirror is perfect. The Shower is hot and lovely.
Now, a few quirks. The Satellite/cable channels selection felt a little lacking (no HGTV? The horror!), and the Alarm clock was a bit… aggressive. The light from the Reading light was on the dim side. But hey, nobody's perfect. Especially when you get some truly Unforgettable Views & Luxury Await! They also had a Scale which was a little TOO honest after my food adventures.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
They have pretty much everything you could need: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. All for a price that is, for the amenities, more than reasonable.
Getting Around: Exploring the Saguenay Fjord
They can arrange an Airport transfer which is a lifesaver. They also offer Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking, and Taxi service. I parked on-site which was very convenient. There's even a Car power charging station if you're eco-minded. Because exploring the fjord is a must. And the hotel is perfectly positioned to make that happen.
For the Kids: A Family-Friendly Haven
They have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. So if you plan on bringing any of the little rug-rats you can rest assured.
The Verdict: YES. Just… YES.
This isn't just a good hotel. It's an experience. From the breathtaking views to the ridiculously comfortable beds, from the genuinely friendly staff to the (mostly) flawless service, this place delivered. The minor hiccups – the cranky alarm clock, the missing cable channel – were quickly forgotten. The overall experience was so good, so relaxing, so memorable, that I'm already planning my return.
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or just a chance to escape the everyday grind, **Saguenay Fjord's BEST Hotel: Unforgettable
Newport's BEST Kept Secret? This Homewood Suites Will SHOCK You!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary isn't just about getting from point A to point B. This is about feeling the fjord, smelling the pine needles, and maybe, just maybe, accidentally leaving your dignity in a pile of soggy poutine. Welcome to my chaotic love letter to the Hotel du Fjord and the Saguenay region. Consider yourselves warned: this is gonna be messy.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Awkward Charm of "Hotel du Fjord"
1:00 PM: Flight lands in Bagotville (YBG). Okay, deep breaths. I hate flying. Every. Single. Time. The pre-flight anxiety is a brutal cocktail of "Will the plane fall out of the sky?" and "Did I remember to pack deodorant?" (Spoiler: I always forget the deodorant). The good news is the flight was thankfully uneventful, other than a screaming baby in the row ahead of me. Bless her heart.
1:45 PM: Pick up rental car. They gave me… a beige sedan. Seriously? Beige? Like, "blend into the background" beige? I wanted a purple jeep or something, befitting the rugged beauty of the Saguenay. Whatever. At least it has air conditioning. It's a rental.
2:45 PM: Arrive at Hotel du Fjord. The name is just… poetic. It's like, "Hotel of the Fjord." Okay, I'm here. First impressions: quaint, kind of charmingly rundown in a way that I instantly love. The lobby smells faintly of pine and… old wood? I can dig it. The check-in lady is lovely and wearing a sweater knitted by a kindly sheep. I like her at once.
3:00 PM: Settle into room. The view is PHENOMENAL. Literal fjord-porn. Like, I could stare at the water for hours. I'm already feeling a sense of calm wash over me… until I notice the questionable stains on the carpet. Oh well, I’ll survive.
4:00 PM: Wandering aimlessly. I take a walk in the hotel surroundings, and I am happy to see a lot of nature, I am happy with my state of mind.
6:00 PM: Dinner at the HOTEL'S RESTAURANT. I order the local fish, hoping it's not still swimming. It's actually delicious. And cheap! Win-win!
7:30 PM: Trying to get some work done on the hotel’s Wi-Fi; it's about as reliable as a politician's promise. I give up and decide to stare some more at the fjord. It is way better.
8:30 PM: Bed. Exhausted from not doing a whole lot. The bed is comfortable, though! I'm sure of it.
Day 2: Water, Whales, and the Poutine Predicament
7:00 AM: Wake up. The fjord is even more stunning in the morning light. I think my spirit animal might be a fjord.
9:00 AM: Whale watching tour! Holy crap. I see whales! It's amazing! It's emotional. I spot beluga whales! I cry a little. (Don't judge me, I'm a sensitive soul.) The boat ride is a bit choppy, and I briefly contemplate becoming a landlubber for the rest of my life. This is the only time the day gets a bit messy, I can't stop thinking about it, it was wonderful!
12:00 PM: Back on land. Hungry! I decide on a quest for poutine. Legendary poutine. I've heard tales of these deep-fried potato, curds, and gravy masterpieces. This is the most important quest of the trip, I would say. I go to the restaurant, and I order the biggest one they got.
1:00 PM: Poutine. The restaurant delivered. It’s everything I hoped for and more. The gravy is thick and rich. The curds squeak. I overeat to a shameful degree and am probably going to regret this later. I don't care.
2:30 PM: Stumbling around full of poutine. I waddle back to the hotel, regretting my life choices. I take a nap.
4:30 PM: River exploration. I feel I might need a nice stroll and I decide to explore the Saguenay River, I find many beautiful spots ideal for contemplation.
7:00 PM: Dinner. I eat lightly because of the poutine. I feel full. I'm probably going to dream about poutine tonight.
8:30 PM: Stargazing outside the hotel. The sky is so clear here, and the stars are incredible. I don't know what constellations I see, and I don't care.
Day 3: Art, Adventure, and the Bitter Goodbye (and Maybe a Last Poutine?)
9:00 AM: Visit a local art gallery. I'm not much of an art person, but this place has local artists exhibitions. It's surprisingly enjoyable.
11:00 AM: Kayaking on the fjord. Getting on the water again! The waters are calm. It's peaceful. It takes a while to get the hang of it, but I eventually navigate without capsizing. Success!
1:00 PM: Last poutine. Maybe? I'm seriously on a mission to make sure I order a poutine more poutine before I leave. I deserve it.
2:00 PM: Check-out. Saying goodbye to the Hotel du Fjord is harder than I expected. It was kind of… perfect. The view, the friendly faces, the questionable carpet. It's all part of the charm.
2:30 PM: Heading to the airport. Sigh. Back to reality.
4:00 PM: Flight.
End of all the adventures!
This itinerary isn't polished, it's not perfect, and it's probably missing important details. But it's real. It's me. And if you go to Hotel du Fjord, I hope you find the same kind of messy magic I did. And eat the poutine. Seriously, eat the poutine.
Escape to Comfort: WoodSpring Suites Columbus North I-270
Saguenay Fjord's BEST Hotel: Unforgettable Views & Luxury Await! (Um, Maybe?) - A Messy FAQ
Okay, so is it *really* the best? Because your ad copy is... well, confident.
Alright, alright, pull the reigns back a bit. BEST? That's a big word. Look, it's fantastic. Views? Unreal. Luxury? Yeah, they've got the fancy soaps and the fluffy robes. But "best"? That depends. Are you comparing it to a Motel 6? Then, yeah, it's practically a palace. Compared to, say, the Ritz in Paris? Let's just say the breakfast buffet isn't quite at that level of culinary artistry.
I went in with *high* expectations, you know? After a long drive, I was dreaming of a hot shower and a jaw-dropping view. And the view *delivered*. Honestly, it's the kind of view that makes you want to sit and stare at the fjord for hours... and I did. Probably a little too long, actually. Forgot to order room service for a good three hours. The stomach rumbles eventually got the better of me...
What about the rooms? Are they as luxurious as they claim? Like, actual fluffy robes, or the scratchy kind?
The robes? Oh, the robes. They are *fluffy*. Like, cloud-level fluffy. I practically lived in that robe. I'm not gonna lie. Spent a good chunk of my stay, maybe a *little* too much time, lounging in that bathrobe. Judging by my photos, I might as well have just checked in wearing it and not bothered with other clothes.
The room was nice. Clean, spacious. Bed was comfy. The decor... well, it leaned heavily into "modern minimalist." Which, for me, translated to a bit *too* much beige. A pop of color wouldn't have killed them, guys. And the lighting? Dim. Always dim. Felt like I was living inside a very expensive, very beige cave.
But honestly, after the first beer in the mini-fridge and the insane view from the balcony, who cares?
The view... you keep mentioning the view. Is it really *that* good? Like, Instagram-worthy good?
Instagram-worthy? Honey, it's beyond that. It's "makes you question the meaning of life" good. The fjord is breathtaking, especially at sunset. I took, like, a million photos. Probably annoyed everyone around me with my constant picture-taking. But seriously, the light changes, the water glistens... it's like a living painting.
*Actually*, there was a total catastrophe the first night. Booked a fjord facing room, so naturally, I was psyched to watch the sunset *from* the room. But when I got there, the room was NOT facing the fjord. I was HORRIFIED. Like, proper, full-on panic. It took a good 20 minutes of pleading, begging, and what I can only describe as a toddler-level tantrum for the hotel to upgrade me. BUT they did! And it was worth every single, embarrassing moment.
What about the service? Are the staff friendly?
Generally, yes! They were polite and helpful. They definitely put up with my "upgrade freakout" with good grace. Even though I'm sure they *knew* I was being ridiculous. There was one person at the front desk who was a little... standoffish. But, you know, maybe she was just having a bad day. Or maybe she was secretly judging my robe-wearing habits.
I will say this: the concierge was AMAZING. Gave us some fantastic recommendations for restaurants and activities. (Hint: take the boat tour! Seriously, do it).
Speaking of restaurants, what's the food like?
The hotel restaurant? It was... fine. Perfectly adequate. They have a decent breakfast buffet with the usual continental breakfast, which is a win in my book. The dinner menu was a bit pricey and I'm not sure if it was worth the cost. Could have been my fault for ordering the wrong thing (fish - my usual mistake). There are better options outside the hotel, trust me.
But listen, this is the most important food-related *lesson* you need to know: there's a little bakery down the street. Go there. Get the *pain au chocolat*. Seriously. I'm not kidding. I may or may not have gone back every single day. The pastry shop was my absolute highlight.
Any downsides? (Aside from the beige.)
Hmm, let's see... The internet was a little spotty at times. And the parking situation was... not great. I ended up driving around for at least 20 minutes before I found a space. Which leads to my *other* confession...
I *may* have accidentally locked my keys in the car. And had to wait for a locksmith. (Again, probably judging my fluffy robe.)
Also the elevator situation. There were only two, and one was out of order. So there was a lot of waiting and stairs. If you're prone to getting hangry, bring snacks if you've got a room high up.
But honestly, those are minor annoyances. The view, the fluffy robe, and the pain au chocolat *almost* make up for everything.
Would you go back?
Absolutely. Despite the beige, the parking, the elevator woes, and my complete key-loss debacle. That view alone is worth it. And the robes! Did I mention the robes? (I might have.) I'm already planning my return. Just gotta remember the pain au chocolat, and, uh... maybe hide the car keys somewhere safe.
