Winter, spring, summer, fall, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu has it all. It may sound cliche, but it’s true. My visit to this castle on the cliff was timed to coincide with the leaves changing color in the Charlevoix region of Québec. I would have been just as happy to explore this grand hotel in the winter.
Imagine climbing into your in-suite hot tub after a day of skiing or snowmobiling – there’s also an Amerispa on property, as well as a health club. Le Manoir Richelieu is the only Canadian luxury resort hotel that I know of offering indoor, heated underground parking to snowmobiles! Additionally, the chateau offers a free ski shuttle and 110 miles of trails for snowshoeing, making the Fairmont Richelieu one of Conde Nast Travelers top 20 picks for best ski resorts.
My room, a king bed, with St. Lawrence River view Jacuzzi suite, rented for $299. Canadian – check the website for current pricing and package deals. There is a $13.95 daily resort fee that covers high speed internet and access to indoor and outdoor swimming pools and such. Amenities include air-conditioning, free wifi (if you are a Fairmont President’s Club member -free to sign up) bathrobes, cable tv & coffee maker.
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is also ecoconscious, earning green keys awarded by the Green Key Eco-Rating Program, a system recognizing the hotel’s commitment to energy, water and waste conservation, while participating in community outreach and environmental stewardship.
Unlike properties that are LEED certified and built from the ground up with strict adherence to eco-friendly regulations, it’s not easy being green when you opened as a Manor in 1899. The historic property, originally built for Americans traveling by sea, was completely destroyed by fire in 1928, yet like the phoenix rising from the ashes, the hotel was rebuilt and re-opened in 1929. Since then, the 405 room luxury resort has added on with an eye toward conservation, while maintaining the charming elegance of a countryside manor house.
And what countryside manor would be complete without a dog to welcome guests to the property? The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is pet-friendly. Whether you are traveling with your own dog or you simply like pets, stop by and say bonjour to Jordy, Richelieu’s canine ambassador. The other ambassador at Le Manoir Richelieu is the Beluga whale mascot. Perle is available, with advance notice, to tuck your little one into bed at night.
Insider tip
Foodies will love exploring Charlevoix’s Flavor Trail, as well as the hotel’s many restaurants with seasonally changing menus. My insider tip, reserve an evening at the Chef’s Table. Seventy five percent of products used on the menu come from local producers within a 50k radius. Priced at $85. Canadian for a four-course meal ($135. when paired with wine) guests are treated to dinner with Fairmont Chef Patrick Turcot. Or select the Farm to Table 2-night package. For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer @NancyDBrown on Twitter and @FairmontManoir @FairmontHotels.
If You Go:
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu 1 418 665 3703 or (866) 540-4464
181, rue Richelieu
La Malbaie Québec, Canada G5A 1X7
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Article written by, video and photos courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. Thanks to Québec Tourism and Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu for arranging my accomomdations. All opinions are my own.