Hôtel Valcartier

Igleimys Alarcon

4 months ago

Our stay was decent overall, but several issues affected our experience. The front desk service was good, and housekeeping was excellent. The room was very clean, nicely maintained, and the beds were comfortable, which we truly appreciated. Food and drinks at the hotel were quite expensive, and unfortunately, guests are almost forced to eat at the hotel restaurants since Uber Eats does not deliver to this location. Luckily, we managed to order food directly from a St-Hubert restaurant, but options are very limited. Combined with the lack of accessible microwaves, this makes it difficult for families or guests who want alternatives. At Le Chalet bar, the experience felt uncomfortable. While using the welcome cocktail coupons, the bartender stated that the drink was included but not the tip and asked how we wanted to pay the tip (cash or card) before serving the drinks, which felt inappropriate. Another major issue was the hot water. After around 8:00 p.m., the shower water was only cold to lukewarm, even when set to maximum heat. There are also no microwaves in the rooms. We were told there should be one per floor, but only one microwave was working, causing long wait times, especially for parents needing to heat food or baby milk. Overall, the hotel offers very good cleanliness and comfortable rooms, but basic services, pricing, and guest convenience need improvement. With better management in these areas, the experience could be much better.

Megan Bixby

2 months ago

The negatives: The rooms are not as family-oriented as I expected (no microwave in the room, very poor sound proofing from the hallways ex. You can hear people just walking quietly down the hallway at night when you’re in your room trying to sleep, only a small mini fridge in the family suite, no food prep space). The indoor water park is only open on weekends and you only get access until 3 with the day pass. If you want to go back late afternoon/evening, you have to buy a separate pass. The coffee shop doesn’t open until 8, souvenir shops have short hours. Onside food is pretty overpriced and low quality/underwhelming (although the breakfast buffet is good and is free for kids under 6). For the price of the hotel, a continental breakfast should be included though. Kids menu prices are high. During the busy times of the sliding hills, you could be waiting 20-30 minutes per hill. If you stay at the hotel, you have to pay a separate fee per person to go to the water park and the sliding and it’s quite expensive. Positives: Staff are friendly and accommodating, spoke great English. Atmosphere was welcoming and pleasant. Arcade has great hours (0700-2300) although you aren’t allowed to have food/drink in there despite the fact that they sell food/drink and have bar tables and stools. On-site water park is very convenient (although my group found it quite chilly in there). Sliding experience is also fantastic with lifts so you don’t have to walk up the hill. Water and ice by elevators on every floor. Ice hotel is mind blowing and a must-see. Restaurants onsite is convenient, don’t have to leave if you don’t want to.

LalaBly

3 months ago

I’ve stayed here twice now, with nights in the seasonal Hotel de Glacé (ice hotel). The high star ratings come from the unique opportunities here, just not actually Hotel Valcartier. Those extra experiences do make this an awesome option though! The Hotel Valcartier is absolutely a 3 star hotel. The rooms are fine, no bells or whistles, basic amenities. The rooms are clean. Housekeeping is quick and responsive to extra needs (fold away bed, blankets, pillows, towels, etc). Their daily turn down is basic but satisfactory. The front desk was helpful during booking and responding to questions, but no one was there for several minutes when we first arrived to check in. Problems (Things an actual 4 star does well): You are a bit rural and captive; their restaurants are all you get. The food quality is poor (processed, overcooked, over greased, etc), and allergy awareness or safe dining options aren’t great. There are some options though. The pizza/Italian restaurant didn’t even open on the Sunday of our stay. People, even with reservations, weren’t notified, and the back log of guests needing meals created long waits. The restaurants’ servers are polite, but they are understaffed; they just need more training (refill waters/drink orders, clear tables, have table condiments stocked, etc.) The computers went down on Sunday, and at the cafe, versus problem solving the billing/payment, just froze and let people stand around with no service. There was no managerial decision on how to proceed with service, communicating closed restaurant, ordering and stocking supplies (Quebec City proper is only 30min away). One restaurant was out of nachos and wings entirely. The cafe had no coffee syrups for the coffees they sell. This hotel only has 2 main elevators, they operate slowly and can have long waits. On my first stay, one wasn’t operational. This all being said, it’s what we expected; so, it is what it is, just not a 4 star resort. The ice hotel is an amazing work of art and such a unique experience. There’s a 3 course restaurant inside this year. So cool! Unfortunately, we didn’t realize it existed in time to snag a necessary reservation. The ice hotel is a must-see, at minimum. The winter resort has a HUGE snow tubing park. I don’t know if any other place like this. It’s comparable to a whole small ski resort, yet all tubing runs. It’s so fun for all ages. There is an additional ice skating rental with a cool skating trail through the woods. Hotel Valcartier also has an indoor waterpark to counter the winter/snowy fun. It’s probably medium-sized compared to others we’ve visited, and our family enjoyed that change of venue and additional fun. The parks outside of the hotel are an extra charge. So, that’s it! There are definitely areas that can use some improvement, many being managerial-type issues in my opinion. The place is however unique, memorable, fun, and jaw dropping for so many reasons. Do visit here, and don’t forget to schedule time in Quebec City too!

Zacharie K

5 months ago

The hotel is good. Restaurants are OK, the pools are great. However, be mindful where they put you. I took the family suite (which is EXPENSIVE) and my room in the 3rd floor was right above the arcades and it was impossible to sleep until late at night. Probably the worst nights I've had in any hotel ever.