Quebec City's Hidden Gem: Hotel Ambassadeur et Suites (Unbeatable Deals Inside!)
Quebec City's Best-Kept Secret? Hotel Ambassadeur et Suites: A Messy, Honest, and Surprisingly Delightful Dive
Okay, so you're looking for a place to stay in Quebec City, right? You've probably seen the Château Frontenac plastered all over Insta. Well, let me let you in on a little secret: Hotel Ambassadeur et Suites. And yeah, they're flaunting "Unbeatable Deals Inside!" in their title, which, honestly, after my stay, I wouldn't doubt for a second. Buckle up, because this isn't your typical, perfectly polished hotel review. This is the REAL deal.
First Impressions & Accessibility: A Bit of a Shuffle, But Mostly Good
Finding the place felt like a scavenger hunt. Google Maps led me astray (a common theme, it seems when you're a bit directionally challenged cough me), and I ended up circling the block a few times. But hey, that just built the suspense! Finally, I spotted the unassuming entrance. My first thought? "Okay, this isn’t the Frontenac…" My second? "Is that a…a tiny shrine by the front door?" (Yep. There it was.)
Accessibility? They've got an elevator, which is a lifesaver. I didn't specifically test out the "Facilities for disabled guests," but the whole vibe seemed pretty accommodating. Definitely wasn’t a palace in the traditional sense, but seemed well put together. The exterior corridor made for easy access, but also meant I could hear the occasional late-night chatter.
The Room: Comfort, Clutter, and the Quest for the Perfect Blackout
My room? Perfectly decent. Think… functional elegance. The “Non-smoking” room was a must, and thankfully, it felt non-smoking. The "Air conditioning" worked. Crucially. Because, you know, summer in Quebec City is glorious, but also… sweaty.
Here’s where the real review comes in. The "Blackout curtains" were a mission. They weren't the perfectly sealed, light-banishing kind. Nope. These were the kind that, if maneuvered just right, would offer maybe 90% darkness. I’m a light sleeper, so this was a quest. I spent a good ten minutes wrestling with those darn curtains, wedging them into place with anything I could find (a sock, a book, perhaps a rogue bath towel). Eventually, I got it mostly right. Victory! (It felt like a small, hard-earned victory.) The “Extra-long bed,” however, was heavenly. Seriously, best sleep I've had in ages, despite the curtain drama.
The "Mini bar" was stocked, but I didn't indulge. Too much Quebec City to see, and too much poutine to eat. The "Refrigerator" was a nice touch, though. Especially for the leftover maple syrup I bought (because, duh).
Internet & Tech Woes (And Wins!)
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Yes! Praise be! (Though, let's be honest, I still used up most of my data allowance on Instagram.) The "Internet access – wireless" was generally reliable. There's also "Internet access – LAN" (remember LAN cables?), which I didn't even touch. I’m still a wireless girl at heart! The "Laptop workspace" was adequate, if a tad cramped.
Eating & Drinking: A Smorgasbord of Choices, But Let's Talk Breakfast…
The "Restaurants" offered a range of cuisines, from the "Asian cuisine in restaurant" to "International cuisine." "A la carte in restaurant" and "Buffet in restaurant" were both listed, depending on what you're craving. I’m a simple girl, and I wanted breakfast.
Here's the juicy part (and the source of my most memorable experience): The breakfast. Every morning. It was, as they say, "included". And I’m going to be honest: the buffet was… not the most dazzling. The "Buffet in restaurant" was a classic, somewhat tired, hotel breakfast. Eggs a bit rubbery, the pastries decidedly not Parisian.
But… then I discovered it: the "Asian breakfast." I took a chance and ordered it. I’d never had an Asian breakfast before. I got some weird rice porridge, some sort of pickled somethings, and a questionable sausage. It was AWFUL. I took one taste and it made me gag. I looked around the room, almost paralyzed with shock. Who in the name of Michelin Stars approved this? I felt bad, but I left it untouched.
I then grabbed some of the "Western breakfast." and that was much better. A waffle, some bacon, some fruit. Nothing spectacular, but it did the job. I went back every day, determined to find a good breakfast, even if the Asian one was not. It was a commitment. A quest. In the end, I just loaded up on waffles, and I was ok.
Relaxation: From Pool Views to Spa Sighs?
The "Swimming pool [outdoor]" looked inviting, though I didn’t actually take the plunge (too busy exploring the city!). There's also a "Gym/fitness," a "Sauna," and even a "Spa." (Though, honestly, after my buffet experience, I needed a massage to recover, not a full-blown spa day). The "Pool with view" sounded amazing to me.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe & Sanitized
This is a big one, especially these days. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Hand sanitizer" everywhere – they seemed to be taking it seriously. I felt pretty safe. I did appreciate the "Daily disinfection in common areas" and all the safety features.
Service & Conveniences: Hits and Misses (But Mostly Hits!)
The "Front desk [24-hour]" was always staffed with friendly, if slightly harried, people. The "Concierge" was helpful with recommendations, even if they couldn't quite explain the mystery of the awful Asian breakfast. The "Daily housekeeping" kept the room tidy. The "Laundry service" came in handy after an unfortunate encounter with spilled poutine (it happens!). "Cash withdrawal" at the front desk was a lifesaver.
Things to Do & Places to Go:
I'll give a quick rundown of getting around. The hotel had "Airport transfer," "Car park [free of charge]," and "Taxi service." The Hotel is not smack-dab in the center, but close enough to the old city, so you could just walk.
Exploring Quebec City itself is a must. Wander the cobblestone streets, soak up the history, and eat all the poutine. The hotel’s location, while not perfectly central, was still a decent base for exploring. My time spent in the Old City was the highlight.
The Verdict: A Flawed, But Ultimately Charming Hideaway
Hotel Ambassadeur et Suites? It's not perfect. The breakfast is a mixed bag (understatement of the century). The curtains might be a challenge. But the staff is friendly, the rooms are comfortable, the location is pretty darn good, and the deals… well, they are unbeatable. Did I like the hotel? Yes, I did. It felt authentic and real, imperfect but that's what makes it great!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups! Because this Quebec City trip, specifically stationed at the Hotel Ambassadeur et Suites, is about to get REAL. And… well, a little messy. This isn't a perfectly curated Instagram feed; this is my actual, unfiltered, probably-jet-lagged experience.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Poutine Predicament
1:00 PM: Touchdown at Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). Finally! After the cramped plane ride and the sheer terror of almost missing my connection in Toronto (that was NOT fun, I swear I saw my life flash before my eyes!). The air is instantly crisp, clean, and… smells faintly of maple syrup? Maybe I'm just delirious.
1:45 PM: Taxi ride to Hotel Ambassadeur et Suites. Okay, first impressions: the hotel looks… promising. Clean, modern, a very warm welcome at reception (bless those lovely Canadians!). The room? Surprisingly spacious! Score! Now, for the real test: the view. Gasp Okay, maybe not the Gasp I was hoping for, it's mostly a view of the parking lot. But hey, at least there's a window.
3:00 PM: The Poutine Hunt Begins. I HAVE to have poutine. It's practically a law. I'd heard there were some great poutine spots downtown. I'm determined to find THE BEST. First stop: Chez Ashton. I was a bit skeptical after seeing it on a Top 10 list, but the locals seemed to love it.
- Okay, the fries were good, crispy and the cheese curds… Squeaky! Which is an absolutely delightful phenomenon. But the gravy… it was a little bit too salty for me. I was kinda disappointed. I wanted to love it!
4:00 PM: Walked around the old town.. The architecture is jaw dropping, I'm talking cobblestone streets, the old walls, churches. I felt like I was in a movie. I wandered through the shops and the little bakeries, I bought a scarf, and the scent of fresh baked bread and maple syrup filling the air was just incredible.
6:00 PM: Another Poutine Quest! Poutineville? It looked promising, a bit more "gourmet" (fancy French word for "expensive, but hopefully DELICIOUS"). I got a "Mexican Dream" version, because why not? It came with pulled pork, jalapenos, and… a mountain of cheese! It was really good.
- I spent a good 30 minutes just staring at it before I dove in. I have to say the texture of the fries with the gravy-like sauce was on point! My stomach was telling me to stop but the food was too delightful.
7:30 PM: Feeling like a stuffed sausage but HAPPY. Back to the hotel. Exhausted. Ready for serious sleep. I set all my alarms, I did all my habits before going to bed. I'm going to sleep like a log!
Day 2: Citadel, and the Mystery of the Missing Gloves
- 9:00 AM: Oh man, sleep was not my friend. A rogue sunbeam (and maybe the lingering effects of all that cheese) woke me up well before my alarm. UGH. Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. It was alright. Standard continental fare. I was kind of hoping for more maple syrup-infused everything, but alas…
- 10:00 AM: Off to the Citadel. Okay, this place? Spectacular. The views of the city and the St. Lawrence River are breathtaking. The historic nature of it all is a marvel. I joined a guided tour, and the history was fascinating.
- 12:00 PM: The Great Glove Mystery. I’m wandering around, all bundled up because it was so cold. Where did my favorite gloves go? I realized they weren't on my hands! Oh no! My hands got COLD. I probably left them at the Citadel, I have to go all the way back there :(
- 1:00 PM: Returned to the Citadel. I found my gloves!
- 2:00 PM: Feeling pretty drained after my search and a bit hangry. Found a small cafe near the Citadel. Decided to try their French Onion Soup. It was the best damn thing I've ever tasted. Rich, flavorful, with a ridiculously cheesy crust. I could have eaten three bowls.
- 3:00 PM: After my soul-satisfying french soup, I felt like I could walk for miles so I did! Back to the old town. This time I took a different route. I got lost (deliberately) in the alleyways and stumbled upon hidden gems. I bought some handmade chocolates.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local bistro, Le Petit Coin. The ambience was perfect. I got the steak frites and a glass of red wine, which was divine.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse in bed. My feet ache, but my heart is full (and my stomach is, once again, a happy place). This city is truly something special. And tomorrow? Montmorency Falls!
Day 3: Cascades, and the Emotional Rollercoaster of Beauty
9:00 AM: Ugh, I woke up again, not from the alarm. I didn't get a good sleep. I am feeling rough. I am eating my breakfast. I would skip it, but my body demands fuel. I make my way to Montmorency.
11:00 AM: Montmorency Falls. HOLY. COW. This waterfall is absolutely stunning. The sheer power of the water, the mist in the air, the rainbows… it almost makes you cry (and I’m not normally a crier!). The views are stunning.
- Stood on the bridge, staring at the view. Breathed in the air. Felt an emotion that's hard to describe.
- So I walked to the bottom and stared up. This is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
1:00 PM: I grabbed some fries. I was just standing, just there, and so many thoughts crossed my mind! How beautiful nature is, and how humans don't deserve it. I felt a tear, I smiled and ate my fries.
3:00 PM: Headed back to the hotel. This trip is starting to make me tired. I need to rest.
5:00 PM: Rest. I sleep.
7:00 PM: Wake up. I feel refreshed. I grab dinner.
9:00 PM: Rest.
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering Taste of Maple Syrup
- 9:00 AM: Le sigh. Packing. Always the worst part. I can't believe the trip is already ending. Last breakfast at the hotel. I swear, I still want maple syrup on everything.
- 10:00 AM: One last walk around the neighborhood surrounding the hotel. I try to soak it all in. I bought some last-minute souvenirs (more maple syrup-themed everything)
- 12:00 PM: Taxi to the airport.
- 1:00 PM: At the airport. Staring out the window at the snow-covered mountains, I smiled to myself. The poutine, the architecture, the falls, and the kindness of the people… all of it. It had been a messy, imperfect trip, and it was beautiful.
- 4:00 PM: Back home. I am exhausted. But in a good way. I unpack my bag. I am missing Quebec City. And I smile.
- The scent of maple syrup still lingers. I'll be back.
Okay, so maybe it wasn't perfect. Maybe I was a bit scatterbrained, maybe my poutine reviews were biased, and maybe I didn’t stick to the schedule perfectly. But that's life, right? Quebec City, you stole my heart. And Hotel Ambassadeur et Suites, you were a great home base for it all. Until next time… au revoir!
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Hotel Ambassadeur et Suites: Unfiltered FAQ (Because Let's Be Real)
1. Seriously, is this place *actually* a "hidden gem" or just an elaborate marketing scheme?
Okay, real talk. "Hidden gem" gets thrown around like confetti these days. But with the Ambassadeur? Yeah, I think it *mostly* holds up. It’s not the Four Seasons (thank god, because my wallet would scream), but it’s got this weird charm you can't fake. It's like that quirky friend who's always offering the best snacks at the party - maybe a little rough around the edges, but ultimately endearing. My first visit? I stumbled upon it accidentally, hungover and desperate for a cheap room. Ended up staying an extra night just because the vibe was... chill. No pretension, just good value. Now, I'm not saying the paint is perfect, but the experience is pretty good.
2. The "Unbeatable Deals" – are they actually unbeatable? Like, I'm a broke college student; can I *really* afford this?
Look, “unbeatable” is subjective. It depends on your definition of “broke.” But yes, the Ambassadeur is *generally* a win for the budget-conscious traveller. I've snagged rooms for under $100 a night, which, considering you're practically *in* the heart of the city, is practically highway robbery. Just… don't expect a marble bathroom. Think functional, clean, and a place where you can crash after a day of gobbling down poutine. Check online, compare prices, and be flexible with your dates. Seriously, a Monday night is going to be way cheaper than a Friday.
3. What's the deal with the location? Is it actually central or am I going to be hoofing it for miles?
Okay, pay attention! The location is *fantastic*. You're basically a stone's throw from the Old Town. Like, you can smell the crepes wafting over in the mornings. Walking distance to everything that matters: the fortifications, the Château Frontenac (which is a must-see, even if just for bragging rights). Okay, *technically* it’s not *right* in the middle of the action, but that’s actually a good thing. It's quiet enough to sleep, but close enough to be in all the fun in minutes. My tip? Pack comfy shoes. You’re gonna be doing a lot of walking (and eating).
4. Okay, But the Rooms... Are they... *Clean*? I have a phobia.
Alright, this is where the "gem" shines a little less brightly sometimes. The rooms are generally clean. I haven't seen anything that triggered my own personal germ-a-phobia. But they're not *sterile*. They're not luxury. You’re not getting a hotel that got a full remodel last week. It's functional. It's been around a while. I always bring my own Clorox wipes just in case. But the housekeeping staff are generally lovely. They're prompt, and they usually do a good job. If it really bothers you ask for a room in the newer part of the hotel.
5. What amenities are offered? Like, is there a pool? And a decent coffee machine? (I need coffee.)
Okay, deep breaths. A pool? Yes, there *is* a pool, indoor and outdoor. It’s… adequate. Not Olympic-sized, but it’s a pool. It works. The coffee situation? The rooms have a coffee machine - decent, not great, but it'll get you through the morning. Breakfast? They do offer a continental breakfast, which is... fine. Don't expect gourmet. It's bread, pastries, fruit, and juice. It's enough to get you started before you head out for the real, delicious Quebecois breakfast (crepes, anyone?). No, I did not eat all of them in one sitting, I swear.
6. Parking – is it a nightmare? Because parking in cities is the bane of my existence.
Finally, a subject that makes me want to scream! Parking in Quebec City... it’s a battle. The Ambassadeur has its own parking, which is a *huge* win. HOWEVER, it can fill up, especially during peak season. Call ahead, reserve a spot, bite the bullet and pay (it's not ludicrous, just reasonable). Otherwise, you're looking at street parking or… well, good luck. My advice? Ditch the car if you can. The city is very walkable, and public transport is decent. Seriously: walk. Save yourself the headache.
7. Let's talk about the service. Is the staff friendly? Or are they secretly plotting my demise?
Generally, the staff is lovely! They're Quebecois, so they have that charming accent and that certain something that just makes you feel welcome. They are generally friendly and helpful. I've had a few bad experiences, like one time the front desk agent seemed to actively hate me. But that was rare. Mostly, they’re genuinely trying to help. Most of them speak English - a big plus for a beginner, like myself. I needed help once with the TV remote (don't judge me!). They were patient and got it sorted. They seem to care about their guest's experience.
8. Okay, so what's the *worst* thing about the Hotel Ambassadeur? Be honest. Hit me with the gritty details.
Alright. The absolute *worst* thing? It's a toss-up. The noise… sometimes. You’re in a city, so there will be street noise. And depending on your room, you might hear your neighbors. Also, while the overall experience is fine, some of the decor... let's just say it has a certain… vintage charm. Think floral wallpaper, perhaps a slightly dated bathroom. But hey, that adds to the character, right? Or, it just makes you really crave a renovation. Depends on the day.
The other thing? The elevator. It's slow, and it can get jammed during peak hours. Especially during the breakfast rush. You might actually be faster taking the stairs. That, or you can just embrace the chaos.
9. Best experience? I want to know something good for a change.
Okay, my absolute *best* experience? Happened last winter. I was there for the Carnaval du Québec. The city was buzzing. Everyone was happy. I had a room with a view (rareSave On Hotels Now
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