Small Surprise Touches Makes The Stay

The bold blue front door of Monsieur Jean Hotel Particulier in Quebec City was our first clue that we were staying at a property that would continuously surprise us in a very good way. It became part of the hotel stay experience for my husband and I to notice the colorful design pieces placed throughout the public areas and guest rooms. The fun began even upon check-in we were told that if we find the small “diamond” within the room, we could exchange it for a treat at Le Bijou, the hotel’s lounge and restaurant. The hotel’s location in the heart of Old Quebec was itself a major feature of the property, making it easy for us to explore this beautiful city’s many attractions on foot. T

The privately-owned 78-room boutique hotel that opened in spring 2019 is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Hilton. Owners are real estate developers Jean Campeau and Geneviève Marcon with Campeau behind the “Monsieur Jean” name. He created a property that boasts European charm while drawing inspiration from his own family’s travel. He personally designed all the furniture and choose the textiles, color palette, and decor throughout the property, according to a representative of the hotel.

We loved taking our time in the lobby to notice the décor that included more color among different seating areas, Disney images on the walls, and mirrors that turned into artwork. If traveling with someone you love, be sure to take a photo in front of the oversized-heart light. Here you can also use the story dispenser to receive a short story in French or English that you can share together. The library alcove lined with wood shelving and a long table and chairs welcomes guests who wish to choose the area to read or play one of the available board games. The concierge sits nearby ready to plan your days and evenings in Quebec City.

ROOM WITH A VIEW
Perhaps the best design feature within guest rooms may just be the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer remarkable views of Old Quebec and beyond. Our corner guest room brought in those views at different angles, including even while soaking in the freestanding bathtub in the bathroom. Tiger-patterned armchairs with Louis XIV-inspired legs add to the interesting décor.

You’ll find king-size beds in all rooms and suites, as well as such unexpected amenities as fully-equipped mini kitchens that included not just a microwaves and refrigerators, but stovetops, cookware, kettles, and Nespresso machines. We were treated to such luxurious touches as custom-made Studio B. Canada cotton bedding and bathrobes as well as Marie l’Oie duvets and pillows. Our marble large bathroom not only featured the luxurious tub, but also exclusive  toiletries, heated floor, double-sinks, oversized gold mirrors, and separate water closet with its own window with a view. Of course, the yellow rubber ducky in the stand-alone oversized shower became our favorite small touch in the bathroom.

If you are traveling with families, studios are a good choice featuring a Queen Murphy bed in addition to a king-size bed. Select Terrace Rooms feature a private terrace with a fireplace and Adirondack chairs, giving you the opportunity to literally step out and enjoy the first-rate city views.

MORE ON-SITE
The hotel offers a fitness room. And for those who want to relax further during their stay, they can ask to arrange for on-site massages. We did find the small “diamond” in the room that we were told to seek upon check-in and brought it to the hotel restaurant and lounge Le Bijou when we went there for dinner. It rewarded us with a special delicious soup sampling, the perfect way to kick-off a lovely dinner. The restaurant faces the beautiful views of Old Quebec, and in the summer the windows are opened to create an open-air feel. Le Bijou also offers a breakfast buffet in the morning as well as lunch during the summer and dinner year-round. Three nights a week it is the setting for live jazz, a wonderful way to end your evening discovering lovely Old Quebec.

Visit monsieurjean.ca/en for more details on the property

OLD QUEBEC BECKONS
Picture-postcard Old Quebec transports visitors to Europe with its quaint cobblestone streets lined with restaurants, boutiques, and artisan stores. You’ll also hear French spoken by natives as you explore. Old Quebec is made up of both Upper Town and Lower Town and there is also the Old Port area to explore. Monsieur Jean Hotel Particulier is located in Upper Town, a short walk from the Dufferin Terrace wooden boardwalk boasting views of the St. Lawrence River. Take the (many) steps or the funicular to/from Lower Town and then the Old Port beyond to continue discovering additional choices in dining and shopping. For more information on Quebec City, visit quebec-cite.com/en0