Best hotel experience ever!
I feel well prepared to say that this is the best experience I have ever had at a hotel in any part of the world so far. Not only is it gorgeous and very unique -- that fireplace is something else -- but the staff really is just outstanding.
Every person we met was so professional and yet really friendly. The valet, Julien, took charge of our car and luggage and offered to bring water after our long drive. Eric and Ali made us all feel welcome and took care of our every concern and need. When we left the staff made sure we had directions back to the border.
Our room was of average size (we did not get a suite), but warm and efficient. The dark wood floors are really cool. The bed had plenty of cozy blankets. Towels and bathrobes were big and thick, and the toiletries smelled delicious. I even liked the lighting in the super modern bathroom. Every little touch was fantastic, right down to the classical music playing when we entered the room and the environmentally conscious roomkey controlled lighting (lights go on with insertion of the key and off when you remove the key). On the night of my birthday, I returned from dinner to find a beautiful piece of the most amazing cake ever from the famed Cube restaurant, with a candle, in my room. Just fantastic.
The continental breakfast included fresh fruit, delicious Canadian yogurt, wonderful pastries and breads (so that's what a croissant is supposed to taste like!), gourmet teas, coffee and juices, as well as cereal, cheeses and hardboiled eggs.
We also enjoyed the attentive and experienced bartenders outside the restaurant in the hotel as well. Very informed and professional.
The hotel is also super conveniently located. Just around the corner is a bikepath along the river where I walked my dog, past centuries-old buildings and an old Dutch firestation -- with a view of the Habitat '67 and biosphere! Rue Saint Paul and its galleries and shops and cafes! Trust the recommendations from any staff member, but also do check out Cobalt, a wonderful bistro with live music and great food. Mondavie was another great restaurant, worth the short walk down Rue Saint Paul for the food, ambience, service, and live jazz. My two new favorite places!
Merci.