Quebec City's BEST Hotel? Universel's Secrets Revealed!
Universel Hotels Secrets Revealed: A Quebec City Odyssey! (Or, My Completely Unfiltered Take)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get the real lowdown on Quebec City's Universel Hotel. Forget those perfectly polished travel brochures – this is gonna be messy, opinionated, and probably a little bit all over the place, just like my last trip there. But hey, that's life, right? And that's what makes a review worth reading, right?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
Let's be real, accessibility is huge. Universel scores some points here, but also stumbles. Wheelchair access? Check. Elevators are a lifesaver, but sometimes the hallways feel a wee bit tight. They've got facilities for disabled guests, which is great. HOWEVER, I've heard horror stories about some rooms. My advice? Call ahead, specifically ask about the room's layout, and don't be afraid to be SUPER clear about your needs. Also, the hotel chain? Universel, so if it's Universel's fault, it's Universel's fault across the board.
On-Site Grub & Booze: From "Meh" to "Worth a Shot"
Restaurants & Lounges: Okay, here's where things get interesting. They have a few options, and I'll be frank: some are better than others.
- The "Meh" Side: I'm looking at you, generic buffet breakfasts. I mean, Asian breakfast? International cuisine? Sure, they technically offer these, but don't expect Michelin-star quality. Think… serviceable. Coffee/tea in the restaurant? Yeah, you can get a lukewarm cup.
- The "Worth a Shot" side: The bar. Happy hour, the poolside bar (in season, of course), and certain lunch or dinner dishes. These are where you can catch some decent comfort eats. I got a kick out of the desserts here.
24-hour Room Service: A godsend, especially after a long day of exploring.
Internet, Internet, Everywhere! (Thank Goodness)
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! HALLELUJAH! And it actually works, unlike some hotels where the signal is weaker than my grandma's memory.
- Internet [LAN]: Yeah, if you're into that (do people still LAN?).
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yes. So you can Instagram your poutine pics.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreamin'
Okay, this is where Universel really tries to shine, and admittedly, they do a decent job.
- Gym/Fitness: I peeked in. Looked pretty standard. I didn't want to get off the couch, so I skipped.
- Spa & Pool Area: This is the star of the show, for me. The pool with a view is actually stunning. I spent a solid afternoon lounging there, pretending I was royalty. They have a sauna and steamroom (spa/sauna) too, which are perfect for melting away all your stress. I did not try the body scrub or body wrap, I'm too chicken.
- Massage: I heard the massage was top-notch. Next time, I'm absolutely booking one.
Cleanliness & Safety: Pandemic Era Protocols
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Very good.
- Hand sanitizer, everywhere: Excellent.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They try. It's a hotel, so…
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nice to have the choice.
- Safe dining setup: Okay.
This is what it is all about. When they told me the kitchen and tableware items were sanitized on top of the other amenities, I thought I must be really safe!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Poutine Paradise (Mostly)
- A la carte in restaurant: Better than the buffet.
- Coffee shop: They have them! Important!
- Snack bar: Got to have it.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: They have that stuff too!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Thank you, kind people, for making my bed!
- Elevator: Yay!
- Luggage storage: Essential.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Car park [on-site]: They have a parking garage (for a fee).
For the Kids: Family Fun!
- Family/child friendly: Yep.
- Babysitting service: Available!
- Kids meal: Good for parents!
Access, Security, and the Nitty-Gritty
- CCTV in common areas: Safe.
- CCTV outside property: Safe.
- 24-hour front desk: Always good to have.
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes, thank you.
- Smoke alarms: Safety protocols in place!
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location
- Airport transfer: Available.
- Car park [free of charge]: Not usually, it can be pretty tight in Quebec City.
- Taxi service: Easy to get one.
Available in All Rooms: And Then Some…
- Air conditioning: Necessary.
- Alarm clock: Old school!
- Bathtub! YES!!!! I love baths.
- Coffee/tea maker: Crucial.
- Free bottled water: Yay!
- Hair dryer: Essential, unless you want to look like you just wrestled a hurricane.
- Internet access – wireless: Absolutely.
- Mini bar: Tempting!
- Private bathroom: Always a plus.
- Satellite/cable channels: For vegging out.
- Shower: Okay.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Woohoo!
My Universel Hotel Realness
Look, the Universel Hotel isn't perfect. It has some quirks, some areas where they could improve, and a buffet that honestly made me slightly sad. But the pool? The spa? The location (generally) being pretty central? Those things make it a solid choice. It's comfortable, it's convenient, and it offers a decent range of amenities.
My Overall Verdict:
If you're looking for a reliable, comfortable hotel in Quebec City, the Universel is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to do your research, ask the right questions, and embrace the imperfections. Because that's life, and that's what makes any travel experience an adventure, right?
Abbeville's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, glossy travel brochure. This is… me, planning (or, more accurately, experiencing) Quebec City from the slightly-less-than-perfect perch of Hotel Universel. And trust me, you're in for a bumpy, utterly delightful ride.
Day 1: Arrival (and a possible existential crisis about luggage)
- 1:00 PM: "Touchdown," baby! (But did the luggage?) Okay, so the flight was a blur of crying toddlers and pretzels. That's fine - I'm well-versed with both. The real stress? "WHERE'S MY FREAKING SUITCASE?!?!" Apparently, it’s currently vacationing in… shudders… Toronto. (Note to self: Pack emergency underwear in the carry-on next time. And maybe a flask.)
- 2:00 PM: Check-in at Hotel Universel Quebec City. (Hoping for a river view… praying, even.) The lobby is… bustling. Like, a controlled chaos of families, tour groups, and confused-looking individuals with rolling suitcases wider than their bodies. And the receptionist? Bless her heart, she’s working that machine with the grace of a seasoned matador. I'm offered a room… which is thankfully on a high floor, but uhh, no river. I'm staring at a parking lot. "Better than the lobby, right?" I mutter, trying to convince myself.
- 2:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance. (Smelling the hotel…) The room is… cleanish. You know, that kind of clean where you suspect things have been wiped down, but you're definitely not going to examine surfaces too closely. Bathroom? Functioning, and that's all that matters after a flight. Bonus points: a HUGE TV that will probably be my companion for the next few hours of luggage-less despair.
- 3:00 PM: Panic Snack/Attempted Calm. Reached for the mini-bar… empty. (Not even a tiny bottle of wine for solidarity) I did find the vending machine though. A bag of chips and a watery soda. This is my feast.
- 4:00 PM: Walking around the Quebec City. (Or… am I lost? Part 1). Okay, time to get my bearings. I wander out of the hotel, aiming vaguely towards the Old Town. Within five minutes, I'm convinced I've taken a wrong turn. The map on my phone is actively mocking me. The cobblestone streets are charming, admittedly. But I swear, every corner looks exactly the same.
- 4:45 PM: Local Food stop (Poutine SOS!) Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall poutine place! A godsend, honestly. Cheesy, gravy-laden, potato-y goodness. It’s an immediate mood booster. This is something I'd travel for. I’m pretty sure I saw a tear roll down my cheek. Might have been the onions.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a charming bistro (The struggle is real). Found a nice place near the hotel trying to fit the bill. I was absolutely exhausted and just wanted sleep, the dinner quality was less than impressive.
- 8:00 PM: Staring at the window (Is my luggage actually lost, or is it just… late?). Back in the room. Still no luggage. So. Much. Clothes. I'm resorting to watching French television. I don’t understand a word, but the visuals are soothing. Slowly starting to accept the absurdity of the situation.
Day 2: Old Town Adventures (and a potential hoarding problem)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel (A slightly underwhelming affair). The buffet looks like it's seen better days. "Oh, you think those croissants look sad? Try tasting them," I told myself, grabbing some stale toast and a lukewarm coffee.
- 10:00 AM: Conquest of the Old Town. (Finally!) I finally, actually find my way into Old Quebec! Yay! The architecture is gorgeous, the streets are even more charming than I remember, and the air smells faintly of maple syrup and… I don't know, history? Walking around, I feel like I'm walking through a postcard.
- 11:00 AM: Shopping (because retail therapy is always a good idea). Found a cute little shop selling handmade soaps and essential oils. I bought a bar that smells like lavender and hope (the hope being that this will help me feel slightly less… itchy because of the lack of luggage with me.). I'm contemplating turning into a soap hoarder.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. (Where’s the real food?) I'm craving a good meal. Not cafeteria food. Not "trying to be Instagrammable" food. Just something delicious. So I found a bustling market to pick up food (mostly cheese, honestly).
- 1:30 PM: The Citadel and Plains of Abraham (history… and wind!). The Citadel is impressive! I wandered the ramparts, trying to imagine soldiers marching and battles being fought. It’s windy as hell up there, though. I spend most of my time trying to keep my hair from attacking passersby.
- 3:00 PM: Exploring the charming streets (more exploring but with a twist!). I stumble upon a tiny art gallery. The work is mostly landscape paintings of Quebec City, which at this stage, is making me feel a little homesick for a place I've already been to.
- 4:00 PM: "A Cup of Something." (Coffee or a drink?) Found a cute little cafe with a fireplace. I order a hot chocolate, which, I'll admit, is more for the Instagram aesthetic than anything else (and maybe because I'm still a little chilly from the Citadel).
- 6:00 PM: Dinner, a bit of a splurge (and a newfound appreciation for good service!). The restaurant - really lovely. The food was incredible; the service even better. After the day's little stresses, it's exactly what I needed but I'm also not sure.
- 8:00 PM: Evening stroll (lights, music… and maybe a ghost?). I walk through the Old Town at night. The lights are twinkling, a busker is playing a beautiful melody. For a brief moment, I feel a sense of peace. Then, I swear I saw a shadowy figure disappear around a corner. Okay, maybe it was just the wind.
Day 3: Departure (and, hopefully, reunited with my luggage… please god).
- 9:00 AM: Hotel breakfast (still underwhelming). Still toast and coffee. This time, with a side of weary resignation.
- 10:00 AM: Checking out and finding something to eat (a last ditch effort). I check out of the hotel. I grab a pain au chocolat from somewhere… I never made it back though. Time to go though!
- 11:00 AM: Departure (back to reality… and the potential chaos of delayed luggage). Back at, the airport. This time, I have a vague sense of accomplishment. I survived! Quebec City, you were beautiful. And weird. And I'll never forget you (or the time my suitcase went on an unscheduled trip to Toronto).
Post-Trip Thoughts:
Quebec City? Magical, for sure. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I ever check luggage again? Probably not. This trip was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, cheese and history, and the delightful discomfort of being utterly, spectacularly human. And, you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything. Except, maybe, a clean pair of socks. And my suitcase. Still waiting for that.
P.S. Did I mention I might have developed a slight obsession with poutine? Just sayin'.
Adrian, MI Getaway: Unbelievable Super 8 Deal!
Quebec City's Universel Hotel: Seriously, What's the Deal? (My Brutally Honest Take)
Okay, So, Is the Universel *Really* the Best Hotel in Quebec City? Like, REALLY?
Best? *Best* is a loaded word, my friends. Let's just say… it’s got potential. Look, I've stayed in everything from glorified shoeboxes to places so fancy I was afraid to breathe. Universel… is somewhere in the middle. It's not the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, dripping with history and that *thing* celebrities have. But it also doesn't feel like you stumbled into a motel from a cheesy 80s movie (thank goodness). It feels... *lived-in*. And sometimes, that's a good thing. My kids, bless their little hearts, immediately launched into a full-blown wrestling match on the beds, which, thankfully, held up. I'm leaning toward "decent."
What's the Vibe Like? Is it Touristy Hell or a Hidden Gem?
Tourist central, let's be honest. It’s right there, smack dab in the middle of everything. You step out the door, and bam! You're practically elbowing everyone trying for a selfie with the iconic architecture. Don't get me wrong, it’s a great location. You can practically *smell* the poutine calling your name. But "hidden gem"? Nah. Unless your definition of a hidden gem is a place that's *conveniently* hidden amongst a throng of other tourists. I remember one morning, trying to squeeze through the lobby with a mountain of luggage and a whining toddler... and *everyone* was doing the same thing. A beautiful chaos, if you like that sort of thing. I, personally, enjoy my quiet time.
Let's Talk Rooms. Are They Actually Clean? And Spacious? (Please say yes...)
Okay, the rooms... This is where things get… interesting. Clean? Mostly. I mean, I didn't find any *live* critters, which is always a plus in my book. Spacious? Well... don't expect a ballroom. Our room felt… cozy. Let's go with "cozy." Three suitcases, two kids, and a husband who apparently sheds like a golden retriever... it was a tight squeeze. My husband, bless his heart, kept complaining about the lack of closet space, which resulted in clothes being everywhere. I'm still finding little bits of his socks under the beds. The bathroom? Functional. The water got hot, that's all I ask.
The Breakfast Buffet – Worth It or a Complete Rip-Off? Spill the Beans!
The breakfast buffet… ah, the breakfast buffet. This is a mixed bag. I went in with high hopes. I'd heard whispers… *legendary*. Reality? It was… a buffet. Scrambled eggs (standard), bacon (some crispy, some… not so much), pastries (okay, the croissants were pretty darn good, I'll admit it). The coffee was… coffee. Nothing to write home about. My kids went wild for the waffles though. Let me tell you, it was a sugar-fueled, sticky rampage. Worth it? Maybe if you're starving after a long day of walking around. But I wouldn't go out of my way for it. It’s… enough. I’d rate it… a solid "meh."
Parkings and Transportation: How do you deal with that?
Parking... oh, parking. Quebec City, in general, is a pain for parking. The Universel had dedicated parking, which was a *lifesaver*. It cost extra, of course. Everything costs extra, am I right? But the peace of mind knowing my car wasn't going to be towed was worth it. Driving around in circles looking for a spot would have ended me. Public transportation seemed… doable. But with kids and luggage? Let's just say, I took one look at the bus schedule and went back to my car. (Again, I paid the extra parking fee... and I have no regrets.)
Any Secret Tricks to Know? Insider Tips to make the Universel experience less… chaotic?
Alright, the secret sauce, the life hacks! Number one: Ask for a room *away* from the elevators and ice machines. Trust me on this. The constant *ding* of the elevator and the clatter of ice can drive you absolutely bonkers at 3 a.m. Number two: pack a bag of snacks. Because, kids. Kids and hunger are a dangerous combination. Also, the hotel shops are overpriced (as expected). And Number three: be patient. It’s a busy place! Things might take a little longer, people might be slightly frazzled (including you). Take a deep breath, embrace the chaos, and remember… you're on vacation! (That waffle saved me, more than once.)
The Pool! The Pool! Tell Me About Your Swim Experience?
The pool. Ah, the pool. Now *this* is where things got interesting. In the *best* way. The Universel has a pool (and a hot tub)! It was a lifesaver. After a day of walking around Old Quebec, my kids were practically begging to jump in. The pool was… crowded. But clean. And warm enough. The hot tub saved my aching back! There was one, slightly awkward moment. I'm not sure what possessed me, but I accidentally wore my swimsuit inside out. It took me about an hour to realize it. I was mortified. But my kids? They thought it was the funniest thing in the world. And the memories? Priceless (even if it cost me a little ego).
Would You Stay Here Again? The Ultimate Verdict!
Would I stay here again? Hmm… probably? It's not perfect. But for location, convenience, and keeping the kids entertained, it does the job. It's not a romantic getaway kind of place. But if you're looking for a family-friendly hotel that's close to everything, the Universel is worth a look. Just… pack earplugs. And an extra roll of toilet paper. (You never know.)
Post a Comment for "Quebec City's BEST Hotel? Universel's Secrets Revealed!"