Quebec City Getaway: Marriott Courtyard Luxury Awaits!
Quebec City Getaway: Marriott Courtyard - "Luxury" and a Lot of Laundry (Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the "luxury" that is the Marriott Courtyard in Quebec City, and I have thoughts. This wasn't just a vacation; it was an experience. And, honey, experiences rarely go as planned. Let's dive in, shall we?
SEO & Metadata (Because apparently, that's important):
- Keywords: Quebec City, Marriott Courtyard, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Pool, Breakfast, Wifi, Safety, Cleanliness, Family-Friendly, Quebec, Travel, Canada.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Marriott Courtyard in Quebec City. We dive into the good (the view!), the bad (the… well, read on), and the surprisingly messy (the laundry, for real). Accessibility, dining, and safety are all tackled.
First Impressions & That Oh-So-Important Accessibility:
Okay, first of all, Quebec City is BEAUTIFUL. Like, take-your-breath-away gorgeous. The Marriott Courtyard? Well, it's… a hotel. Not necessarily something you'd write poems about, but it serves a purpose. The location is decent, a hop and a skip from the Old Town (a definite plus for those cobblestone-loving wanderers).
Accessibility: Listen, I'm not wheelchair-bound, but I know a thing or two about accessibility being important. The good news? They seem to have thought of it. Elevators are present, which is always a win. I poked around a bit: the hallways seemed wide enough. Didn't personally try any of the accessible rooms, but they claim they're available. Car parking available is fantastic. Facilities for disabled guests, they listed, so that is a good sign. BUT, and this is a big BUT, the website isn't super clear on the details. Always, always call the hotel directly if accessibility is a major concern. Don’t trust the internet.
The Room – My Temporary Bunker:
Let's talk about the room, shall we? You know, where you actually live for a few days. It was… fine. Clean, credit where credit is due. Free Wi-Fi: Yes! Air conditioning? Check! Yay! Blackout curtains are a LIFESAVER when you're trying to squeeze in an afternoon nap after a strenuous day of… well, mostly people-watching and eating pastries. The bed was comfy, although, after day 3, I felt myself getting restless, you know? Desk and laptop workspace were available, and actually fairly ergonomically pleasant. The reading light above the bed was a nice touch! Extra-long bed? They didn't skimp on that one! But, let's be honest, after two days of a big travel, all I could do was sleep.
One thing: the bathroom. The separate shower/bathtub combo was nice, but the water pressure was a bit…anemic. Like, "gentle rain" more than "power wash." And the toiletries? Fine, but nothing to write home about. Bring your own fancy stuff, ladies and gents. (My go-to is Dr. Bronner's.)
Also, there's laundry! I was excited, since I was traveling for a while, but the washing machine was a beast. It didn't take soap well, and the cycle took forever. Let's just say, laundry day was a thing. The iron? The iron worked well.
Eating, Drinking & Surviving the Buffet:
Alright, let's get to the good stuff, the food.
- Breakfast Buffet: Okay, here we go. The breakfast buffet was… present. They call it “buffet”. It had the usual suspects: buffet in restaurant, breakfast [buffet], Western breakfast, and… pancakes that tasted vaguely of cardboard. The Asian breakfast, and Asian cuisine in restaurant were nowhere to be found. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, thank goodness. But seriously, go outside and find a real bakery. There are a million beautiful little shops.
- Restaurants/Dining: There are some Restaurants, and coffee shop on-site, so I guess they are fine if you are trapped. But why would you? It's Quebec City! Experiment with food. Get that bottle of water. There's a Happy hour and a Poolside bar. Also, there is Room service [24-hour], but I can't personally attest.
- Alternative Meal Arrangements: They had Alternative meal arrangements, which is nice if you have dietary restrictions.
- Cleanliness and safety of dining: The Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and Hand sanitizer that are mentioned, give an impression of care.
The Recreational Stuff: AKA, Trying to Relax
The Pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] looked nice, and apparently they had Pool with a view. I did not try it out: I'm not the biggest of the "pool/swim" lifestyle.
Spa (Sort Of): They advertised a Spa, and Spa/sauna, but I didn't see it.
Fitness Center: They had the usual Fitness center, and they had a Gym/fitness. Not too bad.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Covid-Era Checklist
Okay, let's get real for a sec. We're living in COVID times. How did the Marriott Courtyard handle it?
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check. I certainly hoped so.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed like it.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! Good job.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yeah, I saw stuff getting wiped down, which is reassuring.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Let’s hope so!
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Achievable, certainly in the halls.
- Cashless payment service: Definitely good.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Mostly.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: This surprised me and didn't notice it.
The Not-So-Luxurious Bits… and a Bit of a Rant
Alright, here’s where I get a bit… grumpy.
- Hotel Chain: It's a hotel chain. Embrace the personality! Be creative, I guess it's hard to do.
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal : Seems fine, and the kids were well, kids.
Final Verdict:
The Marriott Courtyard in Quebec City? It's a solid choice. It's clean-ish, generally safe-ish, and conveniently located. But, "luxury?" Nah. It's reliable. A functional basecamp for exploring a truly gorgeous city. Just pack your own fancy toiletries, a good book, and maybe some washing tablets if you value your sanity. Would I stay there again? Maybe. But I'd definitely check out the other options first. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a decent croissant.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is the real, messy, glorious, slightly-hungover version. We're going to Quebec City, baby! And we're doing it from the slightly comfy, but let's be honest, slightly beige confines of the Courtyard by Marriott.
Quebec City Whirlwind: A Human Being's Attempt at a Vacation (with occasional triumphs)
Day 1: Arrival & A Whole Lot of "Ooh La La" (and a Near Heart Attack)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Arrive at Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). Pray to the travel gods that my luggage made the connection. (It didn't. But hey, a chance to shop for oversized scarves, right?) Taxi to the Courtyard. The lobby is… well, it's a Courtyard. You know the drill. Clean, efficient, smells faintly of cleaning products and potential.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check-in chaos. Seriously, why are hotel check-ins always a gamble? Will my room be ready? Will I remember my last name? Thankfully, success! Up to the room. Unpack (or rather, fling clothes haphazardly). Marvel at the view… which is mostly another building. Still, Quebec City!
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Stumble out, ravenous, in search of sustenance. TripAdvisor, lead the way! Find a cute little bistro nearby called “Le Lapin Sauté.” (Okay, the name is a bit morbid, but the reviews were glowing.)
- Anecdote: The waiter, a charming fellow with a killer mustache, kept calling me "chérie" which, despite my cynical nature, I secretly LOVED. And the food? Oh. My. God. The rabbit pâté. I almost cried. I'm not even a rabbit person, but this was… chef's kiss.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore Old Quebec. This is the "Ooh La La" part. Cobblestone streets! Charming shops! The Chateau Frontenac looming like a giant, majestic, slightly-overbearing grandmother. Walk along the Dufferin Terrace. Almost get blown off by the wind. (Seriously, that wind! It's like Quebec City's aggressive hug.)
- Impression: The Chateau Frontenac is both ridiculously beautiful and intimidatingly huge. I bet it's seen some things, like, a LOT of proposal, weddings, and probably a few ghosts.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Find the breakneck-speed funicular from the Old Quebec to the Lower town. The height freaked me out, the speed nearly gave me a heart attack.
- Evening (6:00 PM - onwards): Dinner at a recommended restaurant in the lower town. I picked the wrong restaurant. The waiter clearly hated his job. The food was forgettable. My mood plummeted.
- Rambling Thought: Why are some restaurants so determined to crush your spirit? Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic. But seriously, a waiter who looks like he'd rather be wrestling alligators… not a good vibe. I left feeling simultaneously underfed and deeply, existentially disappointed.
Day 2: History, Hangovers, and a Desperate Search for Bagels
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up. Regret last night's over-indulgence. Wonder if my missing luggage will ever surface. Scrounge for coffee in the hotel room. Mediocre instant coffee is my nemesis.
- Brunch (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Desperate mission: Find a decent bagel. (I am a bagel snob, I can't help it.) After a grueling 20-minute trek through the biting morning air. Success! A tiny bakery with the best everything bagel I've ever tasted, near the Old Quebec.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure bliss. That bagel saved the morning. I actually felt human again.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Visit the Citadelle of Quebec. Learn about the history. Try to remember the difference between the British Redcoats and the French… something-or-others. Get distracted by the adorable furry hats the guards wear.
- Quirky Observation: The changing of the guard ceremony is… well, it's a ceremony. A bit slow-moving, but strangely hypnotic. And those hats! They look like giant fuzzy squirrels.
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Picnic lunch near the Plains of Abraham. (Thankfully, the bagel was filling.) The view over the river is stunning.
- Opinionated Language: This is the kind of view that makes Instagram famous. And makes you briefly contemplate quitting your job and becoming a landscape photographer (until you remember the cost of cameras).
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec (MNBAQ). Admire Canadian art. Pretend to understand abstract art. Feel slightly intellectual.
- Imperfection: Got bored halfway through to honest.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): After a stroll, the charming, romantic, and lively Rue du Petit-Champlain.
- Evening (7:00 PM - onward): Back to the hotel. Order room service (because I'm exhausted, and that waiter from last night permanently soured me on restaurants).
- Messy Structure: Order room service or explore.
Day 3: Departure (and a Tiny Spark of Sadness)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up. Pack. Curse the missing suitcase again. Have a surprisingly decent breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Last-minute souvenir shopping. Buy a cheesy "I Heart Quebec City" t-shirt (don't judge me). Stumble across the local artist alley.
- Lunch (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): One last attempt to sample local cuisine.
- Doubling Down on Experience: I decide to order the local poutine at a tiny restaurant. The first time I tasted it, it was the most delicious thing I've had in years. But then I got it again… And again.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Airport. Security. The usual chaotic dance of getting through.
- Emotional Reaction: A tiny pang of sadness as I leave. Quebec City, you charming, slightly-crazy place, I'll be back. (And next time, I’m bringing my own damn bagels.)
Final Thoughts:
Quebec City is beautiful, even if it does try to kill you with wind and confusing restaurant etiquette. The Courtyard by Marriott is… a Courtyard by Marriott. Comfortable enough, but not exactly soul-stirring. This itinerary is a suggestion—feel free to stray from it. Get lost, explore, eat too much poutine (but maybe pace yourself with the rabbit pâté). And most importantly, embrace the messiness. That's where the real adventure begins.
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Quebec City Getaway: Marriott Courtyard Luxury Awaits! (Or Does It?) - FAQs that Don't Suck
Okay, Real Talk: Is This Actually "Luxury?" 'Cause My Bank Account is Still Recovering From Christmas.
Alright, let's be blunt – "luxury" is a *loaded* word, right? The Marriott Courtyard in Quebec City? It ain't the Ritz, people. Let's be honest. I'm not saying it's bad, but it's not exactly *palatial.* Think… upscale airport hotel, but with French charm. They sprinkle in a few nice touches. Like, the lobby is kinda cool, and the staff… well, some of them were genuinely lovely. One woman at the front desk – absolute angel! – helped me navigate the parking situation (more on that later – it was a whole *thing*). So, luxury? Nah. Comfortable, convenient, and with some nice perks? Yeah, probably. Just manage your expectations, like you would manage… well, life.
Parking: The Bane of My Existence. Is It a Nightmare? Do I Still Have My Sanity?
Oh, the parking. *Deep breath.* Okay, so, Quebec City is a gorgeous, historic city, and with gorgeous, historic cities comes… a parking situation that could make a seasoned saint scream. The Marriott does have parking, which is a huge plus! Except... it’s a little tight. By "a little" I mean you might need to execute a four-point turn in your minivan just to squeeze into a spot. I swear, I saw a Smart Car parked sideways in a regular spot, and I wasn't even surprised. Then, you have to pay. And pay. And *pay*. It's not cheap. Bring your wallet, and maybe a yoga instructor to help you breathe through the whole ordeal. I survived. Barely. I may have subtly blocked other people from my spot... but, hey, finders keepers, right?
The Room Itself: Was It Actually Clean? (Crucial. Absolutely Crucial.)
Okay, important question. Cleanliness? Yeah, the room was... mostly clean. Look, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, I'll admit it. I'm always peering into corners, judging the dust bunnies, and questioning the provenance of any mysterious stains. The Courtyard? No major horrors. The sheets actually *smelled* clean. The bathroom was decent, although I did give the shower a quick once-over just to be sure. There was a tiny little smudge on the mirror... which, honestly, I blame on the cleaning staff's general exhaustion, and maybe, just *maybe* my own fault for touching the mirror (was it my fault? I'm getting off track now). Anyway, it was acceptable. Not sparkling, but acceptable. Bring some sanitizing wipes, just in case. You know, for peace of mind. I always do.
Food, Glorious Food! What's the Deal With Breakfast? Is There Free Coffee? (Because Coffee is Life.)
Oh, the breakfast situation... a crucial aspect of any hotel experience, in my humble opinion. The Courtyard does *not* offer free breakfast, which is a slight sting to the wallet. The on-site restaurant has breakfast options. It's... fine. Buffet-style, with the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, pastries that look suspiciously like they came from a factory, and of course the all important coffee. The coffee was… okay. Not the best coffee I’ve ever had, definitely not the worst. The pastries did the job in a pinch and I could make a decent if not inspiring yogurt jar. If you’re a coffee snob like me, BYO-pods. Get your fix from the good stuff, you understand? I did. (And, yes, I packed my own little travel French press. Don't judge.)
Location, Location, Location! How Easy Is It to Get Around Quebec City From the Hotel?
The hotel's location is actually pretty decent. It's *not* right in the heart of the Old City, which is good and bad. Good because it's a little quieter, maybe. Bad because you have to deal with… getting there. Walking is doable, but expect a decent hike, especially if the weather is, say, brutally cold. I Ubered mostly. Or, rather, *attempted* to Uber, because the ride-sharing situation in Quebec City can be a bit… erratic. Sometimes, you can get a ride in minutes. Other times, you're staring at your phone, watching the ETA climb and the driver slowly creep towards the hotel, and you're left questioning your life choices. Like, why did I think this was a good idea? The walk, depending where you are going, can be pretty. So, it depends: good location, but plan your transportation with a *little* patience."
The Staff: Were They Nice? Did They Speak English? (My French is… Rusty, to Put it Kindly.)
The staff? Mostly lovely. Seriously, the front desk people were generally fantastic. Very patient with my rusty French (seriously, it's *bad*). Most everyone spoke English, so you're good. There was that one grumpy guy at the bar who only spoke a handful of words, but, whatever, I needed a cocktail, not a language lesson. The cleaning staff always said "Bonjour" and smiled. I left tips, because, you know, they work hard. Overall, a positive experience with the people. They really made an effort to make you feel welcome, and that's something I always appreciate.
Would You Stay There Again? The Ultimate Question. (Hit Me With the Truth!)
Okay, the big question. Would I stay at the Marriott Courtyard in Quebec City again? Honestly? Maybe. It depends. If I’m looking for a super convenient location, and I’m willing to deal with the parking (and my own minor neuroses about cleanliness), then yeah, probably. If I’m feeling flush and want a *truly* luxurious experience, I’d look somewhere else. It’s good as a home base, it’s comfortable, the staff is mostly great, and it's in Quebec City, which is beautiful, even in the rain (or, you know, the snow, depending on the time of year). It's not perfect, but what is? And hey, at least the coffee situation is solvable. I’m just saying, pack your own coffee.”
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The pool... ah, yes, the pool. I *intended* toHotel Safari
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