Pointe au Pic in the Charlevoix region of Quebec was once known as Murray Bay (pre-Bill 101). It is a quaint little village that hugs the banks of the St. Lawrence, about 3 hours north of Quebec City. You can get there by a fast catamaran from the Quebec City docks. Arrival by boat is very dramatic. The hotel rises majestically over the river, commanding all it surveys-its peaked copper roof glinting in the sun.

Lobby and Public Rooms

The hotel underwent a S200 M CD restoration. The lobby gleams with clean stone and polished brass. The sitting rooms around it are full of inviting couches and offer great views of the river and terraces below. They are very proud of the restoration and even offer a tour of the property at least once a week. The lobby is dominated by a stone fireplace. As we were there in the summer, it was not in use, but I imagine it would be most welcome in the winter.

Dining

There are several restaurants to choose from here. The best is Le Charlevoix, the rather formal dining room with a large enclosed terrace with stunning views of the river. The menu is ambitious, and does not always come through, but it is a very elegant dining experience. The St. Laurent, downstairs, is a more informal dining room. We tried it for lunch a couple of times and found it to be quite acceptable. There is also a lobby bar, where you can sit close to the big fireplace and enjoy drinks while watching the passing parade.

Rooms

The Entree Gold (Club level) floor is small, but the added amenities are worth the extra $$. Our room was in the center of the building, just under the central peak of the roof. Consequently, walls were angled somewhat, but the room was large enough to offset what might have made a cramped feeling. Colors are in a muted palette-nothing to jar the eye here. You will find all the usual amenities here-lots of handy items for work in your desk, good lighting, excellent beds and very good chairs for work at the desk. Baths are marble and filled with bathrobes, slippers, big towels. The cloth laundry bag is a nice touch. The club lounge is on the land side of the building and offers complimentary continental breakfast in the morning and a nice buffet of appetizers in the evening with drinks. As I recall, the drinks were not free, owing to some local ordinance. We did not have a suite, but the suites i saw on the tour were quite large, with interesting architectural details and big (non-working) fireplaces. Standard rooms are nearly as nice as those on the club floor, just without the extra amenities.

Recreation

There is a gleaming new recreation center a short walk away, complete with indoor and outdoor pools. Bicycles are available for use as well. The pools are very well kept and the locker rooms are quite plush. I believe that they may even have boats available for rental as well.

General

This is a beautiful and very historic property (the present building actually dates from the 20's, but its predecessor was built in the 1890's). The staff are very professional and really seem to take an interest in your welfare. One of the concierges really went out of her way to help find a doctor for my father, who had taken a bad fall while in Quebec City. Also of note-do not miss going to La Pinsonniere, a Relais and Chateaux inn, about 20 minutes north of Pointe au Pic-dinner there is well worth the journey and the stratospheric tab. Also, be aware that the Casino Charlevoix is just next to the hotel. being a separate entity, it does not really color the atmosphere too much.

Recommended: Yes