Escape to Fairytale Canada: La Princesse des Champs Boischatel Awaits!
Escape to Fairytale Canada: La Princesse des Champs Boischatel Awaits! - A Review That's Seen Things (and Left a Mess)
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from Escape to Fairytale Canada: La Princesse des Champs Boischatel Awaits! and honestly? I'm still unpacking…both literally and figuratively. This place…it’s an experience. And not always the smooth, perfectly curated kind. Let's dive in, shall we?
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- Keywords: Fairytale Canada, Boischatel, Quebec, Hotel Review, Spa, Swimming Pool, Accessible Hotel, Family-Friendly, Romantic Getaway, Luxury Hotel, Adventure Travel, Canada Travel, Spa Hotel, Wellness Retreat, Accessible Rooms, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Fitness Center, Meeting Facilities, Event Venue.
- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of Escape to Fairytale Canada, La Princesse des Champs Boischatel Awaits! Discover if this Quebec gem lives up to the fairytale hype, covering accessibility, amenities, food, and the all-important "vibe." Includes quirky observations, insider tips, and honest opinions.
Accessibility (First Impressions – ALWAYS Matter!):
Right, first things first: Accessibility. They claim to be accessible, and listen, I appreciate the effort. The elevator was a godsend (essential for my wonky knee), and the facilities for disabled guests are present…in theory. Navigating the sprawling grounds felt a bit like a treasure hunt at times. Some ramps were steeper than expected, and doorways definitely needed a little…tweaking. But the intention was there, which, let's be honest, counts for something.
Wheelchair accessible – They try, but the reality is less ideal than the marketing.
Internet & Tech Shenanigans:
Internet – Okay, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a HUGE selling point. Except…it wasn't always free free. And the Internet access – wireless was occasionally…temperamental. Thankfully, Internet [LAN] was available, which saved my bacon on a few work calls. The Air conditioning in public area was appreciated.
Rooms: Where the Magic…Sometimes Flickers:
My room? A Non-smoking sanctuary (thank goodness), with Air conditioning that worked like a champ. Now, the blackout curtains were a lifesaver on those long summer days. I'm a sucker for bathrobes and they were there. Complimentary tea and a coffee/tea maker were crucial for my morning rituals. The in-room safe box was a reassuring touch, and the mini bar was…tempting, though I mostly stuck to water (thank you, Free bottled water!). The window that opens was a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free].
The Spa & Wellness (The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Soothing):
Alright, this is where things get interesting. The Spa/sauna, specifically. The Pool with view? Stunning, absolutely breathtaking. I spent hours just gazing out at the landscape. The Sauna was…well, it did the job. And the Steamroom was a lovely, cleansing experience.
Here's the thing though, the Body scrub was DIVINE. My skin felt like a baby's…for about five minutes, until I managed to spill coffee on my pristine clothes and had to get a dry cleaning emergency. The Massage was heavenly. Truly. I almost fell asleep…and that's saying something, because I'm a notoriously light sleeper. The Body wrap wasn't quite as memorable, but still relaxing. I'm a big fan of a Foot bath, which was the perfect way to end the day. I didn't get to the Fitness center this time, sadly (too busy exploring and attempting to NOT trip over my own feet).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Adventure):
Okay, let's talk food. The Restaurants themselves were gorgeous - they truly tried on the ambiance. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a pleasant surprise. My favorite was the Salad in restaurant, simple but delicious. I’m easily pleased. They had Happy hour which helped. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was consistently good. I went nuts with the Desserts in restaurant, because, well, I deserve it! Also, the Poolside bar was…a thing. Good for a quick drink after swimming, but honestly? The service was a bit slow sometimes. There was a Snack bar, which was great for a quick bite.
They have a buffet…Breakfast [buffet], the classic Breakfast service, with a Western touch of Western breakfast.
Dining - A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant,,
There was Room service [24-hour], which I definitely took advantage of when I was feeling lazy.
Services and Conveniences: The Fine Print (and the Fine Print’s Tiny Flaws):
Services and conveniences – Here, they try. Yes, there's Daily housekeeping – shoutout to the lovely lady who rescued me from a particularly embarrassing coffee spill! Concierge provided some great tips on nearby hikes (though I’m pretty sure they secretly judged my lack of hiking expertise). Cash withdrawal was available.
Things I loved? Gift/souvenir shop! Had to grab a little something-something.
More on the Details:
- Facilities for disabled guests: The pathways are a bit challenging for wheelchairs.
- Elevator: Yes!
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Impressive, but maybe a touch formal.
The Real Deal: Quirks, Imperfections, and Emotional Reactions:
Here's where the review gets real. This place…it's got character. And by "character," I mean a few…quirks.
- The "Fairytale" Promise: The marketing promises a fairytale. And parts of it are. The gorgeous architecture, the stunning views…it's undeniably beautiful. But life isn't always a Disney movie, and neither is this hotel.
- The Staff: The staff were, for the most part, lovely. But service can sometimes be a little slow.
- The "Perfect" Illusion: They try hard to create a pristine, perfect experience. And…it's a little stifling at times. I kind of missed a bit of grit, a bit of realness.
The Verdict (Messy, But Honest):
Would I go back to Escape to Fairytale Canada: La Princesse des Champs Boischatel Awaits!? Yeah, probably. Despite its imperfections, its quirks, and the occasional logistical hiccup, there's something truly enchanting about this place. The spa alone almost makes it worth it. And the chance to escape…even if it's just for a little while…is priceless. Just don't expect a perfect fairytale. Embrace the charming imperfections, pack your sense of humor, and be prepared for an adventure. Oh, and maybe pack extra stain remover. You'll thank me later.
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Alright, alright, buckle up, buttercups. We're going to La Princesse des Champs in Boischatel, Quebec. Sounds fancy, eh? Buckle up, because this isn't some perfectly Instagrammable itinerary. This is real life travel. Get ready for some glorious chaos.
Day 1: Arrival (and the Great Poutine Quest)
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Quebec City's Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). Hopefully, the flight isn't delayed again. Pray to the travel gods. Seriously. Last time, I ended up eating airport sushi for like, a week.
- Anecdote: Okay, real talk. Remember those times I swore I'd NEVER take a red-eye again? Well, I lied. So did my bank account. It's a necessary evil sometimes, you know? Embrace the under-eye bags, embrace the weird plane food.
- Mid-Morning: (Slightly off-track): Rent a car. This is crucial. You'll need wheels to truly explore the area. But let's be honest, I'm terrible at driving in places with more than two stop signs. Wish me luck. Oh God, did I remember to book an automatic?
- Lunch (and the Great Poutine Quest, Part 1): Okay, first order of business: Poutine. This is Canada, people. It's practically a religious experience. We're going to hit the road.
- Quirky Observation: I swear, Canadian gas stations are somehow inherently charming, even if the actual gas isn't cheap. They look like little cabins of wonder, sometimes, with surprisingly good coffee.
- Afternoon: Check into La Princesse des Champs. I hope it's as lovely as it looks online. I'm already picturing myself lounging by a fireplace (or at least a decent heater, if it's cold. Pray for no-snow.)
- Emotional Reaction: I'm already vibrating with anticipation. A little bit of fear. But mostly, pure unadulterated excitement. This is a real getaway!
- Evening: Dinner. I'm thinking something local. Maybe a cozy bistro. Or, you know, whatever smells the best, because my stomach is leading the charge on this adventure.
- Rambling Thought: I'm also hoping my French is better than my actual spoken French. "Bonjour" and "merci" might only take me so far. Maybe I'll learn how to ask for directions and the bathroom without sounding like a total idiot. Maybe.
Day 2: Exploring the Charm (And Possibly Getting Lost)
- Morning: Wake up. Hopefully not too early. Because, you know, vacation. Coffee, of course.
- Late Morning: (Getting Lost, Embrace the Chaos): Attempt to explore Boischatel. It's a charming town, right? I picture quaint streets, adorable shops.
- Opinionated Language: Let's cut the crap. "Charming" can also mean "confusing." I'm probably going to get lost. Embrace it.
- Anecdote:I once tried to navigate a back road in Ireland. Ended up in a tiny village, accidentally wandered into a farmer’s field and I think I scared a cow. I just hope I don’t end up in a cow field this time.
- Lunch (Poutine Quest, Part 2): Find another poutine. Compare and contrast. This is crucial research.
- Emotional Reaction: This may be the best day of my life.
- Afternoon: Visit a local market. I love local markets. The smells, the colors, the people! This could potentially be the best part.
- Messy Structure:* I want to buy SOMETHING. Maybe all the things. I'm a sucker for local crafts. And maple syrup. Oh, the maple syrup.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant. Maybe a place with a view, gazing out at the St. Lawrence River. Or whatever. Honestly, I'm really digging the "play it by ear" vibe.
- Quirky Observation: I’m slightly anticipating the moment I have to order. I need to work on the French, but with the effort so far. I look like I'm at a French lesson.
Day 3: Waterfalls and Wonder (and More Poutine!)
- Morning: Head to Montmorency Falls. Supposedly, it's pretty impressive.
- Rambling Thought: I hope my phone has enough battery to take good pictures. I'm a sucker for a good waterfall selfie. Also, hoping I don't slip in the mist.
- Mid-morning: Explore the falls. Walk by the water. Take photos. (It's gonna be great!)
- Lunch (Poutine Quest, Part 3 - Doubling Down): You know what? Let's double down on the poutine. This is MY vacation. Let’s try the most famous poutine place in Quebec. So much cheese curds. So much gravy. I don't care if I leave my belly feeling like a boulder. Worth. It.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm drooling. I can't deny it. The thought of fries and cheese in gravy. Oh my god, I can't wait!
- Afternoon: Possibly some time relaxing at the accommodation. Or, depending on my mood, maybe a very short drive. The road.
- Opinionated Language: I might need a nap after all that poutine.
- Evening: Farewell dinner. Reflect. Cry (the trip is ending). Plan the next adventure!
Day 4: Departure (And the Post-Poutine Blues)
- Morning: Pack. Say goodbye to La Princesse des Champs. Drink more coffee.
- Mid-Morning: Drive to Quebec City airport. Say goodbye to the beautiful scenery.
- Messy Structure: Did I leave anything behind? Probably. I'm a professional packer, after all.
- Lunch: (Hopefully, something other than airport sushi this time.)
- Afternoon: Fly.
- Quirky Observation: Will I already be planning the next trip before the plane even takes off? Probably.
- Evening: Land. Go home. Start plotting my return to Quebec, and more poutine, or at least the dream of it.
This, my friends, is not a perfect itinerary. It's a journey. And who knows what surprises it'll hold. But that's the fun of it, isn't it? Bon voyage!
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Okay, so, "Fairytale Canada"? Seriously? What's the *deal* with this place? I'm already picturing... well, let's just say I'm picturing a lot of questionable things.
Alright, alright, let's address the elephant (or should I say, the moose?) in the room. Yes, "Fairytale Canada" sounds like some sort of Disney fever dream. And, honestly? Sometimes it *felt* like one. It's this whole "La Princesse des Champs Boischatel" thing, a themed hotel and surrounding area. Think… a slightly crumbling fairytale. Like, the kind where Rapunzel probably wouldn't have a five-star spa but maybe... a decent internet connection. I was expecting pristine perfection, right? Turns out, reality is a bit more… real.
Honestly, my expectations were sky-high. I'd seen the pictures, the *fairy lights*, the promises of magic. I was picturing photo ops galore! My first reaction? "Wow, okay... it's... rustic." Let's leave it at that. The hotel? Charming, sure. But old. And the wallpaper in my room? Well, let's just say it had seen some *things*. You could almost taste the history, and I think it tasted a little bit like… mothballs.
But that's where the fairytale stuff started! It wasn't about impeccable perfection. It was about this… *vibe*. A feeling of being lost in a story. The kind where the hero is actually a little bit lost and confused and the princess maybe needs to find the local grocery store. I'm not sure if I loved it, or if I'm still processing. I think I might need to go back and sort it out.
What's the *actual* "La Princesse" part of this whole shindig? Is there a princess? Do I need to bring a tiara?
Okay, so "La Princesse" isn't, as far as I know, a specific person. You won't find a princess named *Princesse* strolling the halls, though honestly, that would be amazing. "La Princesse des Champs Boischatel" is more like… the concept! The spirit of the place. The *idea* of a princess in the fields of Boischatel. And the "fields of Boischatel" part is SUPER important. It's the setting! Because it's Quebec, things are lovely.
But if you wanna dress up? Go for it! I saw a kid in a full-on knight's getup, and honestly, he looked fantastic. No judgement here. Maybe *I* should have brought a tiara. I mean, it's Canada, not a crime.
Honestly, though? The real "Princess" experience comes from… the feeling. The quiet beauty of the place. The idea that you are escaping your life and coming here to think about things and escape. It's the same magic that makes you think the hotel is *almost* good enough to make you spend your time there.
Let's talk food. I need the honest truth. Was it all poutine and beaver tails? Because I need to know if I need to leave my diet at home with the tiara.
Okay, deep breaths. Food, the eternal question! Yes. Poutine, yes. Beaver tails, a resounding YES! BUT! It wasn’t *just* those things, thank goodness. Though, I will admit, I may have eaten my weight in poutine. The gravy… oh, the gravy! So, so good.
Seriously, though, the food scene was surprisingly delightful. The hotel restaurant, a little *bougie* that was, served some incredible stuff. The bread? Crusty, fluffy, perfect. The meats? Tender and delicious. Honestly, I think I went back for seconds, or maybe thirds, on one occasion. Okay, it was a lot of them.
And yes, there was beaver tail. And if you've never had one? Get yourself to Canada, pronto. I'm a huge sucker for sweets. Especially when they're fried and covered in... well, everything! A truly unforgettable experience. My diet? What diet?
What about the surrounding area? Besides the hotel, what is there to *do*? I'm assuming it's not all just staring at fairy lights...
You got that right! While gazing at the fairy lights is definitely a valid pastime (especially after a couple of glasses of wine), there's more to do. Boischatel itself, and the surrounding area is pretty darn charming. Like, seriously, picture postcard-perfect quaintness. Think cobblestone streets, little shops selling handcrafted whatnots, and the ever-present, subtle scent of… well, I'm not quite sure, but it was nice.
We took a drive along the Saint Lawrence River. The views? Breathtaking. Like, "pull over the car and just stare" breathtaking. I almost cried at the beauty, but it was a bit foggy... Oh, and the waterfalls! The Montmorency Falls are truly something to behold. It makes you *feel* things, and I'm a big fan of "feeling".
Oh, and the walks! So much fresh air! I needed that! So much time to think! And process all the poutine I was consuming. And the memories! Just... wow. So many memories!
Okay, spill the tea. What was the WORST part? Be honest!
Alright, here's the lowdown. The absolute worst… well, it wasn't a train wreck, but it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows either. The occasional lack of… convenience. Like, I mentioned the hotel has a very... "rustic" charm. Which means the internet was… spotty. Like, dial-up spotty sometimes. And the rooms? A little dated. The paint was... pealing in my room. It all adds to the ambiance, I suppose.
There were moments when I was like, "Okay, is this actually a fair-ytale? Or am I trapped in a very well-themed episode of *Hoarders*?" It's kind of a fine line. And I kind of enjoyed the line.
But listen, overall? Minor annoyances. The view was good, the food was good. The feeling was good. It wasn't perfect. But it was an experience. And honestly? That's what I look for in life. More than perfectly painted walls.
Would you go back? And if so, why? What's the deal?
Okay, deep breath. Would I go back? Honestly? YES. Absolutely. I'm not sure why. It's this… *feeling*. This sense that you've stepped out of reality and into something… different. Something a little bit messy, a little bit strange, but utterly unforgettable. The place sucks you in.
I think I would go back to just… be. To breathe the fresh air. ToHotels Blog Guide
