Le 31 McMahon: Quebec City's Hottest New Spot? (You HAVE to See This!)
Le 31 McMahon: Quebec City's "Hottest New Spot?" (You HAVE to See This!) - Or Do You Really? (Plus, A Little Rant About Hotels)
Okay, so, I've just returned from a whirlwind trip to Quebec City, and the internet, that ever-reliable siren song, promised I had to check out Le 31 McMahon. "Hottest new spot!" they screamed. "Unmissable!" Well, let me tell you, "unmissable" is a strong word. My expectations, like a freshly-baked baguette, were high. And, like that same baguette, some parts were crusty, some parts soft, and the whole experience… well, it needs a bit of a dig-in.
First things first: Accessibility. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I value accessibility. The website says it’s good, but let’s be real, websites can say anything. I peeked around… and, for the most part, things seemed okay. Elevators definitely exist, which is HUGE. Finding a true accessibility report is harder than finding a decent cup of coffee in Paris on a Sunday. I'd say, if it's a primary concern, CALL. Double-check. Don't rely on me.
The Rooms: A Love-Hate Story (And a Few Crumbs)
Let's talk rooms. Because honestly, that's where you spend the most time, right? My room, listed proudly with Air conditioning (thank god! Quebec summers can be brutal, and the blackout curtains were a life-saver!), was well-appointed, but not… amazing. The bed was comfy enough (and yes, it had an Extra long bed option!), but felt a little… ordinary for a "hottest spot." The Wi-Fi [free] worked like a charm, which is crucial for a workaholic like myself. Speaking of which: Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN were both present, and I managed to actually get some work done in the Laptop workspace.
The bathroom itself was a point of contention. While there was a separate shower/bathtub, which is always a plus, and a hair dryer that actually worked, there was NO bathroom phone. Seriously? How am I supposed to conduct important phone calls while luxuriating in a bubble bath, if I even had one? (Alas, I did not. I am not fancy.) And the complimentary tea? It was… questionable. Not the fancy-pants kind you expect. More the "I found this in a dusty drawer" variety.
One thing I loved? The big window that opens. Fresh air is a godsend, especially after being cooped up inside all day working on that laptop.
My biggest complaint? The dusting (or lack thereof). I’m not going to lie, while everything looked clean, it felt a little surface-level. I’m talking a stray crumb on the nightstand that just… mocked me. A little bit of grime on the window sill. Small, silly things, but they chipped away at the “luxury” façade. Daily housekeeping, yes, but perhaps there was a day or two that the housekeeping person forgot. I'm certainly not perfect.
The Pandemic Ponderings: Safety, or Security Theater?
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: COVID. Cleanliness and safety are high on everyone’s radar these days. Le 31 McMahon… tried. There were Staff trained in safety protocol, Anti-viral cleaning products, and hand sanitizer everywhere. They touted Room sanitization between stays and Rooms sanitized between stays. I felt a little more secure with the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. But honestly? The whole thing felt a little… performative at times. The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was observed, but sometimes felt forced.
I did appreciate the Hand sanitizer dispensers strategically placed throughout the hotel and the Masks worn by staff. But at the same time, I'm not sure how much the Individually-wrapped food options really helped, considering how many people were around the breakfast buffet. And I'm pretty sure I saw someone not use hand sanitizer before grabbing a croissant. So, did it make me feel entirely safe? Not entirely. Better than nothing? Absolutely.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food, My God, The Food!
This is where things get… interesting. Le 31 McMahon boasts multiple Restaurants, a Bar, and a Coffee shop. The promise of Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant was enticing. I’ll be honest, I expected more. The Breakfast [buffet] was… fine. Standard. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decidedly average, and I felt like the only thing that stopped me from getting a bottle of water was the overpriced cost.
I did have a memorable experience, however, at the small snack bar. I was hungover and desperately needing something to eat. After waiting an agonizing amount of time, I was presented with a (sadly not hot) sandwich that cost more than my actual room for the night. It was okay, although I did find a hair in it. At that moment, I realized that everything felt more expensive here.
The Poolside bar (which also served food) looked promising, but I never managed to find a time to actually sit and relax.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax, Supposedly): A Mixed Bag of Delights
Okay, the Pool with view was a real draw. It was stunning, and a perfect spot to chill. The hotel boasts a Fitness center (looked decent from a quick glance), a Spa, and a Sauna and Steamroom. Massage and Body scrub available in the spa (I skipped these, too broke). I didn't get to try any of them, which I regretted!
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the "Meh"
Le 31 McMahon offers a range of services. Concierge? Present, but not terribly helpful, though I did enjoy the friendly Doorman. Laundry service? Yes. Dry cleaning? Also yes. Cash withdrawal? Convenient. Car park [free of charge]. YES! A huge win in a city where parking is a nightmare. Taxi service. Available, but maybe use a taxi and not the hotel's car service, which may or may not make you feel like you are being robbed.
The Meeting/banquet facilities were also there, but not relevant to my stay. And, if the Babysitting service is even a consideration, then you have bigger things to worry about than Le 31 McMahon.
Getting Around:
The Airport transfer is available, but I took a regular taxi, which was a lot more cost-efficient.
The Verdict: Should You Stay? (And That’s a Big “Maybe”)
Look, Le 31 McMahon isn't a bad hotel. It's… fine. And it probably is the "hottest new spot" in Quebec City. But it’s not perfect. It’s a bit like a fancy car: looks great, but you want to know how it handles before you buy it.
Here's the real question: what kind of experience are you after? If you're looking for a truly luxurious escape, with attention to detail, maybe keep looking. If you're looking for a convenient, relatively stylish place to stay with a great pool, and you're willing to overlook a few imperfections (cough the dusting cough), then it's worth considering.
MY UNBIASED OFFER (Because Everyone Loves a Deal!)
Book your stay at Le 31 McMahon now and get a free upgrade to a room with a view (if available). Plus, we'll throw in a complimentary breakfast for two (or it's on us, for you and a friend)! This is a one-time-only offer, just for you, because you deserve to experience the "hottest new spot" without breaking the bank. Use code "QUEBECFUN" at checkout.
Disclaimer: I’m not getting paid to say any of this. I’m just… a person who stayed at Le 31 McMahon and has an opinion. Your mileage may vary. Maybe you will love it. Maybe you'll hate it. Maybe, like me, you'll experience both simultaneously. And that, my friends, is the true essence of travel, isn't it?
Escape to Paradise: Fjordvejen's Stunning Grasten Apartments Await!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average travel itinerary. This is a chaotic, messy, and hopefully hilarious attempt to experience Le 31 McMahon in Quebec City. Get ready for whiplash, because my brain doesn't do "linear" very well. This is gonna be a wild ride.
Quebec City: Le 31 McMahon - My Brain's Guide (and Probably Yours Too)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Expectations Fail
- Morning (like, REALLY morning - ugh): Fly into Quebec City. Pray the plane isn't full of screaming toddlers (seriously, are babies manufactured specifically to hate flying?!). The adrenaline of travel makes me a coffee fiend, so first stop after collecting my luggage and before anything else, a desperately needed double espresso at a local café. I am a firm believer that the success of any trip hinges on initial caffeine intake.
- Mid-Morning Disaster (aka: Getting to Le 31 McMahon - good luck, self): Okay, Google Maps says the hotel is a short drive/taxi. I'm imagining a charming cobblestone street, a quaint building with flowers in the window boxes… reality? Probably a parking garage and a slightly sad-looking door. I'm picturing that moment where you arrive somewhere and it just doesn't match your mental image.
- Around Noon: Welcome. Or Is It? Check-in. Pray they haven't lost my reservation (I swear I booked this a month ago… did I? Did I even remember to book it?). This is where the "first impressions" thing is huge. I'm mentally preparing for friendly staff. This could all go downhill fast if I have to deal with a grumpy receptionist after a long flight.
- Afternoon: Attempting to be a Tourist (Emphasis on "Attempting") Okay, the goal is to do something touristy. I'm thinking a wander around the Old Town. I can already imagine myself getting lost, asking the same bewildered-looking local for directions three times, and accidentally buying a ridiculously oversized souvenir. Probably a maple syrup-themed item. I'm a sucker for maple syrup. And probably a tiny, overly-priced bottle of perfume that has the aroma of aged Canadian lumber.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Food, Glorious Food… and Initial Regrets: Find somewhere to eat. The pressure is ON. I'm envisioning a charming bistro with a view of the St. Lawrence River. More likely, I'll end up in a tourist trap that serves mediocre poutine and charges an obscene amount. Here's hoping I at least get decent cheese curds! Then, the inevitable after-dinner walk where I question every life choice I've ever made. (Maybe I should have packed fewer things? Maybe I should have brought that extra sweater? WHY DID I EAT SO MANY FRENCH FRIES?)
- Evening: A Quiet (or Not-so-Quiet) Retreat: Back at the hotel. Unpack (or, let's be honest, shove everything haphazardly into drawers). I’ll try to watch some of the local channels but I’m sure I’ll fall asleep by the second commercial. Maybe I'll journal, or maybe I’ll just stare at the ceiling and ponder the existential dread of modern life. Probably the latter. Prepare for deep thoughts.
Day 2: Back to the Hotel - My Heart Feels for Le 31McMahon and Its Staff
- Morning: Breakfast Blues. I want delicious pastries and perfectly brewed coffee. I'm fully expecting a buffet with questionable scrambled eggs and lukewarm instant coffee. This morning is make or break. If the breakfast is a letdown, the entire day is doomed.
- Mid-Morning: A Double-Down on the Hotel (Because Why Not?): I'm going to really explore Le 31 McMahon. I'm going to try to find all the quirky details, all the secret little nooks and crannies. I'm going to see if there's a hidden garden or a secret bar. And if there isn't, I'm going to be SO disappointed. I'll wander the halls, probably annoy the housekeeping staff with my overly curious glances, and maybe (just maybe) find something magical.
- Around Noon: Restaurant Search Part 2. The Quest for the Perfect Meal I think I'm getting the hang of being a local. I'll ask the hotel staff, I'll ask people on the street, and I'll probably still accidentally pick a place that's completely underwhelming. The truth, I'm a picky eater.
- Afternoon: Culture Shock. I'll aim for the Citadel this afternoon or a stroll along the ramparts. The views and history are supposed to be great. The crowds, on the other hand… I'm bracing myself. I'm also trying to remember the French I kind of learned in high school. "Bonjour," "Merci," "Omelette du fromage?" (Okay, maybe that last one's a bit specific).
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Retail Therapy (and Maybe Regret): I'm going to try and find the local shops. I'm going to try and resist the urge to buy everything that’s cute. This part might actually be the most challenging. I have a weak spot for artisan goods and souvenir trash. The temptation will be real. Expect a small mountain of maple syrup-themed everything.
- Evening: The Grand Finale (hopefully): One last amazing meal. This time I'm going to be more decisive. I'm going to pick a place with atmosphere, maybe a live musician—something that feels like it truly captures the essence of Quebec City. I'll toast to my adventure (even if it wasn't all I'd hoped). If the music isn't terrible, I might even attempt to dance. Or just people-watch.
Day 3: Departure (and Existential Reflections)
- Morning: Last Breakfast. One last attempt at that perfect breakfast. I'm fully expecting to be disappointed, but will approach with an open mind.
- Mid-Morning: Final Stroll: One last slow walk through the city. Savoring the views, the smells, the feeling of being somewhere new. Contemplating how quickly time has passed.
- Noon: Taxi to Airport, Goodbye, For Real. The long (or short) drive to the airport. The inevitable "Did I pack everything?" panic. The bittersweet feeling of heading home. The promise to return someday.
- Afternoon: Fly Home. And Now, the Post-Trip Blues begin …
Post-Trip Reflections (Because I Can't Help Myself)
- Rating of Le 31 McMahon: To be determined. This is where the messy, honest truth emerges. Was it charming? Functional? A disaster? I'll have to wait until I'm safely home and have had time to process the experience. My opinions will be subject to change!
- Favorite Memory: (If I had one!)
- Biggest Regret: (I’m anticipating several.)
- Would I Go Back? Honestly… probably. There's always something new to see, something new to experience. And maybe, just maybe, next time I'll finally find that perfect plate of poutine. Or at the very least, not feel the need to take a nap by the pool like a soggy potato.
And there you have it! My highly unreliable, emotionally-charged travel plan for Le 31 McMahon and Quebec City. Wish me luck – I’ll need it. And if you see a slightly frazzled person wandering around, looking lost and clutching a maple syrup-themed souvenir, say hi. It'll probably be me. Au revoir!
Escape to Yakima's Gem: Red Lion Inn & Suites Awaits!
Alright, So What *IS* This Thing, Anyway? Like, Tell Me in Caveman Terms.
Before I started doing these for *everything*, I was *drowning*. Seriously, I felt like I was explaining the same darn thing about my online shop *fifty* times a day. Then I stumbled upon this FAQ thing, and BAM! Instant relief. It's like handing out a pre-emptive *handout* of info.
Is a FAQ Really THAT Important? I Mean, Can't I Just Wing It? (And Fail Miserably?)
It's about *respecting* your audience. Showing them that you've thought things through, and being helpful because you *want* to be... not just out of obligation.
But...Where Do I Even *Start*? I Don't Even Know Which Questions *I* Should Have Asked, Let Alone Everyone Else!
- **Pricing:** "How much?" "Are there discounts?" "What payment methods do you accept?" (People *always* ask about payment.)
- **Shipping:** "How long will it take?" "How much does it cost?" (This is the bane of my existence, seriously.) "Do you ship internationally?"
- **Returns/Exchanges:** "What's your return policy?" "Can I exchange something?" (Prepare for *everything* and *anything*.)
- **Product Info/Service Details:** "How does it work?" "What are the ingredients?" "What are the hours?"
- **Contact Info:** "How do I reach you?" "What’s the best way to ask?" (Give them all kinds of ways to reach you!)
Okay, I've Got a Bunch of Questions... Now What? Do I Just Vomit Them Out In A Wall of Text?
I made this mistake the first time. I created a giant, rambling paragraph and thought I had done it. Nope! It was just a mess that nobody wanted to read. The best structure? Simple, clear questions and answers. Break it up. Use headings. Use bullet points. Make it *scannable*. Easy peasy. And the occasional bolded word for emphasis? Chefs Kiss!
Should I Add a Bit of Personality to My FAQ or Keep It Super Formal?
Personally? I lean *heavily* towards personality. People connect with people, not robots. But that's just *me*. My FAQ is filled with random tangents and occasional jokes. I find it builds camaraderie. I want them to like me, so they're more likely to trust me. But, be honest with yourself. If you're not naturally funny, don't force it. Sincerity is always key.
How Often Should I Update My FAQ? Because, Let's Be Real, Things Change...
And let me tell you about the Great Price Hike of '23. Shipping costs went *through the roof*. I forgot to update my FAQ... and the emails I got were *intense*. People felt betrayed (okay, maybe a little dramatic, but still!). Update. Your. FAQ. Regularly. Set a calendar reminder. Make it a habit. Trust me, it's easier than dealing with customer complaints.
What If Someone Asks a Question That Isn't Covered in My FAQ? Argh!
- **First, Breathe.** Don't panic.
- **Second, Answer the Question.** Provide a clear and helpful response.
- **Third, and Most Important, Add It To Your FAQ!** The next time someone asks, you're prepared.
This is how it evolves, like a living document. The best FAQs are constantly growing, evolving. If I had a dollar for every time I added a question, I'd be rich. That's the whole point of it, to become a better tool to *help* people.
Any Secret FAQs tips That You Can Drop?
- **Know your Audience.** If yourHotels With BalconysLe 31 McMahon Quebec City (QC) Canada
Le 31 McMahon Quebec City (QC) Canada
