When you first step inside the lobby at Riôtel Matane it’s clear the space is modern and new, but look a little closer and you’ll realize the space pays tribute to something that’s been around since long before the hotel was built – the scenic banks of the St Lawrence river.
Located in the city of Matane, in the eastern part of the Quebec province, Riôtel Matane has 120 non-smoking rooms that along with taking advantage of seaside views, feature well-thought-out modern amenities. I stayed in an Ocean Room, and as the name implies, it came with a waterfront view. Located in a new section of the hotel, added as part of a recent more than six million dollar renovation, the spacious, and very white, modern room design highlights its seaside home. The large balcony and its glass doors run nearly the entire length of the room, providing a coastal view from just about every turn. The bathroom is filled with natural light and sandy scenery thanks to the glass wall that separates it from the bedroom. (You can lower a set of blinds if privacy is an issue.)
Along with a queen bed, there is a queen size pull down Murphy bed, making the room a good choice for traveling families. Leave the balcony door open and you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Other perks include a flat-screen television, microwave, refrigerator, Keurig coffee and tea maker and multiple, easy to reach electrical outlets and USB ports. There’s even an USB socket in the headboard, making it oh so simple to plug in that cell phone that does double duty as an alarm. Internet access is complimentary.
Thanks to the glass wall between the bathroom and the bedroom, guests can shower under a rainfall shower head, with a beach view. A door that separates the toilet from the rest of bathroom area adds a bit privacy. Shampoo is provided via a refillable container in the shower, eliminating many little plastic bottles heading into the trash.
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Search for Great Tours HERE
- Get a Car Rental
Along with an outdoor pool and tennis court available for use during the summer, the hotel offers an indoor pool complete with kids play area, well-stocked with water toys, and a hot tub and sauna. The fitness room, which also has a view of the St. Lawrence is open 24 hours. On-site Oblivio Spa, offers massage therapy and an assortment of other beauty treatments.
With a fun, colorful décor that pays homage to the industrial and maritime heritage of its home, the hotel’s restaurant, Cargo, incorporates local and seasonal products in a selection of comfort foods that includes nachos, poutine, fish & chips, burgers and even grilled cheese. It’s popular with visitors and locals, so expect a crowd. Open for breakfast and dinner, you can sit inside or out on the waterside deck. A kids menu is also available.
Beachside fireplaces are lit nightly through summer. Guests are welcome to bring marshmallows for toasting or request them from the front desk or Cargo.
A hidden but great perk all guests can appreciate is that Riôtel Matane has self-service laundry facilities on the basement floor. Laundry detergent is available for purchase from the front desk.
Rates for an Ocean Room range from $139 CAD to $239 CAD ($106 USD to $182 USD) per night, based on double occupancy. Book directly with the hotel or go through a booking site such as Booking.com or Expedia.
Photos and review by Dana Rebmann. Dana’s stay was hosted by Riôtel Matane and Quebec Maritime, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
