Hotel De Glace

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About the Castle Hotel

1860 Boulevard Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-De-Valcartier, Canada, G1G 5H9

Hôtel de Glace, Saint-Gabriel-De-Valcartier - A Frozen Fairy Tale

Stepping into Hôtel de Glace is akin to walking through the pages of a meticulously crafted fairy tale, an ephemeral wonderland sculpted entirely from ice. For a fleeting season each year, this destination emerges as a unique architectural marvel, offering an experience that is both profoundly surreal and undeniably memorable. It has established itself as an extraordinary winter retreat, drawing visitors from across the globe seeking an escape into a realm of crystalline beauty. While its temporary nature might suggest a transient charm, the artistry and dedication involved in its creation lend it a permanence in the minds of those who experience it.

Location

Hôtel de Glace is situated within the expansive Valcartier complex, a renowned all-season family playground northwest of Quebec City. Its proximity to the Village Vacances Valcartier means that a world of winter activities, from skiing to snow tubing, is practically at your doorstep. The hotel itself is a serene, icy enclave, yet it offers convenient access to the broader entertainment and recreational offerings of the Valcartier region. For those arriving from afar, Quebec City, with its international airport, is a manageable 25 kilometers away, making this arctic escape surprisingly accessible.

Style and Character

The very essence of Hôtel de Glace is its temporary, transformative design, an enchanting medieval castle rendered entirely in ice and snow. Each year, artists and artisans painstakingly sculpt this frozen domain, creating a breathtakingly intricate landscape. The atmosphere is one of hushed wonder, punctuated by the occasional sparkle of ice catching the light. Within this frigid architecture, you'll find three ice bars and lounge areas, capable of hosting up to 400 guests, furnished with ice tables, fur-covered seating nooks, and warmed by gas fireplaces, creating a surprisingly cozy juxtaposition to the surrounding chill. It's a place where the ephemeral nature of ice is celebrated, offering a unique visual and sensory experience unlike any other.

Service and Facilities

Beyond its obvious icy allure, the hotel provides a suite of amenities designed to complement the unique sleeping experience. Guests are granted access to an outdoor Nordic area, featuring wooden hot tubs and barrel-shaped saunas, delicately lit by white lights amidst snowy hills and pine trees-a truly enchanting way to unwind. For those requiring a more conventional level of comfort, a room at the adjacent Hôtel Valcartier is provided for showering and luggage storage. Additionally, the hotel offers a gym and a nightclub, ensuring that even within this icy realm, there are options for recreation and socializing. Access to a heated locker area for overnight storage of belongings is also provided.

Rooms

The accommodations at Hôtel de Glace are, quite literally, designed to be cool. Each room is an ice sculpture, maintained at a temperature between -3 and -5 degrees Celsius. Entry into this frozen chamber includes an arctic sleeping bag and pillows, essential for a comfortable night's rest. While the primary focus is on the novel icy environment, the inclusion of alternative bedding arrangements for guests who find the cold challenging demonstrates a thoughtful approach to guest comfort. Personal preference might lean towards the novelty of sleeping on ice, but for some, the pragmatic need for warmth might be paramount.

Food and Drink

Dining at Hôtel de Glace offers a taste of Quebecois tradition within its unusual setting. The onsite restaurant, O'Grill, presents classic Quebec fare, with highlights such as salmon tartare, expertly prepared steaks, and glazed duck. While the food is designed to satisfy, the true experience is in enjoying these dishes amidst the icy surroundings. For breakfast, guests are directed to Le Dijon, the restaurant at the Four Points by Sheraton Quebec, offering a more conventional start to the day before returning to the wonders of ice. The hotel also features three distinct ice bars, providing a unique venue for evening libations, served in ice glasses for a truly thematic experience.

Value for Money

The room rate at Hôtel de Glace is all-inclusive, providing a unique package that covers the overnight stay in an ice room with an arctic sleeping bag, a welcome cocktail served in an ice glass, and full access to the Nordic spa facilities, including hot tubs and saunas under the stars. Given the extraordinary nature of the accommodation and the included amenities, the pricing reflects a premium for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's important to note that the check-out time from the ice hotel is quite early at 08:00, with a later check-out at 12:00 available at the adjacent Hôtel Valcartier, a practical consideration for maximizing one's stay.

Accessibility

Hôtel de Glace has made commendable efforts to ensure its icy domain is accessible to a wider audience. The hotel provides a special ski stroller, allowing individuals with disabilities to navigate the grounds and experience the unique environment. This consideration extends to guests who may require it, ensuring that the novelty and wonder of this ice creation are not limited by mobility challenges. While the very nature of an ice hotel presents unique logistical considerations, the provision of such adaptive equipment is a significant step towards inclusivity.

Family-Friendly

The Valcartier complex, of which Hôtel de Glace is a part, is fundamentally a family destination. While the overnight ice experience might be more suited to adventurous adults and older children, the grounds are a hive of activity year-round. The hotel itself features an ice slide, providing exhilaration for both younger guests and the young at heart. Furthermore, the nearby Village Vacances Valcartier offers a plethora of activities that cater specifically to families. The provision of adjacent accommodation for showering and luggage storage also adds a layer of practical convenience for families navigating the joys and demands of a winter holiday.