Manoir Hovey

My partner recently treated me to a stay at Hovey Manor on Lake Massawippi in the Eastern Townships in Québec. This was particularly special for me as we had both been summer visitors to Lake Massawippi in our youth. The hotel looks particularly charming on the website so I had high hopes for our stay. The welcome at the hotel reception was warm and friendly, the receptionist was Québécoise and showed us around the hotel telling us about its history. After settling in our room, we decamped to the Tap Room for a late afternoon drink. The bar was empty so we were able to get a table overlooking the lake. The bar has a rustic feel with a certain charm and I can imagine with the doors open to the terrace overlooking the lake that it must be rather wonderful in the summer months. The waitress who served us was from France, the first of many to follow, and approached us to settle our bill before we had finished our drinks. We both assumed that the bar was closing because of this but she then told us that we should let bar know if we wanted another drink which completely baffled us. We arrived for dinner in the formal dining room at 8 which was half full when we arrived. There was a slightly strange stilted vibe in the dining room with light jazz playing in the background. If we didn’t know that Hovey Manor was part of the Relais & Chateaux group before dinner, we were left under no doubt by the time we had ordered. The succession of French waiters was “impressive” as they explained the long list of surcharges, the different elements of the menu including a section about their butter and of course the “service de pain” finishing with a power point presentation in lieu of a traditional wine list. This seemed unnecessarily pretentious to us rather than charming, ultimately making us rather ill at ease instead of relaxed. In contrast, we enjoyed the food that we ordered. Following the amuse bouche and the elaborate serving of the bread, we had starters of foie gras poêlé and pétoncles, followed by morue (cod) and pintade. The Cornish hen (pintade) was outstanding as were the scallops. My partner was surprised to find that the foie gras had not been properly de veined. We also had dessert but this was a bit sickly and overly sweet. As the dessert menu was very limited, we struggled to find something we both wanted. The food was very good but commensurately expensive. The next day after a so- so breakfast in the stuffy dining room, we went for a swim in the lovely lakeside pool and sat in the hot tub which also overlooks the lake. It was a cold beautiful day so that was very enjoyable. We discovered that we had to pay $50 each to use the other spa features like the thermal circuit. The spa was completely empty which was not surprising given this surcharge for guests. I only discovered after leaving the pool that the surcharge is waived if you have a treatment. Essentially, we left feeling rather flat. We had expected a cosy inn in a beautiful setting which is what it looks like. The French formality, emphasised by the proliferation of staff from France, completely robs the experience of any authenticity. We definitely would not go back or recommend it.

We enjoyed a third visit to Manoir Hovey for three magical nights over the New Year’s Eve holiday. It was our first time seeing the new wing, new spa, and renovations to the pool. It was also our first time staying during full-on winter conditions. It was like something out of a storybook. We were warmly welcomed at check-in, delighted to discover that our Virtuoso booking had merited us an upgrade to a Grand Luxury Lake Room in the new lodge building. While not as convenient as rooms in the main building, the lodge offers its own sumptuously appointed lobby lounge (including a wine dispensing machine!), and rooms have soaring ceilings, lots of natural light, and sweeping views. Our room was an end unit, so it had views in two directions: the woods and the lake. The décor is of a very high standard—more residential than commercial—and everything appears to have been chosen with great care and consideration. We were delighted to be welcomed with notes from management and our travel agency, some delicious sweets, a generous basket of local gourmet treats, and a New Year gift of refillable Manoir Hovey branded water bottles. It was one of the nicest welcomes we’ve received anywhere. It was easy to unpack given the room’s generous closet and drawer storage. The bathroom was huge, with a spacious walk-in shower, stand alone soaking tub, and double vanity. Towels, robes, and L’Occitane amenities were of the highest quality. Although it was a little cold to sit outside for very long, we enjoyed the furnished terrace with its commanding view of the lake and the property. In the summer or autumn, this would be spectacular! Over the three nights we enjoyed room service dinner twice and a formal NYE menu at the Tap Room. We also had breakfast in the main dining room each morning. As always, the quality of the cuisine offered at Manoir Hovey is exceptional, and the service was gracious and professional. They put so much effort into creating a special experience for their guests on NYE. It was a memorable night. We purchased day passes to use the water features at the spa, and it was absolute magic. A heavy snowfall had started that morning, so sitting outside in the hot tub, or swimming gentle laps in the heated pool, while fat flakes swirled around us, was an incredible treat. When it came time to check out, we were surprised and impressed that staff had cleaned the snow from guests’ cars early in the morning. Such a thoughtful gesture! It’s easy to see why Manoir Hovey was won so many industry accolades recently. It has always been one of Canada’s finest hotels, but after the recent additions and renovations, it has no peer. We can’t wait to return soon.

I just want to thank Manoir Hovey and its staff for their kindness and forbearance during our recent visit. My husband and I wanted to get out of the country for a bit over Jan. 20, and Manoir Hovey looked like a beautiful place for a respite. The trip was rather snakebit (pro tip: Don't fly Air Canada), and we got in very, very late. Despite our overdue arrival, the young man at the desk was beyond helpful, and our room was just stunning. The view over the lake was so lovely and peaceful. The restaurants were incredible, and the spa was just magnificent. It was an amazing experience to sit in the hot tub looking up at the stars -- and quite exhilarating to get out of the tub and dash through the very cold air to put on our (frozen) robes. I have to admit, I was not at my best during this trip. I felt sad, angry, frightened, and emotionally raw. But the staff tried their best to help me to enjoy our stay in this lovely place, and I am very grateful. We definitely want to return sometime when I'm feeling less fraught. :)

As you walk in the room its like being swept off your feet. It is soo beautiful, high ceiling and draps along with a king size bed and fireplace made it a very cozy stay. The details to the little things, i will not spoil the surprise. My friend Pam and I are planning to go back in the fall. And that's not also talking about the spa experience..omg.

After a very busy December and January - it was time for a short getaway at Manoir Hovey. I have been visiting here for about 20 years and it has become part of my routine when I need to just get away and relax without getting on a plane. As usual - my stay was perfect and I left totally re-energized. Where else can you leave your room and walk downstairs to a Michelin star restaurant? The new Spa facility is excellent and worth the visit. I actually dined in the Tap Room (the on-site pub) one night and the food was excellent. Thank you Stafford family and your employees for ongoing and excellent hospitality!