As historic of a property as this is, today it is a legend of the past, degrading in front of…read morespectators and a reminder how not to run a hotel. With last renovations in 1999, the property is in horrible condition. Everything is peeling, broken, smelly or dirty. While the exterior is still as iconic as it once was, this resort is in a state of despair.
Let's back up. Arriving to the Fairmont, valets did not offer to help with bags or even hold the door, just stood there chatting. Front desk staff were kind and helpful, but the lobby looks like a terminal of JFK rather than a hotel, the amount of people is absolutely crazy. Infinite amounts of screaming kids and zero luxury atmosphere. If a Carnival cruise was designed in a French revival style, this is what it would look like.
The guest room is acceptable and while renovations are needed there also, the views of the river to partially make up for the massive shortcomings.
Perhaps the highlight of the property is some of the included activities, such as ice fishing and a beautiful ice skating rink during the winter. That was truly fun. The dinner restaurant here is quite good as well, servicing Quebec classics like locally raised duck and local venison. The lounge area overlooking the river leaves a lot to be desired, the staff work very hard, but at any given point, there is hardly anybody working and just like the lobby itself, very crowded and without a dress code, resulting in a very sloppy atmosphere and kids running around.
Lastly, the Nordic spa. This should be the highlight, but once again, it is not proportional to the number of guests. There is no space to even turn around in those pools, no adult pool option and just a sense of filth.
Thus, as a whole, Le Manoir Richelieu is not a property I can recommend.