Escape to Quebec City: Unbeatable Deals at Econo Lodge Saint-Apollinaire!
Escape to Quebec City: Unbeatable Deals at Econo Lodge Saint-Apollinaire!
Econo Lodge Saint-Apollinaire: My Quebec City Escape & The Joy of Budget Bliss (With the Occasional Grumble)
Alright, folks, buckle up, because I just got back from a Quebec City getaway and… well, let's just say it was an experience. And, as the title suggests, my base camp was the Econo Lodge Saint-Apollinaire. Now, before you start picturing a dingy, roadside motel, let me tell you, it wasn't quite that. But, it wasn't the Château Frontenac either. Think of it as the plucky underdog of Quebec City hotels, and for the price? Yeah, you can't beat it. I'm talking "Unbeatable Deals" levels of deal-ness.
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- Meta Description: Honest review of the Econo Lodge Saint-Apollinaire in Quebec City. Find out if this budget-friendly hotel is worth your stay! Includes details on accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, and overall experience.
- Tags: #EconoLodge #QuebecCity #BudgetTravel #HotelReview #FamilyFriendly #Accessibility #FreeWiFi #TravelCanada #VacationDeals #SaintApollinaire
First things first: Accessibility. Okay, so some of it was spot on. The Wheelchair Accessible ramps were present and accounted for at the entrances. I'm happy to report that I saw no issues getting around the main areas, which is a huge plus for folks with mobility issues. The staff were pretty friendly, but, I'm not going to lie, sometimes felt… a little indifferent. Not rude, just… efficient. The halls and doors seemed wide enough, but be sure to double-check on specifics; a good travel agent is still your friend.
Internet Access: Ah, the modern traveler's lifeline. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a godsend. Seriously. Especially when you're trying to navigate a foreign city on a budget, and you need a good map and the free wi-fi at the Starbucks costs too much money, trust me. Internet [LAN] was also available, but who uses that anymore? (Just kidding, Grandma). The connection was pretty solid, and I didn't experience those dreaded Wi-Fi dropouts that make you want to throw your laptop out the window. Okay, maybe I was closer to that feeling but managed to stay in control.
Cleanliness and Safety: Let's be real; in a post-pandemic world, this is crucial. The Anti-viral cleaning products gave me some peace of mind. The rooms were, by and large, clean. But a quick tip: if you're a germaphobe (like, say, me), maybe bring your own sanitizing wipes. Just to really be sure, you know?
And with a sigh of relief, I can say the Rooms sanitized between stays . Daily disinfection in common areas also worked well. I didn't personally witness, but I appreciate the effort. The staff are Trained in safety protocol, and the First aid kit was ready.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Now, for the fun part! The Breakfast [buffet] was included! Now, before you get too excited, it was a standard continental affair. Think: Breakfast [buffet] (cold cereal you knew all your childhood, toast, and some sad-looking muffins). However, it was perfectly acceptable for a quick fuel-up before hitting the cobblestone streets of Quebec City. They had some pretty decent coffee. Coffee/tea in restaurant was the star of the show.
The A la carte in restaurant existed, but I didn't delve into that. I was on a mission to explore the city's culinary delights. There was a Snack bar as well, ideal if you need a swift bite. The Poolside bar, that was closed; however, that's not a huge deal for us personally.
Things to do, ways to relax: Okay, this is where things got interesting. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was a welcome relief on a hot Quebec summer day! I was a bit skeptical, as I always am, assuming it would be cramped or that nobody would be using it. But it it was large and not overcrowded! There's also a Swimming pool (indoor, I think). And the Fitness center was…well, it existed. It was small, but you can squeeze in something if you want.
The Spa/sauna, well, don't get too excited about that. More like a "spa-ish" area. Not quite a full-blown spa, but the possibility was exciting.
Services and Conveniences: The Air conditioning in public area kept things tolerable. The Daily housekeeping was great. Fresh towels? Yes, please! The Concierge was helpful, though slightly limited. I did enjoy the quick Check-in/out [express]. I also appreciated the Car park [free of charge]. HUGE bonus. Free parking in a city is a small miracle. The Ironing service… well, it was available, but I didn't test it. I, of course, messed up my shirt a bit here and there.
For the kids: They really did a fantastic job, Family/child friendly. The Babysitting service was good! The Kids meal option was super, so that's a massive plus.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning was definitely a lifesaver. The Free bottled water was a nice touch, even though I am one of those people who brings their own. There are also the usual suspects: a Coffee/tea maker… and a Refrigerator.
Now for some honest grumbles and quirks:
- The Room: Okay, the room itself was… functional. The Bed was comfortable, sure. The Blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in, but the decor was… well, let's just say it wasn't winning any design awards. Think: beige, and more beige. The Window that opens, it was a blessing and really helped with fresh air. My room also has an Additional toilet, which was a blessing.
- The Vibe: The Econo Lodge has a low-key, no-frills atmosphere. It's not the place for a romantic getaway, but perfect for a budget family trip as, after all, you're here to see Quebec City itself.
- The Location: It was a bit of a drive to Old Quebec. Not terrible, but not right in the heart of the action. Make sure you factor that into your plans.
Overall:
Look, the Econo Lodge Saint-Apollinaire isn't going to blow your mind. It's not luxurious. It's not trying to be. But for the price, it delivers. It's clean, safe, accessible (within the limits), and has the essential amenities. If you're looking for a place to rest your head after a long day of exploring Quebec City, and if you're prioritizing budget over all else? Then, by all means, book it. It's a perfectly acceptable starting point for exploring the wonders of Quebec.
Would I stay there again? Absolutely! If the price is right, I'd go back in a heartbeat. It’s a solid choice, and sometimes reliable and functional is all you need. Plus, it certainly leaves more money in your pocket for poutine! (Trust me, you need to eat poutine.) So, there you have it: my brutally honest review of the Econo Lodge Saint-Apollinaire. Go, explore, and enjoy the magic of Quebec City!
Escape to Wisconsin Charm: Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Little Chute Awaits!Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, slightly-stained world of my Econo Lodge adventure in Saint-Apollinaire, Quebec! Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and the questionable charm of a roadside motel. Here's the itinerary, or at least, an attempt at an itinerary, peppered with my inner monologue:
Day 1: Arrival and the Initial Shock (and Smell)
- 14:00 - Arrival at Econo Lodge Inn & Suites. Okay, let's be honest. "Inn & Suites" is a massive overstatement. More like "Inn, and… well, a room with a bed." The exterior looked promising enough, all pastel colors and… well, pastel. But the second you walk in, the first thing that hits you is that smell. A potent cocktail of stale air freshener, chlorine, and a faint, lingering whiff of regret. My initial reaction? A mix of, "Well, here we are," followed by a silent prayer my allergy medication was nearby.
- 14:30 - Check-in and Room Exploration. Check-in was painless. The woman at the front desk (bless her heart, she looked like she'd seen things) barely gave me a glance. "Suite?" she asked, barely looking up from her crossword. "Yeah, right." I thought as I smiled. The suite?! Ohh, I see it now. "The Suite™" is "room with two beds" I thought with a chuckle. After finding the room I found a spot on the bed and began unpacking, trying to avoid judging my surroundings. The room, oh the room. A beige wonderland. Two double beds, a TV that looked like it pre-dated the internet, and a bathroom that promised a shower with a water pressure that’d probably make you miss the drought. Okay, the view out the window was a vast expanse of parking lot, but hey, at least I didn't have to listen to a freeway!
- 15:30 - Snack Time (Desperate Measures). I desperately needed some fuel. The gas station across the street beckoned with the siren song of chips and energy drinks. It's the only thing keeping me going. After my adventure to the gas station I got back and collapsed on the bed, letting it all sink in. It was a far cry from the photos, but it was also…kind of charming in a "this is gonna be an experience" kind of way.
- 16:30 - Exploring the Immediate Surroundings (and Avoiding Eye Contact). Time for a stroll, I thought, to stretch my legs. Turns out, the immediate surroundings were mostly other hotels and fast-food joints. I decided to explore more. I headed out, feeling slightly conspicuous, and got a sense of it all. It was a bit bleak, to be honest. I tried to avoid eye contact and ended up at a Tim Hortons. Coffee was bitter, but the donut was… edible. Small victories.
- 18:00 - Dinner (Quest for Decent Food). Faced with a choice between a burger and… well, another burger from the motel's brochure I went with the burgers. It was… what you'd expect. Greasy, not particularly memorable, but it filled the void in my stomach.
- 19:30 - TV and Existential Dread. Back at the room. The TV. Oh, the TV. A limited selection of channels. The only real option was to start channel hopping. I ended up watching a re-run of a sitcom. Existential dread began to creep in. It was a solid 5/10.
- 21:00 - Bedtime and the Battle for Sleep. The bed, thankfully, was… a bed. Not the worst I've ever slept in. I closed my eyes, and I listened to the hum of the air conditioner and the distant sounds of traffic. Sleep came. Slowly, maybe.
Day 2: Unplanned Adventures and Emotional Rollercoaster
- 07:00 - Wake Up and the Questionable Breakfast. Breakfast, they said, was "continental." Which, in Econo Lodge terms, I discovered meant pre-packaged pastries, questionable coffee, and a lingering aroma of burnt toast. I had one of the pastries. The taste was… not good, but I was hungry. I managed a mug of coffee. Barely.
- 08:00 - The Great Escape (and the Search for Entertainment). Today, I decided, I needed to escape the drab surroundings. I packed up my bag and drove and drove.
- 10:00 - The Unexpected Detour – Something… Interesting at a local museum. I found myself in a local museum. This was the place I needed to be. I began exploring. I started feeling something, a spark of something new in me. After an hour, I began feeling this profound sense of peace.
- 12:00 - Lunch in a Tiny Restaurant. This little restaurant came to be my favorite. The food was… outstanding. I felt a joy of food that I have not felt in years.
- 14:00 - Back to the Room. Another Existential Dread. The joy in the small moments came to an end. The room seemed smaller, the scent stronger.
- 19:00 - Dinner (Attempt Two). Another burger joint. It was slightly better this time, maybe because I was starving. I chatted with the waiter. He seemed as trapped as I did.
Day 3: The Verdict and Departure
- 07:00 - Final Breakfast and Appraisal. Same breakfast, slightly less enthusiasm. I reviewed from the hotel. The place was not great. But it wasn't terrible. It got me through. I was ready to go.
- 09:00 - Check-out and Farewell. Check out was quick. No one asked about my stay. I didn't mind.
- 09:30 - The Road Begins. I hit the road. I headed home. I might need therapy to process the experience.
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