Auberge Knowlton

This historic inn offers a charming and authentic experience, renowned for its historic building and a location that places guests at the heart of Knowlton. Its signature feature is its deep connection to the town's past, making it ideal for Louise Penny fans and sightseers seeking a unique, character-filled stay. Guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable accommodations, and the friendly service provided by the staff. For pet owners, the hotel's welcoming policy is a significant draw, while couples and solo travelers can enjoy a cozy retreat. To enhance your stay, be prepared for the charming but sometimes challenging stairs and take advantage of the inviting veranda for relaxation and people-watching.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the convenience of a shared coffee room equipped with a fridge, coffee maker, kettle, and microwave, providing easy access to beverages and snacks. A popular feature is the large, well-maintained veranda or balcony, offering a pleasant space for guests to sit, read, and observe the town's activity. For those traveling with electric vehicles, free Level 2 EV charging is available, and cyclists benefit from a locked area for bikes. However, a notable point for many guests is the absence of an elevator, meaning access to rooms and the reception area involves navigating steep stairs, which can be challenging, especially with luggage.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. Most find the beds comfortable and appreciate the high-quality linens, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Rooms often feature rustic furniture and some boast spacious bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. However, feedback on room comfort is mixed; some rooms are described as small or basic. A significant recurring concern is noise levels due to thin walls, squeaky floors, and sounds from the front door slamming or adjacent rooms. A few guests reported issues with noisy bathroom fans, uncomfortable mattresses, or AC units that were loud or ineffective. Critically, multiple severe complaints about bedbugs were noted in specific rooms, leading to highly negative experiences for some.

Dining & Food Quality
The on-site restaurant, known as the Bistro or Le Relais, receives frequent praise for its delicious food and excellent service. Guests have enjoyed a variety of dishes, including cassoulet, mussels, onion soup, and fish and chips, highlighting the quality of the cuisine. The restaurant's atmosphere is generally well-regarded, providing a convenient and pleasant dining option. However, most guests note that breakfast is not consistently offered on-site, requiring them to seek options elsewhere in town. When available, some found the breakfast expensive or disappointing, with comments on dry bread or unappetizing fries. A few reviews mentioned slow service or specific dishes lacking quality.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in Knowlton is a major draw, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants, and local attractions such as the bookstore and museum. Situated at a main crossroads, it serves as a convenient base for exploring the wider Eastern Townships. While the location offers excellent access to the village's charm, it also means that street noise from passing trucks and cars can be an issue, particularly for rooms facing the main road or when enjoying the veranda. Parking is available, though some guests have described it as tight or scarce.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, accommodating, and welcoming. Guests frequently highlight the attentive service provided by the housekeeping team and the general willingness of staff to assist with requests. The overall impression is one of a warm and supportive environment. However, some guests reported issues with staff availability at the reception desk, particularly after regular hours, or a perceived lack of responsiveness to serious concerns such as cancellation issues or room problems. A few individuals felt ignored or unwelcomed by certain staff members, contrasting with the overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is greatly appreciated by guests traveling with their animals. For environmentally conscious travelers, free Level 2 EV charging is a convenient amenity. The inn holds a special appeal for Louise Penny fans, as it served as an inspiration for her popular mystery novels, drawing many to experience the setting firsthand. Guests should be aware of the building's historic nature, which contributes to its charm but also means features like squeaky floors are part of the experience. The absence of an elevator necessitates navigating stairs to access rooms, a point frequently mentioned by guests. Some guests also noted specific challenges with hotel policies regarding late check-ins or cancellations, where flexibility was not always granted.