Manoir Hovey

The hotel offers an exquisite escape, celebrated for its idyllic lakeside setting and the recent addition of a world-class spa, which guests describe as a slice of heaven. This charming property seamlessly blends historic elegance with modern luxury, making it a perfect destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway, families looking for a serene retreat, friends on a relaxing trip, or solo travelers desiring tranquility. Guests consistently praise the hotel's exceptional service, beautiful decor, and outstanding culinary experiences. To enhance your stay, it is highly recommended to book dining reservations well in advance, especially for the fine dining restaurant, and to fully explore the impressive new spa facilities. Additionally, guests might consider bringing personal snacks as on-site options can be rich.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts an array of impressive facilities designed for relaxation and enjoyment. The recently renovated spa is a standout feature, consistently described as world-class and a haven of tranquility, offering a sauna, steam room, hot tub, and cold plunge for a comprehensive thermal circuit experience. Many guests indulge in the excellent massage rooms and various treatments available. The heated pool, including a delightful infinity pool and an outdoor pool accessible even in winter, provides a refreshing option, though some found the main pool area a bit dated. The cozy library, complete with a fireplace, offers a peaceful retreat. Guests can also enjoy a range of activities such as kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, and using the tennis court. The gym is compact but well-equipped with weights and treadmills. Beautifully maintained gardens and charming cottages, some featuring private hot tubs and hammams, add to the allure. The new lodge building offers a sophisticated lobby lounge with a wine dispensing machine.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests largely commend the hotel for its cleanliness, with rooms consistently described as spotless and well-maintained. The room condition is generally praised for being beautifully decorated, spacious, and updated with a high standard of decor, often featuring a residential feel. Many rooms offer generous closet and drawer storage. The bed comfort receives high marks, with guests reporting restful sleep on comfortable beds with high-quality linens. In-room amenities are extensive, including fireplaces (some real, some electric), spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers, stand-alone soaking tubs, and double vanities, complemented by luxurious towels, robes, and L’Occitane amenities. A Nespresso coffee maker and thoughtful touches like fresh flowers and turn-down service are appreciated. Most guests find the noise levels to be minimal, contributing to a tranquil atmosphere. However, some older rooms were noted as dated with minor issues like worn carpet or peeling wallpaper, and a few guests experienced noise from hallways or a nearby gym, or found the robes to be too small.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers an exceptional dining experience, with guests consistently praising the food quality and presentation. The fine dining restaurant, Le Hatley, is frequently highlighted as a world-class establishment, offering creative cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Guests describe meals as delicious, sublime, and an amazing culinary journey, with a vegetarian tasting menu also available. The Tap Room, a bistro-style restaurant, provides an excellent alternative with a charming atmosphere and delicious, though often rich, options like duck poutine and mushroom soup. Breakfast is generally lauded as delicious, generous, and creative, with the "Discovery plate" being a popular choice. Most guests commend the impeccable service in both dining venues, noting the professional and attentive staff, including helpful sommeliers. However, some guests found the breakfast menu to be too rich or wished for more traditional options, while a few experienced slow service or found the fine dining experience overly formal and pretentious. The wine list is extensive and impressive, catering to diverse preferences.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel is situated in a truly beautiful setting, offering a secluded and tranquil escape on the shores of Lake Massawippi. Its idyllic location is frequently praised for providing stunning views, especially during autumn, and a peaceful atmosphere conducive to relaxation. The property is nestled amidst lush forest trees, creating an enchanting environment. While feeling remote, the charming town of North Hatley is conveniently located just a short drive away, offering additional dining options and a general store for guest needs. The hotel's grounds are perfect for leisurely walks, and the lakeside position allows for various water sports. Parking is available, with guests appreciating the efficient valet service and thoughtful gestures like staff cleaning snow from vehicles. However, some guests noted that certain rooms require a walk, and a few experienced temporary parking inconveniences due to ongoing renovations. The overall consensus highlights the hotel's prime position for a serene getaway while still being accessible to local amenities.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel consistently receive glowing reviews, often cited as a highlight of the guest experience. Guests frequently praise the team for being exceptionally friendly, competent, and attentive, going above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. The warm welcome upon arrival and the quick check-in process are often noted. Staff members are described as professional, gracious, and genuinely happy, reflecting remarkable leadership. Many guests highlight the personalized touches, such as personalized welcome cards, homemade pastries, and turn-down service with chocolates. Specific services like the efficient valet service, which includes unpacking cars and even charging electric vehicles, are highly appreciated. The concierge is commended for providing excellent recommendations and directions. While the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of unpolished service or difficulties with problem resolution, but these appear to be exceptions to the generally high standard of hospitality.

Additional Information
The hotel has undergone significant renovations and additions, including a new wing and a state-of-the-art spa, which have greatly enhanced the guest experience. While these improvements are widely celebrated, some guests noted minor inconveniences like temporary parking adjustments or occasional construction visibility. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, though it's important to note that dogs are typically accommodated in specific suites rather than newer rooms. Guests on a Louise Penny literary pilgrimage will appreciate the subtle nods to the author throughout the property, including displayed books. The new lodge building features a unique wine dispensing machine in its lobby lounge. For those with mobility concerns, it's worth inquiring about room accessibility, as some cottage bathrooms were noted to have high tub sides without grab bars. Additionally, while the lake offers various water activities, guests should be aware that heavy rains can sometimes affect access to floating docks.