A newcomer to the hotel landscape of the Capitale-Nationale is carving out a good place for itself among travelers by offering a concept that has until now been quite rare in the region. The special feature: the 107 rooms at the Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel have kitchenettes where guests can prepare their meals.
Indeed, each room is equipped with a microwave, a fridge (with freezer), a dishwasher and the utensils necessary to prepare rudimentary dishes. An induction hotplate and frying pan can be borrowed from reception. Outdoor barbecues are also available to customers.
The formula is very popular, according to Maggie Labrecque, general manager of the establishment located very close to the Quebec airport. “Since our opening on June 27, we have had an occupancy rate of 90%. People appreciate being able to cook in their room, which reduces restaurant bills and helps maintain everyone’s eating habits. Plus, it’s possible to stay with your pet… And everything is included in the price: parking, internet and breakfast. »
This success is not just local. “At Hilton, it has been the fastest growing brand for three years. There are currently 608 Home2 Suites around the world, including 2 in Quebec: one in Dorval and the other in Quebec. But 3,000 other establishments are being designed for Asia… It is our most popular brand currently. »
Home2 Suites hotels have been designed for medium to long term stays. Some clients – disaster victims who must be relocated by their insurance company, for example – stay there for months. Others are business travelers who stay for a week or two, but there are also tourists who stop for just one night. “The average stay in all of the brand’s hotels is five nights,” explains Ms. Labrecque. But 50% of the clientele stays a night or two. »
Guests traveling for work can enjoy a sunny common room with USB outlets and computers connected to a printer. “It allows them to get out of their room a little to get some fresh air,” says Maggie Labrecque. A 24-hour gym, indoor swimming pool and laundry room complete the facilities.
Another feature of the rooms at the hotel located on Boulevard Wilfred-Hamel: each of them is equipped with a sofa bed. “Some rooms with two beds can accommodate up to six people. However, there are very few offers for families of six in Quebec. Especially for rooms with kitchenettes. It’s really an offer that stands out,” says Ms. Labrecque.
We stayed two nights at the Home2 Suites in Quebec City. Here’s what we thought about it.