Manoir Hovey - the one and only Relais & Châteaux in the Eastern Townships

Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est congratulates the owners and their staff, who thanks to their innovative ideas and concern for quality, have earned this rare distinction. TCE notes that for the local tourism industry, having a Relais & Châteaux property in the region, opens a window to the competitive global market.

« By having a Relais & Châteaux property in the area we can attract an international clientelle, for whom Relais & Chateaux represents a certain level of excellence, refinement and good taste, » says Jocelyna Dubuc, President of Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est and CEO of Spa Eastman.

In order to be invited into the select « club » of Relais & Châteaux, Manoir Hovey had to satisfy the five « Cs » that define the association, namely:
- Courtesy : A warm welcome and attentive service.
- Charm : Appealing exterior and elegant interior design.
- Character : A unique architectural style - a castle, a manor house, a monastery.
- Calm : A peaceful atmosphere, guaranteeing tranquility and rest.
- Cuisine : Second to none. The Relais Gourmands (part of the R & C chain) have a reputation for gastronomy that is unparalleled  across the globe.  

The 39-room, five-star, Manoir Hovey lies on the shores of Lake Massawippi.  Constructed at the turn of the 20th century as a second residence, the architecture of the Manoir was inspired by George Washington’s mansion in Mont Vernon, Virginia. Since being converted to a hotel in the 1950s, Manoir Hovey has garnered dozens of accolades and awards.

The resort is the only one in Quebec that was included on the Gold List 2007 published by Condé Nast Traveler, the upscale American magazine. Manoir Hovey’s reputation is such that Executive Chef, Roland Ménard and his brigade have qualified to compete in the Chef en Or/Gold Medal Plate, a competition involving seven major cities across Canada. The competition continues in February 2008 in Toronto, with a fund-raising event for Olympic athletes.

An official ceremony to welcome Manoir Hovey into the Relais & Châteaux fold, will be held at the hotel at the end of January, with several representatives of Relais & Châteaux in attendance.

You may recall that the Eastern Townships once had a Relais & Châteaux property in the region – Auberge Hatley – which, sadly, was destroyed by fire, in March 2006. The return of the Relais & Châteaux name to the area is an important accomplishment for our tourism industry. Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est and its partners wish the Stafford family every success!