Luxury Getaway: Auberge Motel LA REFERENCE Redefines Trois-Rivières!
Luxury Getaway: Auberge Motel LA REFERENCE Redefines Trois-Rivières! - or Does It? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, alright, settle in, folks. This isn't your sanitized travel brochure. This is real – my brain on Auberge Motel LA REFERENCE in Trois-Rivières. Prepare for a rollercoaster. Buckle up. Because, honestly? This place…it’s complicated.
SEO Stuff (Gotta Get That Search Juice Flowing): Auberge Motel LA REFERENCE, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Luxury Motel, Hotel Review, Spa, Pool, Accessible Hotel, Restaurant, Breakfast, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, COVID-19 Safety, Family Friendly, Business Facilities.
Metadata (Gotta Cover My Bases): Hotel, Motel, Spa, Wellness, Accessibility, Dining, Business Travel, Family Travel, Romantic Getaway, Trois-Rivières.
Right, so, I'm here. Let's unpack this slightly-too-chic-for-its-own-good motel that dares to call itself a “REFERENCE.”
First Impressions - The Lobby… and the Elevator (Or Lack Thereof)
The exterior? Sleek, modern… kinda reminding me of a fancy gas station, if I'm honest. My first impression? "Wow, that's a lot of glass." But, the lobby is, you know, nice. Clean lines, tasteful art (or what I think is tasteful, anyway – I’m no art critic). The staff, from the get-go, are all impeccably polite. Like, too polite. You know that feeling? Like they've been trained to smile and nod at every single thing you say, even if you start rambling about… well, things.
Accessibility - The Tightrope Walk
Here’s where things get…interesting. The website claims accessibility. And, technically? They're right. Technically. They have elevators. They have rooms that should be wheelchair accessible. But accessing said elevators feels like a treasure hunt. Signage could be clearer. Once inside the elevator… well, let's just say if you're claustrophobic, pack your Xanax. (On a complete aside, I had a flash of inspiration & now need to go make travel-sized Xanax a thing. People will flock to it.) The hallways? A bit tight. The ADA guidelines?… Well, they tried. But the devil's in the details, and here, the details are… a tad lacking.
The Room - Luxury (Mostly) Intact, but…
Okay, the room itself? Pretty slick. I'm talking modern vibes. The "extra long bed," as they call it, was indeed extra long, which is a huge win for this tall gal. The air conditioning blasted, which was a godsend after the trek from the parking lot (which, blessedly, is free. Big points for that). Blackout curtains? Excellent. The "free Wi-Fi" – yes, it's in all rooms, as advertised. And it mostly works. Except when you really need it. (I’m looking at you, late-night streaming of cat videos.)
That said, there were a few…minor…glitches. The coffee maker took about an hour to drip a cup. The “complimentary tea” selection was… let’s just say, minimalist. And the "mirror" situation? I swear, it made me look like I'd aged twenty years. Blame the lighting, probably.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Feast for the Eyes, Maybe Not the Stomach?
The restaurant situation is… complex. They have several options. "A la carte in restaurant" - check. "Asian cuisine" - check. "Western cuisine" - check. "Vegetarian restaurant" - hold on a sec. The "vegetarian restaurant," in my experience, seemed to be the same as the "international cuisine" restaurant, which mainly meant a lot of grilled vegetables and a distinct lack of imagination. The breakfast buffet? "Buffet in restaurant," they call it. Well, it was a buffet. A slightly underwhelming buffet. The Asian breakfast was… well, there were options, but I thought the "Western breakfast" seemed to "hit the spot" better. The coffee shop was actually decent, though. Especially the… oh god, I can't remember what those caramel pastries were called. But they were damn good.
The poolside bar? Excellent. The pool with a view? Spectacular. (More on that later.) But… the prices? Ouch. I'm all for a little luxury, but I felt a little bit of a pinch on my wallet. Also, the "happy hour" lasted about two hours, but somehow, my "happy" feeling didn't last past the first round of drinks.
Ways to Relax - The Real Selling Point (Maybe)
Here's where Auberge LA REFERENCE gets its groove back. The pool with a view is breathtaking. Seriously. Clear water, a stunning vista of, I think, the St. Lawrence River (I may be wrong; I'm not a geographer, I was too enjoying my drink) and… absolute bliss. I could have stayed there all day.
And the spa! Oh, the spa. I booked a massage. Did it change my life? Probably not. But it was damn relaxing. The sauna was hot, in a good way. The steamroom? Also wonderfully hot. And the fitness center? I didn't go, because, well, vacation. But it looked… well-equipped.
Cleanliness and Safety - The COVID-19 Dance
They tried. Really tried. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff masked up. Social distancing markers. "Daily disinfection in common areas." "Rooms sanitized between stays." They had all the buzzwords down, and they were actually attempting to put them into practice. I felt… safe. Still, that sanitizing equipment at the front desk gave me real "science lab" vibes.
The Little Things (And the Not-So-Little Things)
- Internet Access: The internet? Fine, mostly. But if you plan on doing any serious work, bring a backup plan.
- Services and Conveniences: They have everything you could ever want, from "cash withdrawal" to "dry cleaning." Except, like, a decent pen in your room. That's a small thing, but I need to sign my bill with my own pen, or I feel as if the world is ending (and I am not kidding).
- For the Kids: They claim to be "family friendly." I saw a couple of kids. They seemed… happy. I didn't see a lot of kids' facilities.
- Getting Around: Free parking! Yay! Taxi service? Available. Airport transfer? Listed. I didn't need any of this, but it's nice to know.
The Verdict? (Finally!)
Auberge Motel LA REFERENCE? It’s a mixed bag. It wants to be a luxury getaway. And it mostly succeeds. The rooms are stylish, the pool is incredible, and the spa is a gem. But the accessibility issues, the slightly underwhelming dining, and the occasional… let's say "quirky"… details keep it from being a true, unadulterated "luxury" experience.
Would I go back? Hmm…probably. But I’d pack my own coffee, a good pen. And a healthy dose of patience. And maybe a little Xanax, just in case I get stuck in the elevator again.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (and maybe a half-star extra for that pool.)
Berlin's Hottest Hotel: Ku'damm Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned brochure itinerary. This is the real deal, the raw, the hopefully-not-too-embarrassing account of my trip to that little gem of a motel in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec – Auberge Motel LA REFERENCE. Let's see how this goes, shall we?
Auberge Motel LA REFERENCE: A Love Story (Maybe?) – My Messy Quebec Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Pizza Questions
1:00 PM: Arrive in Trois-Rivieres. God, the drive was beautiful… until it wasn’t. I swear, every single construction zone in Quebec decided to team up and haunt my GPS. Seriously, I started questioning my life choices, the meaning of the universe, and whether or not I should have stopped for that extra coffee back in Montreal. (Spoiler alert: I should have).
1:30 PM: FINALLY, at the Auberge Motel LA REFERENCE. Okay, first impressions: it's charming. Like, in a "grandma's house meets roadside diner" kind of way. The check-in lady was a sweetheart. All smiles and French-Canadian hospitality, which, let's be honest, melts the grumpiest traveler. She gave me the key and said, "Enjoy your stay, sweetie!" Okay I probably took it too seriously and now I'm trying to get comfy in the room.
2:00 PM: Room inspection. It's… clean! And that's half the battle. Tiny TV, probably older than me, and a bed that actually looks inviting. Score. There's a little fridge too, which is important because…
2:30 PM: Lunch. The struggle is real. Okay really wanting pizza but wondering if I have the guts to order it in French. I mean, “Je voudrais une pizza…” Sounds easy enough, but what if I mess it up? What if the waiter rolls his eyes, then what if I accidentally order the wrong thing? Now I am looking at google translate and practicing my French.
- (Rambling aside: I really need to brush up on my French. I took it in high school, like, a thousand years ago. It's basically a smattering of "Bonjour," "Au revoir," and desperate, hopeful pleas for directions. I'm clearly doomed, aren't I?)
3:30 PM: Okay, pizza situation resolved! Made it to a local pizza place. I think I managed to order a pizza. No rolling eyes, but the waiter did seem slightly amused. But hey, the pizza was AMAZING.
4:30 PM: A little bit of a nap. Because, let's be honest, travel is exhausting. Woke up feeling a bit guilty, like I should be out experiencing things. But that bed…so comfy.
6:00 PM: Dusk is falling. Wandering around the city. Beautiful river, cute shops. It is so peaceful; my anxieties are melting. All that anxiety before, and I'm just happy to be.
Day 2: Culture Shock (and Maple Syrup Pancakes)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The motel has nothing fancy, like the most basic coffee machine you can imagine but it is all I needed for the day.
- 9:00 AM: Okay, I do some of the tourist things. Visited the Musée québécois de culture populaire. Pretty interesting stuff. The history of Quebec is fascinating. I made the mistake of going to that museum right before I was actually hungry. Very overwhelming, but I was glad I stuck through it.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch and more French. I actually said the words! No major snafus this time. Starting to feel a bit more confident, maybe? I still don't know what I'm saying half the time, but I am starting to actually enjoy it.
- 2:00 PM: Honestly? More walking. The city is so pretty! I stop and get a coffee and just enjoy the sun.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the motel. Time to journal, or re-read my book. The quiet is nice.
- 7:00 PM: dinner. Maybe a little too much of that local brew again.
Day 3: Farewell and the Promise of Return (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the motel; the same.
- 9:00 AM: Check-out. Said goodbye to the friendly check-in lady.
- 9:30 AM: One last stroll through this charming town. The river is so beautiful in the morning.
- 10:30 AM: Time to go. Started the drive back. I'm already missing this place.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at home. Tired, but content.
Final Thoughts:
Auberge Motel LA REFERENCE: Not fancy, not glamorous, but it had soul. It was clean, comfortable, and the staff was incredibly nice. I'd go back. Trois-Rivieres, you have a place in my heart. Even if I can barely speak the language. This trip wasn't perfect, but it was real. And sometimes, that's all that matters.
Chiang Mai's Buzzing Secret: Unbelievable Bee Forest Adventure!
Auberge Motel LA REFERENCE: The Real(ish) Deal in Trois-Rivières? (FAQ - Kinda)
Okay, first things first: Is this place actually *luxury*? Because "luxury" is a word that's been thrown around a lot. My expectations are... low.
Alright, let's address the elephant (or, perhaps, the slightly faded, but still quite elegant, hotel lobby sculpture) in the room. "Luxury." Look, I've stayed in places that called themselves luxury and were essentially glorified sheds. This... this Auberge? It *tries*. The rooms are definitely bigger and fancier than your average roadside motel. Think plush (ish) bedding, maybe a jacuzzi (that I didn't actually try… more on that later). It's not the Four Seasons, people. But it's a step up. A somewhat wobbly, maybe even slightly creaky step up. But a step! And in Trois-Rivières, that *might* be luxurious.
The website looks pretty… polished. Does reality match the Instagram filters?
Oof. This is where my cynical traveler's heart starts to ache. The website *liiiiies*. (Just kidding… mostly!). Let's just say the reality has a few less pops of color, a slightly less dramatic angle, and, um, possibly some minor evidence of previous guests. I'm talking, like, a smear on a window that *could* be a smudge or, perhaps, the lingering memory of a particularly energetic bird. (Don't judge, I, um, may have leaned against the window looking out onto the parking lot for a *long* time.) But hey, it’s charmingly imperfect, right? Right?! Okay, some of it is just... *interesting*. The pictures definitely show a bigger picture than what I saw at times.
Let's talk about the rooms. Specifically, the "jacuzzi suite" I'm tentatively considering. Is the jacuzzi actually… usable? And, like, clean?
Alright, the jacuzzi. This is where the plot *thickens*. I didn't *use* the jacuzzi. I’m a germophobe, okay? I blame it on the pandemic. And I'm not going to lie and say I *didn't* contemplate the cleanliness, or the potential for… *other* people's experiences lingering in the jets. I saw the steam, I saw the reflection, I may have heard a faint… *gurgle*. And then I ran. Literally. Okay, not literally, but I grabbed the remote and switched on something on the television, which I thought was pretty solid.
The location? What's the vibe? Is it near anything interesting?
Location, location, location… Well, it's in Trois-Rivières. And Trois-Rivières, as a city, has its charms. It's probably not the *most* bustling metropolis you’ve ever encountered, but there are some lovely restaurants and (according to my research, and admittedly, from what people told me at the front desk) some quirky art galleries. The Auberge itself seemed pretty close to a decent selection of restaurants, which is always a win in my book. You won't feel completely marooned, which is nice. Bonus: There were no screaming children at 3 AM! (which is a huge win in my book)
Okay, so, overall: Should I book this place? Be honest.
Alright, the million-dollar question. Would *I* stay there again? Hmph. Probably. Look, if you’re expecting pure, unadulterated luxury, you'll be disappointed. If your expectation is simply a comfortable stay with the potential for a slightly dubious jacuzzi experience, then you *might* be pleasantly surprised. It's clean enough, it's in a convenient location, the staff seemed genuinely nice. It's… fine. Honestly. It's fine. And sometimes, fine is exactly what you need. Just… maybe skip the jacuzzi. For now.
Did you find anything *genuinely* good about the Auberge? Like, something that surprised you?
Okay, okay, *fine*. I'll admit something. The breakfast? Actually pretty decent. Not gourmet, mind you. But a solid continental spread. And the coffee? Surprisingly… drinkable! Which is a huge win. And I mean, the staff was genuinely friendly. They smiled, they were helpful… unlike me in the morning, clearly. But, honestly, the thing that surprised me the most? I found a Canadian Tire! I was so excited, I wanted to buy a snow shovel. I don't know why. But in the end, I just thought it was a good place to go and kill some time. That's enough to put me in the win column!
Quick & Dirty: The Verdict?
If you're looking for a decent, clean place for a short stay in Trois-Rivières then go for it. But don't go expecting to have the experience of a lifetime (unless your definition of 'lifetime' is a quick dip in a questionable jacuzzi). It's a solid, slightly quirky place to rest your head.
