By the Best Mountain Hotels editorial team ·
Hôtel Quintessence is Mont-Tremblant's most romantic hotel, a five-star boutique retreat of just 30 suites on the shore of Lac Tremblant, a two-minute walk from the village. Every suite has a wood-burning fireplace, a deep soaking tub and a balcony or terrace over the water, and the hotel holds a Michelin Key, recognising it as one of the most special places to stay in Canada. It is the perfect counterpoint to the big ski hotels on the mountain.
Hôtel Quintessence is Mont-Tremblant's most romantic hotel, a five-star boutique retreat of just 30 suites on the shore of Lac Tremblant, a two-minute walk from the village. Every suite has a wood-burning fireplace, a deep soaking tub and a balcony or terrace over the water, and the hotel holds a Michelin Key, recognising it as one of the most special places to stay in Canada. It is the perfect counterpoint to the big ski hotels on the mountain.
Location: Mont-Tremblant, Québec
Mont-Tremblant rises above the forests and lakes of the Laurentians, about 130 kilometres north-west of Montréal. It is the best-known ski resort in eastern North America, with around 100 runs spread across four sides of the mountain and more than 600 metres of vertical, and at its foot lies a car-free village of brightly painted, steep-roofed buildings, cobbled lanes, restaurants and bars. Montréal–Trudeau airport is around 90 minutes away by road, and Ottawa about two hours.
Quintessence stands on its own stretch of shoreline on Lac Tremblant, a long, glacial lake ringed by forest, just below the village. The slopes are within walking distance, and the hotel's valet service will take you and your skis to the foot of the lifts, so you get the peace of the lake without giving up easy access to the mountain.
Suites at Hôtel Quintessence
There are 30 suites, each of at least 700 square feet, designed in a calm, contemporary-classic style inspired by the finest Swiss mountain lodges. Each has a king-size bed, a wood-burning fireplace, a deep therapeutic bathtub, a separate shower and a balcony or terrace, most facing the lake. The two presidential suites have three fireplaces, including one in the bedroom.
The atmosphere is quiet and adult in feel, ideal for couples, honeymoons and anniversaries.
Facilities at Hôtel Quintessence
The restaurant, La Quintessence, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a dining room and wine bar looking out at the lake, with a menu built around Québec produce and a cellar of carefully chosen wines.
The Spa Sans Sabots has a sauna, a steam room, an outdoor hot tub by the lake and massage rooms, and it is a highlight in every season: after a day on the slopes, or a summer afternoon on the water. In summer, the hotel's lakefront comes into its own, with swimming, paddling and lake cruises, while in winter there is skiing, snowshoeing and skating nearby.
The mountain moment
The defining moment is a winter evening in your suite, the fire crackling, snow falling softly on the frozen lake outside, and the lights of the village glowing on the mountain above, before a slow dinner by the water.
In summer, it is an early morning paddle across the still, mirror-like lake, with mist rising off the water and the forested slopes of Mont-Tremblant reflected around you.
Why Hôtel Quintessence is one of the best mountain hotels
Hôtel Quintessence earns its place because it offers something rare in a big ski resort: intimacy, privacy and a beautiful lakeside setting, combined with Michelin-recognised service and a superb location a few minutes from the slopes. With only 30 suites, it feels like a private lodge.
For families and ski-in, ski-out convenience, choose Fairmont Tremblant at the top of the village. For an all-inclusive ski holiday with views over the St. Lawrence, see Club Med Québec Charlevoix.
When to go to Hôtel Quintessence
Winter, from December to March, brings skiing and cosy fireside evenings, while spring offers sunny ski days and sugar-shack season. Summer, from June to August, is perfect for the lake, with swimming, paddling and boat trips, and late September and early October are spectacular, when the forests around Lac Tremblant blaze with autumn colour. It is a superb choice for a romantic break in any season.
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Questions, answered
- How many suites does Hôtel Quintessence have?
- Hôtel Quintessence has 30 suites, each of at least 700 square feet, with a wood-burning fireplace, soaking tub and balcony or terrace.
- Is Hôtel Quintessence near the ski slopes?
- Yes. It is a two-minute walk from Tremblant village, and a valet service takes guests and their skis to the foot of the slopes.
- Does Hôtel Quintessence have a spa?
- Yes. The Spa Sans Sabots has a sauna, steam room, outdoor lakeside hot tub and massage rooms.
- Is Hôtel Quintessence good for couples?
- Very. Its 30 lakeside suites with fireplaces, its restaurant and wine bar and its quiet atmosphere make it one of the most romantic hotels in Québec.
