press kit
3400, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec {Québec} G1X 1S6
T : 418 653-5221 | 1 800 463-4390 F : 418 653-3098
[email protected]
www.chateaubonneentente.com
a château
at the heart
of history
At a time when St. Foy was only synonymous with wide open spaces, forests and arable
land, Colonel Charles Hugh LePailleur Jones already had plans for its development.
Château Bonne Entente takes us until this very day to the heart of history and remains
without any doubt a reason for discovery and feelings…
1876
Colonel Jones is born in Montréal. His parents are loyalist.
1914-1918
After a brief stay at McGill University in Applied Sciences, Jones bears arms for his country
with the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF). Elevated to the rank of Colonel at age 31,
he collects medals and honours and is named Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
1945
Associating with the English middle class elite, Colonel Jones purchases 2 farms as well as
neighbouring lands and starts building the Domaine de la Bonne Entente that spreads from
St. Foy road to Hamel Boulevard, passing by the Duplessis Autoroute and Pie XII Street.
1947
Upon completion of the buildings, Colonel Jones inaugurated the Domaine. The property
has a number of private lounges and dining rooms as well as a pool and a pond.
1948
Colonel Jones dies without having been able to enjoy his magnificent property.
Faced with the financial burden of this inheritance, his five children decide to put up for
sale Domaine de la Bonne Entente, in spite of the many doubts expressed by Mowbray
Jones, who was very close to his father and was very conscious of the importance of
maintaining traditions. Very soon, a religious order came up with an offer for the sum of
$200,000. This amount, huge at the time, was accepted by the Jones. There, the five
children encountered a formidable obstacle: the City of St. Foy had passed a by-law
forbidding religious orders to purchase or accept any estates, on the grounds that they
already possessed 75% of properties and did not pay any taxes to the City.
Being the only resident from Quebec City, and so the only one aware of this by-law,
Mowbray Jones dropped $160,000 in front of his startled siblings stating very simply:
“I’m the one who is buying you out.” The offer was accepted and Mowbray became the
unique owner of the Domaine and preserved the original decoration and furnishings.
1949
Domaine de la Bonne Entente turned into Château Bonne Entente. Resolute on making
a château
at the heart
of history
a hotel out of the property, Mowbray Jones promoted his chauffeur to the rank of manager.
Le Château Bonne Entente had 12 rooms, 1 dining room that could host 35 people, 1
meeting room that could accommodate 12 people, 1 ball room for 50 people, 1 private
lounge for 8, 2 offices, 1 salon foyer, 1 enclosed veranda for 100 people, and 1 green house.
In honour of Colonel Jones’ wife, the dining room would bear the Le Pailleur name.
Several years later, a new wing was added to the manor’s east side, as well as several motel
units at the rear. In spite of various additions, keeping the architectural style of the manor
was maintained.
1951
The hotel manager passes away in a traffic accident and is replaced by Marc Roberge.
Mowbray Jones starts Glencannon Corporation in order to accelerate the development
of Château Bonne Entente, which goes from 12 to 100 rooms in addition to encroaching
on the adjacent Colbert and Jean-Talon Parks, known today as the Parc Technologique
de Québec.
1960
The 60s were marked by the building of a hall that could accommodate fifteen, 4 halls
for 12 to 15 people, and the addition of 20 guest rooms.
1969
The Château improves the quality of its amenities: he will start to include a dining room
and restaurant bar. From sumptuous receptions to banquets, it rapidly becomes
synonymous with elegance and style.
1973
Anthony Fleming became the third Château Bonne Entente manager. Towards the end
of the seventies, business guests and tourists have 102 rooms at their disposal.
1978
Michel Bélanger becomes the Château’s fourth general manager and undertakes
major accommodation and renovation projects.
1982-1986
Concerned with the Château Bonne Entente brand image and positioning, it is to Michel
Belanger that we owe the duck theme logo, the Château’s famous effigy. By 1987, the
Château is known as “ the other Château ” a passing allusion to Château Frontenac, a
reference still acknowledged to this day.
a château
at the heart
of history
1986-1987
Château Bonne Entente is purchased by Hervé Pomerleau who renovates and expands
its capacity to 165 rooms and 25 meeting rooms. Catering essentially to a corporate
clientele, the Groupe Pomerleau appoints Jean Langlois, to be later followed by Antonio
Soares, to the title of general manager.
1994
Son of a well known Lower St. Lawrence hotelkeeper, and working for Château Bonne
Entente since 1991, Alain April is appointed general manager.
Towards the end of the nineties, thirty-two rooms are added. The reception hall too is
renovated, offering a more personalized service. Amerispa, the new health centre, is
expanded to offering a range of beauty and health treatments that are absolutely divine.
2000-2004
Working closely with Goupe Canam Manac and Groupe Pomerleau, Alain April invests
$10M to develop, enlarge and renovate the hotel complex, raising Château Bonne
Entente to the ranks of best resorts and hotels on an international scale.
2005
An additional $6M invested for a larger reception hall and lobby area, a redesign of the
lake to occupy two levels and feature a superb waterfall. The advent of URBANIA, a 28
suite concept, completes a picture at the forefront of trends and a pledge to excellence.
2008
An additional $2.4M was invested to renovate a whole section that will later become
"ESPACE TERZO". This area, made up of 37 rooms with techonological and environmental
accents, is meant to be trendy!
To this day, Château Bonne Entente manages to ally its historic cordiality to the refinement
brought about by the latest trends. Through its many transformations, it has managed
to renew itself while retaining its sense of history. Without any doubt, it will still inspire a
wide range of feelings and emotions…
Alain April, a
general manager
ager full of
passion who has
his own vision
Born at Auberge sur Mer, in Notre-Dame-du-Portage on November 28, 1964, there is no
doubt that Alain April was destined to a career in the hotel industry. All along the path
of his ascent, he has been able to colour his business career with determined passion and
endless energy. He is the portrait of an inspired visionary with a brilliant career…
1985
After having acquired his experience over a number of years working next to his father,
the owner of Auberge sur Mer, and armed with his years at Institut de Tourisme et
d’Hôtellerie du Québec, Alain April will communicate his passion through teaching food
services at the Rivière-du-Loup secondary school.
1991
At only 26, Alain April was hired by Château Bonne Entente as Assistant General Manager.
He then proceeded to make his own personal mark.
1992
Alain April becomes General Manager of the Hotel Georgesville, in the Beauce region.
1994
Alain April adds to his functions that of Château Bonne Entente general manager.
1996
In charge of managing business affairs worth $20M, Alain April supervises successfully
the hotel division of the Pomerleau Group, owner of the Château Bonne Entente and
Hotel Georgesville, as well as three Delta hotels (Trois-Rivières, Sherbrooke, Valleyfield).
1998
Alain April is named Hotel Manager of the Year & Personality of the Year by La Presse.
“One should never allow the size of a task
to discourage you – the secret is to surround
yourself with competent people.”
1999
Alain April is appointed Chairman of the Quebec Hoteliers’ Association.
2000
Alain April is appointed ambassador to the Association Étudiante en Gestion du Tourisme
et de l’Hôtellerie de Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), a honorific title in
recognition of his distinguished career and unique management style, which have brought
new blood and energy to the Quebec hotel industry. In the eyes of Bernard Landry, then
prime minister, Alain April is among the 50 Quebec region economic leaders.
Alain April, a
general manager
ager full of
passion who has
his own vision
2001
Alain April becomes president of the tourism watch of Tourisme Québec.
2002
Alain April is named Chairman of the Chaudières-Appalaches’ Association. Having
remarkably made his mark in the industry he is awarded also the title of Chevalier by
Association des Hôteliers du Québec.
2003
The Cabinet appoints Alain April to the Institut de Tourisme et d’Hôtellerie du Québec
Board of Directors. He is also called to chair the Quebec City Convention Centre Board
of Directors, the Association des Hôteliers du Québec, the Forum Permanent de l’Industrie
Touristique, Opération Enfant Soleil, Comité de Suivi de la Loi 76 de la Région de Québec
and Office du Tourisme et des Congrès de Québec (OTCQ).
2006
Alain April sits on the Board of Directors of Quebec City’s Convention Centre and
the Institut de Tourisme et d’Hôtellerie du Québec.
2007-2008
From November 2007 to May 2008, Alain April sat on the organizing committee of
the World Hockey Championship as an accommodation and food services manager.
2008
He becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors of Quebec City’s Convention Centre.
Over the past few years, over $16M will have been invested towards the renovation. The
talent, passion, and vision of Alain April contributes a little more each day to heighten
the standards of the hotel industry in order to create a unique environment in Quebec.
a château
that rises above
the rest
Years go by and, just as they do, Château Bonne Entente evolves to reach the ranks of
the most prestigious establishments on the world stage. As witnessed by a clientele in
awe at its contemporary comfort, practical chic, and on the lookout for the latest trends.
Following the tracks of a very commendable course…
Connoisseur's Choice
The connoisseurs have said it in 2002, 2003, and in 2004: Château Bonne Entente stands
out in a remarkable fashion. That is why the prestigious Resorts & Great Hotels guide has
designated it Connoisseur's Choice of the year, raising it to the same level as the best
hotels and resort establishments in the world.
Room of the year, 4 diamonds and many stars…
In 2003, the Château Bonne Entente was accredited “Room of the Year” by the reputed
magazine North American Inns. Also that same year, the hotel announced the award of
their fourth diamond assigned by the CAA /AAA and five-star rating by the Corporation
de l’industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ). In addition, the Monte Cristo received two
accolades, the CAA /AAA Four-Diamond and the Three-Star Debeur Award (meaning
excellent), the dinning-out guide in the Province of Québec.
The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW)
In 2005, the Château really acquired its letters of nobility: he became the first establishment
in the region to be awarded the tribute of Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), the most
prestigious hotel banner in the world. In order to achieve this degree of recognition,
members are secretly evaluated on 1,500 criteria of excellence. In 2005, while 100 hotels
have been evaluated, only ten establishments were able to meet eligibility requirements.
The calm before La Tempête…
In 2005, Château Bonne Entente became a shareholder and exclusive partner of La
Tempête, the first international calibre golf course. This will now allow guests a chance
to face the challenges that La Tempête offers after having had a taste of peace and quiet
and in doing so, enjoy a unique live experience.
The Wine List… also on the Wine Spectator List
In 2005, the Monte Cristo wine list was added to the prestigious Wine Spectator list. An
eminent point of reference, the Wine Spectator list is consulted by over two million
connoisseurs. The Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence has accordingly acknowledged
the remarkable wine list presented as varietals, where Europe, Australia and the Americas’
best vintage wines rub shoulders together. Also awarded the regional Carte d’Or Award
organized by Collège des Ambassadeurs du Vin, the Monte Cristo has once again taken
that extra step in order to present one of Quebec’s finest wine lists.
the chief
of chefs
Le Château Bonne Entente, with his four restaurents, will certainly find a way to stimulate
your senses… Breathe in, watch, touch and above all, let yourself be taken in by the
creative delights of an experienced chef…
Marie-Chantal Lepage… beyond gastronomy
From Serge Bruyère to Manoir Montmorency and Melrose, Marie-Chantal’s track record
can make you blush with envy! Spirit, talent but mainly an immeasurable dose of passion
adorns this experienced chef’s culinary accomplishments whose curiosity is nourished by
escapades to Japan, Lebanon and even Mexico.
She was nominated National Chef of the Year by the Société des Chefs Cuisiniers et
Pâtissiers du Québec in 2000, awarded the title of “femme de réussite”, most successful
woman, by Desjardins Group in 2003, and “femme de carrière”, most successful career
woman, by Journal Économique, in 2004. Her suave and highly nuanced style is sure to
delight the most discriminating palates.
In 2006, Marie-Chantal shares her great passion for food by publishing her first cookbook.
In 2007, she accepts the chairmanship of the Fondation Serge-Bruyère whose aim is
to promote and celebrate Serge Bruyère’s cooking philosophy, which focuses on quality
and simplicity. The activities of the foundation help fund projects that contribute money
and other resources in relation to the funding and appeal of gastronomy abroad.
In 2008, Marie-Chantal took part in several events abroad to promote the festivities
surrounding Quebec City’s 400th anniversary.
A Kitchen Rich in Chefs
Marie-Chantal Lepage is assited by the crème de la crème of Québec's chefs have come
together at Le Château Bonne Entente to tantalize your senses…
a château
that makes your
mouth water
Monte Cristo L’original
The Monte Cristo L'original, a distinctive cuisine offering a cornucopia of flavors and
tastes, will surprises and enchants the most discerning gourmets. The wine cellar's unique
private imports, classic grands crus, and amazing finds are sure to pique the interest of
neophytes and connoisseurs alike.
MC Lounge
Starting at 6pm, the MC Lounge, an accessible cuisine with a New York touch, will begin
your evening in a urban and cozy atmosphere. One of the most explosive menu awaits
you: grilling and classics reinvented become divine creations by Marie-Chantal Lepage.
Monte Cristo signé golf
The Monte Cristo signé golf has a lot in common with the Monte Cristo L’original: beautiful
woodwork, leather furniture, five star service that go beyond lavishness and sophistication.
However, it does offer in addition, a breathtaking panorama on La Tempête golf course.
And don’t complain if you are not yet a golf fan because a meal served right on the
impressive terrace may just give you the sting! Take a swing, the Monte Cristo signé golf
will certainly fascinate you!
Napa Grill: morning, noon, the whole world…
Imagine an enchanting place where the sun shines all day long… Let yourself be carried
away by the sweet aromas coming from the roaster or the grill surrounded by busy chefs,
sensuous music, colourful cocktails, sumptuous swimming pool, river shaped spa, and
the smouldering ambiance inviting you to sumptuous torpid moments.
The Napa Grill suggests a vibrant menu of grill and seafood plates. From lunch to supper,
including the 5 to 7, Napa Grill embraces exoticism to tickle the fancy of lovers of a sun
drenched cuisine.
Live the “togethering” experience between friends, in couples, or with business colleagues
at the heart of a terrace that can hold over 100 guests. At the Napa Grill, you can even
prolong the sweetness of summer thanks to the heating lamps that have been installed.
The Napa Grill… A burst of delight, rapture and pleasure!
chic redefined
Forever on the lookout for the latest emerging trends, the Château has created
URBANIA, a concept that brings the fusion of top notch service and cool urbanism.
Backed by a $4M investment, URBANIA includes 28 suites of the most sophisticated
chic, a synonym for urbanism that is enjoyed and endorsed. URBANIA brings together
an atmosphere of refinement to a glowing feeling of familiarity and intimacy, all the while
hinting towards a soft harmony where the traditional soul will blend with present trends.
A successful match of absolute comfort and refined abundance coming from perfection
in detail and unequalled service that is part of Château Bonne Entente’s established
reputation.
At each one of your stays at URBANIA, an aura of cordial warmth will allow you to be
overcome by a light heartedness together with true art de vivre of unmistakable
sophistication.
The comfort of these new ±700 square foot suites will amaze you: silken Italian
Mascioni linen, plasma TV, Toto toilets, DVD player, Urban-Maax area bathroom or
Temazkal Ultra Bath area, and furniture by Signature Tanguay.
At the heart of URBANIA, you will have the opportunity to relax at the “Living Rouge”,
a lounge destined for pageantry where guests can be amazed by the “culinary genius”
of famous chef Marie-Chantal Lepage.
Living Rouge
At the heart of URBANIA, the Living Rouge, exclusive to this executive area, is an urban
oasis of luxury and relaxation. This private "lounge" offers the culinary genius of
Marie-Chantal Lepage and her team. In the morning, a copious continental breakfast is
available, and from 5 to 7, cocktails, canapés, and drinks await. To top things off,
champagne and sweets are served in evening.
URBANIA… excellence at its peak in the art of hospitality.
Amerispa
another kind
of peace
Established in 1994, and a true pioneer in the health and beauty care industry, Amerispa
manages eight spas in Quebec, all situated in the direct vicinity of renowned resort
centres and prestigious hotel resorts. Amerispa is positioned as Canadian leader in the
luxury spa industry, upholding its reputation by the quality of its care and services.
Amerispa Château Bonne Entente welcomes its guests in an area covering over
5,800 square feet and 22 massage rooms.
Each Amerispa care program is unique and delivered so as to maximise that extraordinary
feeling of well-being that can be obtained from a massage, an exfoliation, body wrap or
beauty treatment. Beyond the feeling of muscular relaxation, decongestive and
remineralization effects, each treatment turns into an invitation to fully live the present
moment.
At Amerispa, balance and well-being are the main concerns. Let yourself be wrapped into
our signature care programs and enjoy treatments such as:
J Basalt Quatuor (four hands):
Basalt stones are volcanic stones that come from streams lining volcanic areas
in California. In Amerispa centres, a combination of hot and cold stones is used
to maximise the benefits of this treatment: increasing blood flow to allow for a
better draining of waste from the body, deep relaxation, stress relief.
J Maple Leaf Exfoliation:
This is an Amerispa exclusive treatment. Ultra charged with vitamins, it acts
rapidly to clear and homogenize the skin texture. The skin finds once again all
of its smoothness and elasticity.
J Violet Clay Body Wrap:
This body wrap offers a heightened level of hydration added to the benefits
obtained from chromo therapy (colour therapy). Violet is considered to be the
most energetic component of the spectrum and increases blood flow, which
promotes a better nourishment of the epidermis.
Amerispa, an oasis of peace for another kind of relaxation experience…
Golf
L a Te m p ê t e
La Tempête is the first 18 hole golf course of international calibre in Quebec City.
Indeed, with a length of 7,000 yards, 70 sand traps, and covered with bentgrass greens,
a higher quality turf grass, La Tempête is one of the most prestigious golf courses in the
Quebec City metropolitan area.
Château Bonne Entente, among the shareholding members, has secured exclusive
rights to this course for its guests. So, it is only by staying at Château Bonne Entente
that visitors to the greater Quebec City area can secure reservations and live the unique
golfing experience La Tempête has to offer.
Clubhouse
The La Tempête golfers clubhouse stands out with its distinctive modern look.
Covering a total area of 17,000 sq. ft., it is entirely covered in stone. On the inside is a
beautiful dining room: the Monte Cristo signé golf. This name may sound familiar to
your ears and it is because Château Bonne Entente’s Monte Cristo L’original has
obtained the license to operate this prestigious Golf Club’s restaurant facilities. The
Monte Cristo signé golf unsurprisingly reminds you of the Monte Cristo L’original magnificent wood paneling, leather furniture, five-star service, a touch of sophistication…
However, Monte Cristo signé golf has something to call its own: an exceptional vista
on the La Tempête golf course and a 500 yard lake!
The golfers clubhouse also features a multimedia room, changing rooms, and a small
pro shop where all the industry’s great brand names can be found.
Wait no more… come challenge La Tempête!
to be or
not to be
Château Bonne Entente cannot pretend to be the best located hotel in Quebec City…
It cannot pretend either, to be the most expensive hotel in Quebec City…
It certainly can pretend to be:
J The only five star hotel in Quebec City belonging strictly to Quebec interests;
J The only five star hotel in Quebec City to have been awarded the prestigious
Leading Hotels of the World banner;
J The only five star hotel in Quebec City to offer in exclusivity, La Tempête, an
international calibre golf course;
J The only five star hotel in Quebec City to guarantee total relaxation with
Amerispa, the largest health centre in Quebec City, a member of Leading
Spas that offers 22 massage rooms;
J The only five star hotel in Quebec City to present URBANIA, the nec plus ultra
in terms of sophisticated chic;
J The only five star hotel in Quebec City to offer large expanses of green, plants,
flowers and water;
J The only five star hotel in Quebec City to offer an outdoor terracerestaurant bathed in sunlight from sunrise to sunset and devoid of any
visual or sound pollution;
J The only five star hotel in Quebec City to offer its guests windows that open
on clean air;
J The only five star hotel in Quebec City to enjoy the reputation of a woman’s
chef who has been awarded the title of Chef of the Year in 2000, elected
“Woman of Success” in 2003, by the Fédération des Caisses Desjardins and
elected “Career Woman” in 2004, by the Journal Économique;
To live inside Château Bonne Entente is like plunging in the heart of history. It is to live
a unique hotel experience; the peace and harmony of a health centre; the challenge
and emotions of an exceptional golf course. It is to live a day in Old Quebec, Island of
Orleans, the Jacques-Cartier Valley. Finally, it is living Quebec City to the beat of its
rhythms and its beauty.
“story ideas”
a few leads to
satisfy your
curiosity
Culture
J Museum
J City Tours
J Festivals
J Night Life
Gastronomy
J Cooking
J Workshops with Marie-Chantal Lepage
J Monte Cristo L’original
J Monte Cristo signé golf
J Napa Grill
Relaxation
J URBANIA
J Amerispa, health care center
J Pool and hot tub open year round
J Fitness center & sauna
J Fun Club
Adventure
J Snowmobile
J Climbing
J Cross country skiing
J Downhill skiing
J Dog sledding
J Snowshoeing
J Rafting
J Kayaking
J Horseback riding
J Sky diving
Golf
J La Tempête
Quebec
history
On July 3, 2008, Québec City will celebrate its 400th anniversary since it was founded
by French explorer Samuel de Champlain. Few cities in North America have reached
this milestone.
A chronology of the birth of French civilization in America…
1608
Samuel de Champlain founded “Kébec”, a word from an Amerindian language meaning
“place where the river becomes narrow”.
17th and 18th Centuries
Quebec City was the centre of New France and its enormous territory. At the time, this
“empire” covered all of what is known today as Eastern Canada, the Eastern United
States, the Great Lakes and Louisiana, extending from Hudson's Bay in the North to
Florida in the South.
Champlain chose to build his first dwelling at the foot of Cape Diamant, in a
neighbourhood known today as Place-Royale.
The Recollets, who were the colony's first missionaries, arrived in 1615. They were soon
followed by the Jesuits in 1635, then the Ursulines and Augustines in 1639. These two
last ones, both nun orders, are still active today.
Quebec City was under French rule between 1608 and 1759, except for the period
between 1627 and 1632, when the Kirke brothers controlled the city.
After having founded the Séminaire de Québec in 1663, Mgr. François de Laval became
the first bishop of the newly created diocese of Quebec in 1674.
Between 1748 and 1750, les Nouvelles Casernes were built. It was the largest building
in Nouvelle-France.
In 1759, the famous Battle of the Plains of Abraham would alter the course of the colony's
history that had been, until then, relatively uneventful. The English won the battle and
took control of the city, then later the colony. The following year, France signed the Treaty
of Paris, thus transferring ownership of New France to England and putting an end to the
Seven-Year War.
Between 1775 and 1776, American troops tried and failed to capture Quebec City.
Quebec
history
In 1791, the Constitutional Act divided the "Province of Québec" into Upper and Lower
Canada and designated Quebec City as the capital of Lower Canada.
In 1841, the Union Act united the two Canadas. Over a period of a few years, different
Canadian cities played the role of national capital, including Quebec City. Even
today, Quebec City is still referred to in French as the “Vieille Capitale”, which means
former capital.
With the adoption of the British North America Act in 1867, Quebec City became the
capital of the Province of Quebec.
From its origin as a fur trading post to its present status as Quebec's provincial capital,
Quebec City has been restored and celebrates elements from its past. Incidentally, from
1985, Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Quebec City's heritage is not all tucked away behind the old stone fortifications. Each
neighbourhood and district reflects how local history was affected by the diversity of
their inhabitants.
All these attractions and historical sites bear witness to the influence of the omnipresent
religious orders and institutions on Quebec society. Some of the most noteworthy heritage
sites include the Parliament Building, the Old Port, the Citadel and fortifications,
Battlefields Park, the Bois-de-Coulonge, Domaine Cataraqui, the Jesuit estate, the Parc
de la Visitation, Blanchette House, Domaine Maizeret, Cartier Brébeuf Park, Trait-Carré,
the Bourg de Fargy district, Montmorency Falls Park, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica,
Île d'Orléans, as well as the villages of Cap-Santé, Neuville and Deschambault in Portneuf.
For close to 400 years, the sun has been rising and setting over the cradle of French
North America: Quebec City! Now it is your turn to discover its European charm and North
American comfort! Quebec City! A jewel in a setting larger than nature itself.