Music to My Ears
When I speak of my town with people who do not live in it, I paint Québec City as a city of culture. There are many opportunities to discover free artistic endeavours, for all ages. In the summer, events mainly take place outside in the various parks. When the cool season arrives, we can benefit from pop-up spots or indoor cultural activities.
My favourite art forms are indisputably music, theatre and visual arts. But I must admit, music is present in my daily life, and it has been for quite a while now. The taste—the genuine interest—for arts develops at a very young age. And when it has been tasted, it’s hard to remain indifferent. But we do have to live cultural experiences to understand all their richness.
Québec City has us covered with a diversified offer (mainly during summer) including many free opportunities (e.g. the Edwin-Bélanger bandstand, events such as neighbourhood parties, and the FEQ (Québec Summer Festival), with its cœur du FEQ section. Place d’Youville is also a good spot to visit several times a year, allowing for the discovery of awesome artists. The benefit of free events is that they often showcase pleasant and surprising musical encounters. Open-mindedness helps to get caught off guard, without any expectation. It’s often times under such circumstances that I come out dazzled.
I occasionally challenge myself to live experiences out of the box. I tried opera, among other things. I’ll confess, it was not love at first sight but I would like to try again in a few years. This desire to step out of my comfort zone has once pushed me to give modern dance a try. What I learned resulted in a better understanding of this art discipline, which now shines another light on this type of dance.
Let’s not forget that, only a few years ago, major symphony orchestras (Orchestre Symphonique de Québec and Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal) mounted a charming campaign aimed at a younger audience. It proved so successful that to this day, their concerts with guest musicians make me rush to the venues. I think of OSQ concerts with guest musician Richard Desjardins, or Cowboys Fringants, of which I cherish fond memories.
As you might have guessed, I am a big fan of FEQ since our affiliated hotel—Hôtel Château Laurier Québec—vibrates to the rhythm of that festival, quite literally. My love of FEQ started at a very young age. At around five years old, my parents would take my little sister and I to the festival to experience the particular realities of a concert. Our initiation into shows before live audiences has been done at a fairly early stage in life.
One memorable concert for me was Les Colocs at the Havre-aux-Maisons civic centre in Îles-de-la-Madeleine, in 1995. I had become fully aware of the close relationship artists maintain with their audience. In addition to the words and melodies sung by both the assistance and the band, I felt a strong connection that could only last for one night. You have to be there, at that very moment, to grasp it. Just like when we say to others, “I was there myself!”
More recent events have marked my life:
The Cat Empire’s 2013 concert in Montreal: I love to dance, get carried away, live life to its fullest during the show. And at that particular moment, I could not help but let the party get to me.
Florence and the Machine at the Osheaga Festival in 2015: the lead singer runs across the stage, gives all she can, and abandons herself to an act of communion with the audience. It inspires me: this mutual respect between the artist and the assistance.
To me, attending a concert, a show or a popular event such as these is worth the cost. I see it as an investment into a unique experience that will fill me with happiness. I must admit, I plan my budget accordingly so I can attend a certain number of concerts in a year.
Gabrielle Shonk is a favourite of mine that still surprises me to this day. While I enjoy her vocal versatility, I rediscovered her under a new light, during the Québec Jazz Festival last June. Boasting a jazz voice training, she had all it took to join six other extraordinary singers (including the great Sheila Jordan) and give us seven generations of jazz singers. I have seen this show and my heart is still filled with emotion. I recently went back to see her at the Imperial and, once again, she managed to impress the audience. This time with several new songs and creative collaborations with various guest musicians such as Matt Holubowski. I express a small pride in knowing that, like me, she is from Québec City.
When I am not the one discovering new artists, friends sometimes ask me to join them to see a musician or a band, known or yet to be. My favourite artists vary depending on the findings. I always had a little something for world music (those who know me know my fondness for Latin rhythms). I also like francophone music, but not exclusively that which adheres to the conventions of our beautiful language. I love pluriculturalism. I enjoy hearing a Charlotte Cardin who goes from song to song alternating between French and English. I like a Loud who intersperses his prose with present-day expressions and idioms. The Festival d’été de Québec and Osheaga Festival allow me to quench my thirst for emerging music, and to discover new artists and sounds.
I like to keep an open mind in regards to different musical genres: each of them carries the intensity of the performer/audience relationship. Besides, it pays to open up to the musical tastes of peers. At Hôtel Château Bellevue, we grant considerable freedom to guests regarding the musical atmosphere. We thus customize the experience for both those who enjoy their stay and those who work here on a daily basis. Next time you pay us a visit, lend your ear and try to recognize the song playing upon entering the hall. If you are curious, you might as well try to guess whose special request it was. The reception clerk’s? The housekeeping attendant’s? The guests who enjoy a drink in the hall, in awe before Old Québec’s autumn scenery? Who knows…?
In the end, I hope I have instilled the desire to share your musical favourites—those that inspire you in both your personal and professional lives. For my part, autumn is tinted with culture! In a next post, I will share my impressions on the brand new Le Diamant venue, which recently opened in Old Québec.
125 years
Québec’s hotel scene has a whole lot of history, including some gems that have been in operation for over 100 years. It’s inspiring, considering all the changes our old capital has undergone since its foundation, and also rather rare to see well-established hotels continue to grow and thrive over the decades.
Hôtel Château Bellevue’s most popular neighbor, the famous Château Frontenac, recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. A host of events highlighting this enviable achievement wrapped up on December 18, 2018, the date of the anniversary. Far from harbouring any jealousy over its longevity, I was more interested in what Hôtel Château Bellevue would be like when it turned 125, and my imagination began to wander. You have to agree that the views from Hôtel Château Bellevue’s rooms inspire the imagination…
Why not start from where we are right now after 33 years of hotel hospitality (my family acquired the premises in 1986), and look back on what was accomplished long before I began running the hotel? Our street, Rue de la Porte, has a rich family history that predates the hotel establishment you’re familiar with today. From the outside, you can see there were once four different adjacent houses. Today, these houses form a whole: our Hôtel Château Bellevue. Before my family bought the premises in 1986, here’s what was behind each of these addresses:
10, rue de la Porte : Manoir Laurentien
12, rue de la Porte : Castel du Parc
14, rue de la Porte : Manoir Laporte
16, rue de la Porte : Château Normandie, and later on Manoir Bellevue
While we know a little bit about what was behind these doors, I’m curious to know more about these small hotels that seem to have vanished from our collective memory. Could one of my readers or guests have already stayed at one or the other before we created the Hôtel Château Bellevue that we know today?
I like to know where we come from to gain a better understanding of where we’re going. Did you know that until 1997, our street was called Rue Laporte? It wasn’t in honour of someone named Laporte, but rather in reference to a door in a fortification that no longer exists. That’s why, a little over 20 years ago, the name was changed to Rue de la Porte, which literally means “the Door Street.” The houses that dominate the Jardin des Gouverneurs, formerly doors 10 to 16, form part of the rental houses that were built at the request of the widow of Simon Peters (http://www.patrimoine-culturel.gouv.qc.ca/rpcq/detail.do?methode=consulter&id=7868&type=pge#.XL94TulYaCo) at the beginning of the 20th century. Those houses have served as accommodation for tourists and travellers every since they were first built, which I find very interesting. And if the name Simon Peters doesn’t ring a bell, then maybe if I mention that he was the architect behind the gorgeous Domaine Cataraqui you may want to know a little more about him. Anyway, I digress…
The accomplishments of the previous generations of Girard have inspired me to continue growing the hotel in keeping with the family tradition, but also with an eye to current industry practices. Ever since we opened, we’ve been very conscious of the privilege and good fortune of being located in what is the heart of Old Québec. It seems only natural that in moving forward, we will continue to focus on our stellar location, the peacefulness of the area, and the warm welcome we offer all our guests.
Today, it’s an honour to continue my father’s work and uphold the company’s family values, but with a contemporary focus on quality. Looking at the latest trends in the hotel industry, I was delighted to see we are in line with many other hotels that focus on the trends frequently mentioned. I wrote about my concern for the environment and the practical steps taken to do our bit for sustainable development in a recent article. Also, I like to remind people that our guests enjoy their comfortable rooms at Hôtel Château Bellevue, but they come for the overall travel experience.
“Experience” culture must never be abandoned in favor of technology designed to increase the speed and efficiency of an accommodation service. Obviously these values and approaches were passed on to me by my father and grandfather, so they mean a lot to me. Like our 125-year-old neighbor, Hôtel Château Bellevue’s heritage isn’t just about the architecture and the decor—it’s about the warm welcome and personalized service of our dedicated staff. Don’t expect to be greeted by a robot butler at Hôtel Château Bellevue anytime soon. Technology may be evolving quickly, but our human values and personal touch will always come first.
Looking further ahead, I can already see a new generation mindful of maintaining the character and family spirit of our hotel. With technology omnipresent in the decades ahead, we can and must do our utmost to bring a more human touch to our services, coupled with an unwavering desire to always do better. Future travellers may experience less personal warmth and hospitality on their journeys, even in a destination as friendly as Québec City. At Hôtel Château Bellevue, I like to think that we’ll always be a welcoming and comforting place to stay.
Lastly, I would be proud to see our well-earned, but once secretly-guarded, reputation for classic Québec hospitality continue. I want to see the same glint of pride in the eyes of our staff—whether they’re a member of the Girard family or an employee looking to move into management—that comes from knowing they’ve helped grow the hotel over the years, without ever forgetting the warm hospitality that sets us apart.
As Hôtel Château Bellevue moves towards its own 125th anniversary, I encourage you to go in and visit the Château Frontenac this year (if you haven’t already). I’m sure you know it well from the outside, but take the time to admire the splendor behind its doors. With a guided tour, you’ll get a true insider’s view of our city’s legendary hospitality.
My Dad Alain
It has been on my mind for a while now to pay tribute to my dad, Alain Girard, one day. And so I’ve decided that day is today, for no particular reason other than I wish to thank him and tell you what he means to me.
Those who know him will tell you that Alain is one of the guys—he’s generous, kind, and loyal to his friends. He’s not always diplomatic and sometimes expresses his opinions a little too passionately, but that’s mostly because he’s very straightforward. He’s not out to hurt anyone—my father is big-hearted, gentle, open, and fair. He always listens to the men and women sharing his life.
Alain has always been a bold developer with a good sense for business. I think he has an artisan’s soul because he really loves what he does and wants to do the best job he can, no matter how much time or effort it takes. He gets great satisfaction out of a job well done and seeing things through. He has passed those values on to me. I’m grateful to him for it, because they continue to guide my life and career today.
Another one of my dad’s qualities I find admirable is his humility. He has a lot of knowledge, experience, and success, but is still perfectly happy to step aside and let others take the lead. Since I took over the general management of Hôtel Château Laurier Québec, he has patiently let me prove myself, without taking over or being offended when I assert myself and stick to my guns when we disagree. In a world where many people are arrogant about the smallest accomplishments, Alain is an inspirational example of modesty.
Another facet of Alain’s personality I admire is his passion for music and the visual arts. Not only does he have the soul of an artisan, but the soul of an artist, who knows how to take a beat and marvel at the details of a work of art or the beauty of a sunset.
It’s hard to talk about my dad without thinking about my mom and sister, who have—and continue—to put up with two hotel enthusiasts talking way too much about work at family get-togethers.
Fortunately, patience is one of my mom Suzanne’s many good qualities. She values teamwork and understands what the close working relationship my father and I have means to us. My mom has always been there for us—she gives good advice and we can always turn to her when we need someone to talk to. She’s curious about everything and isn’t afraid to experiment. She’s also a big fan of the arts and we owe our taste in theater to her and interest in all things to do with esthetics and decor. She knows what she likes and has very sophisticated taste.
This December, I’d like to wish my father an early happy birthday. He’ll add another year of experience to his resumé this January. Like all of us, he may be getting older, but he’s still young at heart, passionate about projects at work, and looking to the future.
I’d like to wish all of you a wonderful holiday season—I hope you get to spend it surrounded by your family, friends, and everyone near and dear to you.
I look forward to meeting you during your stay in Québec City. Maybe we’ll cross paths at Hôtel Château Bellevue, our charming hotel in the heart of Old Québec. Château Bellevue looks especially romantic in the winter, with its historic façade covered in snow. Inside, the magnificent view of the river and the historic surroundings combined with the comfort of the hotel’s modern amenities make it a peaceful, intimate, warm, and cozy haven.
Enjoy your stay in Québec City, and wherever you are, Happy New Year!
Attracting and Retaining Employees: Some Insight on a Critical Challenge
Everyone’s talking about the labor shortage, and our industry is no exception! Working at hotels and restaurants can be exciting enough, but it can also be demanding.
It’s true that most of the people we deal with are in a happy mood—they’re loving their stay in quaint Old Quebec in charming accommodations like our Hôtel Château Bellevue, they’re pleased with their business meetings at our comfortable Hôtel Château Laurier Québec in the heart of town, or they’re amazed at what our caterer George V can do to make their weddings or conferences unforgettable events. But the fact remains that we’re open 24/7, and that can be a tall order.
We have a wide range of positions to fill, including reception, housekeeping, maintenance, kitchen, bakery, event setup and teardown, concierge, valet, accounting, marketing, and sales jobs, all of which require availability, commitment, attention to detail, and the ability to deal properly with suppliers and clients, often in a second language or in difficult situations.
All too often, these jobs are misunderstood and undervalued. Sure, we make it look easy, but that’s an illusion—we’re actually hard at work behind the scenes. It’s not computer engineering or neuroscience, but these jobs are worth their weight in gold because they allow our society to attract and accommodate tourists who, year after year, contribute almost $10 billion to Quebec’s economy, more than half of which comes from outside the province.
So it can be frustrating to see how little interest some public and broader public organizations show in recruiting and training workers to fill these positions. But as employers, we also share some responsibility.
Recruitment is a never-ending process for us. We’re always on the lookout for qualified people interested in working at our establishments. For students, our main approach is internships that provide valuable on-the-job training. Fortunately, a number of schools have set up co-op programs specifically for this purpose. Of course, taking on interns requires preparation, so our Front Desk Mannager has taken training at the Fierbourg vocational training center to make sure the experience students get is in line with the school’s expectations and to maximize the value of their diplomas upon graduation.
However, finding workers to fill these positions is a real struggle at the moment, especially for baking and pastry jobs. In addition to Quebec educational institutions, it’s become abundantly clear that we’re going to have to look abroad to meet our recruitment needs. For that to work, those in charge of setting immigration rules, recruiting workers from outside the country, and issuing work permits will have to be much more sensitive to the needs of our industry and, in turn, companies will have to do more and invest more to integrate immigrant employees who choose to start a new life and career in Quebec. That’s how I see it at least, and I think we’ll be participating more and more in activities held by organizations such as Québec International in order to make sure our needs and expectations are better understood.
The size and family atmosphere of our facilities make them pleasant and friendly places to work, and they offer very competitive job conditions to boot. We’re doing more and more to promote our company and to highlight our quality work environment and atmosphere, and we encourage our employees to recommend relatives and friends who might be interested in joining us. Despite all the benefits and all our efforts, and despite being in a relatively good position compared to other companies, nearly half of our housekeeping and accommodations staff has been with us for less than 18 months. It’s clear that if we want to continue developing new tourism markets, we’re going to have to act quickly to develop new ways of attracting staff.
There are many ways to attract people who would be happy to work and make a career in our industry. Internships, great work conditions, immigrant integration programs, and technology (for repetitive tasks) are among the many solutions we will have to consider to further the growth of our company, the region, and Quebec as a whole.
If you know anyone looking to work at a hotel or restaurant in Québec City and who wants a nice, friendly workplace, by all means refer them to our human resources manager, Yannick Savard, who will be glad to answer all their questions.
Thank you and until next time!
Let’s talk about cruises!
Have you ever taken Côte de la Montagne down to the Old Port while a cruise ship is docked at Pier 21? The view is breathtaking! You can really see just how big these giants of the sea are and why Québec City is such a highlight for cruise ship passengers, whether they’re starting or ending their trip here or simply stopping over.
While Québec City has a long tradition of welcoming ships that call at its port, efforts have been made over the past 20 years to make the city a more popular point of embarkation and disembarkation so cruise ship passengers can extend their stay and take full advantage of all Québec City has to offer.
Cruise ship passengers are blown away by the beauty and historical charm of the city. Most of the guests we welcome at Hôtel Château Bellevue are Americans traveling solo who come from as far away as California to see the St. Lawrence River and learn about Québec City’s history. They generally jump at the chance to explore the city at their own pace before their cruise leaves or when they get back. They can use the down time to hang out with friends, meet other travelers, and enjoy every last minute of their getaway, since Hôtel Château Bellevue is less than 2 km from the cruise terminal.
Québec City welcomes all kinds of cruises and, while September and October remain the most popular months thanks to the stunning multicolored scenery in the fall, the cruise season is getting longer and longer. The first ships now arrive in Québec City in early May and the last set sail in early November.
Over the years, new markets have opened up and we’ve been seeing a lot of new cruise ship passengers. This year, the Disney Magic cruise ship will be calling on September 26 and is sure to make headlines as the Port of Québec rolls out the red carpet for the 2,700 passengers who will be disembarking in Québec City for the first time. Not to mention the Sea Princess, Queen Mary 2, and Adventure of the Seas cruise ships, which are sure to bring admirers and residents from the greater Québec City area into town just to marvel at them.
The arrival of these ships is a spectacle in itself, but many companies and businesses in the region also rely on the economic activity it generates. The results of the 2017 Canada-wide study, The Economic Contribution of the International Cruise Industry in Canada showed that the average expenditure for a cruise ship passenger in Québec City was approximately $177, while crew members each spend about $39, for a total of $19 million in spending. The study also found that between 40 and 45% of cruise ship passengers surveyed in Québec had started or ended their cruise at a Québec port, rather than port in the U.S. or the Maritimes. Furthermore, cruise ship passengers were extremely satisfied with the welcome they received from locals, rating it 9.4 out of 10. In 2016 the Québec City region welcomed 151,500 of the 349,900 passengers who visited one of Québec’s ports.
Québec City has everything cruise ship passengers are looking for: 51% of passengers come from the U.S. (California and Florida), 24% come from Europe (Germany and England), and the average age is 64. The ships dock in the city center, which makes it easy for passengers to get around. The city is safe, so they can wander around worry-free and return to the ship on foot at any time of the day or night.
Québec City also has an array of accommodations, restaurants, attractions, shops, and boutiques that are just the ticket for discerning visitors who value beauty and quality. Cruises provide a snapshot of the best that Québec City has to offer, which explains why about one-third of cruise ship passengers say they intend to return to Québec City within three years of their cruise. We’re seeing more and more cruise ship passengers at Hôtel Château Bellevue and we believe this is just the beginning since cruises have been steadily growing in popularity in recent years.
In the meantime, head down to the Old Port to watch one of these cruise ships drop anchor or set sail. You can view the schedule here. If you’re anything like me, the enormous white ships will make you feel like you’re on vacation too!
I hope you have a great rest of summer and a bright start to fall!
Talk to you soon!
Aude Lafrance-Girard