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Stay Cold, but Cozy, in Quebec’s Ice Hotel

by Mary Jo Manzanares on December 20th, 2006

Since I’ve written about a couple of unusual hotels that caught my eye, some of you have been sending me information about hotels that you think I’d like.  Some are interesting, others quirky, and still others down right weird.

An email a few days ago (thanks Kat) reminded me about my interest in visiting an Ice Hotel.  This should probably come as no surprise, since I previously wrote about the Igloo Villages in Europe.  Although I don’t like the cold much, these hotels just pique my curiosity.  They look beautiful, and c’mon, they can’t be totally freezing or people would never go there to stay.

The Ice Hotel in Quebec is made entirely of ice and snow, about 15 tons of it! The walls are four foot thick, making excellent insulation and helping to keep a constant temperature.  The hotel is quick to assure guests that even on the most extremely frigid days, the interior of the hotel would not drop below 28-33 degrees (Fahrenheit).  Brrrrrrrrrrr, I’m not sure that’s reassuring!

If you want to stay at the Ice Hotel, make reservations now.  It opens this year on January 5th, and closes on April 1, 2007.  The hotel is located in the community of Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, just 30 minutes west of downtown Quebec City.  You can reach the hotel by car, or there is a shuttle running from Quebec City.

It looks pretty, it’s unusual, and it calls to me on several different adventurous levels.  But still, there are some pesky little questions that need answers:

Like the bathroom?  They have a heated bathroom facility with easy (and quick) access available directly from inside the hotel.  The bathrooms and dressing rooms are heated, lit, sanitary, and available at all hours of the day and night.

Is there anywhere to get warm?  There are two outdoor hot tubs and a sauna.  Bathing suits required.

What is there to do there?  I mean, besides trying to stay warm.  The hotel has a Grand Hall, a disco, Absolut Ice Bar (now you’re talking), fireplaces, a movie theater, and chapel in addition to the hot tubs and sauna.  (At the Absolut Bar you can sip a drink out of a square glass made of ice.  That’s sure to keep your drink cold.)  There’s also the usual assortment of winter sports like dog sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, skating, ice fishing, etc.

What should I wear?  I always ask this question.  But it seems even more important in this kind of climate.  The hotel advises to dress in layers, even providing downloadable information about how best to do this.  And, you need to bring a hat, glove, and the proper shoes to stay warm.  Hmmmmmm, this is starting to get a little more complicated.

How cold is it sleeping on a chunk of ice?  While blocks of ice form the frame of the bed, there is a solid wood box frame that separates you from the snow floor.  On the frame is a thick foam mattress, covered with a fleece sheet, blankets and deer pelts to keep you warm.  A warm sleeping bag is delivered to your room at 9 pm.  You shouldn’t overdress in your sleeping bag, but it is advised that you wear a hat and socks to help maintain your body heat.  OK, I have some cute fuzzy socks and a hat; not terribly sexy, but it’s still sounding fun.

It sounds like fun, but I just want to visit, not STAY there.  Public tours are available with an overnight stay.  Price:  $15/adults, $13/students and seniors, $7.50/children, $42/families.

So is it expensive to freeze my . . . well, whatever. . . off sleeping in the snow and ice?  Packages start around $199/night per person, and include your room, a welcome cocktail, a gift certificate toward dinner at the hotel restaurant (two seatings, at 6 and 8:30 pm), access to all facilities, hot morning beverages (5-9 am), buffet breakfast, all amenities that you’ll need for the stay.  Gratuities are included. 

How can I remember all this?  Guests are given an orientation when they arrive.  You’ll get all the details that you need to know about the Ice Hotel.  No need to worry.

Anyone want to go?

(Note:  All prices in CAD)

All photos courtesy of:  www.xdachez.com (c) Ice Hotel Quebec-Canada

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POSTED IN: Hotels, Outdoor Activities, Places to Stay, Things to See & Do