BALCON BLANC - Auberge à Chicoutimi, Saguenay - Saguenay, Quebec

Jule

We booked the two-bedroom apartment for two nights at a rate of over 900 CAD, and given this price point, we expected a certain level of quality. Unfortunately, what we experienced was far from acceptable.

From the moment we arrived, the property appeared run down, with wooden stairs that looked unsafe and poorly maintained. However, this was only the beginning of the problems.

Although the apartment technically matched the photos provided online, the actual condition was dramatically worse. The first impression inside was an unpleasant, ingrained smell. Most of the furniture seemed old, mismatched, and entirely devoid of charm. Despite being advertised as “bright” and “charming,” the apartment was dark due to poor window placement, and the overall atmosphere felt unwelcoming. Additionally, using the third bed left no usable living space at all.

The bathroom was especially disappointing. It was visibly run down, with stains in the sink and other areas that highlighted both the age of the apartment and a lack of proper upkeep.

Given these issues, we decided not to stay in the apartment at all and instead arranged alternative accommodation. When we attempted to contact the responsible parties, we received no reply for three days. The eventual response from the agency informed us that their work week only starts on Wednesday, apparently leaving guests without any support from Saturday through Tuesday.

After multiple exchanges, the only compensation we were offered (after specifically asking for it) was a refund of the 25 CAD per night cleaning fee since we did not stay in the apartment. This was presented as a “gesture of goodwill.” Requests for a partial refund were denied, with the agency insisting that aside from the kitchen, the furniture and flooring were “brand new”—a statement that is highly questionable when compared to the actual condition.

The only acceptable aspect of the apartment were the two bedrooms, which, while still less appealing than the photographs suggested, were at least tolerable.

Overall, both the apartment and the customer service were deeply disappointing. At a cost of over 900 CAD, the experience felt misleading at best and intentionally deceptive at worst. We strongly advise potential guests to take the negative reviews seriously and to set their expectations accordingly.

Chyna M.

be aware while booking online in the middle of the night because when I’m booked at this hotel, it was a self check-in. It gives you a code it gives you a password. It gives you everything there was a little kid in my room and this was at two 3 AM. We woke the poor kid up. We couldn’t get in contact with the front desk. We can’t get in contact with anybody. We had to call Booking.com so I won’t put full blame on them, but not being able to reach anybody. we left a voicemail. Booking.com left a voicemail. Nobody reached out still to rectify. It is kind of sad and embarrassing especially when we’re coming from 11 hours away. We don’t know the city. We don’t know the area we don’t know anybody so it was just kind of heartbreaking that this was the experience that we received.

Jean-Philippe L.

The rooms were clean and well organized, the location is perfect and the house itself is beautiful, built on the most prestigious street of Chicoutimi.

However, the rooms are small and there was no door between the bathroom and bed. There aren’t proper shared spaces; the balcony advertised on the photos is not accessible. Also, there is no parking available. This was all a bit of a disappointment as it was not explained properly on their website. For the price that we paid, I would probably have chosen a hotel room instead.

EDIT: I am very disappointed in the AI slop reply to this review from the owners👎It’s a good representation of their “all autonomous” experience - which only means it’s hard to get in touch with someone if you need anything…

Clothilde R.

Very nice place to stay in Saguenay. The room was very nice, comfortable and clean and the bathroom was huge. Very close to the center.
Self check in, we didn't meet anyone.
The only thing is that there is not private parking.

Billy H.

Good value for money if you need to sleep 1 night.
I expected a front desk but this is a self check-in experience and not a hostel.

Clém M.

The room was clean and exactly how it was pictured on booking.

The room is in a house shared with other guests so it can get noisy if people don’t pay attention to their alarm clock’s volume or their speaking voice. It didn’t bother me too much but I wouldn’t recommend going there with kids / infants.

The location was great to walk along the river and downtown. However, it is on a steep hill and requires to go up several flights of stairs so not easily accessible for people with difficulty to move.

B4746AJjb

We have stayed here 3 times in the past 2 months. It is clean, comfortable, and has space for the family. We like to have a kitchen and bedrooms so we are able to eat in and have our own space. The beds are comfortable. The kitchen is well equipped.

Mat M.

I found the location absolutely ideal, nestled conveniently close to the Centre Georges-Vézina ice hockey stadium and a stone’s throw away from Rue Racine, which boasts a plethora of delightful restaurants. Although compact, the room was impeccably maintained, exuding a cozy, welcoming vibe. The bed promised comfort and did not disappoint, complemented by the cleanliness and orderliness of the space. The thoughtful additions of a fridge and coffee machine within the room, along with a microwave in the corridor, were highly appreciated. Moreover, the vintage charm of the house and room added a unique and pleasant touch to my stay. Highly recommended for its charm and convenience.