Côte-nord ⁣Hotel Company Expands with ⁣Motel acquisition in Bergeronnes

BERGERONNES, Quebec – A Côte-Nord hotel company is expanding its portfolio with the‍ acquisition of Motel La Cruise aux Bergeronnes, which is slated to ⁢open this summer. The company, led by Julie Tremblay and Stéphane Laprise, already operates the Escoumins hotel complex (formerly the Pelchat Hotel) and the Forestville four-season resort.

Strategic Acquisition

Julie Tremblay, co-owner, stated that the acquisition “was not necessarily in the plans” ⁣but developed over several months. The previous owner, ⁢Jean-Roger Otis, was reportedly ready to pursue other ventures.⁤ The motel features 13 studio units and⁤ is expected to be ready for the upcoming summer⁢ season,according to Tremblay.

Testing New Technologies

Tremblay ‍indicated that the new acquisition presents ‍an possibility to test ⁢innovative technologies. The company plans to install an electronic terminal system linked to online reservations.

“It would be to possibly⁤ have reception terminals so that⁤ customers take possession of their room themselves, without the need for someone at the reception,” tremblay said.

The reorganization is projected to create ‍three new jobs, allowing existing employees to focus more on customer service, according to Tremblay.

Tremblay described the⁢ 13 studios as a blend of “small‍ chalet and the hotel room,” each featuring a kitchen and private balcony.No immediate renovations are planned for this season.

Seasonal Appeal

Tremblay emphasized‍ that the new motel “has its personality,” similar to the company’s other establishments.

“We have three types of rooms, and ⁢each establishment is different,” Tremblay said. “Like cleanliness ⁣and room accessories, we want people to have‍ good customer service and that they will be well received everywhere.”

Tremblay noted that the motel’s clientele is primarily tourists, aligning with Bergeronnes’ appeal as a popular destination. The motel typically closes during the winter months, but Tremblay suggested that the schedule might be adjusted in the future due to increased demand from snowmobilers.

“We still have demand in winter, we will⁤ see what we do for the future,” she said.

Signage Concerns

Recent roadwork on Route 138 by ‍the Ministry of Transport and Lasting Mobility, aimed at improving ⁣safety and traffic flow,⁤ has ⁤impacted access to the motel. Access via ‍Route 138 has been restricted.

“Now there is only an outing to the ⁣highway,” tremblay confirmed. “People can come out without problem,but to ⁣get to ⁣the hotel,there will be adjustments ‍to make.”

Tremblay highlighted the need ⁢for improved ⁢signage within the ⁤village, as visitors arriving⁤ from the west currently⁢ need to navigate through the village to reach the motel. discussions with the ministry⁣ were initiated by the previous owner, according to Tremblay, but remain unresolved.

“it was for a security question that it was‍ refurbished,” Tremblay said. “The priority for us is that people can⁣ enter and leave us safely.”