Along with the initial welcome after my booking, Mel and Pat sent advice on winter clothing, and we had a good exchange of messages before arrival. They helped with my luggage and welcomed me warmly. There was a welcome note and a large bowl of fruit, which I really appreciated. A helpful map is provided, with suggestions for neighbourhood eateries and shops.
The apartment, above the hosts’ ground-floor home, is very clean, spacious and well equipped - everything is neat and tidy. I loved it from the start. Thoughtful and useful touches include a clothes-drying rack, rocking chair (Is there anything more calming than a rocking chair?), comfy chair for reading, HDMI cable, chess board, teapot and teas, spices/oils/vinegars, eco-friendly cleaning and washing liquids and (especially appreciated) a comfortable steno chair at the big desk. There’s Netflix and good, reliable WiFi (from one end of the apartment to the other). Large shower stall. Easily walkable: within 10 minutes of an IGA grocery store, Le Crac health food store and many other shops and eateries along rue St-Jean and avenue Cartier; and 20 minutes to la Porte St-Jean, one of the entrances to Old Quebec's Upper Town.
Mel encouraged me in my use of French, which was a good thing for me. Patrick regularly shovelled the snow off the back deck.
I enjoyed my six-week, winter stay and plan to return in the summer. Many thanks, Mel and Pat!
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Appartement confortable, spacieux, soigné et bien rangé au-dessus de la maison des hôtes au rez-de-chaussée. Bien situé. De nombreux extras bien pensés et utiles, notamment un bureau et une chaise sténo, une connexion Wi-Fi fiable et Netflix. Mél et Pat sont des hôtes excellents et accueillants. J'ai l'intention de revenir pour un autre mois en été.