Auberge le P'tit Bonheur

On an adorable island filled with ultra-expensive B&Bs, Auberge Le P'tit Bonheur is an excellent option for the budget-conscious traveler. It's located in the community of St. Jean -- just drive along the main road that circumnavigates the island and look for the hostel sign. Only the severely directionally-challenged could get lost on Ile D'Orleans. After driving up a fairly steep gravel road, you'll come to the cutest hostel you ever did see.

Situated in one of those houses that look more like it grew than was built, it's an ivy-covered cottage straight out of a fairy tale. And it's definitely a great value -- they charge a reasonable price for a private room, which includes sheets and breakfast. The common areas are comfy, and the big stone fireplace surrounded by chairs make you almost wish you'd come in the dead of winter. The downstairs bathroom is huge and beautiful -- though it's a bit disconcerting to look out the giant curtain-less bathroom window and see someone hanging laundry outside!

The hostel owners are a very nice bilingual couple who are extremely helpful in either language. Unfortunately, they both smoke like chimneys, so the tasty, free breakfast is punctuated by hacking coughs and a whiff or two of secondhand smoke. Allergy-prone tourists beware -- in addition to the smoke, there is also a big old shaggy dog on the premises. We love him, but he may not be your cup of tea.

The only real downside (believe it or not, on an island this small) was the lack of shops or restaurants close by. It was a thirteen kilometer round trip walk for dinner on our first night. If you don't have a car or enjoy hitchhiking, you can rent bicycles at the hostel for cheaper than the main Island bike rental outlet. Of course, they're not the newest or best-maintained bikes in the world, but they're more than adequate for a spin around the island.

If you're going to be in the Quebec City area, we highly recommend a side trip to Ile D'Orleans, and there's no better value accommodation option than Auberge Le P'tit Bonheur. Save some money to spend on the Island's excellent wine, beer, cheese, and chocolate!

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review