Romantic getaway: cocooning, gastronomy and excitement at the Sheraton Laval

It's very important for my partner and I to take some quality time together from time to time. To allow ourselves a well-deserved break to spoil ourselves, without the kids.

What a joy to have discovered a perfect getaway so close to home!

From the moment I walked through the doors of the Sheraton LavalI was blown away. I wasn't expecting such a beautiful place. The lively, multi-functional spaces with their impeccable design are inviting and make you want to stay right away. These spaces have been beautifully designed to encourage hotel guests and Laval residents alike to spend time here. During my stay, I was able to see that it's mission accomplished!

Comptoir Gourmand La Spesa immediately caught my eye. It's a magnificent open-plan boutique featuring a wide selection of fine products and gourmet treats of all ranges, as well as a counter where specialty coffees, salads and sandwiches are prepared on the spot. There's even an ice cream Vespa!

I was able to bring my snack and enjoy it in the sun, on the terrace in front of the Center des Congrès de Lavalwhich is part of the hotel.

While waiting for my spouse, I took the opportunity to cross over to the magnificent CF Carrefour Lavalwhich shares part of the hotel's free parking. This enormous shopping mall with its exceptional spaces boasts boutiques of all kinds, including many top designers. The mall was buzzing with people, as was Centropolis another lively and pleasant place to stroll among the locals who also enjoy the area, which is only a few minutes' walk from theSheraton Hotel.

If you're like us and like to take advantage of your getaway for two to treat yourself to an epicurean experience, then you'll be well served at the Sheraton Laval.

Saturday evening began with a delicious, perfectly balanced cocktail to our liking at Bar La Cupola. We challenged Sylvain, our mixologist for the evening, by asking him to surprise us with a second cocktail that wasn't on the menu... and giving him very little direction. He delighted us with his concoction, which ended up being my favorite cocktail.

Afterwards, our maître d' Marco assigned us a seat for Saturday evening's signature meal at the restaurant La Piazza featuring an exceptional gourmet buffet. Tons of choices of cheese, charcuterie, salads, hot dishes and more. We also had the choice of a main course, worthy of the finest restaurants. Our favorites were the truffle gnocchi, the shrimp risotto with lobster bisque and the cold shrimp salad, not to mention the huge dessert table, whose star for us was the exceptional strawberry cheesecake! I chatted with Mark, the friendly sous-chef who ensured that the buffet's customers were satisfied. He seemed quite proud of his restaurant's culinary offerings. And rightly so!

The atmosphere was festive, with the presence of a duo of talented and versatile musicians. We've also learned that for the 5 à 7 on Thursdays and Fridays, a DJ is on handto get the crowd moving.

Marco came back to see us several times. He told us interesting stories about the hotel, the buffet and even the microbrewery where my partner's beer came from. He was warm, attentive and just present enough.

This kind of service seems to be the norm at the Sheraton Laval, as we had the same pleasant experience with François, the maitre d' for breakfast and Sunday brunch. Noemy, our waitress at brunch, was also particularly attentive and showed hospitality that impressed me by anticipating one of my requests.

By the way, a word about the brunch. It was simply delicious! In addition to tables of cheeses, charcuterie, salads, hot dishes and desserts, we were able to sample some tasty typical breakfast dishes. Our favorites: the pudding chômeur, ricotta shells and lobster benedicts!

On the cocooning side, a wide range of treatments is offered at the Amerispa, the hotel's full-service spa. And even if you don't have the opportunity to take advantage of it, you can still enjoy the benefits of a Scandinavian-style circuit in the hotel's spa area, where, in addition to the pool, you'll find a Jacuzzi, sauna, cold shower and sun loungers. Plenty of time for relaxation!

If you're one of those people who want to combine business and pleasure, I strongly suggest you add the Corporate Club option to your reservation. This will give you access to a magnificent room where we offer 5 à 7, a well-stocked breakfast and coffee and drinks all day long. It's a quiet space in the heart of the hustle and bustle.

What I remember about my romantic stay at the Sheraton Laval was the diversity of experiences available to make it the perfect short romantic getaway for all tastes.

Whether you want to be alone in your own bubble or meet the locals in a trendy spot, experience a stay focused on wellness or a combination of activities and shopping, or rather choose between a gastronomic experience, a quiet meal in your room or simply eat "on the go", in all cases, the Sheraton Laval offers everything you need on site or just a stone's throw from the hotel.

Everything so that as a couple, we can let go and concentrate on one thing: the two of us.