Fodor's Expert Review Motel Panoramique

Set back from the road and nestled along the banks of the Saguenay river just 4 kilometers from downtown Chicoutimi, Motel Panoramique is a pleasant, unassuming motel that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city. The rooms are clean and efficient (nothing fancy, mind you), but all come with desks, small fridges, in-room coffee makers, flat-screen TV's and are equipped with fans or air conditioning. It's an excellent base if you have a few days to explore the greater Saguenay region. It's proximity to town means it's convenient to dozens of shops and restaurants, but its far enough away to feel like a country oasis. There's a nice swimming pool in the back along the river, BBQs and picnic tables if you feel like doing your own cooking, and lots of quiet spaces if you just want to sit back and watch the river flow by. Plus, it's pet-friendly. While there's a small premium to stay in the riverside rooms, the views and comparative quiet (the motel is on a relatively busy road) make them well worth the extra expense.