FEATURE FOCUS
type before deciding if it ’ s something they want to purchase for home .”
The unique concept of Hotel Floriel extends to its warm and friendly ambiance , where Gabriel Wasilko and Audrey Boisvert operate the hotel themselves , insisting on a very human-scale offering . The duo leveraged mutual experience in the hospitality industry to develop their approach , including drawing upon Audrey ’ s studies in hotel management and training as a sommelier . The latter experience was applied to stocking a selection of exquisite wines for Hotel Floriel .
Strategically located between two main entrances to Mauricie National Park , Hotel Floriel is a gateway to one of the region ’ s natural treasures . Accordingly , it was important for Wasilko and Boisvert to build something that would complement other regional businesses . In embracing that notion , a decision was made not to include a restaurant in Hotel Floriel , and to instead refer guests to some of the many fine cuisine options in the community .
“ Sainte-Flore is a beautiful village that doesn ’ t get enough attention ,” says Wasilko , who grew up there and moved back after several years living in Ontario . “ It ’ s a pearl in the heart of a beautiful region , with breathtaking surroundings of natural beauty in Mauricie National Park .”
Already severals months into operations , Hotel Floriel remains a perpetual work in progress as the creative couple continues to beautify and add to their pampered service offering . Part of that process includes a new initiative to provide guests with postcards detailing the colours , amenities , and design selection of their rooms so that they can relax , kick back , and only revisit the themes and design details after returning home .
“ We want people to absorb the spaces and enjoy the pampered experience without any pressure to buy anything ,” stresses Wasilko . “ At the same time , we want it to be easy for them to recall the things that captured their imaginations , and we are slowly trying to build the How-Tos of that business model .”
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