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One of the best bed and breakfasts in Waterloo (Kitchener) Ontario,
as recommended by Janette Higgins.
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Les Diplomates Bed and Breakfast
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Hoda Mohtar and
John Rolland
100 Blythwood Road
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada, N2L 4A2
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| Phone: 519-725-3184 |
| Toll Free:888-645-9457 |
| A bed and breakfast with international flair in a quiet suburban neighbourhood. |
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Waterloo (Kitchener), Ontario map
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Review by Janette Higgins
author of The Best Places to B&B in Ontario: A Selective Guide
Six editions of the book were published to critical and popular acclaim. Janette now publishes her B&B
reviews and holiday reports online.
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Note 1 to reader: Every Ontario bed and breakfast receives my consideration. I travel incognito, pay where I stay and write reviews of the top 5%. Here is one I recommend. Janette Higgins
Les Diplomates Bed and Breakfast is tucked away in a quiet Waterloo neighbourhood with lovely grounds backing onto woods. But this is no typical suburban home. You’ll know as soon as you step inside the foyer, not so much from the cathedral ceiling and the curved stairwell; as from the suggestion of a Juliet balcony above your head and from the opulent living room to your left where you’ll find everything from a French gilt-trimmed 19th-century commode to a chess table made from a Brazilian tree root. It’s eclectic for sure; I even spotted a few faux evergreens that to me looked like Christmas décor but to host Hoda Mohtar they’re just part of the international mix.
The international flavour is honestly come by. First, there’s Hoda herself – her mother’s side is Swedish, her father’s side is Lebanese and her grandparents met in Brazil. The family tree now includes members from a dozen or so countries including France, Germany, Greece, Iran and Israel. It seems Les Diplomates is suitably-named. And there’s also no mistaking that this distinctive bed and breakfast is the creative effort of a larger-than-life host with a poetic soul who also manages to take care of all the details; these days along with the help of partner John Rolland and daughter Kat.
Just so you know, shoes may be worn on the main floor but Hoda does ask that you remove them before ascending the carpeted stairs to the second floor which is also fully carpeted. Upstairs, the hall is narrow and the doors inauspicious but behind each is a spacious, richly-decorated room. There are four rooms but only three rented at one time. They’re all set up for maximum comfort with TVs, sitting areas, mini fridges, and kettles; even microwaves and toasters since, with the University of Waterloo nearby, visiting professors often settle in for the long haul. All have en suite bathrooms. The best choice for more than a couple of nights is the French Suite. The bed can be king or two twins and, besides a seating area with electric fireplace, there’s an en suite kitchenette along with the bathroom. The Imperial Room has a King bed (or twins) and there’s a tub with shower in the bathroom. The queen-bedded Victorian Room has a Jacuzzi tub with shower.
Next morning breakfast includes juice, coffee, tea and a platter of fruit along with interesting hot dishes. Hoda has dubbed her specialty Le Choix de Roi. The main ingredient is Red River cereal – which I remember from my childhood as being exceptionally healthy – cooked in apple cider with cranberries, apples and almonds. It’s served with yogurt and maple syrup. Your next course could be equally intriguing – how about fried eggs with sweetly-spiced ground lamb patties. Delish.
Note 2 to reader: I appreciate your support of the continuation of my research by letting the hosts know you read my review of their bed and breakfast on this bbontario website. Many thanks! Janette Higgins, Travel Writer
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Les Diplomates Bed and Breakfast, Waterloo (Kitchener), Ontario
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| Tell your hosts Janette Higgins sent you! |
| E-mail: |
Click Here |
| Website: |
http://www.lesdiplomates.com |
| Best to call: |
Anytime |
| Languages: |
English, French, Arabic, some Spanish |
| Season: |
All Year |
| CDN $ Rates: |
S $98-126, D $126-156 plus 6% GST. Enquire about off-season rates |
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| Cards: |
Cash VISA MC Amex Diners |
| Restrictions: |
children welcome; smoking outside only (covered verandahs); enquire about guests' pets |
| Facilities: |
3 Rooms booked at any one time (4 to choose from) |
| Parking: |
for 5 cars; jockeying required |
| Breakfast: |
Full |
| In Residence: |
daughter, Kat Fayad |
| Location: |
quiet residential area of north west Waterloo close to University of Waterloo. Ten minutes from St. Jacobs. |
| Directions: |
From Hwy 401 take Exit 278 (Hwy 7/8). Follow 7/8 and exit at Hwy 85 North which bypasses Kitchener to Waterloo. Exit at King Street. Turn left on King. At Colombia Street turn right. At Hazel Street turn right. At Blythwood Rd, turn right. |
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