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Few North American cities combine the old and the new as effectively and attractively as Quebec. Because of this mixture, the city offers many different kinds of accommodation—from modern luxury high-rises to stately historic hotels, tiny inns and bed and breakfasts. In fact, many visitors choose to mix and match, perhaps splurging for a night at the Château Frontenac, before retreating to more reasonably priced options in or around the city.
Old Quebec
Still, for those looking for the ne plus ultra of Quebec hotels, it begins and ends with the Château Frontenac—the grande dame of Canadian Pacific's many stately properties across Canada. One of the world's most famous hotels, the Château dominates Quebec's skyline and is the city's most famous building. Its labyrinthine interior conceals hundreds of different-shaped (and sized) rooms, lavish decor and the world-class Le Champlain restaurant.
On the upper end of the price spectrum you will also find the stylish Hôtel Dominion 1912, a boutique hotel with cutting edge interior design. Those familiar with the Hôtel le Germain in Montreal will appreciate similar attention to design detail amid a historic rather than postmodern setting. This is fast becoming one of Quebec's most sought after addresses. Along the same fashionable lines is the Capitole, which looks out over Place d'Youville and houses a theatre as well as the wonderful Il Teatro restaurant.
That said, you needn't pay through the nose to stay in one of the continent's landmark hotels. As long as you are willing to forego morning-till-night pampering, any number of moderately-priced hotels in Old Quebec will provide a romantic, historic experience. The Auberge du Trésor, on the wonderful Rue du Trésor, with its famous outdoor art market, claims to be North America's oldest—the building dates from 1679! Other reasonable options include the Château Bellevue, the Hôtel de Vieux-Quebec and the Hôtel Marie-Rollet. All offer comfortable accommodation in ancient, cozy surroundings.
Upper Town
Staying in "New Quebec" means easy access to the restaurants and nightclubs of the Grande-Allée, the historic Plains of Abraham and the Musée de Québec—but you're still just minutes from Old Quebec. You'll find newer hotels here, with the modern Loews Le Concorde in place of the Château Frontenac at the head of the pack. The Hilton Quebec is another high-rise, convention-oriented hotel that appeals to business travellers and to those who appreciate modern luxury.
Smaller hotels on or near the Grande-Allée include the Manoir Lafayette, the Auberge du Quartier and the Château Grande-Allée. Dozens more B&B's and moderately-priced hotels are in the area. Each offers its own blend of old and new world charms, and many are less touristy than similar establishments in Old Quebec.
Out of town
Many visitors choose to spend some or all of their visit outside of Quebec proper. Day trips to Île d'Orléans, the Charlevoix region, the Laurentian Mountains, Beauport and Montmorency Falls can be combined with stays at country inns, lavish resorts, rustic cabins or even a hotel made entirely of ice! The lack of urban sprawl and proximity of true wilderness to Quebec makes staying outside the city even more attractive—skiers, for instance, can nip into town for a world-class dinner and drinks and be back at Mont Ste-Anne in less than half an hour!
Indeed, those in search of luxury will find it in the vicinity of this world-famous ski resort, at the Château Mont Ste-Anne, or in Pointe-au-Pic at the stunning Manoir Richelieu resort. The aforementioned Ice Hotel, located adjacent to the Montmorency Falls, is based on a Swedish model and provides one of the world's truly unique accommodation experiences. Despite some curmudgeonly press (surprise: it's cold!), this stylish and fascinating spot continues to draw thousands.
Île d'Orléans is the place for intimate B&B's and small country inns. Le Canard Huppé and the Auberge la Goéliche are typical of several beautiful country inns that combine rustic accommodations with outstanding French and Quebec cuisine. Romantically inclined visitors especially should consider at least a night on this picturesque island in the St Lawrence River.
Families and anyone out for a wilderness adventure can spend a night or two at one of dozens of cabins for rent in the Laurentides Wildlife Preserve and the Jacques-Cartier Park within it. You can spend your days cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in winter, canoing or hiking in the summer and end up just minutes from your door.
From big-name chains to inexpensive nights in 300-year-old homes, Quebec offers accommodation options for every budget and taste.
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