Boutique Hotels in Quebec City | Cozy Fireplaces and Unique Interiors

Walking through an oversized gilded frame that adorns the front steps of this Montcalm neighbourhood hotel you’ll feel like you’re staying in an art gallery. And for good reason — it’s right across the street from the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec. The 24 rooms over four floors are individually decorated with bright colours and the walls are adorned with art on loan from the gallery. The stone walls of the hotel date to 1852 and the modern furnishings provide stark contrast. There’s complimentary coffee in the library and guests of C3 Hôtel Art de Vivre can enjoy a continental breakfast with bagels, pastries and fruits in the funky dining room underneath an impressive ceiling art installation. The jewel of this hotel is the panoramic view from the rooftop terrace which is available year round thanks to its cozy open fireplace.

While part of the Germain chain, this hotel feels intimate like the other boutique properties on the list. Housed in the city’s first skyscraper, built in 1912 by Dominion Fish & Fruit Limited, the nine-storey building features original woodwork and stone walls. History mixes with the modern elements of the minimalist airy rooms and suites have Nespresso coffee machines, Molton Brown toiletries and goose down duvets. Hôtel Le Germain Quebec is right in the centre of Old Quebec near all the sights, but guests can use the Lexus courtesy car if they want to explore more of the city.   

As the most famous boutique hotel in Quebec, the ultra-luxe Auberge Saint-Antoine provides a unique stay in this historic city. The locally-owned and operated Relais & Châteaux property spans across three heritage buildings in the centre of Old Quebec, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The old-world feel goes way beyond the stones walls as the property is decked out with 17th-century items dug up from past archeological excavations on the site. Don’t let the old-world feel lead you astray, the modern amenities are plentiful at the full-service Le GYM with a sauna, yoga classes and spa treatments. There’s also a cinema and two restaurants. Chez Muffy is housed in a maritime warehouse dating to 1822 and Bar Artefact offers a relaxed dining setting with Champagne and oysters, plus there’s a 700-label wine cellar to accommodate both.

You can bank on this stay in the heart of Old Quebec, literally. Hotel 71 is the original home of National Bank of Canada’s first head office in Quebec City; some of the guest rooms still have vault doors. Set right across the street from the Musée de Civilisation, this hotel has 60 rooms with deep bathtubs, rainfall showers heads, Nespresso machines and many of them have sweeping views of the Saint Lawrence River. Because of its central location, many of the city’s most popular sites are within walking distance and there’s free coffee in the sleek modern lobby 24 hours a day. The concierge service is superb — their team is part of the Clefs d’Or Concierge Service, the nationals society of concierges. On-site dining goes abroad with Restaurant Il Matto serving up Italian dishes like Carpaccio di Manzo, Agnolotti and Tiramisu.

Guests of this luxe inn can walk just a few minutes to take the funicular up to the Fairmont Château Frontenac. The exposed brick spanning two historic buildings of the Auberge Place d’Armes is used in conjunction with modern elements to create a uniquely Quebecois feel. Ornamental fireplaces, modern chandeliers as reading lamps and ancient ovens used as toilet paper holders embrace the history of the building — its walls date to the 1600s. French bistro Chez Jules serves up classic French dishes like tartare, croque-monsieurs and steak frites.

This Auberge is situated three minutes from the Musee de Civilisation with an urban feel, steps away from the old port pier. Guestrooms have sky-high ceilings and windows, hardwood floors and fluffy bathrobes. The rooms range from classic rooms to loft suites with full kitchens and living rooms. Curl up with a good book in front of the fire in the library with complimentary coffee after a day of sightseeing or take advantage of the massage services. The à la carte breakfast is served every morning in the Estèbe lounge offering lighter continental options as well as hearty omelettes and crepes with Quebec maple syrup.

If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint on vacation, this hotel may be the most environmentally friendly in Quebec. Just steps from Place de l’Hôtel de Ville in the Old Quebec neighbourhood, this boutique spot is carbon neutral with five beehives and an urban garden on the roof. The modern contemporary furniture is made by local craftsmen and the natural beauty products found in the dispensers of 45 guestrooms and six apartments are also locally made. Every morning continental breakfast bags hang from the guest rooms’ doors filled with yoghurt, cheese, fruit, juice and pastries from the bakery next door. For lunch and dinner, Tournebroche restaurant prides itself on their dishes like organic rotisserie chicken and deconstructed onion soup made with locally-sourced vegetables and meats from family-owned farms who raise animals humanely and sustainably.

This boutique hotel oozes European charm. The two buildings of the Hotel Manoir d’Auteil were built in 1832 and 1935 and overlook the Esplanade Park within walking distance of Chateau Frontenac. Recent renos highlight the art deco style of the building, making it the dream location for an architecture buff. Rooms have cherry wood furniture, granite and marble bathrooms, while the unique suites are decked out with loft bathrooms or four-poster beds. Art deco style carries into The Lounge where continental breakfast is served every morning and cocktails and light snacks spark conversations among the guests every night.

Set just outside the ramparts of Old Quebec near the Old Port, the Hôtel le Saint-Paul resides in a 19th-century building with four storeys of boutique bedrooms. The 27 rooms have historic brick walls, glass showers, gas fireplaces and the suites have separate living areas with sofa beds. Free homemade breakfast is served every morning with great coffee. Le Veravin restaurant serves poutine, tartare, and gourmet hamburgers. In the summertime, their patio is perfect for sipping a glass of wine and people watching in the Old Port.

The building housing Hotel Champlain Vieux Quebec is more than 100 years old, so the 2016 renovation of the 50 rooms (including soundproofing) is appreciated as much as the exposed brick and historic façades. At the back of the hotel, the Ancestral House features a loft apartment great for families with a fully equipped kitchen, private access and great views of Old Quebec from the top floor of the hotel. The full buffet breakfast is included and served in the bright breakfast room daily. Espresso and hot beverages flow around-the-clock in the lobby, plus there’s an electronic wine bar where guests can whet their whistle whenever they want.

The brick exterior of this early 20th-century building houses 24 romantic rooms in the heart of Old Quebec. Hôtel des Coutellier’s rooms are on the smaller side because of the building’s age, but they make up for it in character and amenities. The sleek rooms have modern art, minibars and Keurig machines, while some have California king beds and the prestige suite has a huge marble bathtub. Ask for a room on the fourth floor for the best views of the old port. Every morning a plentiful breakfast of croissants, scones, jam, yoghurt and orange juice is delivered right to the room while you sip coffee from bed. The hotel shares an entry with award-winning Légende Restaurant, a gastropub serving up three-course meals honouring Quebec’s rich culinary history.