Remember Couchsurfing ? It was a website that allowed you to stay with locals (for free) and always had a plethora of events and meetups you could attend no matter where you were in the world. It was one of the best ways to meet locals and travelers on the road. It was one of my favorite sites. Pretty much everyone on the team here used it a lot over the years. My Director of Content, for example, was not only an avid traveler who went on multiple multi-day trips with strangers thanks to Couchsurfing, but he was also a host, and he was even featured in a calendar they made one year! I used it to stay in places like Copenhagen, London, Oxford, Munich, Broome, Paris, Osaka, Athens, and so forth and so forth. I mean, I loved it. I met people in cities like Lyon just to hang out, did meet-ups in NYC, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and so many other places. But ever since the site started charging around 2013, and then instituted a paywall during the pandemic, fewer and fewer people have used it.
Quebec City is beautiful. While it’s regularly overlooked in favor of bigger destinations like Toronto and Montreal, this is where European explorers first arrived in the 16th and 17th centuries. A cultural hub in the province of Quebec (as well as the province’s capital), the city’s Old Town is one of the best preserved in all of North America.
As a foodie and history buff, I love Quebec City. It’s a fun place to visit no matter the season. It’s especially beautiful in winter.
It’s a popular getaway destination (for Canadians and visitors alike), so there are a lot of hotels to choose from here. Some are amazing and will greatly enrich your experience. Others won’t.
To help you make the most of your visit, here’s my list of the best hotels in Quebec City.
1. Hotel AtypiQ
Opened in 2022, this new three-star hotel offers excellent value for the location. It embraces a unique concept of offering super small rooms that are just big enough to accommodate the bed that folds down from the wall. The rooms themselves are minimalist, with light tones and lots of natural light, as well as a few wooden accents. The bathrooms are small too, but nice and new, with rainfall showerheads, complimentary toiletries, and cool murals on the shower walls. The in-room amenities are sparse (just a flatscreen TV) but there’s a shared kitchen where you can make food or grab a coffee, as well as a garden and terrace for when the weather is nice.
There’s a simple free breakfast included (bread, fruits, meats) but you have to make it yourself using the shared kitchen. Overall, this is a super-efficient hotel that almost feels like a hostel. I think it’s a great value choice for budget travelers wanting the privacy of a private room and bathroom.
2. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
This hotel is one of the most iconic sights in the city (if not the entire country). Opened in 1893, the luxurious Château is such an important landmark, in fact, that you can take guided tours of the hotel even if you’re not staying here. If you do stay at this five-star hotel, it feels like you’re living in a historic palace. The spacious lobby is super opulent, with dazzling chandeliers and winding stairs that give the hotel that classic posh character.
The rooms here are stylish and airy, though I do think that they feel a little outdated thanks to the bland carpet and color palette of the rooms. In-room amenities include a rainfall shower, desk, and coffee maker. The award-winning Château also boasts several gourmet restaurants and bars as well as an indoor pool, a hot tub, a spa, steam rooms, and a fitness room. The breakfast, while pricey, is amazing and has tons of options for all diets.
If you want timeless luxury, stay here.
3. Hôtel du Jardin – Par Les Lofts
This three-star hotel is comprised of spacious loft apartments, making it a great choice for groups or families (or anyone looking for a bit more space than your standard hotel room). It feels a bit like staying in an Airbnb, as there’s contactless check-in and passcode entry. The lofts feature a minimalist design with light tones and wooden accents, as well as huge grayscale animal portraits on the wall. The bright tiled bathrooms have rain showers with excellent pressure (something I always appreciate), desks, soft beds, coffee makers, and flatscreen TVs.
While there’s no breakfast available, there are lots of places within walking distance where you can grab a bite (the neighborhood it’s in, Saint Roch, is actually one of the best areas of the city for foodies). Overall, it’s a simple but comfortable choice for couples or groups who want more space. I think it’s especially ideal if you’re planning a longer stay in the city, as this trendy neighborhood has more of a local feel than the Old Town.
4. Auberge J.A Moisan
Travel back to Victorian-era Quebec in this charming four-star bed-and-breakfast. This B&B is decorated similarly to when it was first built in the mid-19th century, with floral duvets, colorful wallpaper, and exposed brick and wood. I like that you can enjoy the fantastic continental breakfast spread (there are fresh croissants!) in the Victorian parlor, hang out on the outdoor terrace, or prepare your own meals in the guest kitchen.
The rooms are on the smaller side with few amenities (for example, there are no TVs in the rooms, though there is one with a Roku stick in the parlour that you can use). The cozy rooms have super comfy beds, antique lamps, and period furnishings, and many even have deep claw-foot tubs in the bathrooms (I find the bathrooms a bit small though). While it’s not a very spacious property, it more than makes up for it in charm and service. It’s one of the most unique stays in the city.
5. Chateau des Tourelles
This cute three-star inn is just a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. The rooms are simply but tastefully decorated, with tons of natural light, hardwood floors, colorful walls, and even some exposed brick. All rooms have flatscreen TVs, a desk, and super comfy beds. Some of the suites have a private terrace and jacuzzi if you feel like splashing out. There’s no breakfast available, but there’s a Nespresso machine in every room and coffee/tea available in the common area 24/7. You’re walking distance to lots of dining options here too.
What I especially like is that there’s a common rooftop terrace where you can hang out and take in the panoramic view over the city. Another plus is that you can reserve a parking spot if you have a vehicle. This is another place where check-in is done digitally, which is convenient if you’re arriving at an odd hour.
Quebec City is a gorgeous, fun city that’s worth visiting no matter the season. With its vibrant food scene, amazing history and Old Town, and lively schedule of year-round festivals, I think Quebec City punches well above its weight. Just be sure to pick one of the hotels above for your stay. Do that, and you’ll be sure to have an amazing and comfortable visit to Quebec’s capital!
Book Your Trip to Canada: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
- InsureMyTrip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Need a Rental Car?
Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Canada?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Canada for even more planning tips!
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