Exploring quaint Québec: A night in Old Town's Hôtel 71
Occupying seven floors of a prestigious building that was once the National Bank of Canada's first head office, this 60-suite boutique hotel represents everything that is great about Québec City.
With its 19th-century neo-classic architecture, polished interior and stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and Cap Diamant, Hôtel 71 oozes contemporary elegance and offers a warm welcome to all guests who walk through its doors.
A spacious, open concept with pops of color, the lobby epitomizes 'minimalist cool'. We're welcomed by a friendly face who asks for my name in exchange for our room key.
"Floor seven", she says, handing us our swipe card and directing us to the elevator straight ahead. Lucky for us, Room 730 (on the top floor) overlooks the gorgeous St, Lawrence River — a view so perfect you won't want to leave.
Each room has its own original design, taking inspiration from the latest decor trends across the globe. The 14 feet high ceilings, glossy wooden floors and sizeable windows project a feeling of spaciousness in an already large room (book a room on floor five or above for the best views).
Birch fabric linens, goose down duvets and cozy white robes are complemented by sweet touches abound: deliciously indulgent chocolate truffles at the foot of the bed, complimentary L'Occitane toiletries, and our pick of Nespresso coffee for a kickstart to the morning. Of course, you can also enjoy a deluxe continental breakfast served in the Estèbe lounge, which is included in the regular room rate.
When they're not admiring the view from their rooms, guests are likely to divide their time between the Espresso Lounge (serving free coffee 24/7), Restaurant Il Matto (Italian cuisine), and the Boutique, stocked with all those hotel amenities you'd usually love and leave — linens, comforters, pillows, bath products, candles, fragrance spray — if it isn't nailed down, you can purchase it here.
There's also a Fitness Center located on the fifth floor if you've succumbed to one-too-many pastries. Equipped with a treadmill, stationary bikes, free weights, and benches, you'll also find an amazing view over the Place Royale, Château Frontenac and the roofs of the Historic Town. Feeling a little achy? Massage treatments are available on demand for a rate of $110 for 60 minutes, or $150 for 90 minutes (plus taxes).
And as a city well-known for its culture, you can't leave without checking out the various exhibition spaces in Hôtel 71. Partnering with the wonderful Vincent et moi Gallery, the hotel is proud to support an artistic and socio-professional integration program for artists living with mental illness and showcases the work of four talented artists involved in the program (all of which are available for purchase).
Dine & drink
Few venues epitomize Québec City's old-town feel better than Restaurant Le Continental. Featuring traditional French cuisine (including flambé dishes) prepared tableside, the staff here are true professionals and it shows.
Le Saint-Amour channels a similar vibe while honoring the best products from local producers — or for an old-school staple, head to Aux Anciens Canadiens, a popular spot housed in Québec's oldest building (1675). Of course, if you fancy a night in, the hotel's very own Restaurant Il Matto serves up a range of hearty Italian comfort dishes, from the Pappardelle Lobster, to a traditional Spaghetti Bolognese.
Shop 'til you drop
Boutique Lucia F. on Rue Saint-Joseph stocks racks of well-curated, yet affordable vintage clothing for both men and women looking to add some character to their wardrobes. A record player in store adds to the old-world ambiance. Try family-run boutique, Le Blanc Mouton in the Quartier Petit Champlain for locally-made fashions, or Point d’Exclamation for a wide range of accessories and international fair-trade crafts.
To find out more about Hotel 71, including their ever-popular packages, visit the website, or use the contact form to make an inquiry.
Originally written for VIVA Lifestyle and Travel