ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I was lucky to receive door-to- door service as I was continuing my Québec journey after staying at Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations in Wendake (see March 2025 GT Tested). The property sits right across the street from Museum of Civilization, certainly worth a visit. The doorman took our bags up the stairs to the reception, and we were fortunate our room was ready. The hotel is located in the center of Québec City and below the tourist section where Hotel Frontenac sits.

We felt so lucky to be back in “civilization” each time we ventured out and up and down the stairs of Old Québec. In addition, some fantastic restaurants lie nearby. The hotel comprises three historic buildings, each a priceless historical artifact. Archaeological sites have exposed items of North America’s oldest colonial city, and these findings are displayed throughout the hotel.

© Francis X. Gallagher

GUEST QUARTERS: The room expressed the deep history but with modern touches, including antique furnishings and a large king-sized bed. Each of the 95 bedrooms is one-of-a-kind and uniquely decorated. Our room, as others, offered heated floors, down comforters and pillows, and complimentary WiFi. We stayed in room 406, named La Chambre De Monsieur Addis. Upon entering we found a minibar and coffee station — utilized every morning — on the right. On the left was a large bathroom with a tub and enclosed glass shower. The room had a single sink with a commode on the other wall. We had a view of the courtyard below and the St. Lawrence River on the right, where a Crystal Cruises ship had docked. There was a comfortable sitting area with a sofa and some bold red cushioned chairs with a workstation and a flat-screen TV.

© Auberge Saint-Antoine Relais & Châteaux

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Bar Artefact made for a welcome stop. We enjoyed a charcuterie board one afternoon and found Claire to be welcoming and helpful. We chatted with some Crystal guests who informed us the service was “as good, if not better” than prior to Crystal’s bankruptcy. Chez Muffy, a notable gastronomic and romantic spot in Québec City, is one of the most sought-after reservations in town, and we enjoyed a multicourse meal there one evening. Right around the corner is L’Orygin, where we sat at the bar and feasted on oysters, followed by a lovely meal served by Max and his expert team. Sabrina Lemay heads up the kitchen, and with her business partner has made a little hideaway with a connected speakeasy for pre- or post-dinner cocktails.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Best location in Québec City away from the tourists
• Roasted lamb loin is a must at Chez Muffy.
• Québec City feels like Europe, and you cannot beat the exchange rate.

AUBERGE SAINT-ANTOINE RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX
8 Rue Saint-Antoine
Québec, QC G1K 3Z9 Canada
tel 418 692 2211