I have read and searched lots, and like these 2 hotels the best for Quebec City.

Can anyone provide personal experience at either with regard to location to shops/restaurants, ambience, service, room quality, cost?

Taking my husband for b'day gift and want romantic atmosphere, convenient (walking distance) to shops and restaurants.

Wanderer, I can answer part of your question. Both the hotels you are considering are within a few blocks of major attractions in the Basse-Ville, such as rue de Petit-Champlain, Place Royale, Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, the ferry to Lévis, and the funicular to Haute-Ville.

There are many restaurants near these hotels. We enjoyed two. Le Mesclun, 93 rue du Sault au Matelot is about a block from the Dominion and specializes in Provençale cookery. The atmosphere was quiet and intimate; the food was excellent. For a completely different feeling, try Le Café du Monde, 57 rue Dalhousie (it's at the northern end of the cruise ship terminal). It is a Paris-like bistro with an animated and friendly atmosphere. The roast chicken was memorable, and guests at other tables appeared to be enjoying their bowls of mussels and frites.

We stayed at the Auberge Saint-Pierre, so I can't offer any first-hand experience with either the Dominion or the Saint-Antoine, Our hotel, which we really loved, was within a block of the Saint-Antoine and within a couple of blocks of the Dominion.

You've made a wonderful choice for your husband's birthday!

Anselm

My designer friend is the fussiest person I know and he swears by the Dominion.....
Since it is part of the Germain family group of hotels, I would not hesitate going there.

There 2 hotels seem comparable as far as decor and amenities. I am a big believer in location.

We are interested in being within easy walking distance of good (not expensive or "formal", dressy) restaurants, and shopping.

It appears that St. Antoine is closer to Petit-Champlain shopping district, and Dominion is closer to the antiques shopping district.

I do not have a sense of how far apart everything is - is one a better location than the other with regard to what we are looking for??

We just returned from Quebec city...we had the same dilemma..and ending up choosing Saint Antoine. It was really exceptional. The Dominion is right around the corner from the Saint Antoine and we did go in...cant say there's much of a difference between the two as far as the ambience is concerned. We didnt see the rooms at the Dominion, but the ones at the Saint Antoine were very well appointed. Heated bathroom floors, ours had a balcony overlooking the river. The service was impeccable.

Do go to Toast! which is a really good restaurant right across from the Saint Antoine and there is another one, which is simply outstanding...the name of which I cant remember for the life of me!!

The city guide book in the hotel room has an ad..its on the last page/back cover and has won all kinds of awards. Its incredible!! I'm sorry...but its something Restaurant Saint A

Saint Amore?

I think it was Saint Amour...Its one of those mental blocks!! I'm sure it will come to me soon..and I will post it if its not Saint Amour. In any event, hopefully the city guide has it.

http://www.saint-amour.com/

Thats the one! Its really good!

Wanderer: Check out tripadvisor.com for personal feedback on these and other hotels. Both hotels seem to be 1st class so I'm not sure it will make the decision any easier, but it might reassure you both hotels are an excellent choice. When is your trip?

Wanted to go in Dec for my husband's b'day, but he thought we'd freeze to death (I'm always cold).

He said he'd enjoy it more when we could sit out at the cafes, so not 'til August/Sept of next year. Can't wait.

I think we may go with Dominion, as their prices are better although I do like the look of Sainte Antoine a little more - more old world than new contemporary. They both got great reviews though, so sure we'll be happy either way.

Can anyone tell me about location of Dominion? Looks like it's on the far edge of town, while Sainte Antoine right in the heart of things?

As mentioned earlier, the Dominion 1812 is right around the corner from Saint Antoine. Perhaps 1 city block. The Saint Antoine is more contemporary country chic while Dominion looked more contemporary/modern at least by its lobby.

We were in QC in September for our honeymoon. We stayed at Auberge St. Pierre which was right around the corner from St. Antoine.

I had struggled with deciding between Dom, St. Ant and St. Pierre as you are, but I am very glad we choose the St. Pierre. The street the St. Pierre is seemed to have less traffic on it than the St. Antoine street.

St. Antoine or St. Pierre are both very close to Petit Champlain and the waterfront. We actually walked the long way around and up the hill to the upper town area....what a hike, but fun to explore the back streets.

Oh and to answer your question about distances. If you are in fairly good shape, you'll have no trouble at all walking around.

We were able to get to most places within a 10 minute walk. The city is very compace and easy to navigate.

I stayed at Dominion 1912 most recently in late September -- stayed in Hotel St Antoine last week, as others in my business contingent were staying there.

St Antoine is okay but Dominion 1912 wins hands down for atmosphere, IMO. (I have stayed there 3-4 times and I just love it. Where else can you get rillettes de canard at breakfast? Smart, black-clad clientele and wonderful bathrooms. Realize I am babbling a bit but Dominion 1912 has that effect on me.....)

Have stayed at Auberge St Pierre and Le Priori but they do not compare, in my view.