We have been given the gift of three nights in Quebec City as a Christmas present--we choose the lodging! We are planning to go the first week in April. I have read EXTENSIVELY about all the options on different travel sites, etc. and remain undecided. What we love is quiet luxury, not too much frou-frou, scenery, nice bathrooms, (and a fireplace if possible). We love to walk; we both love quirky architecture. Any ideas or suggestions??

Carolyna:

We discovered a gem of a place last year...
Auberge St. Antoine. Exceotionally unique luxury lodgings..in the lower town..wonderful for walking and shopping..we preferred it to Upper Town although we visited topside. This hotel may be then most unique modern place you've stayed at...it's built over archealogical digs that can be seen through glass floors in the loby area...and there are hundreds of relics displayed throughtout. The rooms are very large, airy and handsomely decorated...get a room with view of the river. Underneath parking garage...friendly staff. Very romantic!Here's the link:

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

Stu T.

Thank you, Stu...that accommodation is one of the ones I have narrowed it down to...that and 1912 and Hotel Mansion Victoria. I like the look of the Auberge....

Carolyna:

We walked into the 1912 which is very near the Auberge St. Antoine...very stuffy place in our opinions, sort of a mini-version of the Chateau Frontenac in Upper Town which is equally as stuffy, dark, and reeks "old"...the Auberge is bright, shiny and very much alive. My DW also says you will love it.

I'll stake my reputation on it. Ahem..that ain't saying much!

*** By the way, the Auberge last year made Conde Nasts' annual 100 Best Hotels list.

Best wishes for a joyful visit to QC

Stu T.

Aberge St Antoine is definitely high class, but there's a casual elegance to it. Modern furnishing, but the original charm of the building has been maintained.

My wife and I stayed at the Auberge Saint-Pierre last February for a Valentines day weekend, We loved it.
TAstefully decorated rooms with exposed brick walls. No frou-frou. My only criticism would be that the bathrooms were very average. I'd like to see them spruce them up even if it means adding twenty dollars to the room. They weren't bad, just could have been a little nicer for a high end hotel.

If we go back, we'll go to the Saint Pierre.

I wouldn't be surprised if you wouldn't like Antoine more though. The modern decoration in the old building is quirky and elegant.

We stayed at the St.Pierre also last year and just loved it. We did have a very nice bathroom though so maybe they differ alot. I would return in a minute. Did check out St. Antoine which is beautiful - a bit more chique I would say than Pierre but you can't go wrong with either. Do dine at Panache wherever you choose to stay - fantastic!

Thank you for the feedback! It is very valuable to have "talked" to people who have been to these places. Guidebooks and on-line sources are OK, but OFTEN differ from reality! Thank you for the restuarant suggestion, as well. Again--there are so many places that llok good or get good online reviews....

carolyna...Panache is excellent....ambience delighful..and right in the Auberge...

Stu T.