We're planning to vacation in Quebec City the first of July and have never been there. I've been doing my research trying to decide where to stay. The information and opinons are overwhelming.<BR><BR>We're looking for a small European style hotel in the middle of everything...we love street cafes and shops and walking and exploring. In the old city, what's the difference between upper and lower town? Is one more appropriate for what we enjoy? Any specific hotel suggestions?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR><BR>George Pearson<BR>Roanoke, VA.

There are tons of small European like hotels in the city. Unfortunately, i forgot all their names but try expedia.com or travelweb.com for hotels and rates. I would recommend the lower city (I believe its the older area), where there is much to do and many good restaurants. I would also personally recommend the Chateau Frontenac hotel, which is owned by Fairmont and has relatively good rates.

We have reservations at the Auberge Saint Pierre in Quebec City. It was recommended by a small European type hotel we have stayed in Montreal. There are several web sites with hotels in Quebec and this was listed. I don't remember the URLs. If I can find them I will post again. The website for the Auberge St Pierre is www.auberge.qc.

There really isn't too much difference, as the upper and lower cities are a short stairway apart. The upper is bigger, and there are better views since you are up higher. I also believe the upper to be a bit more interesting, with more outdoor cafes and restaurants; although the lower is also very charming! There are many b&bs on Rue St. Ursaline, which is a quiet street in the heart of the upper city.

Hi again George<BR>Careful not to get mixed up between the lower town - Basse Ville, and Le Petit Champlain, which is the lower part of the Old City. The part of town we call Basse Ville is not where you would want to stay - it's far from the tourist sites. Le Petit Champlain is very beautiful however - quieter and more charming than the upper part of the old city - in particular visit St. Paul street and walk towards the train station - there is a very good small local market next to the train station at the end of St. Paul. You will certainly be able to visit both upper and lower town though, no matter which you stay in. Be sure to visit some of the more local places - walk up St. Jean street - up the hill past the old city gates - to see local stores like JA Moisan, buy some great Ice Cream at Tutti Gelato, and mix with the locals. Also check out Cartier street - close to the Plains of Abraham off of Grande Allee to visit some more local shops and retaurants. You'll get away from most of the tourists and see some of the life of the locals!<BR>Have a great trip<BR>Check out these web sites: <BR>http://www.quebecregion.com<BR>http://www.tourisme.gouv.qc.ca/angla...quebecv_a.html

Actually I'll just add a little nuance to Basse Ville and le Petit Champlain. A friend of mine lives in la Basse Ville on Boul. Charest; it's a distinctly working-class Quebecois neighborhood on the whole, although professionals like my friend now are starting to move in, in parts. <BR><BR>While not where tourists typically go, his place in la Basse Ville was about a 6 minute walk from Rue St. Jean, and within easy walking distance of all the sites of the city. I enjoyed the rowhouses in this neighborhood, which contrasted markedly in style from those in Montreal, where I lived previously (two doors to enter homes was cool). <BR><BR>The Haute Ville, and to a lesser extent le Petit Champlain are more heavily frequented by tourists. You might find your French more necessary in la Basse Ville.

George--Glenn is right on with his advice. We live in Toronto, but visit Quebec City frequently (just got back last weekend from the latest). You might consider staying at Manoir Ste Genevieve (eight rooms max with room #4 being the best) (tel.418-694-1666) which is just on the other side of the Jardin des Gouverneurs from the Chateau Frontenac. In other words you can't possibly be more central. Rates run from $CDN100-125 in the summer--not fancy (small bathrooms) but perfectly adequate, even charming (try 200 yr-old marble fireplaces!). Chateau Frontenac is the big tourist hotel and may just be worth the money especially if you're using $US. Around $CDN250-350 and up. All in-hotel restaurants there are prohibitively expensive, and not that great.<BR><BR>Eat at L'Ardoise, L'Echaude or Cafe du Monde(all lower town bistros) and for a big night out try Restaurant A La Bastille-Chez Bahuaud (tel 418-692-2544, just up from the Manoir), about $CDN150-250 depending upon menu choice and wine. Arrange to eat outside overlooking the pool-cascade. For lunch, try La Jaune Tomate just west off Cartier on Rene Levesque. And for breakfast try a "croissante garnie" at La Croissanterie near the junction of Fabrique and St Jean (5-10 minute walk from either the Chateau or Manoir). Avoid at all costs restaurants Aux Anciens Canadiens and Serge Bruyere (tourist traps of the finest kind). We envy you your trip.

We've stayed at the Chateau Bellevue twice, which is also right on the Governor's Park with the expensive Ch Frontenac. Great location, indoor parking garage, website.<BR>Gary in OKC