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Fodor's Expert Review Hôtel Cap Diamant

Name: Hôtel Cap Diamant
Address: 39, av. Ste-Geneviève, Québec City, Québec, G1R 4B3, Canada
Telephone: 418-694–0313;888-694–0313
Price range: $$

39, av. Ste-Geneviève, Québec City, Québec G1R 4B3, Canada See on Map

Joanne Latimer

An eclectic collection of vintage furniture and ecclesiastical accents—stained glass from a church, a confessional door, an angel or two—complement the decorative marble fireplaces, stone walls, and hardwood floors at this hotel, which is made up of two adjacent 1826 houses.

Despite the fact there is no elevator, there is a luggage lift! And there's free Wi-Fi.

room

Full of antiques, hardwood, and exposed bricks, each of the 12 rooms are unique. All are blessed with high ceilings. Some have fireplaces, some have dormer windows. The vintage mirrors and headboards are a nice touch. Thankfully, there is air conditioning.

bathroom

Each room has a private bath and shower--which isn't a given in heritage properties. The bathrooms are small but clean and well stocked with necessities. Some have charming stone walls. Shower fittings are modern and chic.

lobby

Entering the hotel up a short staircase, guests immediately note the antiques, sculptures, and paintings--all in a small but welcoming space. The staircase up to the rooms is fully restored and carpeted.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The staircase up to the third floor is particularly steep. Take care.

dining

In the morning, bring your coffee, orange juice, and muffins to your room, or dine in the hotel's four-season veranda that overlooks one of the Old City's few gardens. Outside, you'll find flowers, a natural water cascade and benches for quiet contemplation.

drinking

There is no bar on site.

LOCATION

Getting Around

The Hôtel Cap Diamant is located within the fortified walls of Upper Town, between the Château Frontenac and La Citadelle of Quebec. In other words, it's great for exploring the city by foot.

Restaurants

Restaurant Le Continental (10-minute walk) has excellent table-side service. Good luck choosing between the Caesar salad, an orange duckling, flambéed shrimps, sirloin steak, or their popular fillet mignon. Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens (5-minute walk) will delight antique lovers with the heritage architecture (b. 1675) and the homey Quebec cuisine made with local products.

Bars

Inside the Château Frontenac, 1607 Bar à Vin & fromage (10-minute walk) is where to go for wine-by-the-glass and cheese, in a romantically lit location. Or, bring a larger group of friends to Pub des Borgia (12-minute walk). It has a great selection of Scotch and a fun terrace with signature red umbrellas.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The Cap Diamant is for antique lovers. Between the Mansard roof and high ceilings to the vintage headboards and the occasional fainting couch, the decor is perfectly old-timey. We love the hotel's four-season veranda, with an exposed stone wall and hard wood. It overlooks a city garden full of flowers, a waterfall, and wooden seating. Another key selling point is the Diamant's location: within the fortified walls of Upper Town, between the Château Frontenac and La Citadelle of Quebec.