PHOTO: https://www.facebook.com/hotelchamplain/

Fodor's Expert Review Hôtel Champlain

Name: Hôtel Champlain
Address: 115 rue Ste-Anne, Québec City, Québec, G1R 3X6, Canada
Telephone: 418-694–0106
Price range: $$

115 rue Ste-Anne, Québec City, Québec G1R 3X6, Canada See on Map

Joanne Latimer

This eclectic hotel in Upper Town feels family run--meaning, the service is personal and guests return every year. It's tucked away on a quiet street within the Old City, near the Youth Hostel, in a central location.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The bland facade may seem lackluster in the historic context of Old Québec, but give it a chance.

room

The rooms are a mixed bag, indeed. Some are ultra modern, while some need refreshing and redecorating. Many have exposed brick, ceiling beams, and more architectural touches. Not overly spacious, the rooms still manage to provide large flat-screen televisions, desks, bedside tables, seating, and more. Ask if they can send a photo of your room.

Upgraded rooms add iPod docks and fireplaces; suites feature living rooms, some with in-room whirlpool tubs and/or kitchenettes.

bathroom

Like the rooms, the bathrooms vary. However, most of updated with modern facets and some even have a glass sink with goldfish designs.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Ask if your bathroom has been updated. Know what you're getting.

lobby

What a lovely mid-century sitting area, with a stand-alone gas fireplace and glass walls looking onto the sidewalk. This makes up for the unappealing facade. The lobby is cozy and welcoming (thanks to the friendly staff) and the light-filled entryway has red vases filled with tall house plants.

dining

In the morning guests gather for a small buffet breakfast of eggs, fruit, and toast in the dining room. The clear plastic chairs are a nice modern touch in the breakfast area, where there are pine tables and a fireplace, tall windows, and floor-length drapery.

laundry facilities

Want to wash your favourite white t-shirt and jeans? There are laundry facilities on site.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Snug on a quiet side street near the Hotel Clarendon and the Youth Hostel, this hotel is discretely located, with (paid) parking. Leave your car in the lot and go everywhere by foot or by electric bus.

Restaurants

Aspara Restaurant (7-minute walk), in a sandstone building with window flower boxes, serves up pan-Asian dishes--Vietnamese curries, noodles, and more. Meanwhile, Saint-Amour (5-minute walk) is an elegant place for fine French dining and hyper-attentive service.

Bars

Ninkasi Saint-Jean (5-minute walk) is where to go for karaoke nights, craft beer, espresso drinks, and live music. Or, chill at Fou Bar (7-minute walk) with pints of draft beer, live music, and snacks.

WHY WE LIKE IT

While there is an element of surprise with the room decor, you can't complain about the free breakfast, 24/7 coffee, Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges. We love the glassed-in entryway and breakfast room, with lots of warm wooden accents. Dogs are welcome, for $25/night, and owners must take their pets when they leave the hotel for a day of sightseeing. However, pets can be left unattended during a short dinner. Reasonably priced, this is a great mid-range hotel option surrounded by more expensive hotels.