PHOTO: Shutterstock

Fodor's Expert Review Hôtel Clarendon

Name: Hôtel Clarendon
Address: 57 rue Ste-Anne, Québec City, Québec, G1R 3X4, Canada, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Telephone: 418-692–2480;888-554–6001
Price range: $$

57 rue Ste-Anne, Québec City, Québec, G1R 3X4, Canada, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada See on Map

Joanne Latimer

Built in 1870, this is the oldest operating hotel in the city. Think Art Deco New Orleans jazz club--but in Old Quebec!

room

The rooms have been refurbished in art deco and art nouveau styles, with classic drapery for a traditional feel. There is new bedding, sofas, desks, and more. Views face Old Quebec landmarks or the inner courtyard. Free Wi-Fi and Keurig coffee machines.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The regular rooms are small. If possible, upgrade to a business or superior room.

bathroom

Back chatter about the bathrooms reveals that they’re small—or, in scale with their era. This hotel was built before the days of home-spa culture. Yet, the water pressure is full boar.

Photo: Live Jazz performance

lobby

Entering through the elaborate Art Deco doors, under welcoming flags, there is a classic refinement to this European-inflected lobby. Note the interesting brass grill work at the reception area, the Tiffany lamps, the upholstered wing-back chairs and the striking black rafters and paneling.

The showstopper is the Yamaha grand piano in the adjacent lobby bar. Peek around the corner for an eyeful.

Photo: Live Jazz performance

dining

Buffet breakfast isn’t included in the room rate, but can be purchased for $19.95. Lunch is offered at the lobby restaurant, at Le Charles-Baillairgé Restaurant. Large photographs of Quebec during the 1920s add to the historical ambience. The menu is regional cuisine.

LOCATION

Getting Around

The valet (underground) parking is $25/night, which isn’t a bad rate. Alternately, there is an underground, public parking lot across the street at a slightly better rate. Once parked, it’s best to walk everywhere. This hotel’s central location is a key selling point.

Restaurants

Restaurant LàLà (10-minute walk) is homey, specializing in cuisine from Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean. It is very family friendly.

Bars

To “see and be seen” at a clubby wine bar, don’t miss Savini Resto-bar Vinothèque (10-minute walk). Dress to be chic.

WHY WE LIKE IT

If you tire of minimal decor, take refuge at the Clarendon and its lavish 1920s theme. The hotel is homey and comfortable, with an elevator, overstuffed couches, and wing-back chairs in the salon-style lobby. Although the location is sweet, right in Old Quebec, the Clarendon is famous for its intimate year-round jazz concerts. For more than 40 years, they’ve hosted icons like Diana Krall, Vic Vogel, Steve Amirault, François Marcaurelle, John Zorn, and Michel Donato.