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Fodor's Expert Review Hôtel Le Clos St-Louis

Name: Hôtel Le Clos St-Louis
Address: 69 rue St-Louis, Québec City, Québec, G1R 3Z2, Canada
Telephone: 418-694–1311;800-461–1311
Price range: $$

69 rue St-Louis, Québec City, Québec G1R 3Z2, Canada See on Map

Joanne Latimer

Calling all romantics! Winding staircases and crystal chandeliers add to the Victorian elegance of this central inn, made up of two updated 1845-era houses. All rooms have period antiques or reproductions; some have four-poster or sleigh beds and decorative fireplaces.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There is no elevator, so guests on the two upper floors should be able to handle the semi-steep pitch and curving nature of the staircase. Pets are not allowed.

room

Like a time capsule from the mid 19th century, the rooms have teapots, fainting couches, four-poster beds, ruffled bed skirts, porcelain pots, heavy upholstered curtains, flowered duvets, and more. The rooms are surprisingly spacious, considering the era of construction, and make the most of the exposed stone walls. Beds are decidedly un-Victorian (lump-free), with down comforters, feather pillows, and pillow-top mattresses. Note there are no king-sized beds on the property.

There is free Wi-Fi, which is the most important "mod con" in the room, aside from the flat screen television and telephone.

bathroom

Updated and modern, the (small) bathrooms have modest pedastle sinks, glass showers, hair dryers, bath robes, and deluxe toiletries.

lobby

Through the signature red door and up a few stairs, the lobby is up-front about its Victorian charm. There's a quaint bell (!) at the reception desk, and guests soon find themselves in a sitting room with wing-back chairs, a writing desk, and china cabinets. Heavy chandeliers and upholstered curtains add a note of grandeur.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Guests are required to take off their shoes and boots upon entry, to keep things clean. While it's perfectly understandable, some guests find this inconvenient. To facilitate the request, the owners provide hand-knit slippers.

dining

Wake up hungry and you won't be disappointed. Breakfast is made on site, but it's no measly buffet. There's a menu, featuring eggs, pancakes and maple syrup, granola and yogurt, croissants, fresh fruit, breakfast sandwiches, freshly squeezed orange juice, coffee, and tea. Order the "Heart's Desire" for exceptional French toast.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Breakfast is only included in the room rate if you book directly with the hotel.

drinking

Victorians were known to tipple, so this hotel has bar service. It's discrete, so ask your hosts.

LOCATION

Getting Around

There's an ample parking lot just steps from the hotel for just $20 per day. No valet is provided. Located in the action of Upper Town, you an simply walk everywhere or take short taxi rides.

Restaurants

Le Feu Sacré (3-minute walk), a few steps away, is a legendary steak house, also known for their baby back ribs. Or, try Bello (4-minute walk) on the corner, for a modern twist on Italian cuisine. Yes, their pizza and pasta are handmade on site.

Bars

Have a pint at Pub Nelligan's (15-minute walk), an Irish bar with rustic decor and a grand selection of whiskey. Or, impress everyone with your mad karaoke skills at Ninkasi Saint-Jean (15-minute walk), where locals don't hold tourists in disdain.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The novelty factor is high at Le Clos Saint-Louis, an ode to Victorian grandeur. While the ruffles and heavy drapery won't appeal to everyone, it will delight fans of Downton Abbey. The only thing missing is Lady Mary and a vicar in the parlor. Romantics love the period furniture, the tea service, the portraits and the winding staircase. Upgraded bathrooms and Wi-Fi make things super comfortable, as so the pillow-top mattresses and luxury linens.