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Fodor's Expert Review Hôtel Royal William

Name: Hôtel Royal William
Address: 360 boul. Charest Est, St-Roch, Québec City, Québec, G1K 3H4, Canada
Telephone: 888-541–0405;418-521–4488
Price range: $$

360 boul. Charest Est, St-Roch, Québec City, Québec G1K 3H4, Canada See on Map

Joanne Latimer

Like its namesake, the first Canadian steamship to cross the Atlantic (in 1833), the Royal William embodies the spirit of sturdy functionality. Spacious rooms designed for business travelers are fit for a captain--well-appointed and sober. Breakfast is included.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Is it Instagram worthy? No. This isn't the kind of hotel where rock stars go for photo shoots. It's plain. But it's a sensible place for business owners with no expense account.

room

The rooms have dark wood features and absolutely no panache, but you can spread out in these massive rooms, often with 10 or 11-foot ceilings. There are only three types of rooms, at great prices (starting at $129). They come with ironing boards, coffee machines, free Wi-Fi, and continental breakfast. Get ready to squint--the lighting isn't great for reading at night.

Ask for rooms at the back of the hotel, higher than the fourth floor to reduce street noise.

bathroom

Perfectly clean and presentable, but this isn't a sexy spa bathroom for steamy encounters. This is where you shave and shower before meeting clients. Enough with the chocolate brown and beige decor!

YOU SHOULD KNOW Not all rooms have tubs. Ask.

lobby

The Art Deco trim around the ceiling gives the lobby some personality, as does the swish elevator--all mirrors and wood. There are some prim sitting areas and there is a vending machine near the built-in bookcases.

dining

The on-site brasserie, La Queue de Veau, is where guests get their free continental breakfast. You can add omelettes to your order for a reasonable fee.

drinking

The friendly brasserie has Rickard's draft on tap...and no illusions of grandeur. The black and white floor tiles are a nice touch. Simple meals are available.

LOCATION

Getting Around

There is a handy underground parking across the street for only $16 (in and out). If it's full, the nearest public lot only takes Canadian cash. As a perk, there is a "hop on hop off" bus stop at the corner. Or, take the scenic 15-minute walk (uphill) to Old Quebec.

Restaurants

Take young clients to Le Charbon (5-minute walk), a bustling steakhouse with clubby red booths and lots of conversation-starting decor. There is a gold bull's head on the wall. You can definitely talk about that with somebody.

Bars

For an after-dinner beer at a mature sports bar, walk over to Pub du Parvis (5-minute walk). The stone wall and gas fireplace elevate the tone. There's a food menu for pub grub, too.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Welcome to the heart of Saint-Roch--the cool district for local artists, musicians, hipsters, and unreconstructed hippies. This hotel may not live up to the neighborhood standards of chic decor--there isn't a mid-century lamp in sight --but every quartier needs a basic business hotel. We love the price, the spacious rooms, and the property's focus on essential services.