PHOTO: Winter

Fodor's Expert Review Manoir Sur le Cap

Name: Manoir Sur le Cap
Address: 9 av. Ste-Geneviève, Québec City, Québec, G1R 4A7, Canada
Telephone: 418-694–1987;866-694–1987
Price range: $

9 av. Ste-Geneviève, Québec City, Québec G1R 4A7, Canada

Joanne Latimer

No two rooms are alike in this snug yet elegant 19th-century inn. Some rooms have brass beds, brick walls, or small balconies, and some bathrooms have only showers and no tubs.

YOU SHOULD KNOW If climbing stairs isn't your preferred cardio, ask for a room on the first floor. There isn't an elevator--commonplace in historic properties.

room

The old stone walls, the antiques, the wood floors--where to begin describing this inn's rustic charm? Neither flashy nor huge, the rooms are a bit snug, but there are several king-sized beds and queens available. There's air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, coffee makers, fridges (in most rooms) and writing desks.

For extra privacy, the old stable is now a deluxe suite with a mezzanine.

Photo: Two Beds Standard Room

Photo: King Bed

Photo: Living Room

bathroom

With an admiral economy of scale, the small bathrooms manage to squeeze in all the expected amenities. Sometimes the tubs are stand-alone, in the bedrooms. Sometimes there is no tub.

Photo: Bathroom

Photo: Queen Bed

lobby

Entering through two great wooden doors, the narrow entrance and front hall has a residential feel, with carpet runners and frames paintings. Everything is polished and freshly painted.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The long staircase visible from the entryway isn't just for show. There's no elevator.

Photo: Lobby

dining

There is no food available on site, but that hardly matters because there are dozens of patisseries and boulangeries nearby.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Located behind the Château Frontenac, it's easy to find this property. For parking, the best option is Maison de Beaucours, an underground parking lot down the street (2 minute walk) at $22 per 24 hours. Once parked, you're no more than a 10-15-minute walk to most major tourist destinations. Bring comfy shoes and mind the cobblestones.

Restaurants

The jewel in the L'Auberge du Trésor Inn, Restaurant 1604 (10-minute walk) is much-loved by young bistro enthusiasts. The menu focuses on New Canadian cuisine, like duck confit salad, and bistro classics. Coveted patio seats require a reservation.

Bars

Nip into the Chateau Frontenac's clubby bar, called 1608 (5-minute walk), for a glass of wine and a well-edited plate of Canadian cheese. Bring your business cards.

WHY WE LIKE IT

From the wooden sign by the door to the views of the river, this small hotel is special. We like the residential setting, across from the Parc du Gouvernors, and the homey accents. Think decorative fireplaces, polished wood, and functioning antiques. Although the decor won't please modernists, it charms legions of guests who appreciate the property's history, the hardwood floors and the location behind the Château Frontenac. The room rate is a great value, but there's no food on site and no pets allowed.