Auberge Saint Antoine

Part of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux association, Auberge Saint-Antoine is a stellar boutique spread across three buildings on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River. The lobby is bright and contemporary, with quintessentially Canadian, woodsy touches such as throw cushions depicting silhouette images of moose, and chandeliers that resemble tree branches. The addition of rich-red sofas, potted plants, and a fireplace to the mix creates a warm, homey environment.While most rooms are housed in the six-story main building of the hotel, there are also some suites in the hotel's Hunt House, which dates to the early 1700s. During the hotel's construction, a variety of historic artifacts were dug up, many of which date back to the 17th century. Many have been displayed in rooms and across the hotel, and the Auberge offers free, 20-minute-long archaeological tours for guests who want to learn more.The hotel draws mostly couples and business travelers, but there are plenty of perks for families, including cribs, kid-sized bathrobes and slippers, teddy bear welcome gifts, and loaner kids' movies. 

Auberge Saint-Antoine is located right by the Saint Lawrence River, in the heart of the Old City and within walking distance of almost all major tourist sights. It's right by the Musee de la Civilisation, and the Place Royale is only two minutes away on foot. Maison Chevalier, Jean Baptiste Chevalier's former home-turned-museum, is a four-minute walk from the hotel, while the Quartier du Petit Champlain, the oldest commercial district in North America, is five minutes away on foot. Farther afield, it's a 15-minute walk to Citadel de Quebec and to the House of Parliament. Musee National des Beaux Arts, Battlefields Park (the site of where the British won control of Quebec), and the nightlife of Rue Saint-Jean all take about six minutes to reach by car, while it's a 10-minute drive to Mount Morency Falls Park, known for its 275-foot waterfall. The Jean Lesage International Airport takes 25 minutes to reach without traffic.

Rooms at the Auberge range in size from the 310-square-foot (28-square-meter) Comfort Rooms to the 850-square-foot (79-square-meter) Panorama Suite on the top floor, which adds a huge terrace and a separate living area and bedroom. Decor varies across room types, ranging from contemporary but homey neutral decor with bold pops of orange or red in the entry-level Comfort Rooms, clear up to flashier elements such as jewel-toned bedspreads with matching headboards and exposed brick walls in some suites. Many of the units located in the Hunt House feature original 18th-century architectural elements such as wooden floors and exposed beams. Each room in the hotel features a historical artifact that was unearthed when the hotel was being built (along with a description panel). Most feel bright and airy, but some on lower floors feel a little dark, especially if you're relying primarily on natural light. All rooms and suites feature similar amenities, with Nespresso coffeemakers, minibars, safes, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and Bose sound systems. Some Luxe units add pull-out sofa beds, as do all suites, while Terrace rooms and some suites come with balconies offering expansive city and river views. Bathrooms are roomy and sleek, with recessed lighting, white subway tiles or dark accent walls, anti-fog mirrors, and heated floors. Most have deep shower/tub combos, but higher categories feature soaking tubs and separate showers. Evening turndown service, complete with the weather forecast and bottled water, is provided in all rooms daily.

Auberge Saint-Antoine features a range of excellent amenities, including a popular on-site restaurant -- Chez Muffy -- offering French-Canadian cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, much of which come from the hotel's private garden on the Ile d'Orleans. It's open daily for breakfast and dinner, and while lunch is only available on weekdays, there is a Sunday brunch service until early in the afternoon. Alternatively, Bar Artefact serves cocktails, snacks, and a small selection of main dishes, along with oysters. Live music is available here a few times per month.Wellness facilities at Auberge center around the 24-hour LeGYM, a spacious fitness center full of cardio and weight-training equipment, plus free weekly yoga classes, Finnish saunas, and treatment rooms for massages, skincare, and mani/pedis. Meeting spaces include l'Auditorium (an amphitheater that seats 94), along with five additional spaces for 20 to 100 people. There's also a cinema-style screening room that guests can use, and there's a selection of films at the front desk, including plenty of kid-friendly titles. A small business center with computers and scanner/printers can be used by guests for free.Other amenities include free newspapers and a range of concierge services, including valet laundry, babysitting arrangements, and restaurant reservations. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but (valet-only) parking costs extra. There's also a carwash service in the hotel's underground lot. Small pets are welcome for a fee.