Hotel Manoir Victoria

With a mansard-style roof, the Hotel Manoir Victoria is a charming six-floor property that dates back to 1830, when it was called the Cote du Palais and rooms went for $1.50 a night. Today antique furniture decorates the entrance of the hotel, where there are several sets of stairs that lead to the lobby (unfortunately there isn’t elevator access to the lobby for guests with mobility issues). Interiors are elegant and fresh, while retaining a bit of their classical flair. Contemporary and antique furniture, with pops of red and purple, and modern artwork bring an elegant air to the lobby, which has several lounge areas, including a library that offers a communal work desk with outlets. This hotel’s central location in Old Quebec appeals to tourists, especially cruise-ship travelers, as the Port de Quebec is within walking distance. Meeting facilities are also available for business guests.

The Hotel Manoir Victoria is on a quiet street in Old Quebec, across from a Tim Hortons and around the corner from several restaurants. All of Old Quebec's attractions are within easy walking distance, including the Notre Dame Cathedral of Quebec, Musee du Fort, Chateau Frontenac, and Place Royale with its shops and eateries on the St. Lawrence River. The entrance to the Quebec Funicular can also be reached on foot in 10 minutes. This hotel appeals to business travelers since the Quebec City Convention Centre is within 10 minutes walking distance as well. Guests looking to see some of the local life beyond touristy Old Quebec can walk to the trendy Saint-Roch neighborhood in 15 minutes, a trip that takes five-minutes by taxi or car. Driving to Montmorency Falls takes 15 minutes, or 45 minutes by bus. The scenic suspension bridges at Canyon Sainte-Anne are a 40-minute drive from the hotel. Without traffic, the Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport can be reached in 30 minutes.

Many of the rooms here -- those in the Deluxe, Luxury, and Distinctive categories, in particular -- are contemporary and feature a sleek gray color scheme that's evident in the wallpaper, carpeting, and club chairs. These rooms utilize pops of color to attractive ends, with vibrant striped abstract art, brightly colored seating, and eye-catching throw pillows among the accents that really stand out. ll rooms have safes, minibars, free Wi-Fi, iPhone docks, coffeemakers, hair dryers, irons, and trouser presses in some. On request, rollaway beds and cribs are available. Distinctive Rooms have charming arched windows and fireplaces. Suites offer extra perks: two 40-inch flat-screen TVs, Nespresso coffeemakers, walk-in closets, sitting areas with sofa beds, and fireplaces. Deluxe Suites have wooden floors and open layouts with dividing walls separating living rooms. Unfortunately not all rooms are on the same page, stylistically speaking. Standard and Top Rooms are fairly drab and outdated, with unstylish cream-colored upholstery, patterned tan carpets, and light wood veneer furniture with classic lines. White-tile bathrooms have a clean look and feature walk-in showers or shower/tub combos; some have heated floors and whirlpool tubs (as with rooms, not all bathrooms are up to date).

The hotel’s Chez Boulay Bistro Boreal and bar opened in 2012 under chefs Jean-Luc Boulay and Arnaud Marchand, serves a Nordic menu with a nice wine list in a dining room that features trendy and stylish tufted booth seating. A continental buffet breakfast of croissants, baguettes, bacon, sausages, fruit, and more is offered in the La Table Du Manoir, a contemporary dining room with a skylight. Breakfast is not included in room rates. Le Spa du Manoir offers on-site massages and facial treatments in eight casually furnished rooms and a small nail salon. There’s also a sauna, indoor pool that features blue accent lights, and a fitness center with modern cardio and weight machines. Eight meeting rooms fit up to 175 people and an executive meeting room is available for 10-person gatherings. Two computers and a printer are in a small, elegantly decorated business center. Valet parking is offered on-site, but the rates can be pricey. Wi-Fi is free throughout.