Le Champlain Hotel

Housed in an early 20th-century building originally constructed as private housing and later converted into a hotel, Le Champlain is a cozy, intimate boutique offering good value in the heart of the Old City. The property underwent extensive renovations in 2016, but common spaces and rooms have retained some of the original features, adding a touch of charm and style to the otherwise mostly contemporary decor. Throughout, exposed brick and stone walls, fireplaces, and ceiling and wall moldings blend with modern plastic furniture, brightly colored throw pillows, and mood lighting, creating warm, inviting spaces. The hotel offers limited on-site amenities but makes up for the lack of a restaurant and a bar with great perks, including free espresso-based drinks 24/7, an electric wine bar in the lobby, a decent breakfast buffet (for a fee), free Wi-Fi, and valet and self-parking (a rarity in the Old City). Still, travelers on a budget may want to compare rates at the Auberge Aux Deux Lions, which has a similar cozy feel and is not far from the historic center. In this price range, Hotel Chateau Bellevue offers free access to the spa and pool at a nearby sister property. Those seeking something sleeker and with additional on-site features may prefer the more expensive Hotel 71, which offers free continental breakfast, a stunning rooftop terrace, fitness center, and great restaurant. 

Hotel Champlain is located on a quiet street in the Old City. It is within walking distance of all the major attractions -- including Notre Dame de Quebec Cathedral, the House of the Parliament, the Place Royale, Maison Chevalier, and Museum of Civilization -- as well as to shopping and dining in the Quartier du Petit Champlain, the oldest commercial district in North America. The new side of Quebec is also within walking distance of the hotel, making it easy to explore the city without a car. There is valet and self-parking available on-site. The National Museum of Fine Arts is a 22-minute walk (or 20-minute bus ride) away. The airport is a 25-minute drive from Le Champlain.

The hotel has 50 rooms spread over two buildings, each with its own distinct character. Decor in most is contemporary but warm, with a soothing earth-tone palette, small lights, wood accents, and carpeting or rugs over tile floors. Exposed brick or stone walls, plush armchairs in gray hues, and pops of moss-green add style. Three of the rooms -- two Superior units and The Loft -- are located in the Ancestral House, a separate structure with a more classic, ornate style, featuring historic wall and ceiling moldings, delicate chandeliers, ornate mantelpieces, and elegant wooden furniture. These three rooms are only accessible via stairs. Standard Rooms have views of the adjacent building, but most other units have big windows offering pretty city views. Deluxe King Rooms and Suites are located on the top floors and have the best views. Standard in-room amenities are good for the price, and include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, DVD players (loaner DVDs are available at reception), iPod docks, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Excellent beds are topped with duvets, and hypoallergenic pillows are available on request. Though electric kettles are not provided in rooms, guests have 24-hour access to a coffeemaker in the lobby serving espresso-based drinks and tea. All but a handful of rooms are outfitted with electric fireplaces, and King Suites and The Loft have fully equipped kitchens. Bathrooms are clean and simple, but have a few charming touches, such as painted koi fish in sinks, striped shower curtains, and metal sinks over glass vanities. Basic toiletries are provided in large, wall-mounted containers. Junior Suites feature two-person jetted tubs.

A decent continental breakfast buffet with pastries, breads, juices, jams, fresh fruit, and a couple of hot options is served every morning in a lovely, light-filled room featuring a beautiful fireplace, a glass-enclosed terrace, and several tables along large windows. Breakfast is free only for guests who book directly via the hotel’s official website. No other meals are served on-site. While there is no bar here, guests can get a glass of wine for a fee from the electric dispenser available in a cozy room off the lobby, offering a variety of local and international wines. There is also free coffee and tea in the lobby 24/7, and a small business corner with a computer and a printer.