Auberge Saint-Antoine
"How did it strike you on arrival?Located in the Old Port on Îlot Hunt, an area facing the St. Lawrence River, Auberge Saint-Antoine is a Relais & Châteaux property inhabiting three historic buildings joined together. The lobby's height is impressive, and it sets the tone for the contemporary décor that wends its way through the hotel: dark grey couches, striped cushions, and pops of red throughout. Sounds lovely. Who did you spot in the lobby?The Relais & Châteaux association brings in an international clientele looking for high standards, which they will find here—from the attentive service at check-in to the next-level furnishings in the rooms. In the lobby, you'll see couples chatting over coffee, business travelers on their smart phones, and an occasional group coming from one of the meeting rooms. For families, there's a whole program of activities available to kids. How did the staff treat you? The service is faultless from check-in to check-out. The Clefs d’Or concierge services are full of entertainment and dining advice—or you can go the extra mile and get a free guided tour of the 700 artifacts from the 17th and 18th centuries displayed around this museum-like-property, all of which were uncovered during its restoration. Tell us about the rooms.Rooms overlook the St. Lawrence River on one side and the courtyard on the other, so pick lodgings with a view if possible. Each of the 95 rooms is unique, featuring its own antiques and local designer touches. Most have hardwood floors and a calming palette of beige, concrete, taupe, and white. The most affordable room, Comfort, is just that—homey, classy, and, at 300 square feet, spacious enough for your morning yoga routine. Freshening up is essential after a long day in transit. Have they got us covered?The bathroom's heated floor, television, and no-fog mirror make a long pampering session a pleasure. Not to be needy, but now we're feeling peckish.Downstairs, the buffet breakfast at Chez Muffy offers eggs Benedict with duck, egg-white omelettes with roasted tomatoes and arugula, and a mountain of baked goods. It's an indulgent way to start the day. The décor of the dining room—a shipping warehouse dating to the 1822 with thick wooden beams and posts criss-crossing the space—sets a warm, woodsy tone. At dinner, Chef Alex Bouchard's bistronomy menu is dished out while you sit on comfy, rich-textured armchairs or banquettes near the four-sided fireplace. Highlights include everything from grilled quail to Gaspé lobster, sweetbreads, Atlantic halibut, and tagliatelle in mushroom broth. To share, there's a succulent grass-fed rib-eye steak with vegetables from the hotel's own La Ferme du Côteau on Île d’Orléans. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Every hotel should have one of the Auberge's ingenious "Do Not Disturb" buttons next to their beds. Okay, sum it up: What's the draw of the Auberge Saint-Antoine?Staying here offers instant insight into the rich history of Quebec City. It's filled with artifacts that date nearly as far back as the city's foundation; at the same time, its contemporary services, décor, furnishings, and tech amenities anchor the Auberge Saint-Antoine firmly in the present, making it a top-level stay." - Isa Tousignant
