Quebec City Hotels
Quebec City has a wide range of accommodation to suit most tastes and budgets. There are some truly wonderful small inns and hotels within the walls of the Upper Town as well as some magnificent luxury hotels, which rank among the best in the world. However, the standards of comfort, amenities and price fluctuate a great deal from place to place, so it's best to shop around and check out the rooms before settling on one hotel.
If you are interested in a significant savings on your lodgings, consider visiting from November to April, when room rates drop by half.
Where to stay
The least expensive but most interesting rooms in Quebec City can be found in the smaller establishments, which are usually converted homes or one large inn created by connecting several houses. These hotels are often family-run, and therefore have pretty basic amenities. Most of them are located in the lower part of town known as Vieux Quebec (Old Quebec).
Another good option in this category are the 30-odd bed and breakfasts in and around Vieux Quebec. Although a bit higher in price than the small hotels, they have more style and offer a great opportunity to meet some of the locals. And of course, the grand dame of all the city's hotels is the timeless Chateau Frontenac, one of the greatest hotels in the world, and the city's most famous building.
If you prefer the conveniences of a more standard type of large hotel, you can check around the younger part of town just outside the ancient walls, known as New Quebec. There are a handful of high-rise hotels here, which are still within walking distance of the old part of town.
For something truly unique, you may want to stay at the Ice Hotel. Constructed completely of ice and snow, this amazing hotel has 32 rooms, a bar and a gallery of ice sculptures. Located just 20 minutes drive from the city, the Ice Hotel is only open from January to March (for obvious reasons), and a stay here does not come cheap.
When to visit
The peak tourist season runs from May through September, so be sure to make reservations if you plan to visit during this time. The city also gets packed during the annual Winter Carnival in early February. If you come during the low season months from November to April, you can save a significant amount on room rates.
