Hotel 71

This hotel's historic and stately 19th century Neo-classical building used to be the head office of the National Bank of Canada. Now, interiors have a modern, minimalist design that includes gray tile, colorful contemporary art, and high ceilings. Red or tan tufted furniture provides seating and there is one sitting area with a large stained glass window and detailed crown molding. Coffee, tea, and newspapers are available for free in the lobby. The upmarket, rustic Restaurant Il Matto has dark concrete floors, artsy glittering light fixtures, and dark wood chairs. Red accent walls look smart against the long mid-tone wood bar counter, which has a red-lit wall showcasing various liquor bottles. The restaurant draws guests from across Quebec City and from the hotel. Upstairs is a wonderful rooftop terrace with amazing views of Old Quebec, and hotel guests are predominantly couples. 

Hotel 71 resides in the heart of historic Old Quebec with the Quebec Cruise Terminal, Place Royale, and Church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires within a five-minute walk. The Quebec Experience, Old Quebec Funicular, and Quebec-Levis Ferry Terminal are also around a five-minute walk from the hotel while the Seminary of Quebec is about a 10-minute walk away. There are restaurants and shops in almost every direction and the Museum of Civilization is just across the street. The trendy and artsy Saint-Roch neighborhood takes about 20 minutes to reach on foot, or less than 10 by taxi. The Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel. Expect to pay additional fees for valet parking. 

All rooms offer 14-foot ceilings as well as large windows that provide lots of natural light. Clean lines define the minimalist aesthetic, as does a neutral color palette, and there are light hardwood floors throughout. These rooms are undeniably chic and contemporary, though some may find them a bit spartan as there's zero wall art. Tan bedspreads and curtains complement gray area rugs while red armchairs or pillows provide pops of color and the hardwood bed platforms are particularly stylish. Reading lights are built into headboards and flat-screen TVs sit on short dressers. Mini-fridges reside in the closets along with the bathrobes, and there are Nespresso coffeemakers on gray granite countertops. Some rooms have exposed brick walls and iPod docking stations while others have views of the St. Lawrence River and Cap Diamant. The Penthouse offers a fireplace, powder room, and kitchenette in addition to a rooftop deck with seating and exceptional views. Marvelous gray tile bathrooms are large, with speckled gray granite countertops and white round sinks. Gorgeous walk-in tile showers have rainfall showerheads while some bathrooms also have separate tubs. Pharmacopia toiletries are provided, but some bathrooms only have showers. Past guests have complained that the air conditioners are loud.

Authentic Italian cuisine that draws a mixed local-tourist crowd is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Restaurant Il Matto, and there is a bar with cocktails, beer, and wine. Additionally, all room packages include a free continental buffet breakfast with breads, fruit, croissants, cheeses, and cereal. Room service is only available for dinner, and the rooftop terrace offers stunning views of Quebec City. Limited cardio and weight equipment are provided at the  24-hour fitness center or guests can borrow bikes to explore the city. In-room massages can be arranged. The 24-hour business center has a computer and printer plus faxing services, and the hotel has conference space available. There’s also an Apple computer in the lobby for guest use and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Clefs d’Or Concierge services are provided, and car services can be arranged