Best Western Premier Hotel Aristocrate

The Best Western Premier Hotel l'Aristocrate is situated in a squat, two-story cream-colored building with a gray roof and stone accents. Though it's under the Best Western brand name, "Premier" status hotels tend to offer a little more character than classic hotels in the chain. This property delivers with contemporary decor that relies on a sophisticated color palette of neutral beiges, creams, and grays. The small lobby lounge, part of the hotel's extensive mid-2012 renovations, has a living-room-like feel with a coffered ceiling and couches and armchairs gathered before a TV and a fireplace. The location isn't ideal for tourists, but the hotel attracts a range of guests, including business travelers, who don't mind staying outside of Old Quebec City. 

The hotel is situated just off the major highways coming into Quebec City, overlooking the two highway bridges that cross over the St. Lawrence River. The immediate neighborhood isn't all that interesting, but there are a few restaurants in walking distance, and the aquarium is a nine-minute walk away. Thankfully, on-site parking is free, which is helpful since a car is needed to get anywhere else. It's a 15- to 25-minute drive into Old Quebec, depending on the traffic. There's also a bus that goes directly into Old Quebec that leaves right outside the hotel, but it takes about 45 minutes. The hotel also offers a shuttle bus during high season, though the schedule is limited. Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport is a 10- to 15-minute drive. 

Rooms are nicely sized and contemporary with a sophisticated neutral color palette of beige and gray. Rooms with wood floors and dark wood furniture feel sleekest, but the ones with wall-to-wall carpeting and light wood furniture are still tasteful. Gray headboards with under-lighting and abstract, modern art on the walls lend a homey feel. But despite all this, rooms do lack the more dramatic decorative flourishes of a boutique property. Bathrooms are modern with black tiled floors, white tiled walls, and walk-in rainfall showers. 

All rooms have pillow-top mattresses on the beds and ergonomic desk chairs, plus 42-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. They also have irons, ironing boards, safes, hairdryers, and free individual toiletries. Suites add posh extras like furnished balconies, whirlpools, and separate living areas. Some rooms look out over the river towards the bridges, but generally there aren't many views to speak of.

For many guests, this Best Western Premier's top feature is La Fenouillière restaurant, a well-liked four-star establishment that serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner to hotel guests and locals alike. The restaurant also has a small bar and an extensive wine list. Cooked-to-order breakfast are available for an extra fee as well, but there's no buffet offered. Guest tend to find the food tasty, if pricey. Room service is available during limited hours.

The hotel also has a small gym with a few cardio machines and weight-lifting equipment and a decent outdoor heated pool set in a sunny courtyard spot, surrounded by a few lounge chairs. While there's no spa, in-room massages can be arranged. 

A "kitchen" nook in the hotel sells a few snack items and has a Keurig with free coffee as well as a microwave for guest use. There's also three meeting rooms and computers for guest use. Wi-Fi throughout is free. Other freebies include parking and shuttle service to Old Quebec City during the summer and early fall months, but the schedule is limited. The front desk is open 24 hours, and the hotel offers concierge service.