Hotel Clarendon

Built in 1870, the Hotel Clarendon is the oldest operating hotel in Quebec City. The brick exterior has an Art Deco/Art Nouveau feel, while the interiors have dark-wood tones and detailed tilework. High ceilings with wood beams add depth to the design throughout, while dim mood lighting, red velvet or brown leather couches, and patterned red-and-blue carpet create a vintage atmosphere. Photos of 1920s Quebec adorn the walls, while beautiful antique touches -- including a detailed metal front desk -- stand out. Dark patterned carpet, chandeliers, wood beams, and yellow tablecloths decorate the modern yet antique-feeling Le Charles Baillairge Restaurant. The Jazz Bar is classic and polished, offering tufted leather furniture for seating, gold accents, and a white fireplace with molding. Guests here are mostly couples and families. 

The Hotel Clarendon is in Old Quebec within a five-minute walk of the Musee du Fort, the Old Quebec Funicular, Ursulines de Quebec Museum, restaurants, and plenty of shops. The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and the Quebec Experience are just across the road, while the Notre Dame Cathedral of Quebec and Museum of French America can be both be reached in less than five minutes on foot. The trendy Saint-Roch neighborhood, filled with boutiques, cafes, and galleries is a 20 minute stroll from the hotel, though it can be reached by taxi or car in 10 minutes depending on traffic. The Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport is a 40-minute drive away, though that depends on traffic.

Comfortable, stylish rooms have a neutral color scheme, with gray patterned carpets and tufted leather headboards. Black leather armchairs provide seating, while 37-inch flat-screen TVs sit on dark-wood antique-style furniture. Keurig coffeemakers are offered and some rooms have bathrobes and iPod docks. Most rooms have exceptional views of Old Quebec. Modern, light-tile bathrooms are fitted with white pedestal sinks or large vanities and most have tiled shower/tub combos (although some rooms have glass-walled walk-in showers and separate jetted tubs). Some bathrooms aren't as updated as others, and the one in the Executive King Room we visited felt a bit outdated. There are an array of room categories to choose from and comfortable beds range from doubles to king-size. Higher level bookings also have larger 42-inch flat-screen TVs. 

Upscale local cuisine is served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Le Charles Baillairge Restaurant, which also provides room service (though timings are limited). Breakfast is not included with any booking. The Jazz Bar serves small plates, cocktails, beer, and wine. The bar regularly hosts live music performances, but there's usually a cover charge. In the lobby, a computer and carved wooden chair comprise the business center. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but there is an expensive daily fee for on-site parking.