Hotel Sepia

The traditional brick exterior of this two-story boutique hotel doesn't offer a hint to the contemporary interiors created during a 2016 renovation. The small registration area has a dazzling design that’s highlighted by aqua blue wallpaper, carpet with bold stripes, and silvery benches along the walls leading up to the backlit front desk. Comfy lounging areas feature more bright and bold color combinations as well as ultra-modern furniture. The upscale Galopin restaurant and its bar exude sophistication with design touches like alligator leather bar stools and plush booths. The outdoor terrace has a fire pit and covered seating for drinks on warm evenings. Expect to see mostly couples and families on vacation staying here. 

Hotel Sepia is located southwest of Old Quebec (a 15- to 25-minute drive), just off the major highways running into the city and near two bridges spanning the St. Lawrence River. The surrounding neighborhood has a few restaurants and other hotels within a short walk, but not much else of interest. Quebec Aquarium on the riverfront is a nine-minute walk, however. Public buses and the seasonal hotel shuttle run into downtown and the heart of the Old City, but they make several stops and can take up to an hour. Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport is a 10- to 15-minute drive. Despite being next to the busy highways, the hotel is relatively quiet. 

The guest rooms were upgraded in the 2016 renovation, and they remain fresh, with a look that's streamline and modern. There's off-white modular-style furniture that includes desks, dressers, headboards, and nightstands, and rooms have either dark-wood floors or blueish-gray-striped carpeting. Splashes of color come from bolster pillows, contemporary art, and in some rooms, purple sofas.

Units are spacious and bright, with large windows that usher in cheerful light. Superior Comfort (standard) rooms come in King and Double-Queen options, and they offer ample space for comfort but aren’t overly spacious. Larger Studios and Suites also are available. Standard amenities include Nespresso coffeemakers with free pods, iPod docks, minibars, safes, free Wi-Fi and bottled water, and flat-screen TVs. Studios and Suites add robes.

Bathrooms are even more stylish, with wood shelving and circular basin sinks on sleek black granite vanities. Most have  walk-in showers, and some Double Queens have bathtubs, but all have rainfall showerheads. 

The rooms are generally quiet, but they’re not perfectly soundproofed, so some ambient noise can be heard. Most have unremarkable views of the parking area or the nearby highways and bridge

The Galopin restaurant is a highlight at Hotel Sepia, serving an extensive hot breakfast buffet every morning for a fee, as well as dinner daily and lunch on weekdays. Cuisine is upscale French, and fine-dining and tasting menus include creative entrees such as lamb, duck, seafood, and beef dishes. Private dining space and outdoor bar service on the terrace also are available. 

There's a fitness center that's bright, but it's very sparsely equipped, with only one stationary bicycle, a rowing machine, and free weights. The business center consists of a single computer and printer on a corner stand in the lobby, and free newspapers are offered. Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services. The hotel operates a free shuttle to downtown and Old Quebec, but it only runs in peak summer months. On-site parking is free, and guests embarking on trips outside of the city can park their cars long-term at the hotel for a fee. Wi-Fi throughout is also free. Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that there's no elevator to access second-floor guest rooms.