I wasn’t surprised when I read Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List for the World’s Best 700 Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines.
Quebec has eleven properties that made the list, which is in the January 2007 issue of the magazine. And I was thrilled that I’ve stayed at seven of them in La Belle Province of Quebec.
Here is the complete list, including my personal comments about the ones where I’ve spent an evening or two. I can’t wait to return!
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, La Malbaie – Located 90 minutes northeast of Quebec City in the Charlevoix region, this 1929 “castle” is in fact a resort complete with a golf course and casino. I’m not big on gambling, so I look the other way, out to the glorious Saint Lawrence River. Beautiful dining and public rooms along with a pool, spa and tennis courts. 405 rooms, 418.665.3703.
Sofitel, Montreal – This four-year old hotel is located on Sherbrooke Street near McGill University in downtown Montreal. It’s a modern high-rise with views of the city skyline and Mount Royal Park. It also features one of the most comfy beds I’ve ever slept in. 258 rooms, 514.285.9000.
Loews Hotel Vogue, Montreal – Also located in the heart of downtown, I have to say due to my itinerary I arrived late and left early at this hotel. Modern in style and decor, I find it to be a little dated and less luxurious than the Sofitel. 142 rooms, 514-285-5555.
Manoir Hovey, North Hatley – This charming inn is located on Lake Massawippi in the Eastern Townships of Quebec (near the Vermont border). It was fashioned after George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and everything about it is warm and cozy and the inn’s restaurant is one of the finest in the region. 39 rooms, 800.661-2421.
Auberge Saint-Antoine, Quebec City – This boutique hotel is located in Quebec City’s Old-Port and near the bustling streets of Le Petit Champlain. Since I’ve stayed there, they have added the restaurant Panache. Their amenities are among my favorites, a product line called We Live Like This. It must be popular, as they’re available through the hotel’s website. 94 rooms, 418-692-2211.
Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City – This is the ultimate in romance. On one occasion when I stayed here during the Quebec Winter Carnival, a couple arrived in their wedding attire to have dinner for two in the hotel’s Le Champlain. Located on the city’s highest point, it overlooks the Saint Lawrence River, complete with ice floes in the winter and toboganing outside the door. 618 rooms, 418.692.3861.
Hotel Dominion, Quebec City – Located in the Old Port, the city’s first skyscraper is now home to this hip hotel. It’s a nice contrast to the Frontenac up on the hill, and within walking distance of shops and art galleries. We trudged along in the snow one evening to celebrate my birthday at Initiale, a lovely resto serving contemporary French cuisine. 60 rooms, 418-692-2224.
Auberge du Vieux-Port, Montreal – Housed in a 19th century leather factory, Conde Nast’s comments included “rustic but luxurious.” 27 rooms, 514-876-0081.
Chateau Versailles, Montreal – This hotel is comprised of 19th century Beaux Arts town houses in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile. 65 rooms, 514-933-8111.
Hotel Le St-James, Montreal – Lots of stars stay here (I spotted Jon Bon Jovi coming out of the hotel). It’s on my list as it also has a spa and a cool little resto called XO. 60 rooms, 514-841-3111.
Le Westin Resort & Spa, Mont Tremblant – I’ve been to Mont Tremblant but haven’t stayed at this small resort and spa. 126 rooms, 819-681-8000.
Manoir Hovey is a charming inn located 75-minutes east of Montreal in North Hatley, Quebec. Photo by Sue Frause.