Quebec City is one of the most fun cities to visit in North America. Its cobbled streets, charming sidewalk cafes, rich history, and numerous attractions make it feel more like Europe than Canada. But it’s much easier to access than Europe, and is even within driving distance for some families.
When planning your Quebec City family vacation, you’ll first want to find the perfect accommodations. There are plenty of options – from tiny inns to large chain hotels. It can be a little intimidating to find just the right place. Here’s more information on where to stay in Quebec City for your next vacation there.
I’ve stayed at the Hilton and the Chateau Laurier on press trips to the city. The other stays were on my own. This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us.
Where To Stay In Quebec City
Neighborhoods in Quebec City
There are a few different neighborhoods to consider for your Quebec City vacation. Make sure that you absolutely understand where your hotel is located before booking. You’ll have a very different experience depending on what you choose. If you don’t have a car, this is especially important.
Sainte-Foy
Sainte-Foy is a Quebec City suburb that is home to several popular attractions including the aquarium. You’ll also find two shopping malls and the Parc Nautique de Cap-Rouge. It’s about a 15-minute drive to Vieux Quebec (Old Quebec), however, so you won’t be able to walk into the Old City.
We used to stay in Sainte-Foy when I was a kid, and it’s a great alternative if you are looking to save some money on your stay. But if you want to walk right outside your door and be in Old Quebec, you’ll want to stay somewhere else. If you stay in Sainte-Foy, you’ll need to drive to the Vieux Quebec area every time you want to visit.
Old Quebec
Old Quebec (Vieux Quebec in French) refers to the neighborhood in Quebec City that includes both the upper city and the lower city. This is the area that most people refer to as Quebec City and is the area with many of the popular attractions.
This historic neighborhood offers lots of hotels and inns, as well as restaurants, shops, and cafes. This is definitely the most touristy of the areas. If you want to park your car at the hotel and then just walk around the city, this is where you’ll want to stay.
Inside the Wall
Within Old Quebec, you’ll find the area “inside the wall”. As a fortified city, remnants of the original wall still remain. This area is where you’ll find the majority of attractions.
However, there are some great places to stay in Quebec City that are right outside the wall. These are still within walking distance of popular attractions and restaurants in Quebec City.
If you are looking for a Quebec City hotel, here are some that we’ve had first-hand experience with and would recommend. There are other great hotels in the area, but these are the ones we’ve been to.
Quebec City Hotels to Stay In
Manoir Victoria
This charming hotel is located right within the walls of the old city. It offers a restaurant, a spa, an indoor pool and sauna, a hotel gym, meeting rooms, and 156 guest rooms.
In the rooms, you’ll find free WiFi, a coffee maker, a hairdryer, and a minibar. It’s an easy walk to many popular restaurants and shops.
We first stayed here before we had kids, and utilized the hotel’s parking. Once we arrived, however, we didn’t need our car until we left. If you didn’t bring a car but need one, there’s a Hertz car rental on site.
You can find more reviews of the Manoir Victoria here
Le Château Frontenac
The Chateau Frontenac, located right by the stairs leading to the lower city, is the most popular hotel in Quebec City. This gorgeous hotel is a tourist attraction in itself and offers a spa, salon, pool, gym, Starbucks, several restaurants, and shops.
During a recent stay during a conference, I was so impressed with how comfortable and quiet the hotel is. Although the hotel itself is a tourist destination, it’s so nice to stay there.
When booking, you’ll find several options of room views, including city views, and St. Lawrence river views. If it fits in your budget, I’d definitely recommend staying there as a splurge. It’s a unique experience.
See our Chateau Frontenac review here and read more reviews here.
Hilton Quebec
The Hilton Quebec is located right outside the walls of the city. This modern hotel offers two restaurants, a beautiful outdoor pool, a business center, and much more. It’s a great business hotel, but also wonderful for a family vacation.
While it’s located outside the walls of the city, it’s still a quick walk to the shops and cafes of Old Quebec. In addition, the rooms are a nice size and very comfortable. This is a great option, especially if you are a member of the Hilton Honors program.
Hotel Chateau Laurier
During a family vacation to Quebec City a few years ago, we stayed at the Hotel Chateau Laurier. Located between the Plains of Abraham and the Grand Allee, the Chateau Laurier is located right outside the walls of the city. It’s a quick walk to all of the attractions in Old Quebec.
The Hotel Chateau Laurier offers several room classes – express, standard, superior, and deluxe, along with suites. You’ll find a wide array of amenities, including self and valet parking, concierge service, a rental car desk, a restaurant, an indoor pool, a sauna, two four-season outdoor jacuzzis, and an exercise room.
We also stayed at the Le Concorde Hotel, which is a few blocks away from the Hotel Chateau Laurier. We enjoyed our stay – however, when we stayed there it was a Loews hotel. It’s now an independent hotel, so I can’t speak to what the hotel is like now. You can read more reviews about it here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there is a small airport – Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport -located a short drive away.
That depends on where you are staying and what your plans are. I’ve visited numerous times without a car and have walked around to most places. I’ve also taken guided tours to some places so I didn’t need to drive.