Best Luxury 5 Star Hotels in Quebec
This province’s Francophone heritage sets it apart from the vast majority of the continent on which it’s found. Indeed, French is the primary language here, with much of the population bilingual. Known for strong connections to the arts, this is the region that brought us Cirque du Soleil and Céline Dion. Québec City, first founded in 1608 on the Saint Lawrence River, holds much of its French-colonial history. With a fortified core, it’s the only walled city in North America and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Now it’s augmented by chic boutiques, lively cafes and restaurants, making it an even bigger draw for tourists soaking up the European ambience.
Quebec, Quebec City
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
(5 stars)Stay in a grand chateau overlooking the river in the heart of Old Quebec. The heritage urban resort has welcomed US and French presidents, Hollywood A-listers including Steven Spielberg, Leonardo DiCaprio and Angelina Jolie and international royalty since its inception in the late 1800s. 611 bedrooms blend old-world elegance with the latest tech and first-rate service. Guests can dine in its Bistro Le Sam, Champlain Restaurant and Place Dufferin, as well as ordering snacks and coffees at the in-house Starbucks. The five-star property also has a wellness area with a heated indoor pool, a jacuzzi, treatment rooms and a gym.
Quebec, Montréal
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
(5 stars)Stay downtown above the city’s Central Train Station in this towering 950 bedroom modernist establishment. The venue opened in 1958, was a trailblazer in technology for its time. And while Queen Elizabeth is now uber-on-trend with lots of funky touches, it retains conscious nods to its first heyday in the mid-century. Guests can eat and drink in the Kréma Café, Nacarat Bar and Rosélys Restaurant, or grab and go at Marché Artisans. Emphasising its cool credentials, the Fairmont equips rooms with Le Labo toiletries, offers a business campus called CoLab 3 and has interactive art installations for junior guests.
Quebec, Montréal
Four Seasons Hotel Montreal
(5 stars)Found on the Golden Square Mile, the 169 bedroom hotel encompasses 17 floors. A mainly monochrome colour palette is augmented by touches of blush velvet, marble and gilt hardware. At times it feels as if you’ve arrived at a modern art installation, with simple but dramatic design features. The third floor is home to the eating and drinking areas with accommodation (equipped with Nespresso machines, iPads and Bang and Olufsen speakers) found on higher floors, to take advantage of the views with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Four Seasons spa includes a dream-like pool area with an endless current to perfect your front crawl.
Quebec, Montréal
The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal
(5 stars)An international favourite with British roots, this Ritz-Carlton owned property has its origin in Edwardian times. Awarded with the lauded AAA Five Diamond award, this establishment has an excellent reputation, particularly for its fine dining destination restaurant Maison Boulud (2-Michelin star Chef Daniel Boulud is at the helm), and its rooftop terrace boasting a saltwater swimming pool with enviable city vistas. An additional pool is found in the sleek spa and there’s a second restaurant, The Palm Court, exuding at deco era opulence. Rooms are classically decorated with contemporary finishes, neutral colours and the latest technology. The 12 room Royal Suite is the ultimate in film star luxury.