Le Germain Hotel - Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City is one of the most historic and picturesque cities in Canada, and perhaps the world. So, we were excited to learn that our 8-night Crystal Serenity cruise would embark in Quebec City.
After some online research of hotel reviews, one name kept showing up: Le Germain Hotel Quebec, which happens to be ranked by Conde Naste Traveler as one of the 10 best hotels in Canada.
When looking for a pre-/post-cruise hotel, our requirements are pretty obvious. We want a property with a good location, ideally within walking distance of local shops and restaurants. We want a quiet, peaceful room, and a comfortable bed. And, of course, it has to be clean. Le Germain Hotel checks all of those boxes, and more.
Le Germain Hotel Quebec consists of two separate, but connected, towers tucked away on a little street in the heart of Old Quebec. It is within walking distance of the Old Port and a labyrinth of city streets lined with local shops and eateries.
We took an Uber from the Quebec City airport to the hotel ($50 US). We later discovered that local taxis are also available for about the same cost as an Uber. The drive from the airport to the hotel takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
When we arrived, we were greeted and checked in quickly and efficiently. The lobby and reception area has a very rich, classic feeling of a boutique hotel with dark woods and carefully placed artwork.
Behind the reception desk is a seating area and a small bar which is open in the evenings for cocktails and wine. The large fireplace gives the space a comfortable “living room” feeling.
In the basement of the property you will find a nicely-equipped fitness center.
When we opened the door to our Classic King room, we were surprised at how large the room was. Often, boutique hotels, especially in century-old buildings, will have very cramped accommodations.
Classic King Room
We did feel as though the room was a little dark, so we went to open the Venetian blinds for some more lighting and, when we looked out the window, we could see Crystal Serenity docked just a block or two from the hotel!
Across from the king-sized bed is a wall unit with a small desk and chair, a flat screen television, telephone, mini fridge and a Nespresso coffee machine.
The desk is equipped with all of the modern sockets for US-style 110 AC power and USB ports.
MOdern audio/video ports, USB ports and US-Style 110 outlets
The bathroom looked very modern and new. Plush bathrobes and slippers are provided. The vanity surrounding the sink is rather small, but adequate, and there is a nice bottle of hand/body lotion provided (Note: the photo below shows a tub/shower combination, otherwise the bathroom was identical to ours).
Our room had a walk-in shower (no bathtub), which we actually prefer. The shower was large and offered a rain shower head mounted in the ceiling as well as a removable shower wand.
Rain Shower Head
Inside the shower, you will find separate shampoo, hair conditioner and body wash. Bar soap is also provided next to the sink. All of the Ruby Brown bathroom amenities were excellent.
Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash
As for the bed, it was extremely comfortable and we both had a great night of restful sleep, due in part to the comfortable pillows, excellent bedding and a quiet room. So, mission accomplished.
The following morning, the hotel offered a continental breakfast (additional cost) with pastries, meats, cheeses, breads, jams, hard boiled eggs and even a warm quiche. Coffee and tea are complimentary.
Continental Breakfast
When it came time for us to check out and head to the ship, had it not been raining, we could have easily walked to the cruise terminal (all of our luggage has wheels). It is literally about one block to the entrance of the terminal.
Cruise Terminal in Quebec City
Should our travels ever take us to Quebec City in the future, Le Germain Hotel Quebec will be our first choice for accommodations. You can reach the hotel for more information, or to book your stay at https://www.germainhotels.com/en/le-germain-hotel/quebec
