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Fodor's Expert Review Hilton Québec

Name: Hilton Québec
Address: 1100 boul. René-Lévesque Est, Québec City, Québec, G1R 4P3, Canada
Telephone: 418-647–2411;800-447–2411-in Canada
Price range: $$$

1100 boul. René-Lévesque Est, Québec City, Québec, G1R 4P3, Canada See on Map

Joanne Latimer

Just opposite the National Assembly, the Hilton rises from the shadow of Parliament Hill. The Hilton is a practical home base for exploring Quebec City—old and new.

Just ignore the ugly façade. Suites get you access to the VIP Lounge on 23rd floor. It’s worth the splurge for the buffet breakfast and schmoozing.

room

The rooms do not stir sleeping passions. However, rooms on the higher rooms—say, above the 10^th floor—have spectacular views. All rooms have black out curtains (yes!) and their private-label luxury bed and bedding, and come with free Wi-Fi.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Some rooms are quite small and sparse. Plus, soundproofing isn’t effective when rooms have connecting doors. Only suites have mini fridges and marble bathrooms.

bathroom

Fine—the bathrooms are fine. They’re clean and basic. The granite countertops and vanities are a bit drab, but that doesn’t keep you from getting clean.

lobby

The lobby, often buzzing with businesspeople, features chocolate-brown leather couches, a backlit bar and dark-wood accents.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The lobby is underdone—too minimal, too reminiscent of an airport. The square leather benches are hard and uninviting.

pool

The indoor/outdoor rooftop pool is heated and afford great views of the city skyline. There are plenty of deck loungers, plus Le BLEU Poolside bar.

dining

The Allegro is where they serve the buffet breakfast. It’s also a (unexceptional) dinner restaurant and bar with strange yellow bar stools. The lunch spot is Le23 for an “urban business buffet” with river views.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Pssst! There’s a handy tunnel to the Quebec Convention Centre. Also, there’s reasonable self-parking for $20 or a $33 valet. Park your car then go on foot, everywhere. No need to take a bus, even. Just wear your walking shoes.

Restaurants

L’Improvist (10-minute walk), located in Old Quebec, is a charming, affordable French bistro with a casual vibe and excellent food.

Bars

Hotel Clarendon’s Jazz Bar (10-minute walk) is legendary, with live acts every weekend (small cover charge) and celebrity walk-ins.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Ask someone what they remember about the Hilton in Quebec City and they say one thing: the pool. It’s outdoors, and heated, on the roof, with a bar. Despite the Soviet-style façade—a concrete block and bland windows—and the rooms’ corporate-like allergy to style, this is a clean and reasonable place to crash while touring around town. Families love the availably of cribs, high chairs and the pet-friendly policy. They also get points for accessibility.