L'Autre Jardin Auberge

365 boul. Charest Est, St-Roch, Québec City, Québec G1K 3H3, Canada
Shutterstock

Why We Like It

We dig the socially-conscious philosophy. This fair-trade inn cares about sustainable development, as well as fair-trade and organic products. The location means it's close to two fun areas of town--Old Quebec and Saint-Roch, where local hipster live and play. While the rooms aren't particularly special, they're clean and air conditioned with private bathrooms and Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included.

Fodor's Expert Review

Where good intentions meet social activism. The inn, which is owned and operated by a nonprofit, has an organic, fair-trade ethos, along with a boutique to sell goods from developing countries. The simple rooms in this three-floor Beaux Art building have African decor.

You Should Know This hotel is earnest, but not fancy, and there is no elevator.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Room

Simple and clean, the rooms have high ceilings, air conditioning, wainscoting, and plenty of floor space. There is free Wi-Fi, a coffee maker, a work desk and continental breakfast is always included. The bedspreads and art are African in theme, or generic international. That worn and bland carpet totally needs to be retired to a dumpster, though.

You Should Know Note that there are fridges or safes in rooms, no king-sized beds, and the lighting isn't very sufficient for night-time reading. Bring a reading light.

Bathroom

Each room has a private shower/bath, while some rooms have a whirl pool bath. Bathrooms are simple, with a residential feel--as opposed to a spa feel--and African decor accents.

Lobby

A hub for like-minded travelers and NGO types to socialize. The lobby area contains a computer, a lounge with magazines, and an espresso machine (not free). The furniture is a bit dated, needing a refresh and some tidying up. Same goes for the reception desk.

Tip The lobby hosts an interesting Équimonde store, designed as a café-store and offers both guests and the general public an opportunity to purchase fair trade products and local crafts.

Dining

Enjoy your free breakfast on the terrace or in the dining room. The food is better than most continental breakfasts, with hot options, fruit, yogurt, eggs, sausage, real potatoes, coffee, juice, and tea--lots of tea from around the world.

You Should Know The dining room could be more cheery. Plus, it feels like an off-season hostel kitchen.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Hey, there's cheap parking ($12/day)--but it's two blocks away. Relax, you can drop off your luggage at the door. From the hotel, it's a 15-20-minute walk, uphill, to Old Quebec. It's a scenic walk that flies by.

Restaurants

Le Clocher Panché (7-minute walk) is where to go for a fun night in a casual bistro--even on Sunday.

Bars

The new hot spot is La Champagnerie (5-minute walk), for bubbly by the glass and classy appetizers.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 418-523–1790;877-747–0447