I just returned from a gals’ trip to Quebec City and Montreal for my friend’s birthday. After flying into Quebec City, we spent the first two days there, then took the train to Montreal to spend a day and a half, and then returned to Quebec City via the train for our final day. We stayed in some fantastic hotels along the way, and today I’m sharing where to stay in Quebec City and Montreal.
If I had to do it over again, I would probably spend a little more time in Montreal. It’s a bigger city, and there’s just a lot more to explore. And beware Quebec City is pretty sleepy this time of year, so a lot of restaurants and bars were closed for renovations, but hey, no crowds!
Where to Stay in Quebec City
Auberge Saint-Antoine Relais
Our first two nights in Quebec City, we stayed in the Auberge Saint-Antoine Relais. It was conveniently located near the Quartier Petit Champlain, which is where you want to be if you’re hoping for that quaint, Old World charm.
Rue du Petit-Champlain is the primary street in the neighborhood, lined by candy colored houses. This is the perfect place to sample some maple treats at La Petit Cabane à Sucre (“sugar shack”) or duck into one its many pubs. Just about everyone had board games, which we found amazing! 
Our hotel also had an incredibly cute and cozy bar and restaurant called Artefact that we ate at the first night and sat around the fire drinking rosé the next!
The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
We took a side trip to Montreal for a day and a half, but returned to Quebec City for one more night. We stayed at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, and it is spectacular. While it is the most expensive option in town, it was worth it to stay at least one night. It’s classic without being dated and offers gorgeous views of Quebec City from above. Stepping in there really transports you to another world!
Built as one of Canada’s grand railway hotels back in the 1920’s, the railway companies hoped to give their patrons a place to sleep in style. Le Château Frontenac is also one of the most photographed hotels in the world!
Where to Stay in Montreal
Hotel Place d’Armes
This was my second time in Montreal, but my friends’ first. The great thing about it is that it’s a very walkable city. We settled on the Hotel Place d’Armes for its central location in Old Montreal or “Vieux-Montreal”, which is where you really feel like you’re strolling the streets in France with its cobblestone streets and sidewalk cafe’s. It does tend to be a bit touristy, but it’s a great place to start for first time visitors.
I also stayed at the Sofitel Montréal Le Carré Doré last year near McGill University. That had plenty of spots to visit within walking distance and easy access to the Metro.
This CNN article has a great breakdown of Montreal’s most interesting neighborhoods.
The staff was fantastic in each of the places we stayed on this trip. They were quick to help with restaurant suggestions and reservations plus call ahead and get our train tickets all set up. At the Hotel Place d’Armes, they even sent up a complimentary bottle of champagne for my friend’s birthday.
See you tomorrow for where to eat in Quebec City and Montreal!
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