Hotel 71 is a stylish boutique hotel in Quebec City that is located in the old National Bank of Canada building that has a beautiful neoclassical facade. Seamlessly blending upscale classical architecture with more contemporary decor this hotel was my home base as I explored Quebec City.
THE LOCATION
Located downtown Quebec City right in the beautiful historic district Hotel 71 is just a 5 minute drive from the train station, and a short 5 minute walk to the funicular that will take you directly in front of the Chateau Frontenac. It is impossible to get a better location in Quebec City than this as you are surrounded with restaurants, shops, art galleries, and museums.
WINE LOVERS REJOICE
The staff at Hotel 71 were very attentive and quick to check me into my room. One of the interesting perks about this hotel is upon checking-in you are given a wine card that allows you to buy wine by the glass in the lobby using a swipe card.
If you are looking to have a glass of wine while you are on holiday there a variety of bottles on tap that can be poured into the provided stemware.
This was the first time I’ve ever come across this feature in a hotel, and I loved the idea for the traveler who might just want to have a glass of wine in one of the lobby areas or in their room instead of walking to one of the bars that can get very crowded around tourist season.
The seating area right next to the lobby and wine station where you can relax with a glass of wine.
THE ROOM
I stayed in the gigantic superior room that had two queen size beds and small sitting area with two arm chairs. To my surprise upon arriving at room I was greeted by a card with a note welcoming me to the hotel and two trays of decedent chocolate truffles.
The chocolates were outstanding, and the dark chocolate truffle in the middle that said 71 was such a delight that I ate both of the dark chocolate ones as they were amazing!
The room was also outfitted with a few unexpected luxuries, such as the bed had under the bed lights that would turn on at night if they sensed your feet nearby which made it easy to walk to the bathroom without turning on the lights.
Another one of my favorite features in the room was the Nespresso machine right beside the bed so I could wake up in the morning with an amazing robust cup of espresso.
Across the room there was also a small sitting area with two tufted chairs and television.
The room also offered other luxuries such as fluffy house coats, WiFi and full length mirror that is perfect for checking out your outfit before you head out to explore Quebec City.
BUBBLES AND SELFIE MIRROR
After full day of walking around Quebec City I was ready to freshen up before heading out to dinner at Matto. The bathroom in the hotel room was amazing offering both a spacious modern rainfall shower and a luxurious bathtub.
Taking some time to pamper myself and relax my feet I enjoyed a bubble bath using the L’Occitane en Provence bath products that were provided before heading out for a late night dinner.
The bathroom also had two light strips on either side of the mirror that makes it extra nice to get ready in as there was soft lighting from either side instead of harsh lights only from above. The mirror lights it would also make a great spot for selfies as your face would be beautifully illuminated should you like to take classic bathroom mirror selfies.
EXTRA FEATURES
Off to the side of the lobby is another sitting lounge where guests can help themselves throughout the day to tea or coffee from the Nespresso machine and milk frother.
I found the space to be a great meeting point if you were having several people stay in different rooms at the hotel as everyone can just sip on a cup of coffee before heading off for breakfast.
In this lounge space there are also shelves of products for sale including the bedding used by the hotel. As I loved the luxurious satin finished hotel sheets I ordered a set for my bed at home to be delivered at my home so that I wouldn’t need to carry it on the train. I’m so excited for my sheets to arrive so that I can enjoy the same deep sleep I experienced as I did when sleeping at Hotel 71.
For guests looking to explorer further around Quebec City bicycles are provided in the hotel lobby to use for free.
RESTAURANT
Included with your stay at Hotel 71 is a continental breakfast buffet at Matto which is attached to Hotel 71.
The restaurant is very modern inside with spectacular round chandeliers and a tall bar which is enhanced with red lights. At breakfast time you can just walk in with your breakfast ticket and shouldn’t have any wait getting a table. I treated myself to a delicious butter croissant and fresh fruit.
While breakfast was good, dinner at Matto was an amazing experience. Matto at night is an Italian restaurant that has is very popular and I would strongly recommend making dinner reservations.
Everyone in my family with loved the food and friendly staff at Matto which was the best Italian food I’ve had in years.
THE VERDICT
Hotel 71 is everything I hoped for in a hotel in Quebec City, charming old architecture seamless blended with modern interior features, this boutique hotel is luxurious and stylish. The friendly staff were incredibly helpful in helping in recommending restaurants and activities to do around the city. This hotel is the perfect pick for chic travelers looking to explore the old world charm of Quebec City main tourist sights, so it is no wonder this hotel ranked as one of the top 25 hotels in Canada by TripAdvisor.