The Best Western Plus City Center Quebec

The truth can be told. All the cool kids are going north for the school breaks - north to Quebec City, Canada for the skiing, winter sports, hiking, and food. It’s cheaper to drive, the food is great, they have a variety unusual winter sports available (more if there is snow) including dog sledding, ice climbing and snowmobiling. Best of all, you don’t have the heavy duty personal security concerns as is “south of the US boarder.” Go north for the fun and no worries!

Years ago the ads called Quebec the “Europe next door,” and I am very happy to see it hasn’t really changed. For a price much lower than transatlantic fares, one can travel to the Old City for the sights, sounds and even the smell of Europe. While my favorite is the smell of cheese fondue, the international culinary challenge is to try a variety of foods while walking down a block or through a tunnel, or through and behind the buildings.

Not sure where to stay amongst these amazing sites? Look no further than the The Best Western Hotel Plus. The hotel is located outside the walls of the city (yes, there are walls) in the section known as St. Roc. The hotel is close enough in walking distance to both the walled upper city and the seaport lower city and far enough to have lower rates.

The city is over 400 years old and needed those walls for protection, but now they just separate two experiences of Quebec. Before its rebirth, the St. Roc was an area dominated commercial and industrial buildings that have since been demolished or converted into residential use. This has the benefit of being walking distance to the train and bus stations and open exhibit areas such as used by Cirque de Sol.

The hotel is clean line contemporary designed and unassuming but the service is outstanding. Pull up to the curb and right away the guest is greeted by the bell staff ready to pack the dolly with luggage and send it to the room while the guest checks in the modern lobby. It’s in a clean, good location, with easy access from buses right outside and an indoor pool! There’s nothing left to want.

Quebec City with its many winter festivals entertains just few blocks away. The nearby restaurants fill the belly and if it’s more adventure that you want, rent a car and travel even further north where nobody knows your name, nobody speaks English and everybody will try to help you have enjoyable time. A little “Bon Jour” and respect can open the doors to an experience that rates the extra credit on a term paper covering “what I did over the break.” Especially since the report is not on the same old, same old.

The Best Western rates include a buffet breakfast with fruit, eggs, bacon and sausage. You can eat hearty and then have a light lunch.

Plan to walk the area or visit a little guide called Quebec City 101. This guide gives basic background on Quebec, is also telling you what is available to do and see in the city. The Best Western’s location is easy off the main highways, has fee parking on site, within walking of the Old City, restaurants, exhibits, museums, artwork, 400+ of history and the best part is, you didn’t stay home.