5-Star Service in an Exceptional Location – Le Capitole a Luxury Hotel in Québec City

Québec City offers a unique blend of Old World charm and modern luxury that feels like a European escape—just a short flight from most American eastern seaboard cities. At the heart of this captivating destination is the elegant Le Capitole Hôtel, perfectly situated steps from Québec’s Old Town, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site.

Le Capitole Hôtel underwent an impressive $44 million transformation in 2019, skillfully blending modern glass architecture with the building’s original Beaux-Arts charm. The result is a luxurious property celebrated for its elegant décor and stunning 270-degree views of Old Québec, the St. Lawrence River, Île d’Orléans, and the Laurentian Mountains.

Just steps away, the historic Théâtre Capitole—a beautifully restored Beaux-Arts performance venue with a 120-year history—continues to captivate audiences. Within the same complex, Ristorante Il Teatro features dramatic interiors and offers an authentic Italian dining experience.

Le Capitole Hôtel has many distinctions it should be proud of: in 2025, it was added to the Michelin Key Guide for excellence in hotels, it is a 4-Diamond AAA property, it offers Clef d’Or Concierge service, and it is one of a select few 5-star hotels in the city. It has quickly built its reputation to be a premier luxury hotel for the stars, and it has a formidable penthouse suite—9th Heaven—to host them!

Room Features

Our stay in the spacious Horizon Suite was nothing short of indulgent. With two full bathrooms—including one featuring a deep soaker tub, heated marble surfaces, and a rain shower—luxury was evident in every detail. Plush cotton bathrobes, matching slippers, and LALIQUE toiletries added a pampering touch that made getting ready feel special.

The suite’s kitchenette was well-appointed, complete with a Nespresso machine, mini fridge, kettle, and wine glasses, along with the option to purchase a half-bottle of wine for a quiet night in. Practical touches like a hand steamer in the wardrobe and a secure in-room safe made packing light and worry-free.

I spent a productive morning before checking out at the large desk in the office area, which was equipped with plenty of outlets and exceptional Wi-Fi—perfect for staying connected. Right by the desk, the comfortable L-shaped sofa faced a massive TV and offered easy access to one of the suite’s best features: the terrace. We sat out with our morning coffee on comfortable patio furniture overlooking the only walled city in North America (outside of Mexico).

The motorized curtains smoothly unveiled two enormous floor-to-ceiling windows that framed breathtaking views of Old Town, the iconic Château Frontenac, and the St. Lawrence River beyond. Catching both sunrise and sunset from this vantage point was simply remarkable—though a heads-up for summer travelers: near the solstice, the sun rises as early as 4:30 am!

Amenities

The two fitness areas are on two completely different floors. The fitness center is on the ground floor facing the historic stone walls of the Old City—not a view you would get anywhere else. It is a large, quiet area with exercise equipment, free weights, and a changing room.

The spa pool on the 9th floor features a bar, a spacious lounge area, and an outdoor terrace. The bar operates on weekends during the busy summer season. More of a large, elevated hot tub with jets than a traditional pool, it offers seating around the edges and sit-up chairs for those who want to relax nearby without getting in the water. One of the highlights of our stay was enjoying the stunning sunset over the Laurentian Mountains from this serene spot.

Valet parking is recommended for convenience, especially when taking day trips to Montmorency Falls or Île d’Orléans. Driving in the narrow, steep streets of Old Town is best avoided—walking lets you fully savor the neighborhood’s charm.

Dining and Bar Options

Ristorante Il Teatro’s dramatic ambiance pairs perfectly with Executive Chef Murteza Talu’s tempting menu. Lunch highlights included beef carpaccio and Merluzzo (Icelandic cod with caponata and pine nuts). Breakfast was exceptional, featuring rich coffees and standout dishes like Salmon Benedict and a hearty Landes Casserole.

The Clubby Bar on the 6th floor is accessed via an elegant spiral staircase from the lobby. They offer a fine selection of Québécois and Canadian spirits, with plush indoor seating and a cozy terrace—ideal for unwinding after a day exploring.

Why Go to Québec City?

Every time I step into Québec City’s Old Town, I feel like I’ve landed in the heart of a storybook. There’s just something about those 17th-century cobblestone streets—lined with weathered stone buildings and overflowing with French-Canadian charm—that makes you want to wander without a plan.

Le Capitole’s location puts you right at the heart of Québec City’s vibrant festival scene. Just steps away, Place d’Youville comes alive throughout the year, hosting a beer festival, a comedy festival, and a lively music stage during the Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ). In August, it’s the ideal spot to catch the spectacular fireworks over Montmorency Falls during the Grands Feux Loto-Québec or to immerse yourself in the historic celebrations of Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France, which bring the 17th and 18th centuries of the New World to life.

Art and culture pulse through the city, whether you’re admiring contemporary works at Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec or seeking an elevated dining experience. Thanks to the addition of the Michelin Guide Québec City, scoring a table at Canada’s newest MICHELIN two-star restaurant, Tanière³, requires some savvy reservations—check with the concierge for help with those.

Room Rates

Room rates fluctuate by season, starting around $195–$267 USD in fall and winter and rising to $325–$411 USD from June through mid-October. Suites go for $592 to $736 USD in high season; the Horizon Suite is approximately $707 USD.

Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.

Overall Experience

I truly LOVED my stay at Le Capitole. What sets this property apart—and what everyone seems to talk about—is the outstanding level of service. The hotel features Clef d’Or Concierge (Gold Key designation), and I personally relied on their expertise during my visit. Israel, the concierge, exceeded all expectations: not only did he help me connect with a healthcare professional in Québec City, but he was in touch throughout the day via text to make sure I was taken care of. It was service on a whole other level—absolutely gold standard.

Two other highlights made this stay unforgettable. First, the views. Whether from the 6th-floor terrace, the Passarelle corridor, the pool area, or our private 8th-floor balcony, the vista was spectacular—panoramic glimpses of the city, the St. Lawrence, and Old Town that simply can’t be beat.

Second, the location is fantastic. Le Capitole is just steps from the St. Jean Gates on the ramparts of Old Québec, so you’re close to everything: Rue St. Jean, great bars, restaurants, the convention center, and pretty much anything you could possibly need. The hotel makes exploring a breeze, with public transit just steps away and easy access to the main routes for access out to the airport or day trips to Île d’Orléans, Charlevoix, or the Laurentians.

This is an enthusiastic five-star recommendation for a true five-star hotel. If you’re heading to Québec City, I can’t recommend Le Capitole enough!

As part of a press trip to Québec City, I was invited to stay at the hotel for the purposes of a first-hand experience and full hotel review. All the opinions and images for this article are my own.