We tested: The Capitol | Two nights in the heart of the city

The Capitol has been part of the landscape of Old Quebec since the beginning of the 20th century.^e century, so to speak, it is part of the furniture. The place has undergone major renovations that allow it to be in tune with the times. Impressions.

From the outside, from the façade overlooking rue Saint-Jean, nothing seems obvious, but an extension has been built behind the Capitole, renewing the hotel offering of the establishment located opposite Place D’Youville since 1903 and which originally had 40 rooms.

The new part, built behind the hotel, on the edge of the ramparts surrounding the old town, has 109 rooms. The architects have built a main lobby, which serves as a reception, on the roof of the original building, at 7^e floor. From there, you take the magnificent aerial walkway which gives access to the new part of the hotel, with nine floors.

Our room, located at 3^e floor (you have to go up to come back down, we will recall during our weekend spent in the Old Capital, laughing), has a balcony which offers a splendid view of Old Quebec.

Even though I have lived in this city for a long time, I feel like I have never had this view: I see, from above, the Artillery Park, the ramparts and Old Quebec from an unusual, almost intimate angle, which shows this tourist district differently.

Equipped with a very large bed (king) comfortable, our room is not necessarily large, but is well divided with a small entrance hall with a wardrobe (and clothes steamer, a great idea), then a coffee/bar area with a small refrigerator and illy coffee machine. The space then opens onto the bed, a desk and two comfortable armchairs, then ends with a beautiful bathroom with shower and heated marble floor, not to mention the large balcony, which we will not enjoy much, the grayness and the wind being part of it that weekend. Glazed, with full-length windows, our corner room lets in a magnificent light.

The hotel offers several amenities; at 9^e floor, the swimming pool, slightly heated, is neither very large nor deep – it is more of a basin –, but it is pleasant to relax there while enjoying the view of the Laurentians. We would have appreciated a sauna to complete the experience. For sports enthusiasts, a gym at the foot of the ramparts offers all the equipment necessary to get in shape. From the lobby, you can access the Clubby Bar, on the 6^e floor, with a discreet terrace, for an aperitif or a late-night drink.

As for dining, there is the BŌ Cuisine d’Asie, a high-end restaurant with an excellent reputation, which I did not have the chance to try. Then there is the Il Teatro Ristorante, which serves lunches in particular – which you can add as an option for $23 with your room.

Price: from $279 in low season and $389 in high season for a City room

Visit the Capitol website