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 For the seasoned traveller, the historic magnitude one senses as they trod the cobble paths of
old Quebec City is a feeling reserved for the great old cities of
medieval Europe. Few cities in North America can boast of their past as
Quebec can, founded by Samuel de Champlain as he traveled down the St. Lawrence in
the first years of the fifteenth century. In the midst of venturing
where no European had gone before, he found “Kebec”, the
place in the river where it became narrow. So named for the Amerindian
tribe he surely encountered when he and his crew disembarked, the roots
of French civilization in the Americas was born here, and today, many of
the buildings marking its illustrious history still stand today in the
old section of the city.
Founded at the highest point overlooking the St. Lawrence, it
is appropriate in today’s tourist climate that Loews Le Concorde hotel offer the
best starting point from which to explore Quebec City. Located right on
the Grand Allee Avenue—the Champs Elyses of Quebec City—at the
gates to the old city, Le Concorde is just steps from the finest dining,
museums, historic sights and shops to be explored. Edifices built of
limestone and sandstone in the traditional style of French architecture
still stand today at the core of the old city, complemented by
Neo-Classical churches and basilicas, Art-Baroque, Art Deco and Chateaux
designs that have sprung up throughout the centuries. Visitors marvel at
the fascinating diversity of architecture in the city, and now Le
Concorde stands at the center of it all, looking out over Old Quebec and
the Plains of Abraham.
The great vistas at this 30-storey, 404-room luxury hotel,
the result of its position at the highest point on the mountain that Old
Quebec is built on. Each room offers an expansive view of the city, able
to be enjoyed at the height of luxury. Rooms are spacious, elegantly
decorated, and fully equipped, including cable television with in-room
movies, fax and high-speed Internet access (the latter for a nominal
daily fee), as well as complimentary bathrobes
and morning paper delivery. Presidential suites include a spacious sitting area, as
well as a fireplace for cool Quebec nights, an in-room sauna, and
Jacuzzi tub. After a busy day in this quaint city, the ultimate
amenities of relaxation are waiting at your disposal.
Despite an abundance of fantastic restaurants in the old city, L’Astral,
on the revolving rooftop of Le Concorde, is a dinner reservation that
absolutely must be made at once during your stay in Quebec. French and
international cuisines marry here with the use of the freshest
produce and proteins, as the  hotel’s chefs bring new twists to familiar dishes. With an
extensive list of vintages to complement any dish brought to the palate,
the experience, along with the unsurpassed view, ensures that a night at
L’Astral be the focal point of your stay at Le Concorde, as it has garnered
acclaim from local residents as the top hotel restaurant in the city.
As
a perfect compliment to L'Astral, the newly named Galerie Sur
Le Parc offers a spectacular breakfast option, as well as drinks in
the late afternoon and evening. This classic but classic but casual resto-lounge triumphs in its versatility: for
breakfast--where the elaborate breakfast buffets are legendary--a cup of
coffee, an aperitif, or a nightcap, this resto-lounge offers it all at a
leisurely pace. The ethereal sounds of a grand piano only enhance the
experience here.
In such a rich cultural place, setting out on foot to explore
the old monasteries, basilicas, universities, and battlegrounds forged
against invasions from Upper Canada and the Americans centuries before,
is a requisite part of a stay. Beyond the history of the city, though, is a thrilling
outdoor environment where city tours, boat trips down the St. Lawrence, and sightseeing tours through the hills north of the city are all exciting and convenient options for the
resolute traveller. On-site, sauna and indoor pool services, along with
a fully equipped fitness center, bring the comforts of a country club to
the door of your hotel room. Along with meeting space, business
facilities, and Le Concorde’s proximity to Quebec City’s Convention
Center, this four-season city is the perfect location, for business or
pleasure, in any season. Canada’s oldest urban center impresses, a
pleasant surprise given its relative anonymity on the travel map.
Where
to Stay
Loews Le Concorde Hotel
- http://www.loewshotels.com/hotels/quebec/
- 1225 Cours Du General De Montcalm, Quebec City, G1R 4W6 Canada - Telephone: 418.647.2222
- Fax: 418.647.4710
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