Monastère des Augustines

I liked the hotel/ex monastery very much. The grounds were beautiful. It was very peaceful, clean, well located and the staff were helpful. The bathroom accross the hall worked out perfectly. The breakfast was okay. I have a different idea of healthy and the bread was exceptional. My friend loved the breakfast. I paid for parking per day and was able to go in and out when we needed it; that worked very well for us.

Driving solo home from Toronto to Halifax, as my son and his father were enjoying an extra week in The Big Smoke! I decided to book a hotel for the night midway. I stumbled upon this boutique hotel online, The Monastery Des Augustine, it offered what they described as a superb breakfast, so for an additional $20 I took it. It is situated in the heart of Old Quebec, the only walled city in Canada and one of my favorites. A throwback to another time and place. If you are a romantic, as I am, you should spend a weekend there. You won't even believe that you are still on Canadian soil, you'll feel as if you are in France. When I arrived in Quebec, I had a bit of trouble finding the place and so did my GPS. After circling around for half an hour, I decided to ask a local. Luckily I understood enough of his broken English and I he enough of my French that I could piece together directions. Oddly enough, or because the brothers prefer it that way, the street has no sign. My GPS does state to take a "hard left hand turn" unto Rue Remparts, but that is an understatement. In fact, it is more correctly described as a U turn, as the 2 streets meet at about a 20 degree angle. In fact, it is a walled community inside a walled city. Once you pass through the gates you find a lovely courtyard with meticulously maintained grounds and gardens and a full parking lot. The hotel itself is the historical Monastery with new additions, nicely blending old and new worlds. Immediately, when I walked through the doors, I am struck by this amazing aroma, it's everywhere, like walking into an oversized Saje! It turns out that the hotel also has a spa. I go to the front desk to check in and I am greeted by a rather peculiar looking young man, slight in stature with wire-rimmed spectacles.

The monastery is set in a walled compound just a little downhill from the old city centre so it was was quiet and peaceful despite the bustle of the main streets. The shared bathroom situation is not a big inconvenience because there are several shower rooms on my floor. They were very clean and I didn't have to queue at all. Other than the accommodation aspect, the monastery also has a museum and it was worthwhile exploring its history and gardens too. It's perfect for solo travellers. I slept well and felt very rested even after just a night. Would love to be able to visit again.

We stayed in the rooms with shared bathrooms. It was such a pleasant experience. The rooms and bathrooms were so clean. The rooms were quiet and well appointed. It was delightful to stay in a museum and experience how the sisters of the monastary lived. The beds were exceptionally comfortable- I ordered the same pillows and sheets for my guest room at home when I got back. Silent breakfast was realxing and the food delicious, fresh and healthy. It was a nice way to start the day. The hotel was ideally located in the heart of Quebec City. It is pristine, has beautiful views and 100% walkable to every attraction the city offers.

Location couldn't have been better. A short walk (ten minutes) from train station, Frontenac, Visitor's Center and many restaurants and shops. Grocery Store (Metro) about 10 - 15 minute walk. Room was simple but comfortable. I had a Queen/Modern which was perfect for one person. Breakfast had a lot of variety - but no meat of any kind. Lots of fresh fruit, eggs, breads, many gluten and lactose free and vegan choices but enough options for any type of eater.