Quebec Trip #1:Why Quebec, Tips to Go, Hotel 71

Hotel 71

In May we took a vacation to the Old City of  Quebec, Canada. This is the first in a series of blogs about Old Quebec, so you can explore it, learn about it as a great place to visit and enjoy. We'll get into the history, the buildings, a ghost tour, the food and more over the next couple of weeks. In this blog, you'll learn about the hotel where we stayed and traveling there. 
   This year, we were joined by our friends Mike and Nick and it was great, Traveling companions can make or break a trip, and this was very memorable.  

HOW WE DECIDED ON QUEBEC - We love Europe (we've been 3 times together), but we wanted the same European flavor without having to fly 9 or 10 hours, and Quebec was a perfect choice. It has both French and English influence in both buildings and languages spoken, and was about 4 hours by plane (we switched planes in Toronto)

Out room

TIPS IF YOU GO AND FLY - * Plan 2 hours between connections as you'll need it!! Toronto is a Huge airport. Plus: You have to go out of security and go back through it.*You need a passport. *The airlines will check your bags all the way through if you have to connect through Toronto. *Pack snacks (no liquids of course). *Bring a book. I (Rob) read two novels while traveling (about 800 pages all together). *Check the Forecast! - We had high temps in the 50s and 60s in mid-May. The first night, though, when we took the ghost tour (outside walk) it was in the Upper 30s and windy (and Cold!). **

Espresso in the room if wanted

HOTEL 71 - Hotel 71, in Old Quebec City, is located in a prestigious building that was once the National Bank of Canada's first head office in Quebec City. The building façade is a stunning example of 19th century neo-classic architecture. The refined style of its interiors is as attractive as it is welcoming, and Hotel 71 offers 60 contemporary hotel rooms and suites featuring sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and Cap Diamant.

WHAT IS THE "CAP DAIMANT"? - Cap Diamant ("Cape Diamond") is the official name of the cape and promontory on which Quebec City is located, formed by the confluence of a bend in the St. Lawrence River to the south and east, and the much smaller St. Charles River to the north. It is part of a larger plateau named the Promontory of Quebec.

NEXT: Ghosts in Hotel 71?