What it is

The jewel of Quebec City, this 610-room riverside chateau—opened in 1893—is fit for modern royalty, with lauded restaurants and a showstopping spa and indoor pool.

What it isn't

Stocked with oversized rooms. As with many historic hotels, starter guest rooms are small (starting at 175-square-feet), but they’re extremely elegant (note the ornately carved furniture).

What we think

Francophiles know they don’t have to take a long-haul flight to experience France—not when Le Chateau Frontenac awaits in French-speaking Quebec City. Here, guests can tuck into locavore 5-course menus at Champlain Restaurant; indulge in jaw-dropping spa treatments (lotus and water lily body wrap, anyone?) and start their days with note-perfect French Canadian breakfasts—like liegeoise waffles with chantilly cream or crepes with maple butter sauce—via room service. Book the Elizabeth II Suite to spread out with 1,000-square-feet, all adorned with images and memorabilia from her visit to the hotel in 1959. From Hitchcock to Churchill to Charles de Gaulle, you'll have your choice of suites inspired by the historical guests of Le Chateau Frontenac.

You're here because

The hotel is purportedly the most photographed property on the planet, and you want to break the internet with your Instagram post of the breathtaking views from the Fairmont Gold Lounge on the 14th floor. #Blessed.

The Moment

The only thing better than afternoon tea? Afternoon tea in a castle. Perched at a riverfront table in Place Dufferin, you take a sip of your Sri Lankan Earl Grey tea and spread more housemade Devon cream on your warm scone. Délicieuse!

Restaurants & Bars

Champlain Restaurant - A classic landmark restaurant re-invented, featuring cutting edge regional cuisine

Place Dufferin - Located on the Dufferin Terrace, the Place Dufferin restaurant awaits you for a la carte breakfast every day and Afternoon tea on weekends

Sam Bistro - Creative dishes to share, trendy happy hours and innovative mixology.

Location

Atop a hill fronting the St. Lawrence River amid the winding cobblestoned streets of Old Quebec, just three blocks walk from the Museum of Civilization, where exhibits include archeological finds from when the city was founded in 1608.