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Auberge Saint-Antoine—A Fusion of Great History In Quebec City

Auberge Saint-Antoine—A Fusion of Great History In Quebec City

On our last visit to Quebec City, we went ahead of the group we were traveling with to experience the Auberge Saint-Antoine. Both being interested in history, we had walked by this property in the late 90s, took part in a site inspection in 2010 and were convinced we needed to discover more this past year.

Auberge Saint-Antoine

Auberge Saint-Antoine

Auberge Saint-Antoine is part of the prestigious Relaix & Chateaux group. Guests may or may not know that all of its properties must have a story. Well, this hotel has a soul and guests are aware of it throughout the entire property.

Very few hotels combine what its owners call a “fusion of tourism and history.” This is exactly what guests can enjoy in Quebec City’s Auberge Saint-Antoine. As we explored the hotel, it was easy to discover why in December it had just been recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List for 2014 as one of the top hotels in the world. In addition, the hotel is included in the prestigious Platinum Circle, which recognizes consistency in excellence for properties who make the Gold List five years in a row. January brought another accolade, Saint-Antoine was named one of the top hotels in Canada. It scored highest in the Quebec region, in the “Best Hotels by Region” category in the Travel+Leisure 500 Awards. Auberge Saint-Antoine received a score of 90.71 out of 100 – the highest score earned by a hotel in Quebec. Earlier in 2013 Robb Report listed it on “The World’s Top 100 Hotels.”

Auberge Saint-Antoine Artifact Closeup

These awards confirmed what we already thought, but nice to know we were right on target in our evaluation.

Today, the hotel is located in the oldest part of the city, close to the St. Lawrence River in the heart of Quebec City’s Old Port. In 1687, the French king awarded waterfront lots to two prosperous fur merchants. By 1704, they had built two wharves on their properties. In 1725, a prominent mason built his house nearby, next to the Dauphine Battery, needed for defense.

In 1763, the Seven Years’ War ended and possession of Quebec province passed to England. Two Englishmen bought the above war-damaged house and arranged for another wharf to be constructed. In the next century, a long dock made it feasible to handle larger ships and so a huge warehouse was built. Initially, wine and other products were traded there, but then the warehouse turned into a dish and glassware importer. As a result, broken pottery and china were recovered from damaged goods arriving.

A hotel on the grounds was started in 1895, at a cost of about $150,000. An addition in 1926 included rooms with separate bathrooms. This small local hotel operated with 23 rooms. In the early 1990s, the Price family gained control of the building. They had been prominent in Quebec province since 1810, with wealth originating in pine forestry, sawmills, then pulp and paper.

In 1988, archeological digs were started on the Price property, lasting ten years. A veritable treasure trove of artifacts was found, stemming from centuries of warehouse use. Around 5,000 pieces have been found so far.

Auberge Saint-Antoine The Hunt House

Auberge Saint-Antoine The Hunt House

Four years later, in 1992, the Price family opened up a new hotel, by expanding and renovating the old hotel. Immediately adjoining the establishment, 64 additional rooms were opened, along with 12 new suites. Six of these suites were added in 1996, by integrating them into the 18th century Hunt House. Today, total room capacity is 83 regular category and 12 suites.

Renovation of the hotel had three phases. In 2003, the final addition of hotel rooms was completed. The most innovative part of the project was combining these recovered artifacts into the hotel’s décor. Artifacts featured throughout the hotel cover four centuries of Quebec’s history. Today, 700 of the uncovered historical treasures are displayed in throughout the hotel and outside of guest rooms. In its lobby, vitrines and three miniatures are used to show off selected artifacts. When guests walk in and look at the miniature port during different time periods, each of the three areas lights up and history comes to life.

Auberge Saint-Antoine Artifact close ups

We particularly liked how many of the valuable artifacts were displayed in glass blocks within the walls. Visitors can see them clearly, but they will not be damaged. The bar and the front desk are made from recycled wood from the old dock and the soft patina is welcoming.

Outside each room door, there is a glass block with an artifact, and by the bedside is an explanation of artifact and its use. One of the rooms we saw had a domino. It shows how long that game has been popular.

Auberge Saint-Antoine Guest Room

In the six floors of Saint-Antoine, all six previous owners of the hotel site are celebrated, with a biography and related artifacts. These floors are in honor of:

  1. Charles Aubert de La Chesnaye, a Company agent and businessman
  2. Jean Maillou, master Mason and architect to the French King
  3. Hugh Finlay, Merchant and Deputy Postmaster General
  4. John Chillas, Master cooper and merchant
  5. James Hunt, Master sail maker and trader
  6. Andre-Eusebe Vaillerand, Importer and tableware and lighting merchant.

Starting in 1993, the architectural firm, Jean Cote & associes, has been intimately involved with Saint—Antoine’s design. Their designs have been used in development of the Panache Restaurant and the Auditorium, a uniquely styled amphitheater in a hotel.

The Panache, one of two Saint—Antoine restaurants, opened in 2004. Its menu features traditional French Canadian cuisine with a modern twist. Panache’s stonewalls were originally part of a riverside warehouse. The china used is a replica of three-quarters of a plate that was found.

Auberge Saint-Antoine Panache

Auberge Saint-Antoine Panache

During our exploration, we were fortunate to experience Panache for lunch and the next evening for dinner with a group. It was especially nice, as the first one was intimate and the other let us experience a group service in private dining room.

One of the photos displayed on the wall shows all of those who worked on recovering the artifacts. Last year, they had a reunion to enjoy and see the fruits of their labor.

Auberge Saint-Antoine Sitting Room of Lobby

Auberge Saint-Antoine Sitting Room of Lobby

In discussing all that is old about Auberge Saint-Antoine, we did not emphasize how much care has been taken with modern day comforts and luxury.  These extend to luxurious linens, goose down duvet and pillows, Noir products, Bose sound system and just about anything guests could desire.

The hotel’s world-class spa was inviting us in, but time constraints kept us away. Maybe next time. It also has a signature gym and health zone. The focus of the two is an energy-efficient area for restoring mind and body wellness.

Close to the hotel, on the Price family property, the Musee du Fort presents a sound and light show about Quebec City’s military history. Started in 1964, the Musee presents a scaled model of the city, to highlight its presentation.

In summary, Auberge Saint—Antoine provides luxury hotel accommodations, combined with four centuries of rich Quebec history. Who could ask for more?

Photographs are courtesy of Auberge Saint-Antoine.

To read the Luxe Beat Magazine version of this article click on the title Auberge Saint-Antoine—A Fusion of Great History In Quebec City.

For special Luxe Beat VIP offers  at Augerge Saint-Antoine call 888.212.6444 or go to classictravel.com/luxebeatvip.

About The Author

Norman Hill

Norman E. Hill, FSA, MAAA, member AICPA, Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine is author of Winner and Final Chairman. Norm is an actuary by vocation and journalist by avocation. He writes food and travel articles individually and with Maralyn. He is also known for writing numerous, ongoing articles for industry publications. Norm has edited books and articles with Maralyn. Norm’s travel articles can be found on The Epoch Times; Spa Tours Worldwide; Business Insider; JetsetExtra; The Big Blend's Vacation Station Magazine; Way Back When Magazine, Radio & TV; Global Writes; and Where and What in the World. Norm is a member of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. http://whereandwhatintheworld.com.

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