Pamela MacNaughtanLast Updated on October 17, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan
A teardrop-shaped wood lattice chandelier hangs over the king-sized bed, with a tall brown leather headboard and crisp white linens. A brown fur throw is scrunched at the foot of the bed, and above the headboard sits a wooden rocking horse.
I’m staying in the Hermès room, one of sixteen at Hôtel Nomad Québec in Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec). An orange wall, very close in hue to Hermès orange, stretches across the room behind the bed, and vintage scarves adorn the walls.
This is not a cookie-cutter-style hotel where every room has the same design concept. Nor is it a hotel featuring antique/traditional aesthetics, like most of the small hotels in this quiet nook of Old Quebec.
Hôtel Nomad Quebec is a beautifully unique property in Old Quebec.
A brief history…
The Rooms
Every room at Hôtel Nomad Québec is different, and you never know which room you’ll walk into, which is part of the fun. The hotel’s sixteen rooms are divided into thematic and suites, which are a little larger. The largest of all is the gorgeous Florence A White suite (who built the house) with its stunning $8,000 chandelier and views of the Saint-Lawrence River and Château Frontenac.
The Florence A White suite is the hotel’s crowning jewel, but the junior suites are equally impressive. The family-friendly (two Queen beds) suites on the lower level have a 60s vibe to them. One is a tad masculine and a little James Bond-ish, the other mod and crisp and fresh.
Whether your room is thematic or a suite, Olivier and Romuald want every guest to experience a slice of luxury during their stay in Old Quebec. Textiles and furniture are originals, nothing is a knock-off. It’s not just the quality of the décor that sets them apart, it is also their eye (and passion) for detail. From matching classic branded paint colours (Hermès room), and finding a chandelier inspired by a vintage Dior hat (Dior room) to vintage glass mugs in the 60s Mod room.
Honestly, they could probably have a “Did you know” type card in each room with hints on the details hidden in plain sight to see if guests can find them.
Perhaps I’m the only nerd that loves the fine details.
Stay at Hôtel Nomad Québec
I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels over the years, and I will stay in quite a few more. That being said, there are not many that I actively plan to return to before I’ve checked out of my current stay.
Hôtel Nomad Québec is a treat. It’s boutique, luxurious, and not pretentious. Rather, it is warm and inviting. It’s a hotel where the owners are often milling around, taking care of those little details that make an ordinary hotel stay into a fabulous hotel experience.
Honestly, the level of service, aesthetics, and comfort is similar to big luxury hotels like Château Frontenac and Auberge Saint-Antoine.
If you have mobility issues, however, this may not be the hotel for you. If you can manage the steps outside though, ask for a room on the main floor when you book.
Address: 15, avenue Sainte-Geneviève • 418-694-1884 • hotelnomad.ca • Parking: limited parking on-site for a fee
Disclaimer: My stay was courtesy of the hotel, however, all opinions are my own. When I say I will definitely be staying at this hotel again, I mean it. It’s a lovely little staycation spot, I will be more than happy to pay for my future stays.
In & Around Hôtel Nomad Québec
Hôtel Nomad Québec is centrally located in Old Quebec (a short walk from Château Frontenac in fact), making it a fabulous jumping-off point for Quebec adventures. Let’s chat about nearby places, restaurants, shops, and tours!
Street parking: There is metered street parking available on rue des Carrières, and further down on rue des Remparts.
Closest grocery store: Épicerie Richard on rue des Jardins is a 2-minute walk from the hotel. They have a small selection of fresh produce, wines, cheese, snacks, sodas, and non-perishables.
Closest pharmacy: There is a Jean Coutu on rue Saint-Jean which is a drug store with a pharmacy, and your best option. The pharmacy across from the hospital is quite small.
Best nearby cafes: Skip Starbucks and head to Maison Smith on rue des Jardins or Au1884 on Dufferin Terrace. Both cafes serve excellent locally roasted coffees and superb chocolat chaud.
Best nearby restaurants: There are several fabulous restaurants near the Chateau Frontenac. For Québécois cuisine, go to Aux Anciens Canadiens or La Buche. On rue des Jardins is a wonderful bistro, Alphonse, and my favourite spot for gourmet burgers and poutine is Le Chic Shack.
Shopping near Chateau Frontenac: Artist Alley on rue Sainte-Anne is lovely for buying local art, and Les Trouvailles des Jules has delicious Quebec terroir (perfect for foodie souvenirs). Simons is a fabulous Quebec department store, and La Boutique de Noël is Christmas all year round.
Guided Tours near Chateau Frontenac: Several guided tours depart near Chateau Frontenac; including Old Quebec City Food & Drink tour, Ile d’Orleans Taste & Drink tour, and the Double Decker Express tour.
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