Trendy, Delicious, and Intimate: Welcome to the *new* Royal William Hotel

Last Updated on March 1, 2025 by Pamela MacNaughtan

An illustration of a regal lion wearing a bejewelled crown hangs on a ribbed teal green wall at reception, and a gilded royal blue velvet throne chair sits in a nearby alcove. The sleek contemporary design of the new Royal William Hotel pairs well with Saint-Roch’s trendy, artistic, and fashionable atmosphere. 

Acquired by Simon Dubé in 2018, the Royal William Hotel (which first opened in the 2000s) has endured its fair share of trials and transformations; ownership changes, a major fire, and a global pandemic; to name a few. Where some would fold and call it a night, Dubé and his team adapted to each obstacle; investing countless hours, and more than $4.5 million to renovate the property. Their resilience paid off, the Royal William Hotel is a beautiful 44-room boutique hotel.

I stayed at the Royal William Hotel as part of their opening event; a night filled with cocktails, animations, and delicious nibbles; where rooms were open for tours and the evening ended with a sampling at MILA Ristorante, the hotel’s Italian restaurant.

Sleeping at the Royal William Hotel

The hotel’s Urban Rooms, Urban Suites, and Studios are spread over 4 floors; each with vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, a royal blue velvet accent chair, an espresso machine, mini-fridge, and city views. 

My room featured a pillowy king-sized bed and a view of boulevard Charest. There was a small kitchenette area with a microwave, mini-fridge, espresso machine, dishes and a small sink; a small round table with two chairs tucked against a wall near the bed. 

In the bathroom, I was delighted to find amenities like a dental kit and shaving kit, as well as earplugs – something I wish all hotels included in their rooms. While I could hear the people walking above me, and those in the hallway outside my room (my room was across from the elevator), I didn’t need the earplugs to sleep – the soundproof windows kept out the sounds of busy city streets.

The bed helped, too!

I sleep poorly in most hotels; the bed is either too soft or the pillows are too firm, or a combination of both; add in noise from hallways and pipes and I am generally dragging my arse the next day, counting the hours until I can sleep in my bed. 

I slept like a baby at the Royal William Hotel. The bed was a little soft, and the five (!) pillows were perfect for my need to snuggle myself to sleep at night. 

The Nespresso mugs in the room are perfect for a morning espresso, but too small for tea lovers like myself. I do love that they offer Camellia Sinensis tea.

MILA Ristorante

MILA Ristorante is a beautiful space with a large wrap-around bar taking center stage. Cozy corners are lovely for intimate dinners, and the window seating is great for basking in the sunshine while eating breakfast – unless you’re hungover.

The breakfast menu has dishes like eggs benedict with smoked salmon or duck confit, an American-style breakfast, and yogurt with maple syrup, granola, and fruit. After a night of one too many cocktails, I sat away from the windows and ordered eggs benedict with smoked salmon.

The sliced round croissant was slathered with a mix of cème fraîche, mascarpone, basil, and a hint of blue cheese so faint that I was the only one at the table to taste it – I actually had to check with the kitchen because I thought I was losing my mind for a minute. A layer of smoked salmon is crowned with a runny poached egg and bathed in a buttery hollandaise.  

It. Is. Heavenly.

Oh, and the home fries are crispy and delicious too.

During the Royal William Hotel’s opening event, I had the lasagna grappa and pistachio tiramisu; I need to return for a non-event meal to get a true feel for MILA’s menu (which I will write about). 

Stay at the Royal William Hotel

The new Royal William Hotel is a welcome addition to Saint-Roch. It’s close to some of the best addresses in Quebec City: JJacques, Restaurant 101, Le Clocher Penche, l’Affaire est Ketchup, Noctem Artisans Brassuers, and many more.

It’s a luscious hotel with friendly staff (many of whom are super fit, so if you need gym tips they probably have some… ha!) and an intimate atmosphere. I’ve added it to my list of staycation options in Quebec City and will recommend it alongside Hôtel Nomad and Le Germain when people are looking for small boutique experiences.

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