Hôtel Palace Royal

The hotel's unique indoor atrium, featuring a vibrant pool area and live entertainment, serves as a memorable centerpiece, creating a lively atmosphere for guests. Its exceptional central location just outside the walls of Old Quebec makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and families eager to explore the city on foot, with numerous attractions, shops, and restaurants within easy walking distance. While many guests appreciate the spaciousness of the rooms and the attentiveness of some staff members, feedback on cleanliness and maintenance is mixed. For a more tranquil experience, consider requesting a room facing the street, as interior rooms can be affected by noise and a strong chlorine smell from the pool. Additionally, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in daily housekeeping services.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a popular indoor pool and hot tub, which are major draws for guests, especially families. However, some visitors note that the pool water can be a bit cold, and the hot tub is frequently reported as being out of order or having non-functional jets. The atrium surrounding the pool often hosts live entertainment, contributing to a lively ambiance, though this can lead to significant noise levels for rooms overlooking the area. A strong chlorine smell is also commonly reported throughout the hotel, particularly in atrium-facing rooms. Guests have access to a fitness center with a sauna, but the Wi-Fi connectivity is a recurring complaint, often described as slow or requiring a paid upgrade. Basic amenities like an iron and ironing board are generally available.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is notably mixed. Many rooms are praised for being spacious, offering ample living space, and featuring comfortable beds that ensure a restful sleep. However, a significant number of reviews highlight that the decor is dated, with visible signs of wear and tear such as chipped furniture, worn drapes, or damaged wallpaper. Sofa beds are frequently described as uncomfortable. The bathroom condition receives varied comments, with some guests reporting issues like mold, rust around fixtures, or general lack of thorough cleaning. A major point of contention is the housekeeping service, with numerous guests stating that rooms are not cleaned daily, towels are not replaced, and basic amenities like toiletries or coffee supplies are not consistently replenished without specific requests. Noise levels from the atrium or outside can also impact comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a breakfast buffet that receives mixed reviews. While some guests find the breakfast variety and food quality to be good, others describe it as expensive, with items sometimes being dry or unappetizing. The on-site restaurant, Beffroi Steakhouse, is generally well-regarded for its dinner offerings, with many praising the quality of the food, particularly the steaks. However, some guests have experienced slow service or found the restaurant to be overpriced. Room service is available, but reviews indicate that wait times can be lengthy, especially during peak hours. The bar area is mentioned, though some guests found its ambiance lacking or experienced slow service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. It is ideally situated just outside the walls of Old Quebec, allowing guests to easily walk to numerous attractions, including the Citadel, Plains of Abraham, and the iconic Chateau Frontenac. The vibrant Rue St. Jean, with its array of shops, restaurants, and cafes, is just steps away. The hotel's proximity to public transportation stops further enhances its accessibility, making it convenient for exploring beyond the immediate vicinity. Underground parking is available on-site, which is a significant convenience for those traveling by car, though many guests note that the parking spaces are tight and can be challenging to navigate, especially with larger vehicles.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel elicit varied responses from guests. Many reviews commend the friendly staff at the front desk and the bell staff for their helpfulness and attentive service, contributing to a positive initial impression and smooth check-in process. Guests appreciate staff who are accommodating and willing to assist with requests. However, a notable number of reviews express dissatisfaction with the overall level of service. Complaints include slow check-in times, unhelpful or indifferent responses to issues like Wi-Fi problems or room maintenance, and a perceived lack of empathy from some management personnel. The housekeeping service is a frequent point of criticism, with many guests reporting a lack of daily cleaning or towel changes, often attributed to hotel policy or understaffing.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain policies and features that may impact their stay. The hotel has an on-site convenience store in the basement, which is useful for quick purchases, though its operating hours may not always be convenient. While the hotel offers underground parking, it is a paid service, and some guests express surprise at the cost. The hotel is generally considered family-friendly, with the indoor pool being a major draw for children. For those visiting in winter, a skating rink is often set up nearby, adding to the seasonal appeal. Some guests have noted a policy regarding early check-in and late check-out that may incur additional fees or be subject to strict availability.