In Quebec’s Capital Region, a Renovated Quality Inn Connects with Business Travellers

For all of the large corporate accounts that support luxury hotels and major events around the world, there are many more small business travellers with strict budgets. The problem for them, often, is the options with which they are provided can be inconsistent. They’re never quite sure what they may find when they book a hotel in the “budget-friendly” or “affordable” category.

So I was impressed when I walked into the Quality Inn & Suites in Lévis. A 96-room midscale property in Quebec’s Capital Region that is ideal for business travellers and value-seekers. With suites and floors renovated this year, the award-winning property is one of the brands under Choice Hotels Canada and features a number of notable amenities, including meeting rooms and a small business centre. The rooms average about 360 square feet each and feature gleaming new bathrooms with marble tile in the showers that would fit right in with a four-star brand.

The same can be said for the rooms, which have comfortable mattresses; some include queen-sized Murphy beds that can benefit business groups, school visits, or families. There is even some local flair with the guest-room artwork — unique abstract paintings created by a member of the hotel team. Complimentary breakfast is served daily in a spacious dining area, and coffee, tea, and juices are available at any time during your stay. For guests who are members of Choice Privileges, Choice’s loyalty program, you can access immediate perks including early check-in and late check-out, partner discounts (such as car rentals from Budget and Avis), members-only rates and more. Currently until September 4, if you stay twice at participating hotels, you can earn enough points to redeem a $50 gift card. Weekday extras (for stays Sunday through Thursday) include bonus coffee cards, online shopping credits, and more.

Like any noteworthy hotel, though, what is a key to the attractiveness of the Quality Inn & Suites in Lévis is its location. The property is in close proximity to Old Quebec City — and the novel means of getting there. Hotel guests can make the eight-minute drive to the Lévis ferry terminal that sails foot and car passengers across the St. Lawrence River to the heart of the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site that is among the oldest fortified colonial cities in the western hemisphere. The crossing takes only 10 minutes and provides a fantastic view of the well-known Quebec landmarks as you sail.

The adult fare costs $4.05 and you can park your car in Lévis for $8 or less. Or pay an additional $9.70 to drive your vehicle on board — but parking on the Quebec City side is about $20 for a visit of three hours or more. The ferry runs til 2:30 a.m., so there is no rush to catch the last boat back to Lévis and your hotel room.

Business travellers, ever mindful of their schedule and ways of networking, will be pleased with the options provided with a stay in Lévis. Two excellent golf courses — Lévis Golf Club and Auberivière — are within a seven-minute drive of the hotel, presenting a chance to get to know clients, industry colleagues, or staff. For coffee meetings in Quebec City, options include Cafe Maison Smith, a locally owned artisan franchise that roasts its own beans, and the charming Petit Champlain Theatre, which has patio seating facing a small garden area. You’ll have some quiet time even as shoppers bustle by on the 400-year-old cobblestone streets.

Old Quebec is noted for its hilly streets, with some of the most demanding climbs happening from Petit Champlain up to the Dufferin Terrace, which provides sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and leads into the business district. For those with ambulatory issues or who just don’t want to walk into a meeting dripping with perspiration, the Quebec City funicular — operating since 1879 — can carry you up or back for $5 per ride.

Once on Dufferin Terrace, you can schedule lunches or dinners in any number of restaurants. For an authentic taste of Quebec that will please your colleagues and create a great memory to recall as you build upon your business relationship, try La Bûche. It’s themed on a cabane à sucre, or sugar shack. Serving a mix of traditional Quebec comfort food, including what will be among the best poutine dishes you’ll ever try, La Bûche delivers quality casual-dining fare in a jovial environment. It manages to have a tourist-friendly atmosphere and still offer a dining experience that will not disappoint tastebuds or budgets.

If you have time to explore, check out the Museum of Civilization, which is a three-minute walk from the ferry terminal. It has a permanent exhibit on Quebec history from the colonial era and prior, and how life and work has changed during the decades. A temporary exhibit on the history of hip-hop is a fun way to break up a day full of meetings. Guests receive a complimentary audio tour that includes snippets of notable hip-hop songs from international and Quebec artists.

As you will be sleeping in Lévis, be sure to explore that city on the south side of the St. Lawrence. It’s attractive, with a modern waterfront that is a contrast to the history of the icon across the river. In summer, you will often find kids running through the water fountains while a DJ spins music as ferries and freighters navigate the waters. It’s a splendid scene and a revelation. With smart infrastructure and community pride, an under-the-radar location like Lévis delivers the most important aspect of any trip: satisfaction.

A stay at the Quality Inn & Suites in Lévis will potentially save hundreds of dollars versus a competing property in Quebec City. With the ferries operating approximately every 20 minutes during the peak hours, the hotel accords a pleasant way to avoid traffic and stress, while allowing you to keep business goals at top of mind.

MORE ABOUT QUALITY INN & SUITES IN LÉVIS

Location: 5800 rue des Arpents, Lévis, Quebec (see map below)
Choice Privileges: Join the Choice Hotels loyalty program to search for savings and book your dates directly through the mobile app to get the best rate.
Amenities: Along with its dining area for breakfast, business centre, meeting rooms, and complimentary WiFi access, the hotel has a small pool and a large free parking lot.
Ferry Information: A workers’ strike disrupted the Lévis-to-Quebec ferry service at points during the 2024 summer. Check the ferry website for the latest information on operations as you plan your trip.

Disclaimer: Vacay.ca and Choice Hotels Canada have partnered to raise awareness about quality accommodations at valuable prices for travellers venturing through the country.

MORE ABOUT CHOICE HOTELS CANADA

Hotels: With over 330 hotels from coast to coast and brands from Comfort to Quality and the Ascend Hotel Collection, and upscale, midscale, economy and extended stay options, Choice Hotels Canada has a stay for every you.

Global Reach: Choice Hotels has nearly 7,500 hotels worldwide, in 45 countries and territories.

Best Rate: Choice Hotel’s lowest price/best price guarantee ensures you will always find the best price on ChoiceHotels.com. If you find a better price from a qualified source, Choice will match it and provide you with a $50 CAD reward card. Full details are available at ChoiceHotels.com/bestrate.