Cafe Krieghoff Bistro & Petit Hotel

In the heart of Quebec is a little bistro and hotel that captures perfectly the essence of the city.

The Cafe Krieghoff Bistro & Petit Hotel is located on Cartier Avenue, one of the most charming streets in Quebec. It is surrounded by specialty shops and boutiques and the neighborhood thrives on a warm, friendly ambiance hard to find elsewhere.

The hotel is small but cozy with just seven rooms. The exposed stone walls are quintessential Quebec, and the walls are are adorned with art work from local artists giving it a genuine feeling. The private bathroom had to be accessed from the hallway but it featured a large shower area and luxuriously thick towels and robes. Back in the room, the bed was incredibly comfortable and it was tempting to stay there under the covers the whole time.

But the fabulous location on the Cartier Avenue means the Cafe Krieghoff is a short walking distance from all the main attractions Quebec has to offer. In fact, we were there for the winter Carnival and were able to watch the parade from our private balcony.

Downstairs is the Cafe Krieghoff bistro. Breakfast is included with the hotel stay, but this is not a continental buffet you'd normally get. You can order anything off the menu including crepes, toasted baguettes, vegetable terrine and some of the best coffee around. In fact, the coffee has been praised by travel guides including the Michelin Guide, Petit Futé, Lonely Planet, Debeur Guide, and Backpacker's Guide. You can also get eggs, homefries and other breakfast staples, and even healthier options like freshly made smoothies and homemade oatmeal.

The Cafe Krieghoff is a favorite place for the locals, too. You won't have to sit quietly through a breakfast with other hotel guests, but instead enjoy the ambiance and conversation of people who have lived their whole lives in the neighborhood.

The Cafe Krieghoff bistro opens at 7am on weekdays and at 8am on weekends. For hotel reservations call (418) 522-3711 or visit cafekrieghoff.qc.ca.