L’hôtel Le Capitole: plenty to see in affordable luxury
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The reception hall on the 7th floor of the new Le Capitole hotel is bathed in bright morning light as we prepare to meet the communications and marketing manager. The establishment partly occupies a building that's over a century old, that of the Théâtre Capitole. It was classified as a historic monument in 1984 and designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1986. Moreover, in 1985, the historic district of Vieux-Québec, where Le Capitole stands, was inscribed on UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage List.
But since 2019, a group of investors, led by businessman Jacques Tanguay, has been transforming the small 40-room boutique hotel into "an unprecedented hotel complex in the heart of Vieux-Québec where prestige, comfort and entertainment come together to offer the region's best high-end tourist experience," explains Anne-Marie Noreau.
Indeed, drawing on the performing arts for inspiration, the work carried out centres on architecture skilfully integrated into its historic setting, creating a contemporary link between past and future. Built to the north of the original building, the new nine-storey hotel complex now includes 108 rooms, suites and five-star penthouses with an unobstructed view of Vieux-Québec and the Laurentians, as well as exceptional new amenities.
The complex's two distinct sections are connected by the Passerelle, a long glass structure that also serves as an art gallery presenting works by local artists. Amenities include an indoor glass-walled pool with access to a 9th-floor terrace, plus a rooftop terrace overlooking Carré des spectacles. There's also a fully equipped gym on the 1st floor, and the renowned porter, valet and doorman service is available 24 hours a day.
Those who know the place, and regulars at the neighbouring theatre, are familiar with the famous Ristaurante Il Teatro du Capitole, with its 150 seats across two floors plus a front terrace on Place d’Youville. A second restaurant, BŌ Cuisine d’Asie, in the building next door, blends Asian and Québec cultures and seats 98, including 20 around the open bar/kitchen and 40 on the terrace. For events, the spaces have been enhanced with the addition of a hotel bar, new meeting rooms, revamped private lounges, and the Confessionnal, a multifunctional reception room that can accommodate up to 250 people.
For its part, the Clubby bar, located directly on the floor below reception, at the foot of a spiral staircase, serves cocktails and champagne in a chic decor and a hushed atmosphere, with a large bar and access to another long outdoor terrace.
Although the Théâtre and the Hôtel Le Capitole are now independent entities, they still offer accommodation, meal and show packages that add to the comfort and reputation of this venue, whose renown is already well established.
Anne-Marie Noreau, who has worked at the Capitole for over 10 years, points out that the hotel complex’s location plays an important role in its success. You have to see the city’s spectacle, which is ever-present all around and offers an impressive view from the rooms and suites, among other things.
According to the owners, with its new hotel, renovated theatre, the renowned Ristorante Il Teatro (now on two floors), its brand-new gastronomic offering from BŌ Cuisine d’Asie, and diverse packages, Le Capitole Hôtel is now the benchmark for high-end tourism, leisure, and business in Québec.
Over 250 people are employed there. The clientele is 50% from Québec, while the US and the rest of Canada account for a significant share of the annual customer base, with Europeans bringing up the rear.
Hôtel Le Capitole
lecapitole.com
972, rue Saint-Jean
Québec, QC G1R 1R5
800-363-4040