PART CONTEMPORARY BOUTIQUE hotel, part archeological dig, it’s easy to see why Auberge Saint-Antoine, located in the heart of Old Quebec, was voted one of Canada’s top hotels by Conde Nast Traveler magazine last year. Turning in early is a treat—every one of the Auberge’s 95 beautifully designed rooms has luxury linens and good down duvets—but so is wandering around the hotel itself. Relics unearthed during the Auberge’s construction, like centuries-old wine bottles, wrought iron keys and delicate glassware, are tastefully displayed throughout the property…even in nightstands. In the lobby, a portion of the city’s old rampart wall can be seen and the front desk is made from 19th-century white oak. To get the full experience, ask the amiable hotel manager, David Mounteer, for a tour. History is more vivid in one of the Auberge’s thematic suites.

Although many of the suites have fireplaces, nothing beats curling up with a glass of wine next to the roaring hearth in one of the alcoves off the sunken foyer. When hunger hits, stroll over to the Panache, the hotel’s low-key gourmet restaurant, housed in a 19th-century maritime warehouse. The rustic stone walls, thick wood beams and open-concept fireplace ensure the dining atmosphere is as unique as the hotel itself.

Rooms start at $169; suits start at $299.

AMENITIES Two restaurants, indoor parking and valet, auditorium/cinema, concierge, displays of archeological artifacts, room service, business centre, baby-sitters available through agencies, laundry and dry cleaning, business centre, security system, massage therapy and esthetics, exercise room

IN-ROOM Luxury linens, goose down duvet and pillows, Bose sound system, air conditioning, large opening windows, free high-speed internet, large work desk, iron/ironing board, coffee maker, mini-bar, safety boxes, heated bathroom floors, no-fog mirrors