A former office building is reimagined as a hôtel particulier that brims with colourful personality, contemporary art, and cool comfort.

Set on a hill on the corner of two of the prettiest streets in Old Quebec City is Monsieur Jean. It’s not traditional—it's concrete rather than the city’s classic limestone. Nor is it historic—it opened in 2019. And that is part of its undeniable character and presence. Monsieur Jean is a dynamic, fresh addition to the city, and, as such, it commands attention. The entrance, an alcove dramatically clad in glossy cobalt-blue panels, lets you know from the moment you arrive that this hotel has the capacity to delight and surprise.

The eye candy continues in the softly lit lobby where checker-board marble floors are a monochromatic backdrop to rainbow-striped settees, Pop Art paintings and a chic, book-lined games room. There’s a lot of razzmatazz, and it’s backed up by serious service. The welcome was warm, and I didn’t have to worry about my grade-school French as the staff were gracious and completely fluent in English. The hospitality was also efficient—bags are whisked away, lemon water is offered, and before you know it, you have the card to your room.

Step off the elevator, and you’re in a midnight-blue hallway illuminated by teeny-tiny spots that twinkle like stars. The enveloping darkness of the halls is a clever and thoughtful contrast to the light-filled rooms. All of Monsieur Jean’s 78 rooms, set over seven floors, are bright and airy and boast oversized windows, many of which are double-aspect. Visual continuity is at play as the cobalt blue that defines the entrance is echoed in the rooms’ interior doors and furnishings.

All rooms share a design aesthetic, but in true boutique fashion, no two are exactly the same. There are reassuring common denominators, though: king-size beds upholstered in fat blue and white stripes and dressed in crisp ironed sheets; terrific-smelling Jo Loves toiletries; heated bathroom floors; and fully equipped mini kitchens hidden behind discreet doors. And it’s not just guests who appreciate all the bells and whistles. The fabulous design and easy comfort garnered Monsieur Jean membership in the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection. 

It’s interesting to note that there really is a Monsieur Jean. He is the owner of the hotel, and his passion for interior design is evident throughout the space. He’s also an unabashed romantic and named the hotel’s fabulous cocktail bar and restaurant “Le Bijou” (jewel in English), after his nickname for his wife. The jewel-toned space is a celebration of colour—even the ceilings are embellished with surrealist images. Cocktails are expertly crafted, and the small-plate menu is a savvy complement to the pours—order the tuna tartare on crispy rice and you’ll be a happy camper.

A lower-level gym and massage services are on offer in a dedicated room exclusive to hotel guests. The top-notch management and concierge team are always on hand and can do everything from arranging walking or private chauffeured tours to securing the best reservations in the city. And this is real insider stuff—should you be craving authentic Neapolitan pizza in the middle of Old Quebec City, they know where to find it.

The spiffy surrounds and intelligent service are underscored by a commitment to reducing our environmental footprint, something more and more travellers are conscious of. Some highlights include organic cleaning products, in-house laundry to reduce delivery transportation, and an electric charging parking space. I loved the glass bottle of filtered water in my room that I could refill throughout my stay at a dispenser that offered still and sparkling water.

Room tip: book a Classic Superior, the hotel’s entry-level room, but specify one with a freestanding tub. The bathroom is expansive and features a long vanity with two sinks, as well as a separate walk-in shower. Spoiler alert: every room has a hidden treasure to be found. Once you uncover it, present it at Le Bijou and your second drink is on the house—further proof that Monsieur Jean is a jewel of a hotel. 

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