Auberge de la Paix (Peace Hostel)

Auberge de la Paix (Peace Hostel) is a relaxing place to stay in the heart of the old town of Quebec City. Though in an old stone building, like all of the old town, the hostel inside is fairly new and modern. Everything is quite brightly coloured and very cheerful. Lots of resources are provided to ensure a fulfilling stay. There are usually people hanging around and it is a great place to meet others.

The Location

Auberge de la Paix is ideally located just off of one of the main streets in the upper town; close to all of the action, but just outside so as not to be too rowdy. It is a ten- to fifteen-walk (uphill) from the bus and train station and another ten-minute walk to the Chateau Frontenac. The narrow streets in the old town to not provide any parking, but there are city car parks in the vicinity. Additionally, the hostel's back courtyard has bike racks for parking bicycles. A caution, however -- street signs in the area are sometimes in obscure locations and not all maps have all of the smaller streets labeled, so ensure you have good directions to get there initially.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The rooms, like the rest of the hostel, are painted bright cheery colours which make a pleasant atmosphere. The room sizes differ depending on which floor you are on. The first floor has high ceilings and consequently, there is ample room for bunk beds. There are around two to four bunks per room. The upper two floors have lower ceilings and mostly have single or double beds (top floor also has some bunks). The number of beds per room depends on the size of room, usually a minimum of two beds. None of the bed rooms have door locks, but there are enough lockers in the room for each person to have one. Lockers are large enough for a moderately sized backpack, so bring your own lock. There is a sink and mirror in many of the rooms. Bedding is not provided, although it can be hired for a small fee plus a deposit. Like everything else at the hostel, it is cash only.

The bathrooms are spread out on each floor. There are showers and a couple of toilets in each one. The showers are of the timed push variety and the temperature cannot be adjusted. There is some room to change but little space to hang things in the shower area. Overall, the rooms and bathrooms are quite clean.

Common Spaces

There are a number of common spaces at the hostel. There is a large sitting area near the entrance with tables, chairs, books, maps, and phones. The hostel has an excellent collection of board games for stay-in evenings as well. Wireless internet is available, but no computers are provided.

The kitchen is very well supplied and there are lots of tables and chairs for eating at, both inside and outside. Space for moving around the kitchen could be at a premium if lots of people are cooking at once. Breakfast is included in the price of an overnight stay. Behind the hostel is a large enclosed courtyard with more tables and chairs and a large chair swing. Some of the back courtyard is covered as well. The stone walls and gardens in the back add to the quaint historic feel of the hostel. Luggage storage is provided by the reception.

Summary

Overall, Auberge de la Paix is a pleasant hostel to stay at. Its extremely convenient location, close to all of the sights of Quebec City, makes staying there ideal. Its cleanliness and brightness gives the hostel a cheery feel. Everyone is quite helpful.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
July 2008