During our stay at the Hilton Hotel in Quebec City, we opted to have breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant. While the convenience of dining just steps from our room was undeniable, the overall value and experience left something to be desired for families looking to maximize their time and budget.

• Pricing: Breakfast buffet costs $18 per child and $36 per adult; kids are 12 and under.

• Offerings: Includes a mix of hot and cold dishes like waffles, scrambled eggs, pastries, smoked salmon, and a standout smoothie/juice bar with multiple options.

• Food Quality: Good overall, with a broader selection than typical continental breakfasts, but not exceptional.

• Ambiance: Open-air seating in the hotel lobby; casual and family-friendly.

• Service: Friendly staff but slow during busy times, with minor delays in fulfilling requests.

• Value: Convenient for families staying at the hotel, but pricier compared to better breakfast options nearby.

• Recommendation: Best for families who prioritize convenience and appreciate unique features like the smoothie and juice bar.

The Offerings

The breakfast buffet, priced at C$18 per child (ages 12 and under) and C$36 per adult, featured a mix of hot and cold dishes. Hot offerings included waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, and bread pudding, alongside indulgent additions like brie cheese and smoked salmon. The continental side stood out with a variety of pastries, including croissants, beignets, and muffins, as well as a hot chocolate bar and maple sugar treats.

One breakfast feature that stood out to my wife, was the smoothie and juice bar. The bar offered four varieties of freshly made smoothies and an equal number of juice options, this self-serve station was a highlight for our family—especially my wife, who appreciated the fresh and flavorful beverage selection. It’s a unique touch that added something different to the buffet experience.

The Experience

The restaurant’s open-air seating in the lobby provided a casual and welcoming atmosphere. As a family of five, we appreciated the ease of getting seated at a table for six during the busy 9:30 a.m. rush. However, the bustling environment appeared to stretch the staff thin. Though friendly and polite, service was occasionally slow; a simple request for a tea cup took multiple reminders and a noticeable delay.

Convenience vs. Value

For families staying at the hotel, the restaurant’s primary appeal is its convenience. It’s an effortless option, especially for larger groups, allowing everyone to eat on their own schedule without the hassle of coordinating an off-site breakfast. However, the value proposition falters when considering alternatives like La Bouche, where a hearty kid’s breakfast platter costs only C$10 compared to the C$18 buffet price at the hotel.

Final Thoughts

This restaurant is best suited for families who prioritize convenience above all else. If you’re seeking better food at more reasonable prices, there are plenty of excellent dining options within a short distance of the hotel. However, the wider variety of breakfast offerings and the addition of a smoothie and juice bar sets this buffet apart from typical hotel breakfasts, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy the ease of dining without leaving the hotel.