This is an incredible AirBnB. Detailed review below, but in short, amazing space, amazing location, amazing hosts. I stayed here for four months spanning the end of summer, fall, and beginning of winter, and I would not hesitate to return.
The Space:
The space is very true to the photos EXCEPT what the photos don't convey is how roomy it feels thanks to the open layout and 12 foot ceilings. It was awesome.
The windows are a huge benefit and during the months where the days are longer the interior lights aren't even necessary because so much natural light comes in.
The living space is very comfortable. The TV is a Roku and has all the apps you need. You get 5 or 6 TV channels over the air which is nice for local media. The couch is comfy. The desk in the work area is HUGE. There's a hi-fi system. The kitchen has tons of counter space and everything you need. There's a huge banquet table. It's god everything. The bedroom is small but the bed is very comfortable. There's laundry in the basement, free parking in the alley beside the house, everything.
The only downside is the internet was a bit hit or miss while I was there as it was in the process of being switched to a different provider and there were two separate networks on the go, but that is being fixed as we speak. It can also get a bit hot in the summer during heatwaves but the ceiling heights help with that a lot and if you get the fan going it's fine.
Overall, the space just feels really cool and unique. I've stayed in plenty of AirBnBs and this one just had a different feel thanks to its origins as an old bank. (Vault closet = cool.)
The location:
If you're looking to enjoy the heart of Quebec City but wan't to stay somewhere a little quieter than the touristy hotspots, this place is ideal.
You can walk to Vieux-Port in 15 minutes or less. If you do want to walk up the hill to the Old City, it's not much farther, and the bus to the top of the hill literally stops right outside the house and for $3.25 you're in the middle of everything. You can't beat the convenience.
But Limoilou itself is an extremely cool place. It has a very laid back, more residential feel with quiet streets, parks, and great walking/biking trails right nearby. BUT one street over from the AirBnB is 3em Ave, which is the central street of Old Limoilou and is packed with cafes, shops, pubs, etc. During the warm months the patios spill out onto the road, there are music festivals -- it's awesome.
And as far as essentials go, there is a very well-stocked epicerie about a two-minute walk from the AirBnB that has all the basics and an AMAZING selection of local craft beers (and tons of candy if that's your thing). If you need a more substantial grocery trip, the IGA grocery store is a block north -- maybe a five to six-minute walk.
The people in the area are also extremely nice. There is a little bit less English available than there is in the tourist areas in Old Quebec, but that just adds to the experience. But you can still get everything you need at the stores, cafes, bars, etc. in English. Don't be intimated by staying outside of the tourist zone. You'll be fine. And if you're in Quebec to practice your French, you'll have plenty of opportunities.
The Videotron Centre is also about a 20-minute walk north of the AirBnB in case you want to go see a concert or a hockey game.
The Hosts:
The AirBnB manager Andre doesn't live nearby but he's extremely prompt in his responses to messages and is very helpful. The on-site hosts that own the building, Martin and Colette, are both exceptionally nice people and ideal AirBnB hosts. They're extremely quick to help when needed but are otherwise totally unintrusive. They both speak English so if you don't have French, don't worry. I would definitely say they were among the best hosts I've ever dealt with on AirBnB.
In summary: Don't hesitate to book this place. I highly recommend it.