The Best Hotels in Montreal
The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal
Hotel · Downtown Montreal
"First opened for business in 1912, the iconic Ritz-Carlton Montreal—known as "the grande dame of Sherbrooke Street"—began a $200 million facelift in 2008, opening its doors again in 2012. Quebec’s most luxurious and historic hotel could tell endless celebrity secrets but is, of course, far too discreet to utter a word. It’s no secret, though, that Elizabeth Taylor married Richard Burton here, that the Rolling Stones rented the entire sixth floor in 1972, and that a who’s who of world leaders, movie stars, and royalty are still regular guests. Situated in the downtown culture and shopping hub that is the Golden Square Mile, the hotel oozes money-is-no-object luxury from every pore: from the ornate duck pond and immaculately manicured garden and terrace to the 100-year-old chandeliers, the sweeping staircases, and the belle époque golden glow of the lobby and palm court. Rooms have a white-and-gray minimalist palette with splashes of signature purple. Antiques and original features blend with ultra high-tech design such as Japanese Toto toilets in all bathrooms, heated floors, and motion-sensor lighting."
Hôtel Le Germain Montréal
Hotel · Downtown Montreal
"Hotel Le Germain, Montreal Le Germain Montreal closed for renovations in October 2018 and is expected to reopen in May 2019. On a quiet street between McGill and Peel subway stations in downtown Montreal ’s Golden Square Mile district, the boutique Hotel Le Germain evokes a feeling of calm amid chaos. The lobby's relaxing color palette of earthy browns and greens was apparently inspired by a visit to the Grand Canyon. Refurbished in 2009, ten years after the hotel opened, the minimalist monochrome rooms are pleasingly large, with splashes of color provided by wool throws and pillows designed by Québec’s Marie Saint Pierre. The bathrooms all have rainfall jet showers, and each room boasts a Nespresso coffee machine. Le Germain also offers guests free extras like Wi-Fi and newspapers, which are perfect to enjoy while curled up by the fireplace in the lobby. The "deluxe" continental breakfast includes buttery pastries and croissants."
Lofts du Vieux-Port
Hotel · Vieux Montréal
"The Auberge du Vieux-Port is housed in a 19 th -century leather merchant building and faces directly onto the St. Lawrence River, with its summertime cruise ships and wintertime snowy beauty. The hotel opened in 1997, with a second building—another old warehouse—added in 2001. Original beams, brick, and stonework give the lobby a historic feel, as does the gorgeous, wood-framed fireplace. The rooms combine original features such as large casement windows with ultra-luxe touches like marble bathrooms and multi-jet showers. Breakfast is complimentary and goes far beyond the usual buffet to include a full à la carte menu (the eggs Benedict are sublime); it can even be delivered to guests' rooms for an indulgent breakfast in bed. The old port location puts guests right in the thick of things. Camera-toting tourists on horse and carriages clip-clop past by day, while at night the streets buzz with the city’s fashionable inhabitants chatting in French and English on their way to visit the latest bar or restaurant."
Hotel Gault
Hotel · Vieux Montréal
"The historic Old Port ofMontreal, which dates back to the 1800s, is hugely fashionable—a hotbed of art galleries, trendy bars, and big-name restaurants such as Chez L'Épicier—with the Gault at the heart of it all. Minimalist design rules the day here, but with soft edges. Newly refurbished in 2015, all the rooms have warm, welcoming carpets, and each floor has its own color scheme including vivid reds and cool blues. Light from the vast French windows floods each of the spacious, open-plan rooms, and original architectural features are juxtaposed with ultra-modern Mondrian custom oak cabinetry, flat-screen LED televisions, and Blu-ray players."
Le Petit Hotel
Hotel · Vieux Montréal
"Le Petit Hotel is housed in a former leather merchant’s building that dates back to 1867 and boasts original stonework arches and pillars at its entrance. Truly a “petit” hotel, its 28 rooms are spread across four floors and divided into S, M, L, and XL. Although it’s small, the hotel packs a stylish punch, mixing century-old exposed brickwork and stone with funky hardwood floors and modern-day luxuries—from free Wi-Fi and iPod docks to platform beds and multi-jet massage showers. In the guest rooms, splashes of bold, sunny orange and black accents create a contrast to the fresh white walls. Situated in the heart of Montreal ’s fashionable Old Port area, guests are just steps from much of the city’s best shopping, dining, and art."
Hotel Le St-James
Permanently Closed
"Steps from great dining, and within easy walking distance of the downtown shopping district, this elegant European-style hotel housed in the lovingly restored 1870 Merchants Bank building is known for its high level of service, attention to detail, and luxurious surroundings. From the illuminated onyx floor in the jewel box–like spa (in what used to be the vault) to the grand piano and vast wraparound balcony of the penthouse, guests can expect nothing but the best at Le St James. Notice the gleaming brass doors of the elevator, which were bought at auction from the Waldorf Astoria. Curl up in the library and catch up on your reading. Or book a natural skin-care treatment at the spa. Guest rooms shine with marble bathrooms, dark wood detail, sparkling chandeliers, and glowing rich accents of amber, gold, and scarlet."
Hotel Nelligan
Hotel · Vieux Montréal
"Situated on Montreal ’s oldest street, first paved in 1672, the Nelligan opened as a hotel in 2002, but its well-preserved heritage building dates back to 1852 when, like many other old buildings in the Vieux Port, it did service as a warehouse. Much of the original brick and stonework still exist, but with a raft of modern luxuries and high-end amenities, including custom furniture from local carpenters Saint-Damase, and plush terrycloth robes. Guest rooms have a classically elegant vibe with eggshell walls, and warm stately dark woods juxtaposed with splashes of reds and earthy grays. Oversized windows make the rooms bright and the original exposed brick and stonework shine. Home to one of the city’s most popular rooftop bars throughout summer and a local-favorite live music spot, too, the Nelligan allows guests to meet and mingle with locals without even leaving the hotel."
Hotel Place d'Armes
Hotel · Vieux Montréal
"Historic Hotel in Central Montreal Handily situated two minutes from the subway, and at the junction of three of the city’s most popular tourist neighborhoods, the Hotel Place d’Armes makes for an easy, car-free vacation. Situated in a beautifully restored stone building with intricate gargoyles, pillars, and oversize arcade widows dating back to 1870, it was originally the Great Scottish Life Insurance Company building. The rather masculine formal lobby gives way to plenty of cozy nooks and inviting couches, with a pool table on offer for those who fancy a game. Guest rooms feature original, exposed brick and stone walls, and the earthy natural palette is brightened by deep-red leather chairs and couches. The Place d’Armes has an easy upgrade policy, so it’s worth asking for one upon check-in; most guests will get an upgrade on request, depending on availability. Throughout summer, the hotel’s rooftop Terrasse is one of the city’s most popular outdoor hot spots."
St Paul hotel
Hotel · Vieux Montréal
"Hotel St. Paul The Hotel St. Paul’s creative aesthetic shines from every corner. The Beaux-Arts building that the hotel occupies was built in 1908 and lovingly restored with a full renovation in 2015. The relaxed lobby space with its minimalist design offers plenty of spots to relax by the alabaster stone fireplace. Duck into the nook behind the fire to curl up in a more intimate, private space and read by the glow of the fire. Corridors and elevators are subtly lit, all the better to reveal the flooded-with-light guest rooms whose beige and white walls showcase the custom-made or antique furniture pieces that appear throughout the hotel. Pops of color come from scarlet and orange sofas and throws. Turndown comes with handmade chocolates, and each room has its own Keurig coffee machine."
W Montreal
Hotel · Downtown Montreal
"W Montreal Housed in a bank building from the 1950s, the W’s austere exterior hides a bold, brash, ultra-hip interior rich in contemporary design with a pleasingly high level of attention to detail. The signature red lobby, known as the Living Room, offers a warm, energizing hangout space with specially curated music and lighting that changes throughout the day. Rooms, freshly renovated in 2015, are spacious enough to invite a friend over for a pre-dinner drink, and they showcase that bold design aesthetic in monochrome with splashes of gold and yellow. Design, culture, and music play a significant role within the hotel, which curates various events throughout the year, such as a furniture design conference or regular Lululemon yoga sessions in the park. A popular choice for Montrealers, the W’s bar and club scene enables guests to get a taste of what’s hot in the city without ever leaving the hotel."
Hotel Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Hotel · Downtown Montreal
"Since its opening in 1958, the largest hotel in Montreal has earned a lot of distinctions, from being one of the most technologically advanced hotels of its time (its location above Central Station called for innovative architectural techniques to insulate the building from train vibrations) to hosting all manner of dignitaries, royalty, and VIPs. Perhaps most famously, the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth was the site of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1969 Bed-In for Peace, during which they recorded Give Peace a Chance . In more recent times, the icon was thoroughly renovated to feature 950 bright, stylish guest rooms, each with bold artwork, modern furnishings, 49-inch HDTVs, Le Labo bath amenities, and Nespresso machines, along with city views. The numerous suites have extras like kitchenettes, dining rooms, upgraded views, or—in the John Lennon and Yoko Ono Suite—a freestanding tub and living room homage to the “bed-in.” The Wellness Center was also re-designed, and now includes a 24-hour gym, indoor pool, and Jacuzzi. Start your day with gourmet coffee and pastries at Kréma, find regionally inspired fare at Restaurant Rosélys, mingle with locals over cocktails at Nacarat, or continue the generations-old tradition of traditional Afternoon Tea in the main dining room. Before checking out, pick-up locally made eats both sweet and savory at the Marche Artisans marketplace, which also peddles crêpes, ice cream, chocolates, and other treats."