Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

"In 2017, the Fairmont, a classic 1960s hotel, got a major renovation by Sid Lee, a young, playful agency that created a totally fresh vibe, including new business facilities. Today, the high-traffic hotel, which is located next to the train station, has a young, cool crowd and more energy than ever. You can get fancy and book a stay in the very room John Lennon and Yoko Ono stayed in for their famous Bed-In. The renovated Fairmont Rooms, meanwhile, are decorated with geometric wood furnishings and colorful abstract wallpaper. The Fairmont is a true hub; in fact, locals often walk through the lobby just to soak up a little glamour on their way to or from lunch. This hotel, which spans a full block, is a true hub; in fact, locals often walk through the lobby just to soak up a little glamor on their way to or from lunch." - Isa Tousignant, Todd Plummer

"Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is family- and pet-friendly and connected to The Underground City, offering access to a labyrinth of shops, restaurants, and walkways. The large property sees a lot of foot traffic due to its prime location." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Tell us about the new-and-improved Fairmont.In 2017, this classic 1960s hotel got a major renovation by Sid Lee, a young, playful agency that created a totally fresh vibe, including new gathering spaces. Today, the high-traffic hotel, which is located next to the train station, has a young, cool crowd and more energy than ever. How have the rooms fared in the transformation?You can get fancy and book a stay in the very room John Lennon and Yoko Ono stayed in for their famous Bed-In. The renovated Fairmont Rooms, meanwhile, are decorated with geometric wood furnishings and colorful abstract wallpaper. Anything else notable?A brand-new business hub has 85,000 square feet of meeting spaces, including refurbished business rooms with large boardroom tables, as well as pods for one-on-one brainstorming. The Swing room even has—you guessed it—swings. What about the food and drink options?There are plenty of choices here: Rosélys Restaurant for a sit-down meal of roasted octopus and spinach shoots; Nacarat for a jerk-chicken sandwich and mean cocktail; Kréma for a quick, strong coffee; and Artisans, a market with made-in-Montreal gourmet foods. With so much going on, how does the renovated Fairmont fit into the local scene?This hotel, which spans a full block, is a true hub; in fact, locals often walk through the lobby just to soak up a little glamour on their way to or from lunch. The bar and restaurant are popular after-work hangouts, and the renovation has turned the property into a commodious stay for the business set." - Isa Tousignant

"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."

"A luxury hotel located on René-Lévesque Boulevard in downtown Montreal, offering a variety of cultural and artistic experiences. It features an artisanal market, fine dining at Rosélys, and a chic terrace bar among other amenities." - Maya Kachroo-Levine Maya Kachroo-Levine Maya Kachroo-Levine is the digital senior editor at Travel + Leisure. She covers hotels, destinations (focusing on Europe, Asia, California, and Mexico), food and drink, cruises, and l