Hotel Le St-James

"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."

"Start us off with an overview.The ornate heritage building in Old Montreal sets the tone; what used to be the Merchants Bank, built in 1870, is now a much-acclaimed 60-room hotel. Who will we find inside?As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World association, Le St. James attracts a moneyed and well-traveled set, which includes international performers participating in this culturally vibrant town's festival of the hour. After all, the apartment-sized Presidential Suite includes a baby grand piano. That sounds luxurious. What are the rest of the rooms like?Each guest room is decorated in a unique way, with individual art and antiques. The general flavor feels very Louis XV—ornate, with curvaceous oak furniture, patterned throw rugs, animal-print armchairs, and deep sofas in rich brocades. Luckily, though, creature comforts like the lighting, bathroom fixtures, and Frette linens are decidedly 21st century. Let's get into the details. What else should we know?The Frette sheets are butter-soft cotton piqué, as are the bathrobes, and the bathroom products are by Molton Brown. The minibar includes full-size wine and whiskey bottles (at an exorbitant mark-up). And a complimentary shoe shine comes in handy before a big night out. Sounds like we won't want to leave. How's the room service?Whatever you can dream of, whatever time of day, the St. James will provide, whether it's a snack of beluga caviar or spicy chicken wings, nachos, and beer. You may have to mortgage your house for it, but it'll be worth it. What else is on-site?The basement spa, located in the old vaults of the Merchants' Bank, with three-foot-thick greystone walls. It was conceived by Montreal designer Jacques Bouchard into a hushed space with industrial steel details and candelabras. We're pretty sure we're sold.The opulence at Le St-James starts with the furniture, which was personally collected by the owner in antique shops around the world, and continues with the plush bedding, the food at Le XO, and the list of famous guests (including Madonna). You’ll be treated like royalty around the clock; after all, the Clef d’Or concierge is on-call 24/7." - Isa Tousignant