Must-see Montréal hotels to book now
From jaw-dropping luxury properties to unexpected finds to icons of the history of rock’n’roll, Montréal has got incredible hotels for all budgets. Here are some hotel spaces — suites, lobbies, restaurants, even gyms — that are so stunning, they’ve got to be seen to be believed.
Lobby
With its rich roaring ’20s Art Nouveau flavour, this stunning property on Place des Festivals welcomes guests with a lobby that’s dripping in luxe materials, from the illuminated alabaster tables (and welcome desk) to the leather and brass seats and the extravagant light fixtures. The drama of the design is palpable and makes homage to the spectacle vibe happening right outside the doors. The hotel creates its own lifestyle onsite: there’s a locavore boutique next to check-in, an Essentrics studio upstairs, a gym, pool, bistro and a beautiful café beloved by the local work set.
Rooftop restaurant
Perched in the easternmost end of the Old Port, this luxury property gives a whole new perspective on familiar landmarks — especially from the rooftop restaurant. An offshoot of the main restaurant downstairs, British pub Le Cartier Arms (run by the folks behind Burgundy Lion), the Horizon Bar will give you an incredible bird’s eye view on the waterfront. In summer, it’s conveniently located right next to the pool and terrasse — just the spot to savour a signature cocktail and a cheese plate after a day of meetings in the hotel’s aesthetic business spaces.
Crystal Suite
This chic downtown property was recently fully renovated with a modernist twist and luxury amenities, from Bose sound systems to bespoke, locally made, all-natural cosmetics with a signature citrusy scent. The suite redesigns are sweet indeed, with contemporary designed furniture and a design on the bias, giving every room interesting angles and a chic unique vibe. Choose the Crystal Suite if possible, complete with mountain view — it’s surprising how close that landmark is to downtown!
Large room
Guests at this home-away-from home hotel in Old Montréal will immediately feel as if they’re locals who happen to own a corner of an amazing historic Greystone mere feet away from the city’s most famous attractions. Each of the 17 unique rooms — whether small, medium or large — is appointed in a unique way to feel homey and cozy, complete with pillows from Marie L’Oie and bath products by Le Labo. The large rooms are extra bright and include a sitting area featuring locally designed furniture, where you can munch on the daily free breakfast offerings you can grab in the lobby.
John & Yoko Suite
Easily the most historically significant hotel room in the city, this room at the Fairmont smack bang in the middle of downtown is the exact place John Lennon and Yoko Ono held their bed-in protest in 1969. The hotel venerates its history as well as its future, by ensuring the legend stays alive. The grande dame property stays up to date with constant renovation and refreshes, and attracts locals with its 5 à 7s and boozy brunches at the tawny Rosélys restaurant.
Lobby
This downtown core hotel and condo tower has brought a whole community settlement with it, from natural food store to coworking space to city square. The lobby, like the square, is always bustling with life and full of jaw-dropping, picture-worthy contemporary art. It’s a great place for a meeting, whether you’re staying there or not! If you do stay, though, you’ll discover unique interior spaces designed to foster human experience and connection, including gorgeous rooms, a pool, a spa, a two-storey fitness centre, a café and more.
RESIDENCE INN MONTRÉAL MIDTOWN
Meeting circle
The perfect fit for business travellers, with its proximity to the airport, this contemporary, pet-friendly hotel has all the amenities to host business events, from meeting rooms to a comfortable lobby full of places to sit and exchange, like this meeting circle. There are also great perks for downtime, including a fitness centre and a heated indoor pool and sauna, not to mention complementary breakfast and spacious studios with kitchens and well-defined living and sleeping areas.
Lobby bar
A gathering place within a gleaming white space that’s both welcoming and instantly relaxing, this lush hotel bar is just what you need at the end of a long day — or in the middle of it. Why not? The hotel itself is affordable and judiciously appointed, with ultra-comfortable rooms that have all the necessities. Located not far from the airport but near public transport, it’s also handy for both short stays and long. After a strength session in the gym, relax with a dip in the pool and a session in the sauna, then go back to the bar for a nightcap.
The Black Suite
Housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, this Old Montréal hotel offers a surprisingly modern and serene interior, with a bold colour palette — especially in this suite. Decorated in charcoal, deep aubergine and moody navy with pops of bright colours, the suite exudes mystery and glamour with penthouse views you’ll just NEED to snap. You’ll love the king bed, rain shower and feeling of living in the chicest loft Old Montréal has to offer.
HÔTEL LE DAUPHIN MONTRÉAL CENTRE-VILLE
Lobby café
The tasteful décor of the hotel rooms at this downtown property spread throughout the place, starting with the lobby café — a distinctly lovely place to be, dotted with nooks to sit and gently enjoy the start to the day. The hotel is mere feet from the Montréal Convention Centre, aka the Palais des congrès de Montréal, so you can’t get more central. The baked goods at the café are worth writing home about, as is the hotel’s generous attitude: there are lots of free perks in the rooms, from spring water to treats to lovely cosmetics.
Isa Tousignant
Isa Tousignant is an editor and storyteller with a curiosity that runs deeper than most. She has chatted life philosophies with celebrity chefs, gemologists, arena rockers and furries. (All were transformative.) Her favourite things include discovering new flavours and celebrating the creativity that defines her hometown, Montréal.