© Hotel Honeyrose
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.
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.
© Hôtel Warwick Le Crystal
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!
© Susan Moss - Tourisme Montréal
This cozy hotel has the kind of location locals dream of. Right next to one of the popular Plateau neighbourhood’s most stunning parks, Parc La Fontaine, it’s your gateway to days of strolling among centuries-old trees, along the park’s lakeside, or among the pretty coloured houses and photogenic spiral staircases the hood is famous for. With casually furnished rooms that are charming and homey, as well as a private terrasse that gives right onto the park, you’ll feel like a real Montréal local.
© Fairmont Le Reine Elizabeth
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 — you can also choose to stay in the Barbie suite, designed mostly in pink! 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.
© Humaniti
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.
© Résidence Inn Montréal Midtown
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.
© Courtyard Montréal Midtown
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.
© Hôtel St-Paul
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 Dauphin Montréal Centre-ville
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, 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 a Montréal-based 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.
