There’s no better place to experience Canada’s French heritage, than Quebec’s premier city, the second most populated metropolis in the country after Toronto. The street cafes and bistros provide a foodie buzz, serving some superb European meets North American cuisine. Don’t miss Notre Dame Basilica, Chinatown, the Latin Quarter and Mount Royal Park while you’re here; Montreal can be enjoyed as a standalone city break, or as part of a wide Canadian adventure, perhaps with some local skiing included. However long you plan to stay, be sure to choose one of the most upmarket residences in town…
Hyatt Place Montreal
Found in the trendy Village district of the city, Hyatt Place is a good choice for both business and leisure travellers. Its 353 bedrooms have desks and coffee/tea makers, while other amenities include an indoor pool and gym, a shop, a 24-hour business centre, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers available in the lobby. Begin your day with tacos or free-rage scrambled eggs and Granola at the Breakfast Bar, grab a coffee mid-morning at the in-house Starbucks and stop by The Market any time of the day or night, for some take-out/eat-in-your-room items.
The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal
An international favourite with British roots, this Ritz-Carlton owned property has its origin in Edwardian times. Awarded with the lauded AAA Five Diamond award, this establishment has an excellent reputation, particularly for its fine dining destination restaurant Maison Boulud (2-Michelin star Chef Daniel Boulud is at the helm), and its rooftop terrace boasting a saltwater swimming pool with enviable city vistas. An additional pool is found in the sleek spa and there’s a second restaurant, The Palm Court, exuding at deco era opulence. Rooms are classically decorated with contemporary finishes, neutral colours and the latest technology. The 12 room Royal Suite is the ultimate in film star luxury.
Four Seasons Hotel Montreal
Found on the Golden Square Mile, the 169 bedroom hotel encompasses 17 floors. A mainly monochrome colour palette is augmented by touches of blush velvet, marble and gilt hardware. At times it feels as if you’ve arrived at a modern art installation, with simple but dramatic design features. The third floor is home to the eating and drinking areas with accommodation (equipped with Nespresso machines, iPads and Bang and Olufsen speakers) found on higher floors, to take advantage of the views with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Four Seasons spa includes a dream-like pool area with an endless current to perfect your front crawl.
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Stay downtown above the city’s Central Train Station in this towering 950 bedroom modernist establishment. The venue opened in 1958, was a trailblazer in technology for its time. And while Queen Elizabeth is now uber-on-trend with lots of funky touches, it retains conscious nods to its first heyday in the mid-century. Guests can eat and drink in the Kréma Café, Nacarat Bar and Rosélys Restaurant, or grab and go at Marché Artisans. Emphasising its cool credentials, the Fairmont equips rooms with Le Labo toiletries, offers a business campus called CoLab 3 and has interactive art installations for junior guests.