The John Lennon and Yoko Ono room at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal is where the couple recorded “Give Peace a Chance” in 1969. (Julia Pelish/Vacay.ca)
Vacay.ca has teamed with Hotels.com to create a series of articles highlighting the best romantic hotel experiences in Canada. In the second installment of the three-city series, columnist Adrian Brijbassi spotlights Montreal’s hotel scene. You can click here to read Part 1 of the series on Toronto hotels.
Story by Adrian Brijbassi
Vacay.ca Columnist
MONTREAL, QUEBEC — If you’re looking for value in your hotel stay, there is no city in North America better than Montreal. The historic district is filled with lovely boutique hotels, each with its own distinct style, while the newer areas of town are home to large brand-name properties that are close to theatres and festival centres. Montreal’s leading hotels offer expansive rooms, caring service, and prices that are surprisingly affordable for the quality you receive.
On top of that, these properties know romance. As February 14 nears, the search for the ideal romantic hotel is a hot topic. Vacay.ca has compiled the 5 Best Montreal Hotels for Valentine’s Day, based on different categories. Choose one of these properties and you and your partner will have even more reason to celebrate.
Notre-Dame Basilica looms over the 300-year-old Place d’Armes Square. A hotel named after the square is across the street from Canada’s most famous church. (Julia Pelish file photo/Vacay.ca)
LE PLACE D’ARMES HOTEL & SUITES — Best Hotel for the Money
Average room sizes are 550 square feet at this 140-room property across from Notre Dame Basilica. At Le Place d’Armes, many guest rooms feature extra-large king-size beds, massive bathrooms with slate-grey floors and chic decor. Knowing that February in Montreal is bitterly cold, the hotel has made the common areas comfortable and well-appointed. There’s an inviting billiards room as well as a bar/lounge, Suite 701, that attracts sophisticated patrons seeking out boozy cocktails and small bites. Although prices will spike during peak periods, they generally range from $150-$190 per night, a level of affordability that has garnered the hotel mention in more than one publication as one of the best value properties in North America.
Vacay.ca Tip: Le Place d’Armes is home to one of Montreal’s top-rated spas. The 3,000-square-foot Rainspa, located on the hotel’s third floor, features a hammam, the traditional Middle Eastern steam bath, and a range of massage treatments, most in the $140-per-hour range.
Hotels.Com Genuine Guest Reviews: 4.6/5
Location: 55 Rue St.-Jacques
Hotels.com Valentine’s Weekend Room Rates: As low as $279 per night. Click here, or call 866-539-0036.
Hotel Le St. James in Old Montreal is in a restored bank building and features many fine art pieces from around the world. (Julia Pelish/Vacay.ca)
LE ST. JAMES MONTREAL — Best Hotel for Ooh-La-La
Quite likely the best hotel in Old Montreal, Le St. James has been charming guests since it opened in 2002. In a circa 1870 former bank building, the hotel features such luxury accoutrements as Venetian dressers, 18th-century Russian armoires, Ming vases and fine-art pieces from around the globe. It is as elegant as it gets. If you’re looking to spoil someone wicked on Valentine’s Day, this hotel is your top choice.
Vacay.ca Tip: Do not leave this hotel without enjoying dinner at its flagship restaurant, XO. Chef Julien Robillard has turned the former Bankers’ Hall into a sophisticated dining room to showcase his culinary skills. It’s one of the best hotel restaurants in Canada.
Hotels.Com Genuine Guest Reviews: 4.8/5
Location: 355 Rue Saint-Jacques
Hotels.com Valentine’s Weekend Room Rates: As low as $320 per night. Click here, or call 866-539-0036.
FAIRMONT QUEEN ELIZABETH — Best Hotel to Give Peace a Chance
One of the most memorable — and bizarre — pop-culture events in Canada’s history took place in Montreal in May 1969. That’s when John Lennon and Yoko Ono held their “bed-in” — a week-long stay at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel where the famous couple invited friends and television crews to hear them speak out against war and political decisions they didn’t favour. They also recorded the hit “Give Peace a Chance.” Guests at the Queen Elizabeth can book the “Bed-In for Peace Package” that includes a stay in Room 1742 — one of four rooms where John and Yoko slept in during that week — or they can simply choose to create sweet music of their own in another suite in the historic hotel.
Vacay.ca Tip: Perhaps the greatest benefit of staying at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel is its convenience to the public transit system. The hotel is above Montreal’s Central Station and has an access to the Bonaventure Metro Station. Visitors can take a VIA or Amtrak train directly to the hotel and then use the subway lines to get around during their stay.
Hotels.Com Genuine Guest Reviews: 4.2/5
Location: 900 Rene Levesque Boulevard West
Hotels.com Valentine’s Weekend Room Rates: As low as $287 per night. Click here, or call 866-539-0036.
LE SAINT-SULPICE — Best Hotel for Creating a Spark
Montreal is a sexy city and this hotel helps it maintain that reputation. Romantics will adore the location. Tucked to the south of Notre Dame Basilica, the hotel feels secluded even though it is steps from bustling Rue Saint-Paul. Inside, the decor is splashed with red and other warm colours, adding to the sexy appeal. Though in a historic building, Saint-Sulpice is decorated with contemporary furniture and outfitted with modern amenities. The room sizes are immense, with none of the loft-style suites smaller than 500 square feet. Each room has a Nespresso machine and complimentary WiFi.
Vacay.ca Tip: Ask for the macaroons when you arrive. You won’t be disappointed!
Hotels.Com Genuine Guest Reviews: 4.7/5
Location: 414 Saint-Sulpice
Hotels.com Valentine’s Weekend Room Rates: As low as $189 per night. Click here, or call 866-539-0036.
HOTEL NELLIGAN — Best Hotel for Poetry Lovers
If you’re at a loss for words to express your emotions this weekend, Hotel Nelligan is a good place to turn. The reason why is this boutique property has actually been named after a poet. Ėmile Nelligan rose to prominence in Montreal in the late 19th century, when he was just a teenager. He became a local celebrity with his writing and his personality. This 105-room hotel recalls his importance to Montreal’s cultural scene, with each suite featuring a collection of his poems.
Vacay.ca Tip: Splurge for one of the 59 suites that includes a fireplace and double Jacuzzi.
Hotels.Com Genuine Guest Reviews: 4.7/5
Location: 106 Rue Saint-Paul West
Hotels.com Valentine’s Weekend Room Rates: As low as $314 per night. Click here, or call 866-539-0036.
[box_info]You can also give the gift of travel this year with a Hotels.Com gift card.[/box_info]
