- Best for: Anyone desirous to discover Montreal’s Old Port neighborhood (additionally known as Old Montreal)
- Location: Old Port, Montreal, Quebec
- Can’t-miss function: The rooftop restaurant, Terrasse Place d’Armes, the place you possibly can seize traditional cocktails or a luxurious brunch whereas having fun with views over downtown
- In a nutshell: Directly reverse Montreal’s iconic Notre-Dame Basilica (sure, the place Celine Dion obtained married), this 4-star boutique resort presents a snug place to land simply steps from all of the motion in Old Port, which seems like somewhat slice of Europe. Housed inside 4 heritage buildings that date again to the late nineteenth century, the rooms are easy however traditional, with historic architectural particulars. There are a number of eating places, a 3,000-sq.-foot spa, and some spots to assemble and lounge, however what you’re actually paying for is proximity to the sights.
Rooms
There are 169 visitor rooms—together with 48 suites and 5 penthouses—unfold throughout 4 historic neoclassical buildings, the oldest of which was inbuilt 1870 because the Montreal headquarters for the Great Scottish Life Insurance Company. Room types differ barely relying on which constructing you’re in, however you possibly can anticipate crimson brick partitions, hardwood flooring, Le Labo toiletries, Nespresso machines, and darkish wooden and leather-based furnishings. Some higher-stage rooms have balconies and fireplaces, if you happen to’re on the lookout for a cause to splurge.
On a latest journey, my husband and I stayed in a Deluxe King Plus Room. Around 400 sq. ft in measurement, this room sort was superb for a fast weekend getaway, with a genuinely cozy mattress wearing 100% cotton linens, a small sofa (that pulls out if you happen to want room for one or two extra friends), and a small desk the place I squeezed in some final-minute work.
Food and drink
In addition to room service, Hôtel Place d’Armes boasts three in-home eateries: Kyo Bar Japonais, providing sushi alternatives, bento bins, and Montreal’s most in depth sake checklist; Brasserie 701, serving up French classics and the resort’s day by day breakfast; and Terrasse Place d’Armes, the beautiful rooftop terrace off the eighth ground with stunning views and nice cocktails.
We popped as much as the terrace on a Saturday morning to strive the weekend brunch, and have been pleasantly shocked that the meals high quality matched that of the panoramic views. I had a superbly spiced Bloody Caesar (Canada’s Clamato-splashed reply to a Bloody Mary), scrumptious halloumi sticks with honey, and a burrata and tomato toast that made its manner onto my Instagram Story instantly.
Amenities and experiences
Relaxation is on the menu on the 3,000-sq.-foot Rainspa, which is unfold throughout two flooring of the resort. Head as much as benefit from the conventional hammam, mani-pedi salon, and quite a lot of face, physique, and therapeutic massage treatments. You can order meals to the comfortable lounge space, do you have to wish to make a day of it.
The resort can also be a preferred spot for conferences and occasions, thanks partially to its ballrooms, boardrooms, and proximity to the Montreal Convention Center, a 12-minute stroll away. Don’t be shocked if you happen to see some massive teams strolling round and having fun with a beverage or two.
What to do close by
This is the place Hôtel Place d’Armes actually shines. I lived in Montreal for 4 years, so I can say with certainty that this can be a great spot to base your self if you happen to’re on the town to see the sights. Walk out the entrance door and switch proper, and also you’ll come head to head with Place d’Armes, the second-oldest public web site in Montreal. Harking again to 1693, the beautiful sq. is the place you’ll discover the Notre-Dame Basilica (promise me you’ll go inside!), the Maisonneuve Monument, and the unique Bank of Montreal, Canada’s oldest financial institution.
You’re additionally below a ten-minute stroll to the center of Old Port and its waterfront—I like to recommend taking a ship journey, in addition to exploring Bonsecours Market and Place Jacques-Cartier earlier than grabbing a chew to eat at one of many many unbelievable eating places (Jardin Nelson is one in every of my favorites for crepes, adopted by speakeasy-model sips at The Coldroom). The Place-d’Armes metro station, a 3-minute stroll from the resort, may also carry you nearer to different sizzling spots across the metropolis in a jiffy, like Mount Royal, Jean Talon Market, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, close to the gorgeous McGill campus.
Hannah Chubb
The backstory
Made up of 4 nineteenth-century buildings which have served as a number of financial institution and enterprise headquarters through the years, the Quebec authorities declared the property to be a heritage web site in 1975. It was renovated and opened as Hôtel Place d’Armes in 2000 and joined the Corner Collection property group in 2022.
Insider tip
Ask for a room overlooking St. Jacques Street when reserving for all of the Old Montreal vitality. Our view was of a constructing roof, and it was a wee bit unhappy—fortunately, the rooftop supplied us the surroundings we have been after.
Final concerns:
- Family pleasant: Yes. While there are not any child-particular facilities, we noticed a number of comfortable little ones operating round within the foyer, and also you’re inside strolling distance of loads of household-pleasant sights.
- Accessibility: There are three accessible rooms for friends with decreased mobility, although they aren’t wheelchair accessible. The majority of the resort is accessible through elevators and ramps, however there are a handful of break up ranges due to the historic nature of the property.
- Wellness: Small gymnasium plus a spa with 10 therapy rooms, a Vichy space, and a hammam.
- Loyalty group/resort model: Corner Collection
