Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montreal

BACKGROUND

The Queen Elizabeth hotel first opened in 1958 under the Hilton group, but joined Fairmont Hotels and Resorts in 2001 (an Accor brand since 2016). This property closed in 2016 for a year-long CAD$140 million renovation.

WHERE IS IT?

On René Lévesque Boulevard West in Downtown. The lobby is connected to the underground shopping arcade at Place Ville Marie, which is linked to the Central railway station.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

The 21-storey hotel is a huge presence occupying almost a whole block. It’s not the most attractive façade, with slit-like windows and a beige exterior, but dazzles towards the bottom with a gold sparkling pattern.

The open-plan lobby is vast. During my visit, the hotel was filled with guests attending meetings and events – there are two floors dedicated to events spaces.

My room wasn’t ready when I arrived in the morning, but I was able to leave my luggage free of charge – there’s a fee of CAD$2 per item if leaving luggage when you check out. My room was ready at 2.45pm.

The hotel’s name pays homage to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth who visited in 1959, but far more attention is paid to former guests John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The couple stayed in room 1742 for their famous ‘Bed-in for peace’ protest in 1969.

Escalators take you down to the wellness centre and spa. There’s a light installation here, ‘The Interactive River,’ which projects images of the sea, clouds and forest onto the floor. This is one of 25 Cité Memoire projected tableaux in the city.

ROOMS

Eight lifts take you to the various floors so you don’t have to wait long. Floors 18-20 are reserved for Fairmont Gold rooms, which have the best views and include private check-in/check-out, a dedicated concierge, upgraded amenities and access to the 21st floor Gold Lounge.

The remaining 852 rooms and suites are located on floors 4-17, with a contemporary décor and colourful headboards. My 54 sqm One Bedroom Suite was on the fifth floor at the end of a long hallway. The spacious bedroom has a king bed, plenty of storage space and a living room with a sofa bed and separate toilet. Amenities include a 55-inch HDTV with Chromecast capabilities, a Nespresso machine and coffee capsules, a kettle and teabags, a safe, minibar, iron and ironing board, umbrella, bathrobes and slippers. The luxurious en-suite bathroom has Le Labo toiletries in nine miniature bottles instead of refillable bottles.

The desk is well-equipped for working, with a very comfortable chair and plenty of space so you can be on your laptop and enjoy a takeaway dinner at the same time.

Surprisingly, the hotel charges for internet access. There are three packages starting at CAD$16 per day (Accor Live Limitless members get the cheapest option free).

FOOD AND DRINK

Kréma is a coffee shop-style lounge on the ground floor. Opposite is the Marché Artisans food hall inspired by the city’s market culture. Rosélys is an all-day bistro which offers a generous buffet breakfast. The glam Nacarat Bar and Terrace is located on the third floor.

MEETINGS

Floors 2 and 3 are dedicated to meetings and events, with a ballroom and a vast outdoor terrace overlooking René Lévesque Boulevard, all accessible by escalator from the underground entrance.

LEISURE

The lower-ground floor is home to a 24-hour gym, indoor pool, sauna and hot tub, and The Moment Spa.

VERDICT

This well-located hotel is rich on facilities – from dining venues to meeting and event spaces. The spacious suites are well-designed for business guests, though the hotel should rethink its wifi charges which feel outdated. Street-facing rooms on the lower floors are not recommended due to noise from Nacarat.

BEST FOR

Its convenient Downtown location

DON’T MISS

Nightcaps at Nacarat Bar and Terrace as the sun sets behind Place Ville Marie

PRICE

Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in October started from US$368 for an entry-level Fairmont Room

CONTACT

900 René Lévesque Blvd. W, Montreal H3B 4A5; +1 514 861 3511; fairmont.com/queen-elizabeth-montreal

John Lennon and Yoko Ono stayed in room 1742 for their ‘Bed-in for peace’protest