Photography: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Reviewed by Joeri Van Overloop
Set the scene
The scene at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Montreal is sumptuous and airy, mirrored by a grand lobby featuring high ceilings, plush seating arrangements, and gleaming chandeliers. The blend of contemporary design and iconic heritage lends a unique vibe that is at once relaxing yet invigorating. The hotel boasts locally inspired art pieces and an urban market that brings to life a vibrant gathering spot, full of local flavors and craftsmanship.
As you meander through the public areas of the Fairmont, you'll notice the quiet hum of refinement. This is not a scene of glitz and glamor overshadowing substance, rather it's deeply entrenched in its dedication towards delivering luxury with a personal touch. The use of natural elements like wood lends an earthy allure while the interiors subtly incorporate elements of Montreal’s characteristic creativity and innovation.
What can we expect in our room
With their elegantly understated decor, the rooms embody a calming, almost serene atmosphere. Each room radiates a warm, welcoming glow, marrying modern amenities with historic charm effortlessly.
The hotel boasts a variety of room categories designed with your specific needs in mind. If you cherish city views, the 'Signature City View' rooms will leave you in awe with their breathtaking vistas of Montreal's vivacious skyline. On the other hand, 'Fairmont Gold' rooms come with a host of exclusive benefits, including private check-in and complimentary breakfast. All rooms are smartly equipped with lavish bathrooms, climate control features, a coffee maker, and a flat-screen TV.
How about the food and drinks at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth?
The hotel's signature restaurant, Rosélys, brings farm-to-table philosophy to life, offering a mesmerizing fusion of French and Quebecois specialties. Not only does the menu pay homage to local cuisine, but it's also a culinary journey, evolving with the seasons and local produce availability.
Switching gears to drinks, grab a cocktail or two at the swanky Nacarat bar. Named after a bright orange-red color, this bar echoes that vivacity, ringing with an energetic, contemporary vibe. The bartenders, as dexterous as they are, craft each drink with detailed precision, leaving you mesmerized. Be it the smoked Old-Fashioned with its rustic charm or the sparkling takes on classic cocktails, each sip promises a delightful experience.
What is the service like
On arrival at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth hotel, the dedication, warmth, and efficiency of the hotel staff immediately strike you. With their unwavering commitment to deliver unparalleled service, they effortlessly blend professionalism with genuine cordiality.
A hallmark of the Fairmont brand, they go beyond conventional hospitality; each employee, from the front desk personnel to the bellmen, housekeeping team, and the concierge, exemplify the ethos of anticipating and accommodating guests’ needs.
Whether you require local recommendations, help with reservations, or a sudden late-night snack, expect your needs to be attended to promptly and cheerfully.
What’s the neighbourhood scene like?
The architectural grandeur of the nearby Old Port, pulsing nightlife in the Entertainment District, and exquisite shopping experience along Saint Catherine Street, all lie within a short stroll from the hotel.
Renowned as a culinary capital of North America, the neighborhood surrounding The Fairmont plays host to a smorgasbord of delectable dining options. From charming Montreal cafes offering authentic Quebecois delicacies, to upscale gourmet restaurants in Montreal presenting international cuisines, there's a gastronomic experience waiting around every corner.
Not to mention the thriving art scene, with galleries, theaters, and live music venues layering the local charm with enriched cultural expressions. Want to watch a hockey game? The Bell Center, home to Montreal Canadiens, the city's beloved NHL team, is merely blocks away.
Discover the Best Things To Explore In Montreal
What’s the backstory
Built in 1958, the hotel immediately made waves with its revolutionary design and lavish interiors that reflected a celebration of Canada's cultural landscape.
Over the years, its prominent clientele, including activists, celebrities, politicians, and the British monarchy, have all penned their own chapters in the hotel's vivid story. The Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth hit billboard fame when John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged their renowned peace protest– the "bed-in" in 1969.
Price Range
Depending on the type of accommodation you select and the time of your visit, the rates at this prestigious hotel can vary. Standard rooms usually range from $200 to $400 per night, while for the more opulent suites, prices may begin at $500 and can rise to as high as $2000 per night during peak tourist season.
Amenities & Facilities
From a state-of-the-art fitness center designed for your wellness aspirations, to a bespoke Montreal spa to calm and rejuvenate your senses, you are presented with an array of delightful options for your whims and fancies.
Take a dip in the heated indoor pool anytime you feel like it, or perhaps a soothing jaunt in the whirlpool to alleviate the strains of travel? A quick glance around and you're likely to spot the hotel's full-service, one-stop-shop Business Center catering to the demands of the modern traveler. We haven't even mentioned the rooftop urban market where you can indulge in retail therapy, or the Artisans Market that sells local products and crafts.
How to get to the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Montreal
If a quick and convenient taxi ride is your preferred method, simply exit the arrivals hall of Montreal-Trudeau International Airport and hail a cab. Fixed rates are applied to this journey, clearing any worries you might have had in regard to escalating fares.
Alternatively, for the travelers who prefer to soak in the local flavor, the city's public transport extends a welcoming arm. Montreal's metro and bus system, known as the STM, operates a shuttle service from the airport to the very heart of the city.
The 747 P-E-Trudeau Airport/Downtown shuttle line runs 24 hours and with a travel time of between 45 to 60 minutes, it entwines copious amounts of the city's vibrant tapestry into a single journey. The stop for Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is marked as 'Rene-Levesque / Jeanne-Mance', and upon alighting, it's a mere 2-minute walk before you are at the lobby of the hotel.
What Customers Have To Say
The rooms, elevators are renovated but you can see that it just covers over older aspects.
Axel and Francis helped us make the stay special with a special request.
There was a problem with our room which required an urgent awkward mid evening room switched but we were compensated.
1. Always Convenience location;
2. Always with nice restaurant;
3. Always super kind and sweet services at the front desk;
4. Booked a big room which has a king-size bed and a sofa bed and updated to a suite with 2 baths; thank you, Cesar.
5. 0 distance to Via rail.
6. The mattress 👍, I had a good sleep. It is very important since I did not sleep well before. Thank you
By the way, the wifi always has problems when connecting to my laptop, not only in one Fairmont. This time I was on the phone for more than an hour, not resolved.
The elevator and the carpet inside the elevator need to be updated 😉
Make sure to have a vehicle or transport as it is not very walkable from downtown
Contact:
Address: 900 René-Lévesque Blvd W, Montreal, Quebec H3B 4A5, Canada
Phone: +1 514-861-3511
Discover more hotels in Montreal
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed within this article are the author’s alone, not those of any travel/leisure company, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.