Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Montreal 4-Star Luxury Hotel Review

Check out my Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Montreal 4-Star Luxury Hotel Review. Step into a world of timeless elegance and modern luxury nestled in the heart of Montreal. During my recent visit to this vibrant Canadian city, I had the pleasure of experiencing the iconic Fairmont Queen Elizabeth—a hotel that blends rich history with contemporary sophistication. From the moment I entered the lobby with its beautiful fusion of 1958 heritage elements and sleek renovated spaces, I knew this would be a stay to remember.

Perfectly positioned in Downtown Montreal with direct access to the Central Station and the city’s extensive underground network, the Queen Elizabeth offers unparalleled convenience for travelers. But is the premium price tag—ranging from $250 for standard rooms to a staggering $3,000+ for luxury suites—truly justified? And what exactly sets the exclusive Fairmont Gold experience apart from a regular stay? In this review, I’ll take you through my personal journey in the vintage-inspired Mile End Suite and share whether this landmark hotel lives up to its prestigious reputation.

Location and Accessibility

Prime downtown Montreal position

During my recent stay at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, I was immediately impressed by its strategic location in the heart of downtown Montreal. This luxury hotel truly offers an ideal base for exploring the city. I found that several key attractions were within comfortable walking distance, including the Bell Centre (just 0.4 miles away), McGill University (0.5 miles), and Place des Arts (0.6 miles). Art enthusiasts like myself appreciated that the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts was only a 0.6-mile stroll, while history buffs will love that the magnificent Notre Dame Basilica is within 0.8 miles.

Direct connection to Montreal Central Station

One of the aspects I valued most about the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth’s location was its exceptional connectivity to transportation hubs. Montreal Central Station is merely a 5-minute walk away, making it incredibly convenient for travelers arriving by train. Similarly, Bonaventure Station is also just a 5-minute walk from the hotel. For those flying in, I noted that Montreal Metropolitan Airport (YHU) is accessible within a 26-minute drive – a reasonable transfer time for a major city.

Proximity to underground city and key attractions

What truly sets the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth apart is its prime position within Montreal’s famous underground city network. During my stay, I appreciated how this allowed me to explore shops, restaurants, and various attractions without braving the sometimes harsh Montreal weather. The hotel’s location provided me with easy access to excellent dining options – I discovered The Keg Steakhouse + Bar just a 2-minute walk away, and Le Cathcart at the same distance. For quick bites, McDonald’s, Rosélys Restaurant, and Café Kréma were all within a 6-minute walk.

With this prime location serving as the perfect starting point for my Montreal adventure, I was eager to explore my accommodation options at this historic property. Next, I’ll detail the variety of room choices and pricing structures available at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, including the 950 stylishly appointed rooms and luxurious suites that cater to different preferences and budgets.

Accommodation Options and Pricing

After exploring the convenient location of the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth above Montreal’s Central Station, I want to share the various accommodation options available at this historic property. The hotel offers a range of rooms and suites to suit different budgets and preferences.

Standard rooms ($250-$325 per night)

The standard accommodations at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth include elegantly appointed rooms like the Deluxe 2 Queens and various King-sized options. Following the hotel’s 2017 renovation, these rooms now feature a stylish blend of vintage 1960s and modern decor. During my stay, I appreciated the amenities included in these standard options:

• Large HDTVs with Chromecast technology
• Plush, comfortable bedding
• Coffee-making facilities
• Air conditioning
• City skyline views (in select rooms)

I found these rooms provide excellent value for travelers wanting to experience this iconic Montreal luxury hotel without splurging on premium accommodations.

Fairmont Gold Floor rooms (starting at $450)

For those seeking enhanced service, the Fairmont Gold experience offers exceptional value starting around $450 per night. As Montreal’s premier luxury hotel option, the Gold Floor provides:

• Access to an exclusive Gold lounge
• Complimentary breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres
• Personalized concierge service
• Premium amenities and upgraded room features
• Enhanced privacy and exclusivity

During my previous visits, I’ve found the Gold Floor particularly appealing for business travelers and those celebrating special occasions who appreciate personalized attention.

Premium suites (up to $3,000+ per night)

The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth boasts impressive premium suites, including the famous John Lennon and Yoko Ono suite where the couple held their 1969 “Bed In for Peace.” Other luxurious options include:

• Outremont Suite with residential feel
• Royale Ville Marie Suite with spacious dining and living areas
• Specialty suites with luxurious spa bathrooms and panoramic views

These premium accommodations can reach upwards of $3,000 per night, offering the ultimate in Montreal luxury accommodations.

Value considerations and loyalty program benefits

When booking at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, I’ve discovered several ways to maximize value:

• Seasonal pricing fluctuations (with lower rates typically in January and February)
• Promotional packages like the Urban Retreat Package with spa credits
• Bed & Breakfast packages that include morning meals
• Discounts for AAA members and government personnel
• Family-oriented deals with discounts on second rooms
• 24-hour cancellation policy

The hotel also offers loyalty program benefits for returning guests, providing additional value through upgrades and special perks.

Now that I’ve covered the range of accommodations available, I’m excited to share my personal experience staying in the Mile End Suite, one of the hotel’s most distinctive premium options.

Mile End Suite Experience

Having covered the various accommodation options and pricing at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, I want to share my personal experience staying in the Mile End Suite. This exceptional suite truly exemplifies the perfect balance between vintage charm and modern luxury that this iconic Montreal hotel offers.

Vintage 1960s aesthetic with modern amenities

During my stay, I was immediately struck by the Mile End Suite’s distinctive 1960s aesthetic. The decor thoughtfully preserves elements from the hotel’s 1958 origins while incorporating contemporary touches. Despite its retro inspiration, I found the suite equipped with all the modern amenities a luxury traveler expects. The vintage design elements created a unique atmosphere that distinguished this suite from standard luxury hotel accommodations, giving me a true sense of the hotel’s rich history while ensuring modern comfort.

Functional layout with kitchenette and meeting space

What impressed me most about the Mile End Suite was its thoughtful layout. The suite features a convenient kitchenette that proved perfect for preparing light meals and enjoying morning coffee without leaving the comfort of my accommodation. Adjacent to this, I found a well-designed living area that easily doubles as a meeting space – ideal for the business traveler. During my stay, I utilized this area for both relaxation and a small impromptu meeting, appreciating the versatility of the space.

Spacious bedroom and luxury bathroom features

The bedroom area of the Mile End Suite offers generous proportions and exquisite comfort. After a long day exploring Montreal’s downtown attractions, I particularly appreciated retreating to this serene space. The bedroom leads directly to a luxurious bathroom that became one of my favorite features of the suite. The bathroom boasts a deep soaking tub that provided a perfect way to unwind after walking Montreal’s vibrant streets. The attention to detail in the bathroom fixtures and finishes truly elevated the overall experience of the suite.

Distinctive deep blue color scheme with bold accents

The Mile End Suite’s interior design makes a striking impression with its predominant deep blue color scheme. This rich, sophisticated palette is complemented by bold accent pieces that create visual interest throughout the space. I found this color choice both soothing and distinctive, setting a refined tone for my entire stay. The thoughtful combination of colors and textures throughout the suite creates a cohesive design that feels both contemporary and timeless.

Now that I’ve shared my Mile End Suite experience, I’ll next explore the extensive hotel facilities and services that complement these exceptional accommodations at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Montreal.

Hotel Facilities and Services

Now that I’ve shared my Mile End Suite experience, let’s explore the impressive array of amenities that make the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth a standout destination in Montreal.

Fitness Center and Indoor Pool with Hot Tub

During my stay, I made sure to take advantage of the hotel’s excellent wellness facilities. The health club is well-equipped and perfect for maintaining your fitness routine while traveling. The indoor pool quickly became my favorite spot to unwind after a day of exploring Montreal. I particularly enjoyed relaxing in the hot tub, which offered the perfect respite from my busy schedule. These recreational amenities contribute significantly to the luxury experience that the “Queen E” is known for.

Dining Options: Rosélys Restaurant and Nacarat Cocktail Bar

The culinary offerings at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth impressed me at every turn. Rosélys Restaurant, the hotel’s gastronomic bistro, serves exquisite dishes that showcase local products. The restaurant’s mid-century design elements create a sophisticated atmosphere that enhanced my dining experience.

I also spent an evening at the Nacarat Bar, which offers creative cocktails in a stylish setting. The bar’s ambiance makes it a popular spot for both hotel guests and local professionals. Additionally, the hotel features an artisanal market where I picked up some local delicacies to bring home as souvenirs. What I appreciated most about these dining venues is their commitment to the “by Montrealers, for Montrealers” philosophy, giving me an authentic taste of the city’s culinary scene.

Exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge Amenities

The Fairmont Gold Lounge deserves special mention for its exceptional offerings. This exclusive space provides a private sanctuary for Gold-level guests with personalized attention that truly elevated my stay. The lounge offers stunning city skyline views that I couldn’t get enough of. What made my mornings special was the complimentary breakfast served in the lounge – a wonderful way to start each day in Montreal.

Complimentary Services for Gold Status Members

As a Gold status member, I benefited from several premium services that made my stay more convenient and comfortable. The complimentary evening hors d’oeuvres served in the Gold Lounge provided a perfect pre-dinner treat. I also appreciated the complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel, which is offered to all Fairmont President’s Club members.

The personalized concierge service available to Gold members helped me plan my exploration of Montreal efficiently. From restaurant reservations to suggestions for local attractions, the staff’s knowledge and attentiveness demonstrated why the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth maintains its reputation as one of the best luxury hotels in Montreal downtown.

Conclusion

The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth offers an exceptional Montreal experience, combining historic charm with modern luxury. From its strategic downtown location with direct access to Central Station and the underground city, to its varied accommodation options spanning from comfortable standard rooms to opulent suites, this hotel caters to diverse preferences and budgets. My Mile End Suite experience showcased the property’s commitment to stylish design and functional comfort, while the comprehensive facilities—including the fitness center, indoor pool, dining venues, and the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge—ensured all needs were met during my stay.

For travelers seeking a well-positioned luxury hotel in Montreal, I highly recommend considering the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. Though rates may be premium compared to nearby alternatives, the combination of location advantages, updated amenities, and service quality delivers substantial value. If you’re planning a visit, look for promotions or consider Accor loyalty benefits to enhance your experience at this iconic Montreal institution that seamlessly blends its 1950s heritage with contemporary sophistication.

Tell your friends about us on Facebook and Instagram
© Copyright August 2024 Best Luxury Hotels Resorts.com, All Rights Reserved