Ritz Carlton Montreal 5-Star European Style Luxury Hotel Review

Check out my Ritz Carlton Montreal 5 Star European Style Luxury Hotel Review.

Stepping into Montreal’s Crown Jewel

When seeking the pinnacle of luxury in Montreal, one name has stood the test of time: The Ritz-Carlton Montreal. As Quebec’s only Five Diamond property, this historic landmark recently caught my attention during my search for an exceptional stay in the city. After experiencing a stunning renovation that masterfully blends classic elegance with contemporary comforts, I knew I had to share my findings with fellow luxury travelers.

From the moment I entered the grand lobby to my final farewell, every aspect of this storied hotel exceeded my expectations. In this review, I’ll take you through the historic luxury that defines this Montreal icon, the refined accommodations and amenities that pampered me throughout my stay, the remarkable dining experience at Maison Boulud, and the impeccable guest services that truly set the Ritz-Carlton apart. Join me as I explore what makes this property continue to shine as the crown jewel of Montreal’s luxury hotel scene.

Historic Luxury in Montreal

When I first stepped through the doors of the Ritz-Carlton Montreal, I was immediately transported into a world of timeless elegance that few hotels can match. Opened on December 31, 1912, this iconic property stands as a testament to luxury hospitality on Sherbrooke Street West.

Quebec’s only Five Diamond property

What makes my stays here so special is experiencing Quebec’s crown jewel of hospitality. The Ritz-Carlton Montreal has maintained its position as the premier luxury destination in the province, offering a level of service and sophistication that remains unmatched. Having hosted royalty and celebrities throughout its storied history, I’ve always felt the weight of its prestigious legacy during my visits.

Recent renovations blending classic and modern elements

I was particularly impressed by the results of the hotel’s comprehensive $200 million restoration completed in 2008. The renovation masterfully preserved the hotel’s historic charm while integrating modern luxuries that today’s discerning travelers expect. The current configuration features 96 rooms and 33 suites, including the Royal Suite, which I learned is the largest hotel room in Canada.

Walking through the property, I could see how the renovation honored César Ritz’s original vision while bringing the property firmly into the 21st century. The updates maintained essential elements that have been part of the hotel since 1912, such as personalized concierge service and room service from the hotel’s kitchen facilities in my Ritz Carlton Montreal 5 Star European Style Luxury Hotel Review .

Reputation for excellence and attention to detail

My experiences at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal have consistently showcased why this property enjoys such a stellar reputation. From the moment I arrive, the attention to detail is evident in every interaction. This level of service is part of a tradition dating back to the hotel’s founding, when it was built to be a “first-class residential hotel” inspired by the success of the Hôtel Ritz Paris.

The property’s commitment to excellence extends to its dining options, including Maison Boulud by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud, which I’ll explore further in a later section of this review.

With this glimpse into the historic luxury that defines the Ritz-Carlton Montreal, let’s now examine the accommodations and amenities that make staying at this property such a memorable experience.

Accommodations and Amenities

Having explored the rich history of the Ritz Carlton Montreal, I was eager to discover how this historic landmark blends its storied past with modern luxury. The accommodations and amenities truly showcase this perfect balance of tradition and contemporary comfort.

Elegant rooms with contemporary comforts

My room at the Ritz Carlton Montreal was nothing short of spectacular. The spacious, sun-lit accommodation featured a sophisticated blend of classic design and modern technology. I particularly appreciated the intuitive systems that adjusted to my preferences throughout my stay. The marble bathroom with heated floors was a luxurious touch that I hadn’t expected but thoroughly enjoyed, especially during my morning routine. The rainforest shower head provided a rejuvenating experience every time.

From my window, I had a beautiful view of the city, though some rooms overlook the garden instead. The King bed was exceptionally comfortable, making it difficult to leave each morning. I found the multiple charging outlets and complimentary Wi-Fi particularly convenient for keeping my devices powered and staying connected in my Ritz Carlton Montreal 5 Star European Style Luxury Hotel Review .

Indoor rooftop saltwater pool with city views

One of the highlights of my stay was definitely the indoor swimming pool. Located on the rooftop, this saltwater pool offers stunning views of Montreal’s cityscape. I spent several afternoons swimming and relaxing here, appreciating the unique perspective of the city from this elevated vantage point.

The pool area is part of the hotel’s comprehensive wellness facilities, which also include a full-service spa with treatment rooms and sauna facilities. Although I didn’t have time to try all the spa therapies available, the proximity of these amenities to the pool created a complete relaxation zone that I found incredibly appealing.

Personalized concierge services

The 24-hour reception and personalized concierge services truly elevated my experience at the Ritz Carlton Montreal. The staff went above and beyond to accommodate my requests, from arranging transportation to securing reservations at popular attractions.

I was impressed by how easy it was to access various services through the Marriott Bonvoy™ app, which streamlined everything from room reservations to dining arrangements. The concierge team provided expert guidance on exploring Montreal, offering insider tips that made my visit more meaningful.

Now that I’ve shared the exceptional accommodations and amenities, let’s move on to what might be the crowning jewel of the Ritz Carlton Montreal experience – the dining options that await guests at this luxury establishment.

Dining Experience

Now that I’ve explored the lavish accommodations and amenities at the Ritz Carlton Montreal, I can’t wait to share my culinary journey at this historic property. The dining options truly elevate the luxury experience to extraordinary heights.

Upscale Maison Boulud Restaurant

At the heart of Ritz Carlton Montreal’s dining scene is the sophisticated Maison Boulud, helmed by acclaimed 2-Michelin star Chef Daniel Boulud. I was captivated by how this restaurant beautifully blends French culinary tradition with contemporary elegance. The menu draws inspiration from Chef Boulud’s childhood in Lyon, creating dishes that honor classic French cuisine while incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients and local Quebecois products.

I enjoyed the restaurant’s elegant setting, complete with an open kitchen that adds a theatrical element to the dining experience. The terrace overlooking Sherbrooke Street provided a delightful atmosphere for my evening meal. The smart casual dress code maintains the upscale ambiance while allowing for comfortable enjoyment of the exquisite cuisine.

Sommelier David Goirand’s carefully curated wine selection perfectly complemented my meal, enhancing the flavors crafted by the culinary team.

Diverse Room Service Menu Options

For those moments when I preferred dining in the comfort of my room, the Ritz Carlton Montreal offers exceptional 24/7 in-room dining. I could enjoy Executive Chef Romain Valicon’s culinary creations at any hour, which proved perfect after a long day exploring Montreal. The convenience never compromised quality – each dish arrived beautifully presented and at the ideal temperature.

Culinary Highlights and Specialties

My dining experience at the Ritz Carlton Montreal wasn’t complete without visiting the Palm Court, perhaps Montreal’s most glamorous bar and restaurant. Here, I discovered two distinct experiences: the Tea Experience and the Lounge Experience in collaboration with Dom Pérignon.

I particularly cherished the Afternoon Tea, a tradition that has been part of the hotel since 1912. The selection of fine teas accompanied by homemade sandwiches, scones, and pastries created by Pastry Chef Claude Guerin (recognized as Canada’s Best Pastry Chef in 2018) was nothing short of extraordinary. His desserts, both at tea and at Maison Boulud, demonstrated remarkable creativity and technical skill.

With my culinary appetite thoroughly satisfied, I was eager to discover how the staff would attend to my other needs during my stay. The dining experience set a high bar for what I could expect from the guest services at this luxury Montreal institution.

Guest Services and Experience

After savoring the exceptional dining options at Maison Boulud with its French cuisine crafted from local ingredients, I found that the culinary excellence was just one facet of what makes the Ritz Carlton Montreal truly special. What really elevates this historic property is its commitment to impeccable service and guest experiences.

Attentive Staff and Personalized Attention

During my stay at this AAA Five Diamond Hotel—the only one in Quebec—I was consistently impressed by the staff’s ability to anticipate needs before they arose. This level of personalized service is clearly part of the hotel’s 110-year legacy of excellence. The European-inspired approach to hospitality was evident in every interaction, from the doorman who remembered my name to the concierge who crafted personalized itineraries for exploring Montreal.

Luxury Amenities and Conveniences

I discovered that the Ritz Carlton Montreal offers a remarkable array of amenities that enhance the luxury experience. The indoor saltwater pool with panoramic skyline views provided a serene retreat after busy days of meetings or sightseeing. The spa treatments I experienced were truly exceptional, utilizing advanced techniques that left me feeling completely rejuvenated.

The Palm Court, where I enjoyed the traditional Afternoon Tea, maintains its historic charm while offering a refined respite from the bustling city. These thoughtfully designed experiences and spaces demonstrate why this property remains one of Montreal’s premier five-star establishments.

Continual Improvements to Maintain Quality Standards

What particularly impressed me was learning how the Ritz Carlton Montreal has invested in maintaining its exceptional standards. The $200 million renovation has successfully preserved the hotel’s historic appeal while integrating modern luxuries that today’s travelers expect. This delicate balance of tradition and modernity ensures that while the property honors its historic roots from 1912, it remains at the forefront of luxury hospitality in Montreal.

I appreciated how these ongoing improvements have enhanced rather than diminished the authentic character that makes this hotel the epitome of elegance in the city.

Conclusion

The Ritz-Carlton Montreal stands as a testament to timeless luxury, successfully blending its rich history with modern sophistication. From the classically elegant accommodations to the exceptional dining experience at Maison Boulud, every aspect of my stay reflected the hotel’s commitment to excellence. The recent renovations have only enhanced what was already Quebec’s only Five Diamond property, creating spaces that honor tradition while embracing contemporary comfort.

What truly sets this property apart, however, is the impeccable service that anticipates needs before they arise. The personalized concierge assistance, attentive staff, and thoughtful amenities like the stunning rooftop saltwater pool collectively create an experience that transcends ordinary luxury. For travelers seeking the pinnacle of hospitality in Montreal, the Ritz-Carlton delivers a stay that isn’t just memorable—it’s transformative. I left feeling not just accommodated, but genuinely cared for, which is perhaps the greatest hallmark of true luxury in my Ritz Carlton Montreal 5 Star European Style Luxury Hotel Review .

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