Comfortable accommodations, check. Incredible location, check. Fantastic staff and services, check. If you asked me if I’d recommend Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth for an adventure in charming Montreal, Canada, my answer would be a resounding, “Yes.” With ties to John Lennon and Yoko Ono who recorded their song “Give Peace a Chance” at the property in 1969, I stayed at this historic hotel in the heart of Montreal’s bustling downtown for a whirlwind, 72-hour visit. Here’s everything travel advisors need to know about the experience.
The Vibe
Metropolitan. Situated in downtown Montreal and directly atop the city’s Gare Centrale Metro station, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth acts as a central hub for travelers, seamlessly connecting them from Point A to Point B — wherever the day (or night) may take them. I loved starting my mornings with a leisurely continental breakfast from the comfort of the property’s Gold Lounge on the 21st floor and heading to the Metro station directly after to kick off an exciting adventure in one of Montreal’s many incredible neighborhoods — from Old Town and Little Italy to Mile End and beyond. When time allowed, I also enjoyed exploring Downtown by foot, as Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is only a quick stroll from major attractions like Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral, L’Anneau (The Ring), RÉSO (the city’s expansive underground tunnel system connecting various shopping centers, offices and commercial buildings), countless dining venues, cutesy cafes and more.
How I Felt
Inspired. Located on the 18th floor, my room boasted impressive views of both the Montreal skyline and the neighboring, green-domed Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral. With a comforting, deep blue color palette and vibrant art hung above the bed (including a portrait of who else but Queen Elizabeth), my Fairmont Gold King room sparked feelings of artistry and creativity.
The Digs
As I mentioned above, I appreciated my room’s fantastic vantage point and the bright pops of color that awaited inside. Warm, cozy lighting and comfortable bedding meant I slept like a baby each night of my stay, while in-room dining was a true treat after a hectic day of travel and later, a craving for a midnight snack. During my time at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth I was treated to the “Fairmont Gold” experience, allowing access to a private lounge on the 21st floor in addition to a dedicated concierge, complimentary breakfast, afternoon canapes and an all-day honor bar.
The Agenda
At just two and a half days, my time in Montreal was limited, but sweet. As such, I squeezed as much excitement into my schedule as humanly possible, utilizing the Metro to go as far as Little Italy to peruse Jean Talon Market; Mile End to hit up the original Cafe Olimpico and sample St-Viateur Bagel’s famous creations; and Old Town, the city’s historic waterfront district known for its 17th-century French architecture. While each neighborhood had its appeal, Old Town was my favorite, and I spent hours wandering the cobblestone streets simply admiring the area’s beauty and taking it all in. To learn more about the neighborhood and sample some delicious eats along the way (my favorite way to experience a new destination), I signed up for a guided food tour. We made five stops across Old Montreal trying a salmon and cream cheese bagel from Fairmount Bagel (the rival to St-Viateur); local charcuterie at Le Beau Marché; tasty Greek food; some salty poutine (a Canadian classic) at 90s-inspired Franklin’s Subs and Suds; and finished things off with a maple syrup tasting and maple syrup ice cream (my favorite of the bunch) for a sweet endcap to a fantastic afternoon.
Again, I can’t stress how much I adored riding the Metro, and I was endlessly amazed at how easy it was to hop onboard and get anywhere I needed to go in a matter of minutes from Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth.
The Eats
The eats were on point back at the hotel, too. Shortly after checking into my room, I ordered a chicken Cesar salad and a tall glass of orange juice for in-room dining and it was fresh and delicious, not to mention beautifully prepared arriving on a silver tray with a potted succulent plant and cute little bread rolls and butter spheres. On my second night, I checked out Rosélys Restaurant, the onsite French joint where I ordered a scrumptious mocktail, ricotta ravioli with garlic flower pesto and a side of steamed veggies for good measure. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and cozy, a stark contrast to the sudden downpour of rain outside, which I found mesmerizing as I watched it come down from the safety of the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows.
In addition to Rosélys Restaurant, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth has an onsite market-slash-food hall called Marché Artisans where guests can “discover delicious treats, support local artisans, and find the perfect gifts to share,” according to the hotel’s website. On the dining front, Marché Artisans has crepe, pizza and sandwich stalls for visitors to peruse. Guests looking for a fresh cup of Joe will want to make a stop at Kréma, the property’s onsite cafe serving high-quality beans and fresh pastries in addition to a comfortable atmosphere to sit back and relax.
Why I Would Go Back
I would return to Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in a heartbeat. Not only did Montreal captivate me with its European roots, interconnectedness and colorful nature, but Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth’s incredible location and ease of access made my entire stay feel effortless. Not to mention the property itself is spacious and beautiful, acting as a contented space to retire for the evening after a day spent exploring. I loved the hotel’s onsite fitness center and wouldn’t mind returning to Rosélys for another one of those green apple-mint mocktails.
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