Montreal is one of Canada's oldest and most popular tourist destinations. Ever since Samuel de Champlain established trading posts along the St. Lawrence River and proclaimed the establishment of New France in the early 1600s, the old city of Montreal has been the center of business, entertainment, and spiritual life there. While there are dozens of hotels around that area in high rises and restored buildings, the Hotel Place D'Armes is an extraordinary boutique hotel with the architecture, location, and amenities that discerning guests, businesspeople, and trendy vacationers will all enjoy.  

Location and Background

The hotel is located perpendicular from the plaza that houses one of Montreal's most visited destinations, the Basilica of Notre Dame, which is situated at the top of a small hill that overlooks the downtown and Chinatown sections of the city. It is an excellent location for people looking for a base of operations from which to explore Montreal. The historic district, waterfront attractions, popular museums, shops, and restaurant areas such as the Plaza Jacque Cartier are all easy to reach from the Hotel by foot or taxi. The Hotel is owned by an investment group called the Corner Collection which describes itself as operating "an award-winning collection of boutique hotels, restaurants, and spas which awaken your senses with experiences that nourish the soul."  

Design and Rooms

The existing hotel opened in 2014 after the developers acquired and restored four separate historic buildings that previously housed leading businesses and combined them into a new structure. Retaining many of the buildings' classic features, the four separate sections of the hotel incorporate modern architectural designs and the blended structure functions effectively for guests. 

The hotel contains 133 rooms with several distinctive styles that include dark hardwood floors and brick walls in some rooms. All the rooms have large windows, modern lighting fixtures, black and white tiled bathrooms with rainfall showers, adequate storage, and comfortable bedding. Rooms come equipped with large flat screen televisions, minibars and safes, bathrobes, and coffee makers. Some rooms located close to the plaza can be noisy during the day and occasionally in the evenings.

Amenities

The public areas of the hotel are also welcoming. There are two lounge areas located off the reception desk with a fireplace and couches in one and chairs and a pool table in the other. But it is the extra amenities provided by the Hotel which really make it an appealing place for guests. First, there are three restaurants on the site which offer excellent cuisine and drinks. Suite 701, located right off the plaza, has vintage decor with high ceilings, chandeliers, a long bar, and both half booth and table seating. Elaborate curtains, mirrors and paintings create an atmosphere that is conducive to fine dining, a drink with friends, or a leisurely brunch. The food in Suite 701 features an interesting combination of French, Quebec, and American dishes. Items like rack of lamb, French onion soup, beef tartare, and red snapper were well prepared in generous portions for a reasonable price. Guests have a choice of breakfasts daily with coffee and juice for an additional room charge. The two other restaurants on site include Kyo Bar Japonais, a popular tavern like cafe that serves sushi, legumes, tofu, meats, and sake, and a rooftop patio called Terrasse Place. The patio offers light snacks, drinks, and music in season. So, while there are plenty of outstanding restaurants in Old Montreal, the hotel’s food can more than hold its own, which comes in handy at the end of the long day of sightseeing or during inclement weather.

Another amenity is The Rainspa located in the central building of the Hotel on two upper floors. It was surprising to learn that the facility offers a comprehensive menu of massages, treatments, therapies, and services including a hammam and Vichy showers. The staff is highly trained and serves a large clientele of city residents along with hotel guests. Down the hall is an appropriately outfitted fitness center with treadmills and aerobic machines, free weights, and other exercise equipment. Finally, the support staff at the Hotel, from the well-informed concierge to the bellmen and the reception staff are excellent. 

Summary

The Hotel Place D'Armes is highly regarded within Montreal and Canada as a convenient location that provides an excellent boutique experience for visitors to Montreal. Its layout may be confusing to some people but the amenities, service, and cleanliness of the hotel shine through and justify the many commendations and strong reviews the Hotel is receiving.