Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth is a top-class hotel in Montreal, the capital of the French-Canadian province of Quebec. Also known by its French name, Le Reine Elizabeth, the hotel is now part of the portfolio of Fairmont Hotels' worldwide group of luxury accommodations. Innovative from its inception in the late 1950s, Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth is an entirely lavish and imposing modern hotel. Celebrities and royalties, including many from the United States, come here every year.

Location

The hotel is in Ville-Marie, the downtown area of Montreal. It is above the Gare Centrale train station with connections to the metro and vast Underground City. Above ground, Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth is also close to the business and financial areas, Bonaventura Convention Center, and Central Station Montreal.

Additionally, the property is also close to shopping, entertainment, and cultural venues. The beautiful Marie-Reine-du-Monde RC Cathedral is just across the road, and the cupola is a prominent sight from the hotel. Finally, downtown Montreal has two beautiful green spaces for guests wanting an escape from the hustle and bustle. Place du Canada and Dorchester Square are adjacent areas that provide 230,000 sq. ft of protected urban parkland.

The attractions of the Old Port and the Botanical Gardens are further out. However, you can easily reach them by public transport or taxi services. Moreover, Mount Royal (Mont Royale) is a small mountain with viewpoints and a park overlooking Montreal. Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport also serves the city.

Style and Hospitality

In the 1960s, the Queen Elizabeth (a visitor in 1959) was a statement hotel. It was the first to incorporate innovations like air-conditioning, direct-dial telephones, and escalators. The original décor suited the age, and the hotel became a fashionable hub for heads of state and global celebrities.

Additionally, John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged one of their two famous anti-Vietnam War 'Bed-in - Give Peace a Chance' events in one of the guestrooms. Over the years, the hotel lost its glamor and became somewhat run-down. However, the recent million-dollar upgrade ultimately brought it back to prominence with a style and hospitality in keeping with the city of Montreal. It is a famous meeting, dining, and shopping place for locals as well as visitors. Décor is bright, arty, and contemporary with retro influences throughout the building. Moreover, the staff is as attentive and efficient as expected in a hotel of this standard.

Features

The vast open lobby is a vibrant space. Pop-up shops and a market are selling local artisanal products and designer goods. Montreal residents and business people often join hotel guests here, passing through to the café and cocktail bar areas overlooking the road.

Ultra-plush seating is also in a posh setting of creamy-white pillars and marble walls. The hotel also offers an upscale restaurant, indoor pool with a steam bath, and whirlpool. Besides, there is also a gorgeous spa and well-equipped fitness center.

Additionally, there are superb state-of-the-art business and conference facilities. There are events and celebration spaces with a notable roof-top area featuring glass walls for spectacular all-round views. The hotel connects to the Underground City, a vast network of stores, boutiques, and event spaces under the city roads and buildings.

Rooms

The Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth is huge and has 950 luxury guest rooms and suites. Moreover, the décor is in the hotel style, chic, and contemporary. This goes along with retro features, lots of teak, leather, and 60s colors. Bright impressionist panels also give dazzling displays behind the king, queen, or twin beds.

Room 1742 is the room where the Lennon/Ono bed-in took place in 1969. You can book it with accompanying memorabilia and a vinyl recording of 'Give Peace a Chance,' composed and recorded there. Additionally, the bathrooms feature more teak in double vanities, white tiling, and granite tops. Plus, there are courtesy luxury bath toiletries.

All rooms have showers, and larger rooms/suites also have tubs. Other amenities include Nespresso machines, mini-bars, flat-screen TVs, and air conditioning. Wi-Fi is free to enroll members of the President's Club.

Suites

In grey and mustard color tones, these suites add extra living space and separate rooms. However, they still give a cozy and peaceful feel. They also feature sofa beds and powder rooms. Some suites also have lovely Cathedral views, and several are adapted for special needs.

Fairmont Gold

These are at the top of the building with fabulous views across the city. There is also stylish décor, retro artwork, and a raft of additional in-room amenities. The Signature Fairmont Gold rooms are on the 20th floor. They include access to the exclusive Gold Lounge and private concierge facilities.

Dining

Roselys, the hotel's upscale bistro, is a charming portmanteau name from the English rose and French fleur-de-lys. It symbolizes the harmony of the two Canadian communities. Exclusive bistro menus are available throughout the day in this super-chic eatery, as well as a lavish breakfast spread.

There is also a kid's menu, Sunday Brunch special, and a select wine list. Ingredients come from local sources and are organic where possible. Marche Artisans and Re le Traiteur are original concepts immediately accessible from the lobby.

Furthermore, fresh local/Canadian snacks, light, healthy meals, artisanal dishes, and many treats are available here. All the hotel's fine cuisine is under the direction of chef Baptiste Peupion.

Drinking

Coffee lovers will find a fine selection of locally-roasted and expertly prepared coffees at Krema café. You can also enjoy freshly baked products here. There is also a street-view bar with an extended drinks list and mixologists on-site preparing delicious cocktails.

Spa and Fitness

The hotel has a beautiful, peaceful, and luxurious spa. It goes with a wide choice of beauty and body treatments using the finest products. The fitness area is state-of-the-art with virtual programs as well as trainers and top-class exercise equipment. The hotel also offers a sublime indoor pool, steam room, sauna, and whirlpool.

Children and Pets

The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth hotel is child-friendly and pet-friendly. There are kid's menus and entertainments, coloring books in the restaurants, and a babysitting service. Pets are also welcome by arrangement.

Takeaway

Staying at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth will give you a unique experience. It has extensive facilities and top-notch accommodation. It is almost a small city in itself and a must for visitors to Montreal.