Fairmont Le Reine Elizabeth

900 boul. René-Lévesque Ouest, Montréal, Québec H3B 4A5, Canada
Fairmont Hotels

Why We Like It

We love the audacious renovation, executed in time to celebrate Montreal's 375th Anniversary and the 150th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation. Well done. We appreciate that the Queen E is part of the city’s heritage, attracting guests like Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, Perry Como, Harry Belafonte, John Travolta, Mikhail Baryshnikov and John Lennon, who held his famous 'bed-in' in 1969 in Suite 1742, where the song Give Peace a Chance was written and recorded.

Fodor's Expert Review

Transformed after an interior teardown, The Queen Elizabeth is now reborn again. Witness the urban market in the lobby (think Eatily in Manhattan), the creative meeting hub, and the swanky new rooms. The aesthetic is “updated 1960s," with sleek furniture and retro accents.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Room

Standard rooms are spacious, with zig-zag carpet, bigger TVs than before, fun wallpaper, built-ins edged with black trim and comfortable Queen or King beds.

Tip It's worth the upgrade to get a Gold Room, with access to the new Gold Lounge—an entire wing of extra perks, services, and amenities.

Bathroom

Entirely more comfortable, with soaker tubs, sleek vanities and flattering lighting (thanks for that!).

Lobby

Once as drab as an airport, the lobby is now a multi-purpose venue with pop-up shops, hip lighting, dynamic programming and sexy seating. The lobby even has its own name, for some reason: The Agora.

Tip The urban market in the lobby, a first for Montreal, features local ag-products, designer goods, and the chef’s proprietary chocolate. Mmmm.

Pool

Yes, there’s a pool and it was renovated along with the rest of the hotel. It’s a lap pool, with rounded edges and a Gatsby vibe.

Dining

Chef Baptiste Peupion’s new upscale bistro, accessible from the street now, focuses on market-fresh cuisine and local products. The bar threatens to elevate the Montreal mixology scene with Nader Chabaane’s creative approach and edgy décor.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Atop the central station and a metro stop, the Queen E is one handy hotel. Convenient underground passageways connect the hotel with the Bonaventure métro station and Place Ville-Marie. There is a valet service, for a fee, but why bother? Come via town car or taxi from the airport and save the headache of navigating a car through construction-hobbled Montreal.

Restaurants

Spend the morning at Café Myriade (15-minute walk) lingering over an exceptional coffee or hot chocolate. Later, jump in a cab and try the tasting menu at Kitchenette (10-minute drive) or their Moroccan lamb shank.

Bars

There’s exceptional craft beer at Le Cheval Blanc (10-minute drive). For the excitement of a small speakeasy, visit Bar Cloakroom (10-minute walk), a hidden gem with custom creations and classic cocktails.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 514-861–3511;800-441–1414