Montreal has an extensive rich history that still stands today. One way to explore that history is by booking a stay at one of Montreal’s many historic hotels. Each hotel has a history, unique from one another. Here’s a list of some of the historic hotels to check out.
This hotel was once the home of a key figure in Canadian history, George Stephen. Upon retiring and moving to England, Stephen gave the home to his sister and brother-in-law, Elsie and Robert Meighen. The Meighens lived there until 1926 due to the economic crisis caused by World War 1. That same year, the house was converted into a private gentleman’s business club hosting well-known names. In 2006, this building became what it is known as today, a hotel named after Stephen that celebrates the once mansion’s past.
Fun Fact: In 1975, the building became classified as a historic monument by the provincial government and a national historic site by the federal government.
This historic landmark, which opened as a bank in 1870, has since been refurbished as a boutique hotel filled with contemporary art. The change came to place in 2010 when Georges Marciano, the founder of GUESS, reopened this gem as a four-star hotel. As an art collector, Marciano has his collection of 20th-century artwork, which includes paintings, statues, and limited-edition prints, displayed throughout the hotel. One of them is a painting of a young Marciano created by Andy Warhol.
Fun fact: The hotel is also Marciano’s home with the fifth floor as his residence.
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is a grand hotel just metres away from some of the best attractions in Montreal. A stay at this hotel will give guests direct access to cultural attractions like Notre Dame-Basilica and the diverse array of boutiques along the famed Sainte-Catherine Street. This hotel is also a top choice for business travellers and those looking for a space for an event, with 35 themed-rooms and the grand Place du Canada ballroom.
Opening for business when Montreal hosted Expo 67 isn’t the only milestone Hotel Bonaventure Montreal achieved. Part of the Place Bonaventure building, the complex was once the world’s largest building upon completion, reaching a notable 3.1 million square feet. Access to the hotel is on the top two floors of the building.
Fun Fact: An outstanding feature of this hotel is the 2.5 acre garden with heated streams populated by ducks and koi fish.
This 1915 Beaux-Arts townhouse is now a chic boutique hotel in the heart of Montreal’s cultural centre, the Place des Arts complex. This isn’t a typical pet-friendly place that just allows pets in the hotel. Pets can really feel like guests at this hotel with a spa package specifically for them. This package comes with a pet robe, towel, bottle of PURDORA shampoo, a scarf and a food package.
The Gingerbread Manor is a bed-and-breakfast set in a house built in 1885 that still maintains its Victorian charm from the rooms to the dining space and the dishes breakfast will be served in. Each of the five bedrooms are equipped with beds that are designed to fit the Victorian theme with furniture to match. Please note that while some of the bedrooms have their own bathroom, there are others with a shared bathroom.
Fun Fact: The name of this bed-and-breakfast stems from the bountiful gingerbread ornaments on the exterior of the building.
In the 1800s, Maison Sainte-Thérèse was a library that attracted aristocrats from across Montreal. It has since converted into a boutique hotel that maintains its original structure paired with contemporary fixings from local designers and brands. Guests can avoid wasting time waiting to check-in and receive concierge service because the hotel operates with a self check-in and virtual concierge.
Fun Fact: This hotel operates under an umbrella of hotels and an event space that either opened in the 19th or early 20th century as another business place.
Before opening as Canada’s first boutique hotel in 2001, the building used to be the original Beaux-Arts building. Now as a hotel, the building still maintains its past mix with the present thanks to Borallo Interiors, a local award-winning interior design firm known for incorporating classical aesthetics into their contemporary projects.
