Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth: A Resplendent Montreal Icon with Michelin Key Recognition

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Montreal stands as a testament to luxury and historical significance, earning its place as a Michelin Key Selected property. Following a substantial $140 million renovation in 2017, the hotel seamlessly blends its storied past, including hosting John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Bed-In for Peace," with a fresh, contemporary design.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the hotel's prime location, excellent amenities, and updated design. Guests frequently express a desire to return, highlighting comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and enjoyable dining experiences. While some minor criticisms exist, the overall sentiment is that of a luxurious and highly recommendable stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth:

• Location & Accessibility: Its unparalleled location directly above Montreal Central Station and direct connection to the city's extensive underground network (RESO) are major draws, offering effortless access to downtown Montreal, shopping, restaurants, and attractions, even during colder months.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's post-renovation aesthetic is often described as fresh, contemporary, artistic, and urbane, with elegant mid-century interiors that pay homage to Montreal's golden era. The vibrant ground-floor communal areas, including the urban pantry Marché Artisans and various dining spots, are designed to attract both travelers and locals.
• Amenities: The quality of amenities like the well-equipped and quiet gym, the beautiful indoor pool, and the full-service Moment Spa receive high praise. The Fairmont Gold Lounge, accessible to guests on the Fairmont Gold Floor or in premium suites, is a significant highlight, offering complimentary breakfast, evening hors d'oeuvres, and a warm, inviting space with city views.

3. Room Quality

The hotel boasts 950 rooms and suites, all revitalized with warm, inviting colors and sharp lines, blending contemporary decor with a subtle 1960s influence.

• Comfort: Beds are frequently described as very comfortable, contributing to an undisturbed rest. Rooms are generally clean and quiet.
• Design: Rooms feature tasteful splashes of bold colors, dark textured wallpaper, curved teak desks, and mustard upholstered armchairs, often with impressionist wallpaper behind the beds. Much of the furniture is Canadian-designed. Suites are individually themed, reflecting different Montreal boroughs.
• Features: Standard amenities include Nespresso coffeemakers, kettles with complimentary tea, minibars, flat-screen TVs, safes, and ironing boards. Bathrooms are design-conscious, featuring small circular white tiles, teak vanities with black granite tops, and the signature Le Labo's Rose 31 toiletries. Some suites offer breathtaking views of the Marie-Reine-du-Monde Cathedral.
• Size: While many appreciate the tastefully decorated rooms, some guests have noted that base-level rooms can be quite cramped, and bathrooms can be small, particularly in standard rooms. However, Fairmont Gold suites are generally found to be spacious.

4. Dining Experience

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth offers a diverse and high-quality dining landscape designed to appeal to both guests and locals.

• Rosélys: This Mediterranean bistro and signature restaurant is well-regarded for its Mediterranean and international cuisines and is a popular spot for dinner or afternoon tea. It offers an upscale bistronomic experience. The restaurant's private outdoor terrace provides a pleasant vantage point.
• Marché Artisans: An urban pantry offering convenient grocery store items and breakfast options.
• Krema Cafe: A popular on-site cafe for coffee and light bites.
• Nacarat Cocktail Lounge: A stylish bar for signature cocktails.
• Breakfast: The daily breakfast buffet in the main restaurant is well-received, particularly the omelet station. For Fairmont Gold guests, the Fairmont Gold Lounge provides a complimentary full, high-quality breakfast with options like eggs, sausages, pastries, and yogurt.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service is generally positive, with many praising the friendly, professional, and helpful staff, particularly at the front desk. Valet and luggage services are often highlighted for their efficiency. However, some past reviews mention less enthusiastic service offerings or inconsistencies, particularly with valet parking and restaurant staff. Despite this, the hotel is committed to providing exceptional guest experiences and personalized service.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is a significant advantage:

• Downtown Core: Situated in the heart of downtown Montreal, it spans an entire block on René Lévesque Boulevard West.
• Transportation Hub: Its direct connection to Montreal Central Station makes it exceptionally convenient for those arriving by train.
• Underground City (RESO): Direct access to Montreal's underground city allows guests to explore numerous hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, and museums without venturing outside.
• Attractions: Popular destinations like Mount Royal Park are a 25-minute walk, while Notre Dame Basilica and the Old Port are about a 20-minute walk or a short car ride away. The Bell Centre for hockey games is also conveniently close.

7. Value & Pricing

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is considered a luxury property, and its pricing reflects its brand, facilities, and prime location.

• Price Range: Standard room rates typically range from $250-$325 for a one-night stay, while Fairmont Gold Floor rooms start around $450. Premium suites, like the renowned John Lennon & Yoko Ono Suite, can exceed $3,000 per night. Average weeknight prices are around $275, and weekend nights around $295.
• Value Perception: While some guests have noted an increase in price since the 2017 renovations, many find the new design-forward rooms and extensive facilities justify the cost, feeling it offers unrivaled style and attention to detail compared to similarly priced luxury options. It is generally seen as a worthwhile splurge for those seeking a high-end experience in Montreal.

8. Common Complaints

While generally positive, some recurring criticisms have been noted:

• Room Size: As mentioned, some standard or base-level rooms, particularly their bathrooms, can be perceived as small or cramped, which might not align with the expectation of a luxury hotel for all guests.
• Service Inconsistencies: Although overall staff feedback is good, a few reviews point to occasional inconsistencies in service, particularly concerning valet parking and some restaurant staff.
• Busy Communal Areas: The ground-floor communal areas, especially due to their connection to the underground city, can feel busy at times, detracting slightly from a luxurious ambiance for some.
• Elevator Wait Times: At peak times, there have been slight issues with waiting for elevators.

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