On this trip to Montreal I’m staying at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth again. I’m quite a fan of the Fairmont brand in general. I like the style of this particular hotel, which preserves its interesting history and is an eclectic mix of contemporary design and retro chic.
Location
The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth sits in a perfect location from which to explore the city of Montreal or if, like me, you have work to attend to with ICAO. The shops on St. Catherine Street are two blocks away and the hotel is connected at the first basement level with Montreal’s sprawling underground city.
Check-In
By the time I arrive at the hotel it’s gone 18h. The check-in process is quick and easy, and there is a dedicated desk for Accor loyalty members. The customer at the next counter is obviously not happy about something, but with that weird Quebecois patois I struggle understanding what it is she’s complaining about loudly in French.
The Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel are great. They’re service-oriented and seem genuinely friendly. Especially the staff at the Gold Lounge on the 21st floor go out of their way to make sure guests are comfortable. It’s also quite remarkable that after breakfast on the first morning they remember my name and even my room number.
Fairmont Junior Suite
I’ve been upgraded to a Fairmont Junior Suite on the 13th floor. The door opens into a comfortable living room.
The bedroom is separate and can be closed off from the living room. It features a large queen bed that is comfortable and firm. The wallpaper behind the bed is in patches of blues, greens, and yellows that have a pleasant, unexpectedly calming effect.
Just off to the left as you enter the room is a separate lavatory for guests. In addition, there is a full bathroom that leads off from the bedroom. It‘s small and features a shower only.
The Knight of Malta shower test gives this bathroom an upper mid-range score. There‘s certainly no spillage, but the water temperature is a bit delicate to regulate and it takes an eternity for the water to warm up. The water pressure is not stupendous but not bad either.
Amenities
The junior suites are equipped with a minibar, kettle and a Nespresso machine. The capsules are replenished daily and there are always two decaf capsules available. And… extra brownie points because the hotel provides proper cream instead of that god awful creamer powder.
The hotel also provides complimentary still water. Apparently, the tap water in Montreal is safe to drink. However, it is a bit disconcerting that when you pour it into a glass, the water is initially milky and then clears up… When I arrive in the room, there’s also a big plate of sweets waiting for me as a welcome gift. Fluffy bathrobes and slippers are also provided.
Fairmont Gold Lounge
The Fairmont Gold lounge is located on the 21st floor. It’s a nice, comfortable space that is open daily from seven in the morning until 22h. The lounge overlooks the Mary Queen of the World cathedral. Access is complimentary for Accor Diamond members. The breakfast buffet is obviously reduced compared to that at the main restaurant Rosély’s on the ground floor. Even so, they have a nice spread that includes a good selection of hot and cold dishes.
Conclusion
The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth is a nice, well managed and comfortable establishment. It’s the kind of place that immediately makes you feel welcome and at home. Of course, a big part of that is the staff, which are really great. It’s not just that their service is excellent and very customer oriented. They seem genuinely friendly.
No—–Wont say it!
I couldn’t possibly imagine what it is you were going to say, Peter…
So, have you decided about the hols?
its a toss up between Sydney and Buenos Aires.
Well, Sydney is always nice. I liked Buenos Aires, but it’s been a while since I was there last.
It’ll be off season in both but it doesnt bother me. I like exploring cities.
Hi William——Happy easter[if you are into that sort of thing]—— i’m not. Have been thinking further about my Summer hols——- and i think it will be to my beloved Murren and the Eiger hotel. The reason it isnt going to be long distance[YET] is that both CX and SQ are about to intoduce new first classes on their new 777’S which are due to be delivered over the coming monthsSo i would like to explore either Australia or New Zealand Via One of these new products.——– The nonstop Qantas flights LHR-SYD also interst me although i’m sure the first flight will sell out the minute it goes on sale. If you didnt know ,QF are planning an LHR first lounge with direct boarding.
Hi Peter, happy Easter to you too! The option with QF does sound rather appealing. Perhaps if you wait a bit, the prices may recover. Right now air fares are simply painful.
Hi again William——Your’re right about fares being PAINFUL currently[We of course know why]—-one fare ive been looking at has jumped by no less than £3000 in the course of about 6 weeks—— lets hope things calm down.
Interesting in the decor difference between the 2 bathrooms.
I hope the welcome gift tasted as good as it looked.
Yes, the sweets were rather nice. Although, to be honest, I would prefer something savoury – like the cheese platter they had at the Fairmont in Victoria.