16 best hotels in Montreal for a luxury staycation or vacation

It was deemed an innovator of the hotel scene when it opened in 1958 and—with renovations that include the signature bar Nacarat, restaurant Rosélys and urban market Marché Artisans for gourmet shopping—it continues to be an innovator today. We could also gush over their indoor pool or the mani-pedi services of their spa, but the rooms really are one of this hotel’s top attractions, a full spectrum that reaches from humongous suites to simple-yet-effective singles.

Where is it? Downtown, on top of Central Station and just one block from Dorchester Square.

Which room? Music history buffs will especially appreciate staying in Room 1742, where John Lennon and Yoko Ono stayed during their protest against the war in Vietnam. Now with added VR experience.

Time Out tip: Don't book before checking the Fairmont offers page, where you'll find various money-saving packages for pooches, pampering, princesses and more.

Set in a 1920s-era social club, with its classic opulent fixtures and façade intact, this space has been revamped with modern touches, like chromotherapy showerheads, a body treatment spa, and the occasional private terrasse with your room. It’s a good hotel to meet Montrealers and travelers alike as well, as the hotel's Bar George is one of the hotter spots in town for sports, brunch and British fare.

Where is it? Nestled within the Golden Square Mile, less than a block from all the shopping opportunities on Saint-Catherine Street West.

Which room? The truly adventurous should request a two-floor Sky Loft suite, with features like fireplaces panoramic views of the city.

Time Out tip: Pack your walking boots, as Le Mount Stephen is only 20 minutes from the Mount Royal hiking trail, which provides drop-dead-gorgeous views of the city.

A legacy hotel of the city’s Downtown core, the Ritz has been around since 1912. Luckily, it's seen a few refurbs since then, including a $200-million facelift in 2019 that slimmed down its total square footage with new fixtures—more built-in tech and modern décor—and enhanced the classic features, like its saltwater rooftop pool, private garden, luxury spa and Moroccan baths. Food and drink are a huge highlight, with the Michelin star-worthy Maison Boulud, afternoon tea services and North America’s only Dom Pérignon Bar.

Where is it? In the centre of the Golden Square Mile, just three minutes' walk from the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and ten minutes' drive to Old Montreal.

Which room? When blitzing the Ritz, you may as well go big or go home, which can mean only one thing: Royal Suite. The marble bathroom (one of four) is bigger than the average apartment, there are three king-size bedrooms, each with their own fireplace.

Time Out tip: The longstanding afternoon tea service sets a high-water mark for luxury in town. Don't miss the opportunity to try it, 12:30-3:30pm daily, in the ultra-posh Palm Court.

This one goes out to all 21st-century creatives and blossoming luddites alike. Set in Old Montreal, this boutique hotel is home to the Living Room—a lounge equipped with a bar, billiards, books and a vinyl collection—in addition to two rooftop bars and a restaurant that's heavy on charcuterie and surf and turf. All of this might scream the ideal gentlemen’s club, but when you consider how locals like to pop in for a photoshoot now and then, there’s nothing too exclusive about this one in the slightest.

Where is it? Near the Old Port of Montreal, overlooking St Lawrence River and less than ten minutes' walk to the Notre-Dame Basilica.

Which room? If you don't mind an intimate setting, book an Alcove room. These modest quarters are decked out with all the essentials the standard rooms have, but have a much smaller footprint (and price tag).

Time Out tip: Think the winter months are too cold to enjoy the William Gray rooftop? Think again. They've got clear, heated, frameless geodesic domes in which to dine and admire the unbeatable view.

Enjoy a surprising level of privacy from the rooms of this hotel, equipped with features like exposed brick façades, plush down beds and bathrooms with walk-in showers or jacuzzies. We say ‘surprising’ because of how quiet rooms can be in relation to this hotel’s central location. It’s topped with one of the hottest rooftop bars in town, too, Terrasse Nelligan. Once the International Fireworks Festival gets started, it’ll merely sound like someone’s hitting a speedbump two streets over.

Where is it? In the heart of Old Montreal, smack dab on the restaurant and bar-riddled Saint-Paul Street.

Which room? The Petite Suite (and upwards) have fireplaces and jacuzzis—the perfect pairing for any Montreal visit.

Time Out tip: Make the 20-minute walk to the Old Port Clock Tower (a replica of London's Big Ben) for a glorious view of the entire harbour and city skyline. It's so good, you'll forget all about the 192 steps you have to climb to see it.

Party-goers look to the W for their limo services and noshing opportunities at its gin-heavy bar and French/pan-Asian restaurant (if not the rollaway bed options for friends). That said, it’s got that sleek look a lot of younger travelers like in the hotel industry’s nouvelle vague, but this hotel’s got just as much going for it in the family department as well. Cribs and play yards for the kids, pet-friendly rooms, babysitting services and memory foam pillows for tired parents. Whichever route you’re taking, their package offerings are on point.

Where is it? Housed in the historic Banque du Canada building on Square Victoria, just a few minutes from Old Montreal and the Quartier des Spectacles.

Which room? The appropriately named Extreme Wow suite is an explosion of color and comfort, with art all over the place, a balcony, eight-seater dining table, and stunning midcentury-meets-21st century design.

Time Out tip: Foodies rejoice! Across the street from the W is the iconic Montreal steakhouse Moishes, which reopened in this new location in the summer of 2023.

Spread out over four 19th-century buildings of masonry and carvings on the outside and a more-than-accommodating range of rooms and services on the inside, it’s easy to spend your visit without stepping foot outside this hotel. You could close the curtains and kick back in your room, sure, but there’s a lot more to enjoy: sweating it out in its hammam or drinks at its bar Terrasse Place d’Armes, one of the finer elevated establishments in Montreal.

Where is it? In Old Montreal, between the riverfront and Complexe Desjardins mall.

Which room? Enjoy loft-style living in the Junior + Balcony suite. It has exposed brick walls, a fireplace (albeit electric), a huge walk-in rain shower, and comfy lounge area.

Time Out tip: Some of the city’s best sushi and sake pairings can be found at Hôtel Place d'Armes' izakaya (Japanese bar) Kyo.

Auberge du Vieux-Port has all of the old-world charm you could want, from its refurbished 19th-centruy warehouse exterior to the picture-perfect views it offers. At 45 rooms, it’s one of the more plainspoken boutique hotels in the city in terms of size, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking. While the deluxe and signature accommodations feature chic pairings of antique furnishings with modern touches of hospitality, their most luxurious rooms will come with electric fireplaces and expansive bathrooms for the finest romantic getaways.

Where is it? In the Old Montreal neighborhood, overlooking Saint Lawrence River and five-minutes' walk from the Science Center.

Which room? Need a long-term let? Rent a Loft. These are fully-equipped contemporary homesteads that can sleep two to four guests.

Time Out tip: There's no onsite spa, but just ten minutes' walk south is Bota Bota, one of the city's best spas. It's kicated on an anchored boat and offers a spectacular view of the historic district. There's a restaurant onboard too.

For one of those quintessential Old Montreal experiences, you book the hotel that combines the cobblestoned charm of its neighbourhood with deluxe touches: knowledgeable concierges, in-room massages and spa packages. Either relax in a suite with your French doors thrown open, in the hotel’s courtyard or head out for a night on the town. Its prime location puts Hôtel Le Saint-Sulpice within walking distance of hotspots like Place des Arts and Downtown.

Where is it? You couldn't get much closer to the Notre-Dame Basilica without standing inside than the Saint-Sulpice.

Which room? The Signature Suite has a sprawling terrace (alrger than some yards, we'll wager) that looks straight out onto the renowned Roman Catholic church next door. Yes that one.

Time Out tip: Naturally a visit to Notre-Dame is in order, but go in the evening, when the Aura lightshow illuminates it in wondrous ways.

Vying for a spot in the pantheon of luxury hotels in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile, this property includes a heavy amount of detail in its design and décor, all-day lounge and bar Marcus—headed by chef Marcus Samuelsson—and its hydrotherapy spa. Guest rooms and suites here are only the tip of the hospitality and entertainment iceberg, just wait until you check out events in the Palais des Possibles ballroom or its Presidential Suite where the word ‘spacious’ doesn’t begin to cut it.

Where is it? Slap bang in the center of the Golden Square Mile, within ten minutes' walk of the Ogilvy building (home of high-end shopping) and the Bell Center sports complex.

Which room? This is one of the finest hotels in the world, so even their standard (Superior) rooms are swathed in luxury and style.

Time Out tip: The hotel's five-star spa, with innovative treatments and global specialists, is the only Forbes Ten-Star property in Quebec. Worth a nose around then.

A little establishment with a big heart, this is an Old Montreal classic that sports both a strong minimalistic aesthetic and a lot of substance. This one comes strongly recommended for anyone looking for more urban glamour in their hotel experience. You can either lounge window-side in your pristine room with its custom furniture after the continental buffet or get caffeinated while consulting their concierge-baristas on what’s happening in the area that day.

Where is it? Old Montreal, just a block from Notre-Dame Basilica in one direction and the waterfront in the other.

Which room? Traveling solo? Le Petit has 'Small' rooms, which provide a cozy refuge for individuals (or couples at a squeeze) for slightly smaller budgets.

Time Out tip: If they've not been snapped up already, you can borrow one of two complimentary bicycles and have a ride around the city. It's a fab way to sightsee.

Luxury needn’t always be overwhelming and splendiferous. That’s why we hold a special place in our hearts for this boutique establishment and its wide range of chic apartment-like arrangements. Keep it simple with a light breakfast or lunch by day and follow it up with a trip across the surrounding cobblestones of Old Montreal in the evening, or take in the night air from your room’s private terrace over a bottle of bubbly. Extra points go to the heated floors of their bathrooms.

Where is it? In a convenient Downtown spot that's within easy reach of the World Trade Center, Notre-Dame and the Old Port.

Which room? If you're in town for work, book a suite or an apartment, both of which have sizeable workspaces.

Time Out tip: Take a spin on the 60-metre tall Ferris wheel—one of the newest spots in Old Montreal and Canada’s largest observation wheel—which remains open year-round thanks to its temperature-controlled cabins.

Located just down the hill from Mount Royal, booking here makes visiting Montreal a piece of cake. That is, if you want to leave… Check out their romance packages with bubbly and breakfast brought to the room, or meet some strangers in their restaurant and bar, which act as the crossroads for many of the city’s business crowds.

Where is it? About as central as you can get in Montreal—a stone’s throw from attractions like the Musée des Beaux-Arts and up the street from prime nightlife.

Which room? Situated on a high floor, the Opera Suite boasts stellar views of Mount Royal through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Time Out tip: At less than ten minutes' walk, you can't not pop into Time Out Market. It's a culinary and cultural destination that brings together the best restaurants and chefs in the city.

Utility with style is the name of the game at this Downtown hotel that best caters to the international jet set and anyone looking for easy access to nightlife hotspots. It’s particularly perfect for anyone passing through town, especially when considering the 24-hour fitness center to get pumped before that meeting or accumulating dining credits applied to your account with every passing day. Come summer, look into their golfing hookups; in the winter, go for the skiing.

Where is it? Golden Square Mile, mere steps from shopping Mecca Saint-Catherine Street and the bars and restaurants on Crescent Street.

Which room? Two words: Spa Suite. Located on the top floor of the hotel, it features a spa-inspired bathroom with a whirlpool bath and walk-in shower with water therapy settings, but also—and this is a best bit—a sauna.

Time Out tip: Traveling with the brood? Call the concierge to enquire about their child and pet care services.

Formally a world-renowned jewelry store, now home to the illustriousHôtel Birks Montreal, which, by the way, has retained all of its original charm, all the while putting a contemporary spin on a classic. Housed these historic walls you'll find intricate interiors, and 19th-century ceiling moldings, coupled with accents of gold, marble, and wood. The rooms here are elegantly dressed, in hues of champagne and dark wood, complete with a wall-mounted flat screen, while some rooms even come with a  built-in gas fireplace. In the morning you can enjoy an express or al-la-carte-style breakfast. Come evening it's time for some French comfort food at on-site Brasserie Henri prepared with seasonal Canadian produce. 

Where is it? Downtown Montreal just a few steps from the Museum of Contemporary Art for cool, "must-see" immersive exhibitions, and Eaton Centre Montreal for all the shops and restaurants. 

Which room? All the rooms are spectacular, but we'd heavily recommend the Grand Montreal with a claw foot bath and a city view. 

Time Out tip: There's only one way to top off your stay at Hotel Birks, and that's at Spa Valmont where you'll find a range of treatments featuring Valmont Skincare. Divine.