The Grand Dame of Montreal, this renowned hotel opened in the summer of 1976 during the height of the Montreal Summer Olympics. It has been renovated in recent times but possesses a timeless elegance which makes it popular with repeat customers.
The location could not be more central, being situated in the Golden Square Mile on iconic Sherbrooke Street. It is right next to the renowned McGill University and a mere two blocks away from the idyllic Mount Royal Park.
Hotel
The 32-storey building might have a brutalist exterior, in common with buildings created during that period, but it’s all old-school charm in the interior. The interior lobby is all polished marble and statement chandeliers, while a welcoming fireplace adds a more homely vibe to the proceedings.
Even though there are 299 guestrooms, there are no more than 12 rooms per floor, so it never feels like a crowded chain hotel. There are 14 meeting rooms with around 23,000 sq ft of total meeting space, so expect a mixture of business and leisure guests at the hotel. The hotel vibe is more relaxed in the evenings and centred around the Alice Bar, where fine Champagne and artisanal cocktails are served up to hotel guests.
Room
The scenic views over Mount Royal Park make Hotel Omni Mont-Royal a top choice to consider when visiting the city. Rooms are on the spacious side of proceedings with the deluxe rooms from 331 to 400 square feet. The spectacular presidential suites range from 2,626 – 2,665 square feet and are split-level masterpieces with a two-level-high wall of windows.
No matter which category you are staying in, you’ll get treated with the very best of amenities. You get a choice of feather or foam pillows and the hotel offers Nespresso coffee machines or Keurig coffee machines. You get provided with plush robes and an illuminated wall-size bathroom mirror and they can arrange a welcoming platter for your arrival including delicious appetising macarons and a gorgeous floral bottle of Beaujolais-Villages 2011.
Food and drink
Comfort food is the order of the day at Le Petit Opus Café on the ground floor. Dining is available throughout the day and offers a distinctly European vibe that is very much in tune with the city of Montreal.
You’ve got the moreish spicy crab cakes with mayo and also the healthy ones in the form of mixed crudités with hummus. The salads helpfully come in starter and main course portion sizes. Although portions in general are much larger than what you would expect in Europe. Pan-fried salmon might not be ground-breaking or hard to prepare but it did come with a tasty cauliflower and celery purée.
The hive of activity is centred around the elegant Alice Bar, which is particularly lively post-work hour. They have an excellent selection of fine wines, Champagne and artisan cocktails. The dramatic crystal chandeliers that adorn the room are very much in keeping with the rest of the reception area.
Spa
Although not officially part of the hotel, their neighbour, EQlib Medispa offers world-class treatments, ranging from massotherapy to weight loss.
In terms of wellness, they have an outdoor pool that is open from mid-May to mid-October as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre that includes an indoor hot tub. It is open 24 hours a day, so there is no excuse not to visit during your stay. Although, if you are looking for exercise, the best option is to hike or jog around Mount Royal Park nearby and breathe in the incredible sights.
To do
Being on Sherbrooke Street, you are in the heart of the city’s most upscale shopping thoroughfare. You’ll find everything from art galleries to designer boutiques, all within a short walking distance of the hotel. If you want to understand the culture and history of the city, there is no better way than going on a food tour. Round Table Tours runs some very insightful and quirky culinary tours from discovering Montreal’s Chinatown to Jewish Montreal, The Original Tour!
You can appreciate the modern, innovative side of Montreal by visiting the Satosphere. It is an immersive film dome at the Society for Arts and Technology building showing cutting-edge digital creations. It is part of the Passeport MTL scheme where you can visit major Montreal attractions at discounted prices.
Factbox
Hotel Omni Mont-Royal, Montreal offers rooms from £151 per night.
Address: 1050 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2R6, Canada
Phone: +1 514-284-1110
Email: mrreservations@omnihotels.com
Website: omnihotels.com
