Arrival/Check-In: I was traveling with anticipation to the newly renovated Ritz-Carlton in Montréal, located in what is called the Golden Square Mile in one of my favorite cities. The hotel had only recently opened after a total renovation to the core of the building. It’s rumored they spent $200 million on the redo, and it shows. I was greeted by the signage that has hung over the property since 1912 — a welcome sight. There is plenty of history here, plus updates for today’s travelers. The doorman took our luggage (we had a lot, as I was traveling with my family), and we were welcomed at the front desk. Once checked in, we went up to our beautiful suite with an adjoining room — c’est magnifique!

Guest Quarters: We had a wonderfully thought-out suite with a work station and desk on the left, a king-sized bed and a dining area. Everything was new, including the big-screen TV and the fantastic dressing area and closet. The bathroom was the jewel of the suite with a double sink, a large tub and an equally large shower. The mosaic tile floor formed the signature lion logo of The Ritz-Carlton, which was a nice touch. The adjoining room was equally well-appointed and convenient, as we could open the door for a super master suite. The doors were massive and must have been original, masterfully restored. The design complemented the building’s history.

Services/Amenities: Daniel Boulud’s Maison Boulud Restaurant and Bar is the hottest ticket in Montréal. The food and staff are fantastic, and the maître d’ at the restaurant did his best to please his guests. The restaurant leads to a beautiful garden that officially opened last Father’s Day. In the center of the garden is a pond, filled not with fish but with Pekin ducklings, which debut every spring at the hotel.

In the room, you have all the supplies you need, including a little office desk set with tape, stapler, scissors and Post-It notes. In the bath, you’ll find a dental kit, a shaving kit and other items plus Bvlgari shampoo, conditioner and lotion products. Cotton swabs add to the special Ritz touch.

The hotel concierge helped my family with tickets to attend a Lady Antebellum concert while I had a business dinner one night. They were able to walk to the theater, and I walked to Old Montréal (about 20 minutes from the property). Shopping on Sainte-Catherine Street is nearby as are many of Montréal’s museums and restaurants.

The Experience: You can’t beat this property — I strongly suggest a spring visit to enjoy a drink or lunch with the Pekin ducks!

GT CHECKLIST

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• State-of-the-art fitness center

The Ritz-Carlton, Montréal

1228 Sherbrooke St. W.
Montréal, PQ H3G 1H6 Canada
tel 514 842 4212
ritz-carlton.com