The Hotel Experience: Ritz Carlton Montreal

The Ritz Carlton Montreal is not just a place to rest your head; it’s an experience in itself. This iconic hotel has hosted guests like Winston Churchill and Liberace.

Its classic design, coupled with modern amenities, offers everything a luxury traveler could want: the rooftop pool, spa, and intimate lobby with a grand staircase create a truly opulent atmosphere and the impeccable service really stands out.

Whether it was the thoughtful gestures from the bellman or the unique coin system for complimentary drinks, the attention to detail made our stay truly exceptional.

A standout moment was being upgraded to a spacious room with a massive bathroom and a walk-in closet, something you don’t always find in modern boutique hotels. We felt spoiled by the space and service, and even little touches like late-night snacks with our ice bucket showed just how much the Ritz prioritizes their guests.

Getting Around Montreal

While staying at the Ritz, we had the luxury of an excellent car service for most of our transportation needs. Sarik, originally our Uber Black driver from the airport, had his own private service and became our go-to for the entire week, driving us to events and even waiting for us on late nights. Montreal is a city where you can easily walk from one attraction to another, but having a reliable driver for evening events was a game changer.

Our group events were held at Le Westin, which was about a 10-minute drive from the Ritz. Though I missed some of the in-between event socializing at the hosted hotel, staying at two different hotels allowed me to experience two sides of Montreal’s luxury hospitality.

Exploring the City

One of the best things about Montreal is its walkability. From our hotel, we enjoyed strolling through the city, snapping photos of the stunning architecture and quaint streets. McGill University’s campus is particularly beautiful, and the students mixed with tourists and locals creates a great energy. 


Old Montreal is a must-see, especially for those who love architecture and history. Walking through the Old Port area, we encountered rows of charming cafes and restaurants, with locals and tourists enjoying wine and snacks in the afternoon. Even on a weekday, the streets were busy and bustling, making it feel like a true European escape.

If you’re a fan of Paris, Montreal offers a taste of France with its winding streets, historical buildings, and romantic vibe.

Quick Tips for Your Montreal Trip

• Stay in a Historic Hotel: Whether it’s the Ritz Carlton or the Fairmont, you can’t go wrong with Montreal’s luxury hotels. The history, service, and location of these hotels make them the perfect base for exploring the city.


  
• Explore on Foot: Montreal is a walking city. Take time to explore Old Montreal, McGill Campus, and the Old Port on foot. You’ll get to soak in the architecture, visit local cafes, and enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere.



• Visit Victoria Square: Located near Le Westin, Victoria Square is a vibrant hub where locals gather during lunch hours. You might even catch live music in the square, as we did during a weekday afternoon.


  
• Take a Train to Quebec City: For those with more time, a three-and-a-half-hour train ride to Quebec City is highly recommended. Quebec City is known for its European feel, especially during the winter months when the Christmas markets are in full swing.