Old Montreal / Place d'Armes

Hotel Place d’Armes

★★★★★

Hotel Place d'Armes is one of the most atmospheric places to stay in Old Montreal, and its location could hardly be better: it occupies four nineteenth-century buildings on the edge of Place d'Armes, a few steps from Notre-Dame Basilica, in the historic core of the old town. The conversion kept the grand bones of these former commercial buildings, with high ceilings, tall windows, exposed brick and stone in many rooms, and added a warm, contemporary style. Room categories range from Classic rooms, intimate and elegant, through Deluxe and Superior rooms with king beds and more space, to Junior suites, some with balconies, Executive rooms, the Suite Place d'Armes and a penthouse for special occasions. The amenities are unusually complete for a boutique hotel. Rainspa, the full-service spa, is built around a hammam, a steam bath in the Middle Eastern tradition, and offers massages and body treatments; there is a fully equipped fitness centre. The hotel has two restaurants: Brasserie 701, a classic brasserie with French and Quebec dishes, popular for breakfast and dinner, and Kyo Bar Japonais, an izakaya-style Japanese bar serving small plates, sake and cocktails. In the warm months, the rooftop Terrasse Place d'Armes is one of the best terraces in the old town, with views of the basilica and the surrounding rooftops. The hotel suits couples on a romantic weekend, culture lovers who want to step out onto the old town's main square, and business travellers attending events at the Convention Centre nearby. The Place-d'Armes metro station on the orange line is a few minutes' walk, and the Old Port, Pointe-a-Calliere and La Grande Roue are within ten minutes on foot. Rates are upper mid-range, with good value outside the summer peak.

Choosing a room: the Classic rooms are cosy and stylish, a good choice for couples who plan to be out exploring; the Superior and Junior categories give more space for a longer stay; and the Junior rooms with balconies or the Suite Place d'Armes are worth the upgrade for a special occasion. Rooms facing the square have views of the historic buildings; rooms facing the side streets are quieter in summer.

Eating, drinking and relaxing: Brasserie 701 is a practical and pleasant all-day restaurant, with a lively bar and a classic menu. Kyo Bar Japonais is a fun evening option for sharing plates and sake. In summer, book or arrive early for the rooftop terrace, which is popular with locals as well as guests. The hammam at Rainspa is a highlight in winter, when an hour in the steam room is the perfect antidote to the cold.

Who it suits: couples, first-timers who want to stay in the historic heart of the city, and culture lovers. Families can be comfortable in the larger categories. As in all of Old Montreal, streets are cobbled and some are steep, and the downtown shopping area and the Underground City are a fifteen-minute walk or a short metro ride away. For character and location, Place d'Armes is an excellent choice. Book the spa treatments ahead in winter, when the hammam is in demand, and reserve a table on the rooftop terrace for summer evenings with a view of the basilica towers.