Golden Square Mile (Rue Sherbrooke)

Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile

★★★★★

Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile is the refined, French-accented choice in the Golden Square Mile, a hotel that suits art lovers, couples and business travellers who want to be close to museums, boutiques and the mountain. It stands at 1155 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, on the city's most elegant avenue, within walking distance of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the McCord Stewart Museum and the McGill University campus, with the trails of Mount Royal a short climb behind. The Accor group's luxury brand blends French art de vivre with local character, and the hotel has undergone a hotel-wide redesign in recent years that refreshed its rooms and public spaces. Room categories range from Superior and Signature rooms to a series of suites, including the Golden Mile Suites, a Prestige corner suite and a Presidential Suite, with Sofitel's signature beds and a calm, contemporary design; higher floors look over the city toward the river or up to the mountain. RENOIR, the hotel's French restaurant, blends French technique with Quebec ingredients and is recommended by the Michelin Guide, and next door NINI Salon a Cocktails is an intimate lounge for a pre-dinner drink. Wellness facilities include a new fitness centre, a private yoga room and a sauna. Pets are welcome with prior notice and conditions. Rates are upper range, often below the Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton nearby, which makes it a good-value luxury option.

Rooms and style: rooms are comfortable and well designed, with excellent beds and quiet, refined decor. Suites suit longer stays and special occasions. Ask for a high floor for the best views, and for a room facing away from Sherbrooke if you are a light sleeper.

Dining and drinks: RENOIR is a strong reason to stay, with polished French cooking built on Quebec produce and a good wine list; it is popular for business lunches and evenings out, so reserve ahead. NINI's cocktails make it an easy meeting place before dinner or after a concert. Breakfast at RENOIR is one of the better hotel breakfasts downtown.

Location and who it suits: the hotel is a few minutes on foot from Peel metro station on the green line and close to the Underground City. It suits art lovers planning time at the MMFA and McCord Stewart, couples who want a quieter luxury address, business travellers and visitors with pets. Families on a budget, or those who want a pool, should look elsewhere. The front desk can help with restaurant reservations and museum tickets, and the museum district is close enough to visit in short sessions between meetings or meals.