Downtown (near the Bell Centre)

Warwick Le Crystal Montreal

★★★★★

Warwick Le Crystal is the best all-suite hotel in central Montreal, a smart choice for families, long stays and anyone who wants more space than a standard hotel room. Formerly known as Hotel Le Crystal, the property was acquired by the international group Warwick Hotels and Resorts and now carries the Warwick name, becoming the group's first hotel in Canada. It stands at 1100 Rue de la Montagne, just one block from the Bell Centre, home of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team and the city's biggest concert venue, and a short walk from Central Station, the Underground City and the shops of Rue Sainte-Catherine. The hotel is made up exclusively of suites, around 130 of them, each with a separate sitting area with sofa and desk, which makes a real difference for families and for travellers staying more than a night or two. The wellness centre on the 12th floor is the highlight: an indoor pool, a rooftop terrace with an outdoor hot tub that is especially memorable in winter, a fitness centre, and a beauty spa offering massage, sauna and treatments. Siam Downtown Montreal, a Thai restaurant, serves lunch and dinner, and breakfast is offered to guests. The hotel is pet-friendly, with conditions, and offers long-stay privileges for extended visits. Rates are mid- to upper-range, generally good value for the space you get.

Suites and style: the suites range from standard one-room suites to larger premier suites, all with separate living areas and good workspaces. They suit families, who can spread out, and business travellers, who can work comfortably. Higher floors offer city views, some toward Mount Royal. The decor is contemporary and calm.

Wellness and dining: the 12th-floor wellness centre, with its indoor pool and outdoor hot tub on the terrace, is a highlight in every season, and a soak in the steaming water during a snowfall is a great way to end a winter day of sightseeing. Siam offers a convenient dinner option on site, and the Bell Centre and downtown restaurants are a short walk away.

Location and who it suits: the hotel is ideal for hockey fans and concertgoers, families who want a pool and space, and long-stay travellers. Lucien-L'Allier and Bonaventure metro stations are close, and Old Montreal is about fifteen minutes on foot. Those looking for historic character should consider Old Montreal or the Golden Square Mile instead. For longer stays, the long-stay privileges offer can make the suites particularly good value, and the location makes it easy to go without a car.