Named for the triple-peaked Mont Royal in the heart of the city, Montreal is Canada’s second-largest city. Nested close to the southern border of the Quebec province, Montreal is less than six hours north of Central Massachusetts. The world of activity surrounding this historic yet modern city, however, will entertain you for countless more.
Recently named one of the top cities in the world to live, work and play (34th in the Innovation Cities 2010 Top 100 Index, to be exact), the city emits a rich and vibrant atmosphere never more present than the borough of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. The former village’s modern wonders include a biodome capturing lifeforms from across the Western hemisphere, an insectarium, and the Montreal Tower – the tallest leaning tower in the world – standing in memory of the 1976 Olympics. Despite its New Age fanfare, Montreal still evokes a rich history. In Old Montreal, a southern area featuring the Old Port of Montreal first built as a trading post in 1611, you’ll still find horse-drawn carriages traversing down cobblestone streets.
In the perfect blend of Montreal’s traditional past an innovative present, Le Place d’Armes Hotel & Suites gives visitors an unmatched resort to experience the best the city has to offer. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in October of this year, the Place d’Armes is owned and managed by brothers Tony and Costa Antonopoulos. The brothers, who emigrated from Greece to arrive in Canada, manage some of the most notable boutique hotels, restaurants, and spas in Old Montreal. The pair’s flagship Place d’Armes has earned numerous distinctions over the years and remains one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Three buildings comprise the resort at Place d’Armes, each dating back to the late 19th century. The western building – the original home of the hotel – was first built in 1870. The magnificent architecture was a symbol of Lower Canada at the turn of the century and, while updated throughout the years, has remained true to its original architectural design. Dubbed a historic site by the Quebec provincial government, the building opened as the Place d’Armes in 2000. The middle building of the trio dates to 1894, when offices of the People’s Bank surrounded the building’s grandiose atrium. Also named a historic site in 1975, a fire destroyed much of the atrium in 1979. Undergoing considerable renovations for the next decade, the building was reopened in 1989 and purchased by the Antonopoulos Group in 2004 to expand the Place d’Armes. The final building of the resort, the oldest of the three dating back to 1869, has survived a pair of fires in 1885 and 1893 to be purchased and added to the Place d’Armes property in 2002. Today, the buildings have been artfully connected to form a complete resort hotel carrying the prestige and splendor of their original structures while offering guests the modern amenities expected of a four-star hotel.
Le Place d’Armes 134 rooms and suites include a selection of luxuriously appointed quarters. Materials such as marble, slate, leather, rich woods, and original brick give the interior a refined air while modern furniture and lighting delight the cosmopolitan traveler. The six Balcony Suites offer guests a king size bed, therapeutic bath and shower, and a private balcony giving way to views of Old Montreal. The most spacious suites, the Penthouse Suites, incorporate modern artwork to offset the classic arches of the architecture. Containing a full living room with electric fireplace, king size bed, walk-in rain shower and soaker tub, the Penthouse Suites also provide access to the private Garden Atrium. No matter which room you choose you’ll be comforted by goose down bedding and incredibly soft terry cloth robes.
If you’re looking for a prime spot to unwind, walk down to Rainspa. Upon entering the spa the cascading waterfall and soft aquatic tones will sooth your senses and create a calm and tranquil environment. The 3,000-square foot, full-service spa features four private treatment rooms, a Vichy shower room, and a relaxation area complete with fireplace and hammam – a steam bath reminiscent of Middle Eastern traditions. Additionally, Rainspa houses an innovative steam treatment room offering exfoliation treatments, wraps, and essential oil treatments. Carrying top skin care products from around the world, Rainspa employs an esthetician for face and body, a medical esthetician, and a massage therapist.
When you feel hungry, Le Place d’Armes contains no less than three distinct dining options. Aix Cuisine du Terroir, a fine dining and gastronomic experience, boasts a sophisticated interior wrought with beige leathers, bamboo screens and sleek black metal finishes. Cultivating a menu from Quebec’s finest local ingredients and regional produce, Aix Cuisine du Terroir blends seasonal flavors to convey a passion for traditional cooking. Chef Eric Kopp’s unique menu incorporates luxurious and succulent dishes such as the Kamouraska lamb, terrine of foie gras and Charlevoix veal chop.
In the warmer months, head up to the rooftop to dine at Terrasse 701. Featuring an open kitchen and exterior grille, this distinguished yet casual dining spot offers a selection of lighter fare such as gourmet sandwiches, salads, and pasta along with a menu of main courses available. Later at night, Terrasse 701 serves cheese plates, antipasto and other items to nosh upon while enjoying a cocktail or glass of wine.
For a more chic retreat, Le Place d’Armes also houses the urbanite haven Suite 701. Upstairs from Aix Cuisine du Terroir, Suite 701′s stainless steel bar, lofty ceilings and creative lighting make for a sublime location to meet with friends or business acquaintances over drinks, enjoy a meal from Aix Cuisine du Terroir, or simply sit back and people watch. If you’re in town on a Thursday night, be sure to stop by for the Apertivo, an Italian-inspired convivial affair serving complimentary bouches.
For business travelers Le Place d’Armes is the most convenient location in the city, resting just steps from Montreal’s state-of-the-art conference and convention center, the Palais des Congrs, and the Quartier international de Montréal, the city’s international business district. On site at the Place d’Armes, five conference and banquet rooms – capable of accommodating parties up to 350 – are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology and high-speed internet. Elegant lounge spaces throughout the resort also serve as perfect breakout rooms while morning shuttles to Montreal’s downtown business center make business a breeze while at the hotel.
But if you’re just in town to experience the beautiful and unique city of Montreal, Le Place d’Armes’s spot in Old Montreal offers a wealth of activity right outside the doors. The neighborhood’s quaint setting on cobblestone roads through centuries-old buildings and monuments makes for a romantic stroll. For those more active, the Old Port’s 2.5-kilometer long recreational area hosts a series of indoor and outdoor activities. For the avid skier, Montreal sits about an hour and a half south of Mont Tremblant, one of the east coast’s most renowned ski mountains. With all of the choices for entertainment and culture throughout the city, you may just need an extra night – or three – at Le Place d’Armes. Not that that’s a bad thing.
