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The Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth Montreal has occupied an entire city block in the heart of downtown since 1958. Following a major $140 million renovation in 2017, this iconic hotel now offers a bold contemporary design by the Montreal agency Sid Lee. We stayed there to evaluate the rooms, the Fairmont Gold lounge, the restaurants, and the overall experience of this legendary address.
In this review, we detail each room category, the renovated common areas, and the hotel’s strategic location. If you are planning a trip to Montreal, our guide Canada: What to do and visit in Montreal this summer? perfectly complements this comparison. You can also consult our selection of the best credit cards for hotels to optimize your booking.
Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth Montreal spans an entire downtown block. The main entrance opens onto René-Lévesque Boulevard West, directly across from Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral. This location places travelers just steps away from Place Ville Marie and Sainte-Catherine Street.
The hotel is directly connected to Montreal Central Station, making it the most convenient address for travelers arriving by train. Furthermore, it provides access to the famous Underground City, a network of tunnels connecting over 33 kilometers of hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, and museums.
The hotel’s facade has changed little since 1958, preserving its heritage character. However, the interior has been entirely redesigned. The lobby now features an imposing crystal chandelier, a marble reception desk, and a sophisticated design that immediately sets the tone for the stay.
Montrealers often walk through the lobby simply to enjoy its elegant atmosphere before or after a meal downtown. Indeed, the hotel acts as a true social hub, with its popular bars and restaurants at the end of the day.
The hotel has 950 rooms spread over several floors. Standard rates generally vary between $250 and $325 per night. Fairmont Gold floor rooms start around $450, while high-end suites like the John Lennon & Yoko Ono Suite exceed $3,000 per night.
The Fairmont Room is the entry-level category. The decor features vibrant wallpaper behind the bed and exposed-bulb pendant lights. This ambiance is distinguished by its more playful and colorful side compared to the Fairmont Gold rooms.
The space comfortably accommodates a king bed, two reading chairs near the window, and a work desk. The bathroom remains compact but modern, with a walk-in shower and a single vanity.
The bathrooms combine black and white hexagonal mosaic tiles, backlit round mirrors, and a modern glass shower. Toiletries are from Le Labo’s Rose 31 range, a popular signature across all Fairmont properties.
Junior Suites are located between the 4th and 17th floors. Each suite combines a bedroom with a full bathroom, a separate living room, and a powder room. The living room contains a sofa bed that can accommodate up to four people, making it an excellent choice for families.
The Fairmont Gold floor operates as a “hotel within a hotel.” Guests enjoy personalized service, access to the executive lounge, and higher-end finishes. The decor adopts deep blue tones with a bright orange armchair as an accent.
Located on the 20th floor, the Mile End Suite offers a unique character with its deep blue finishes and black and white artwork inspired by Montreal’s iconic staircases. The suite includes a spacious living room, a dining room for eight, a kitchenette, a separate bedroom, and a master bathroom with a freestanding tub.
Guests booking a Fairmont Gold room or a premium suite have access to the executive lounge. This space offers a full breakfast in the morning, evening hors d’oeuvres, and snacks throughout the day.
The lounge also offers complimentary non-alcoholic beverages all day. In contrast, beer, wine, and spirits operate on an honor bar system. Large floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral and the downtown skyline, making it a pleasant place to work.
Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth Montreal brings together several culinary addresses accessible to both guests and Montrealers. To further your gastronomic exploration of the city, take a look at our selection Montreal: The Best Restaurants, Terraces, and Cafes of Summer 2026.
Rosélys restaurant offers bistronomic cuisine that combines French and English influences with touches of Montreal heritage. The dining room offers a direct view of the bustle of Sainte-Catherine Street, and an open kitchen allows guests to watch the chefs at work.
The Nacarat cocktail bar is located on the ground floor. The atmosphere remains chic yet accessible, and the bar has a full kitchen that offers, among other things, a jerk chicken sandwich popular with regulars.
Kréma is the signature café located in the lobby. It serves local coffee, fresh pastries, and quick bites. Marché Artisans, right next door, brings together Montreal artisanal products under a magnificent colored glass roof. It is the ideal place to pick up a gourmet souvenir.
The wellness facilities are located in the hotel’s basement. The fitness center offers modern equipment installed after the renovation: treadmills, a Smith machine, pull-up bars, and a separate room for group classes and spinning.
The entrance to Moment Spa features a luxurious design with noble wood finishes. The establishment offers a range of body and facial treatments in a Zen atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Views vary depending on which side of the block the room occupies. High floors facing south offer an exceptional panorama of Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral and the skyscrapers of the business district. At night, the illuminated downtown creates a memorable atmosphere.
Fairmont is part of the Accor Live Limitless program, based in France. However, redeeming Accor ALL points for free nights rarely offers good value. It is therefore better to watch for occasional promotions, such as “2nd, 3rd, or 4th night free” offers on the chain or the property.
Several Canadian travel cards accumulate points that are easily transferable or usable for booking Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth Montreal. The American Express Platinum Card, for example, offers an annual travel credit and benefits at Fine Hotels & Resorts. For its part, the Amex Cobalt Card earns up to 5 points per dollar spent on dining and groceries. To compare all options, visit our best credit cards page.
Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth Montreal checks the right boxes for a downtown stay. The 2017 renovation modernized all spaces, from the lobby to the rooms, without erasing its heritage character. The location remains unbeatable for business travelers and visitors arriving by train.
Savings this way:
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