Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth Montreal: Review and Guide
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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.
Location in the Heart of Montreal
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.
Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral and the neighborhood surrounding Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth Montreal.
Distances to Attractions
- Central Station: direct access via an underground passage
- Mount Royal Park: 25-minute walk
- Old Port and Notre-Dame Basilica: 20-minute walk or 7 minutes by taxi
- Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL): 30 minutes by car, or the 747 bus with a stop in front of the hotel
Arrival and Renovated Lobby
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.
Common areas and lounges of Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth Montreal after the Sid Lee renovation.
Room Categories
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.
| Category | Indicative Rate | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Fairmont Room | $250–$325 | Standard room with colorful wallpaper |
| Junior Suite | variable | Separate living room, ideal for families |
| Fairmont Gold Room | from $450 | Executive lounge access |
| Mile End Suite | premium | Very generous space, dining room for 8 |
| John Lennon & Yoko Ono Suite | $3,000+ | Historic signature suite |
Fairmont Room
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.
Renovated Fairmont Room: contemporary design, colorful wallpaper, and modern amenities.
Bathroom and Amenities
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.
Modern bathroom with hexagonal mosaic and double vanity.
Junior Suite
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.
Fairmont Gold Room
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.
- Privileged View: rooms facing Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral
- Personalized Service: dedicated staff on the executive floor
- Fairmont Gold Lounge Access: breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres, and snacks
- Nespresso Machine: coffee and tea included in the room
- Compact Bathroom: more limited space than the Junior Suites
- High Rate: approximately $125 to $200 more than a standard room
Mile End Suite
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.
Fairmont Gold Lounge
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.
Fairmont Gold lounge: breakfast, lounge area, and panoramic views of downtown.
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.
Hotel Restaurants and Bars
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
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.
Rosélys Restaurant: dining room, buffet, open kitchen, and private lounges.
Nacarat Bar
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 and Marché Artisans
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.
Marché Artisans: the gourmet boutique located in the lobby.
Spa, Pool, and Fitness Center
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.
Fitness center: modern equipment and dedicated spinning room.
Moment Spa
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.
Entrances to the wellness center and Moment Spa in the hotel basement.
Views of Montreal from the Rooms
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.
Panoramic views by day and night from the high-floor rooms of Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth Montreal.
How to Book Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth Montreal
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.
Strategies for saving money
- Fairmont Gift Cards: sometimes sold at a discount during occasional promotions
- Accor Gold Status: obtained via the Ibis Business card or by becoming an Accor shareholder, with potential upgrades and a welcome drink
- Chain Promotions: seasonal « free night » offers available several times a year
- Hotel Booking Vouchers: offered by certain Canadian travel credit cards
Recommended Credit Cards
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.
Our Verdict on Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth Montreal
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.
- Central Location: direct access to Central Station and the Underground City
- Renovated Design: contemporary atmosphere with 1960s vintage touches
- Varied Culinary Offering: Rosélys, Nacarat, Kréma, and Marché Artisans on-site
- Fairmont Gold Lounge: excellent value-to-service ratio with breakfast and snacks
- Complete Facilities: large indoor pool, spa, modern gym
Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth Montreal – Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth Montreal located?
The hotel is located at 900 René-Lévesque Boulevard West, in the heart of downtown Montreal. It occupies an entire city block and is directly connected to Central Station and the Montreal Underground City network.
How much does a night at Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth Montreal cost?
Standard rooms are generally between $250 and $325 per night. Fairmont Gold rooms start around $450, while premium suites like the Mile End or the John Lennon & Yoko Ono exceed $3,000 per night.
What are the on-site dining options?
The hotel offers the bistronomic restaurant Rosélys, the Nacarat cocktail bar, the Kréma café in the lobby, and the Artisans gourmet market. Each address covers a different time of day.
Does Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth Montreal have a pool?
Yes, the hotel has a contemporary indoor pool in the basement, accompanied by a whirlpool with LED lighting. The adjacent fitness center is also fully equipped.
What is the Fairmont Gold floor?
The Fairmont Gold floor operates as a hotel within a hotel. Guests booking this type of room enjoy personalized service, more elegant finishes, and access to the executive lounge. The latter offers a full breakfast, snacks throughout the day, and evening hors d’oeuvres.
Can points be used for booking?
Fairmont is part of the Accor Live Limitless program. However, redeeming Accor ALL points rarely offers good value. Many travelers prefer to book via a travel credit card that offers an annual credit or transferable points. See our best travel credit cards for more details.
Is the hotel family-friendly?
Yes, particularly the Junior Suites. They offer a sofa bed that can accommodate up to four people, in addition to a separate living room and an extra powder room. The indoor pool is also a hit with children.
What toiletries does the hotel use?
Rooms are equipped with Le Labo Rose 31 products, a signature common to all Fairmont properties. The range includes shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and body lotion.
How do I get to the Montreal airport from the hotel?
Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) is approximately 30 minutes away by car or taxi. The 747 bus also serves the airport and stops on René-Lévesque Boulevard, right in front of the hotel.
