The Ritz-Carlton Montreal stands as an enduring icon of luxury and history in the heart of the city’s Golden Square Mile.
Since its grand opening on New Year’s Eve in 1912, this legendary property has set the standard for North American hospitality, being the very first hotel in the world to bear the Ritz-Carlton name. Conceived by some of Montreal’s most prominent citizens and designed by the renowned New York firm Warren & Wetmore, the hotel’s neoclassical palazzo style and elegant interiors have been meticulously preserved and thoughtfully restored over the decades.
From its inception, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal has been a pioneer in luxury, with César Ritz himself establishing standards that were revolutionary for their time. Every room was designed with a private bathroom, and a kitchen on every floor allowed for course-by-course room service, while 24-hour valet and concierge services became hallmarks of the guest experience. The grand staircase, intimate lobby, and opulent ballrooms have hosted countless high-society events, including the legendary wedding of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in 1964. These storied spaces remain among the most coveted venues in Montreal.
A $200 million restoration in 2012, marking the hotel’s centennial, ensured that the Ritz-Carlton Montreal remains at the forefront of luxury hospitality. The renovation was both sensitive and ambitious, preserving historic elements such as the original façade, the Palm Court, and the Oval Room, while introducing state-of-the-art amenities and contemporary design. Today, the hotel features 98 guest rooms and 31 suites, including the Royal Suite, the largest luxury hotel suite in Montreal, spanning an impressive 4,700 square feet.
The guest experience at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal is nothing short of magnificent.
The bathrooms are a sanctuary, with bathtubs reminiscent of a Jacuzzi, inviting guests to unwind in style. Beds and pillows are so sumptuously cozy that they seem to lull one effortlessly to sleep, while thoughtful touches like walk-in closets and spacious in-room work stations cater to both comfort and practicality. The modernity of the automatic toilets, which require no touch to operate, adds a surprising and delightful twist to the experience.
Complimentary bottled water, pillow mints, cookies, and apples await in-room, small gestures that speak volumes about the hotel’s attention to detail. The bathroom amenities are equally impressive, with deliciously scented soaps, a shaving kit, plush robes, and cozy slippers, all contributing to a sense of indulgence and relaxation.
Maison Boulud, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, offers French cuisine with a focus on local Quebec products, making it a destination for gourmets and food lovers alike. The Palm Court, with its painted palm trees and glass ceilings, is home to Montreal’s most glamorous afternoon tea, a tradition that began in 1913 and has become a hallmark of the Ritz-Carlton brand worldwide. The hotel also boasts the only Dom Pérignon Champagne Bar in North America, offering an exclusive selection of champagnes and cocktails in a sophisticated setting.
Guests can unwind at Spa St. James, which offers signature treatments such as the Montreal Maple Sugar Massage, or take advantage of the modern fitness center and the rooftop saltwater pool. The penthouse patio, bathed in sunshine and cooled by gentle breezes, provide the perfect setting to bask, tan, and enjoy panoramic views of the city—a little vacation in and of itself. The legendary service of the Ritz-Carlton is evident in every interaction, with staff always helpful and attentive, ensuring that every need is anticipated and met, from 24-hour room service to turndown service and a highly responsive concierge team.
The hotel’s excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including being the only AAA Five Diamond hotel in Quebec and repeatedly named one of Canada’s leading hotels by the World Travel Awards and Forbes Travel Guide. TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards have also named it the #1 Best Hotel in Canada, and it consistently receives accolades for its rooms, service, and guest experience.
Throughout its storied history, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal has welcomed royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries, from Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II to Sophia Loren and The Rolling Stones. Its ballrooms and event spaces remain the setting for Montreal’s most prestigious gatherings. What truly sets the Ritz-Carlton Montreal apart is its seamless fusion of old-world charm and modern luxury, a commitment to excellence evident in every detail, from its historic architecture and curated art to its innovative amenities and world-class dining.
