Stay & Play
Renaissance Montreal Downtown Hotel
A Secret Oasis of Cosmopolitan Cool
by Susan Campbell
Typically, I avoid the overused description “hidden gem,” but it really fits in this case. This fun and funky boutique lifestyle hotel was hidden from me! I thought I was aware of every new spot that had popped up the past few years since I’m often tasked by visitors to recommend places to stay within easy distance to everything our fabulous little city has to offer. But I discovered it recently quite by chance thanks to an invitation to attend a special Loto-Québec event at its rooftop venue called Terrasse R. The invitation included a one-night stay, so I got to thoroughly experience it. It was delightful.
Maybe it’s easy to miss because the entrance is literally wrapped around a busy traffic-congested side street intersection just off the main St.Catherine St. grid near the Eaton Centre. In fact, if not for the blue Renaissance flags over top, you’d likely walk right by it. Originally built as an art-deco style Canada Post office in the 50’s-the developers maintained the original facade, and I noted that it’s steps from one of my favorite spots to snap a photo, the historic Christ Church Cathedral with the backdrop of a mirrored glass pink highrise tower directly behind it. It’s such an iconic example of how old and new intertwine so beautifully in this city. But once inside, any nod to the hotel’s historic roots stop, and the vibe instantly becomes modern urban chic with the surprise of a suspended DJ booth right over the registration desk. The entire lobby is peppered in local pop art and graffiti wallpaper, and there are lounge swings, a library of art books, and computer stations, too. Very cool.
Speaking of check-in, I must note the exemplary experience we had at this one. Though the deluge of event guests had descended en masse at the designated time, the process was unbelievably fast, cheerful, and well done as was the valet parking. I was very impressed. I was also impressed with the room.
They have 142 rooms and suites spanning twelve floors, again very modern pop arty, high-tech, and sporting the typical amenities, mini fridge, coffee nook, flat screen TV etc… I really liked how spacious their walk-in the rain shower was, and Renaissance’s uber plush robes are among the best in the industry in my opinion.
Their signature dining room EAST, an exotic Pan Asian affair, is on the lobby floor, though we only had breakfast there the next day because the rooftop event had a culinary focus of ‘Flavors of the World’ with food sampling stations and signature cocktail pairings from different countries. Sadly, the weather was inclement, and we almost didn’t go because of the threat of thunderstorms. But I’m glad we did as the terrace is completely weather-proofable when needed, and after a few deluges we got up to the open-air 2nd story of it for incredible views of the city skyline at night. The terrace is also open for lunch, and holds many special events for the public.
After the event, we were excited to get out and stroll the downtown area. There’s nothing more magical than a steamy Montreal Saturday summer night, and we soon found ourselves at Quartier des Spectacles near Place des Arts for an alfresco music festival. It was magical.
The location of this hotel is fabulous for those seeking to explore Montreal without a car, it’s steps from St. Catherine street shopping, the golden mile of nightlife near Crescent St., the Bell Centre, the underground city, and the metro that gives you easy access to the Old Port and other attractions. It was a perfect ‘staycation.’
