Hôtel Le Germain

Description:

• This undertaking by the owner of equally desirable boutique hotels in Québec City (Dominion 1912) and Toronto brought a big shot of panache to the downtown lodging scene, foretelling the explosion of similar hostelries in Vieux-Montréal. This one features a magical mix of Asian minimalism combined with all the Western comforts that international executives might anticipate -- and a few they might not. Signature touches include the polished apples sitting in designated depressions on the shelves opposite the elevators, the big wicker chairs with fat cushions, and the beds with goose-down duvets and pillows that are so comfortable they can cure insomnia. Self-serve breakfasts feature perfect croissants, excellent café au lait fabricated by a magical machine, and newspapers in French and English, all set out on the mezzanine, near the lobby fireplace. A little too sophisticated for families, this gem of a hotel would be ideal for any other travelers. (Be careful, though: The hotel's marketing touts the venue for its "romance -- a place to conceive babies.")

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010

Other features:

Artistically designed interior; duvets and percale sheets in rooms; Internet access; irons and ironing boards.