Hôtel St-Paul

Description:

• Joining the laudable Vieux-Montréal ranks of worthwhile old buildings converted to hotels and other contemporary uses, the St-Paul was an instant front-runner. The exterior is a product of the Beaux Arts school, but minimalism prevails inside, with simple lines and muted tones. (Most of the guests are as trim and understated as the surroundings.) A floor-to-ceiling alabaster fireplace anchors one end of the long lobby, and similarly solid and linear lines are brought into each room. Elevators and hallways are hushed and dark, bordering on pitch black, and then open into bright rooms with walls and furnishings in various shades of cream, getting pops of texture from pelt rugs. Marble sinks are square, as are the clear plastic cubes covering the toiletries, and all rooms have plush robes and hypoallergenic duvets. Mobile phones and laptops are available upon request. Many rooms face the less touristed far western edge of Vieux-Montréal, with its mixture of stone and brick buildings in mid-conversion to modern condos and office space. The hotel's popular restaurant was under renovation when we visited in spring 2007; it has since reopened with a new name (Volver) and an all-new Mediterranean menu.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010