Review: Four Seasons Montreal

During a recent visit to Montreal, I had the opportunity to check out the Four Seasons Montreal, widely considered one of the city’s best hotels for its upscale and modern appeal. 

The Four Seasons was one of the remaining top-tier hotels in Montreal I’d yet to visit, and I was excited to explore its many offerings and compare it to other properties in the city.

Four Seasons Montreal – Booking

If you’re contemplating a stay at the Four Seasons Montreal, prepare to pay around $695 (CAD) per night for a standard room, and sometimes as much as $1,000 (CAD) during peak season. For this stay, I was fortunate to secure a favourable industry rate.

Although Four Seasons doesn’t have a traditional loyalty program with points and elite status, there’s still a way to get added value for your stay when booking through Four Seasons Preferred Partner.

This exclusive program offers complimentary breakfast for two and a $100 (USD) property credit, amongst other benefits, at no additional cost. 

Furthermore, you can combine the Preferred Partner benefits with all promotional rates, including prepaid, promotional, flexible, and fully refundable rates.

So if you’re planning a stay at the Four Seasons Montreal, it’s certainly worth your while to book through Four Seasons Preferred Partner and take advantage of these exclusive perks.

Four Seasons Montreal – Location

Nestled in the heart of Montreal’s Golden Square Mile district, the Four Seasons Montreal has a prime location in one of the city’s most affluent and desirable neighbourhoods.

The immediate vicinity is home to plenty of upscale shops, restaurants, and hotels. Holt Renfrew Ogilvy is directly accessible from the hotel’s third-floor lobby, and The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal is only a five-minute walk away.

The Golden Square Mile district is close to Crescent Street, Saint-Catherine Street, and Mount Royal, which are all reachable in under 15 minutes by foot. The hotel is a bit farther from Old Port, but it’s a lovely walk on a clear day, or an easy 10-minute drive.

Key attractions within walking distance of the hotel include the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Bell Centre, and McGill University. If you want to explore further afield, Old Montreal and the Notre-Dame Basilica are only a 10-minute drive away.

If you’re taking the metro, it’s an easy five-minute stroll to Peel station. 

Lastly, the Four Seasons Montreal is about a 30-minute drive from Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport by car at the best of times.

Alternatively, you can take the 747 Express bus, which runs every 10 minutes and goes from the airport to René-Lévesque/Drummond. From there, it’s less than 10 minutes by foot from the Four Seasons Montreal.

Four Seasons Montreal – Check-In

The Four Seasons Montreal is nestled off Rue de la Montagne. The building resides in a striking 18-storey high-rise, which is uniquely designed to interact with Montreal’s skyline and capture light differently on each floor.

I arrived at the hotel around noon and upon first glance, I immediately noted the bold and angular contemporary façade, featuring a sleek combination of bold, black glass, and gold-plated metal gridwork.

As you approach the street-level entrance, you’ll catch sight of the iconic Four Seasons logo emblazoned above a set of revolving doors, which welcomes you into a simple yet elegant foyer.

If you’re coming from the Holt Renfrew Ogilvy shopping centre, a secondary entrance is accessible directly indoors from the hotel’s third-floor.

As I arrived, a friendly bellhop greeted me by name and ushered me towards a set of gleaming gold elevators. An elevator led us up to the third-floor social space, which is also home to Marcus Bar and Restaurant, while the other ascended to the guest rooms on the same floor.

From the moment I arrived, the staff and hotel left a lasting impression. The Four Seasons Montreal clearly distinguishes itself with its contemporary luxury, a stark departure from the old-world charm of the Ritz nearby.

Upon stepping inside, the ground-floor lobby further exemplifies this with an attractive display of minimalist elegance. Playful marble cubes, reminiscent of contemporary art, serve as seats, while a towering brass partition adds a captivating focal point to the understated décor.

I was then whisked away to the third-floor lobby, where check-in was completed. Here, white marble floors and walls adorned in pink velvet add a layer of luxurious texture.

The lobby seating area consists of plush, curved pink velvet sofas and armchairs. Fronting this area is a pair of smooth marble check-in desks.

The associate at the front desk confirmed my stay in a Premier Two Queen Room, as I was travelling with a companion, and happily informed me that my room was ready upon arrival.

With keys in hand, I headed upstairs to drop off my belongings before indulging in lunch at Holts Café, conveniently located adjacent to the hotel.

Four Seasons Montreal – Premier Two Queen Room

The guest room hallways at the Four Seasons Montreal are beautiful, with elegant decorative wall trim and dark hardwood panels that stretch across the ceilings.

Moreover, for those staying on the ninth floor or higher, an open-air atrium features a breathtaking art installation called Contemplation by acclaimed Montreal-based designer Pascale Girardin.

This work of art is made up of 90 floral suspensions crafted from aluminium, with each suspension beautifully embellished with gold-gilded accents and arranged in a cascading formation that extends from the 18th-floor skylight.

Upon entering the Premier Two Queen Room, I was immediately struck by the modern and elegant details incorporated into the in-room décor.

Herringbone wood floors, ample marble accents, sleek fixtures, and mirrored surfaces form a room that’s simply outstanding. Moreover, the colour scheme of brass, orange, and dusty pink, with touches of black and gold, served as a novel twist.

The Premier Two Queen Room is furnished with two queen beds that are flanked by marble side tables.

It’s worth noting that the beds were very comfortable; however, they lack the cube-shaped canopy frame that accompanies the beds in all the king rooms.

The headboards of the beds are fitted with LED lights, creating a softly illuminated and modern look. I loved how the lights were all bouncing against the back of the wall fixtures, which brought light to the space without being overly harsh.

In addition, a full-body mirror stands in the centre of the room, with a Four Seasons iPad on the table for convenient access to hotel services, room service, housekeeping as well as in-room controls.

Furthermore, on each side of the bed, a control panel sits within easy reach for electronic adjustments of lights and curtains. In terms of connectivity, two outlets and two USB-A ports are available.

To the left of the room, a partition with gold edges and handles opens up to reveal a luxurious bathroom featuring a dark bronze reflective surface that adds to the opulent ambiance.

Opposite the bed, a beautiful circular mirror plays host to a wet bar which displays a range of top-shelf spirits, including Moët and Chandon Champagne and Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky, alongside appropriate glassware.

Adjacent, a floating marble-clad desk with a gradually thinning surface is positioned, and is accompanied by a plush ottoman.

Additionally, there’s a pair of armchairs. Here, a table was proactively set up with a Four Seasons welcome amenity, including a handwritten note, leaf-shaped sweets, and a chocolate with the Four Seasons logo.

A cabinet houses a Lavazza coffee maker and a pair of Flow boxed water with a well-stocked snack drawer below.

The bathroom is accessible near the beds and through a separate entrance at the foyer upon entering. It’s spacious and exquisite, clad in a cohesive blend of grey and white marble.

There’s a single vanity to the left, complete with elegant bronzed fixtures and a large mirror. The centrepiece of the bathroom is a deep freestanding circular bathtub, with an adjacent side table and two plush robes to the right.

Nestled behind a door, a spacious shower features elegant grey and white marble, bronzed fixtures, and both a rain shower and handheld shower wand.

The toilet is housed within its own compartment, adorned with a playful accent wall.

Lastly, the room offers ample storage space with a good sized closet.

A highlight of this room is certainly its views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, stirring up my nostalgia from having lived in Montreal in the past.

In particular, the Leonard Cohen mural was a sight to behold, whether viewed during the day or at night. Meanwhile, the lively atmosphere of Crescent Street below added an extra dimension of excitement to my stay.

The Premier Two Queen Room’s interior design is a masterful blend of style and functionality, and undoubtedly one of the best room interiors I can think of in any Canadian hotel.

The design, including the lighting arrangement, was expertly executed, and the tasteful use of marble and mirrored surfaces elevated the space to new heights with a touch of distinction that was both visually appealing and memorable.

Four Seasons Montreal – Deluxe King Room

Curious to explore the full breadth of this impeccably designed hotel, I also toured the Deluxe King Room, Premier One-Bedroom Suite, and Presidential Suite.

The Deluxe King Room boasts a modern and refined design that’s comparable to that of the Premier Two Queen Room.

However, what distinguishes it from the latter is the striking metal cube-shaped canopy that takes centre stage above the king-sized bed.

Moreover, the room features a plush seat positioned next to the floor-to-ceiling windows for a comfortable spot to take in views of Montreal and the Leonard Cohen mural.

Additionally, the bathroom has a single vanity, but is nevertheless well-appointed with luxurious marble and lofty brass fixtures.

For solo travellers, the Deluxe King Room is a great base-level option, and doesn’t compromise on luxury and style in the slightest.

Four Seasons Montreal – Premier One-Bedroom Suite

Ascending two tiers above the base-level suites, the Premier One-Bedroom Suites are located exclusively on floors 10–19. The rooms feature a separate living area and range from 908–1,146 square feet in size, with various layouts.

In this room, a bright and airy living area is complete with a plush full-sized sofa, two armchairs, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the opposite wall.

The bedroom of the suite is essentially the Deluxe King Room, featuring a striking canopy bed and adjacent plush loveseat.

The full granite bathroom of the suite is a true gem, boasting a circular soaker bathtub that adds to the luxurious experience. There’s also a separate makeup table nearby. 

Additionally, the Premier One-Bedroom Suite features a separate dining area, complete with a charming breakfast nook and cozy benches.

Overall, the Premier One-Bedroom Suite is an exceptional suite for those seeking a tad more space and luxury.

Four Seasons Montreal – Presidential Suite

The Presidential Suite, situated on the highest floor and covering an impressive 2,121 square feet, is the epitome of modern luxury in Montreal.

Upon entering the suite, guests are greeted by a sleek living area, furnished with plush seating and a dining table that comfortably accommodates up to eight people.

Behind the seating area is a striking bar, adorned in black and gold marble, complete with two seats, offering a perfect space for entertaining.

The bedroom is expansive and refined, with a signature cubed canopy bed frame and a generously sized desk opposite it. Two plush armchairs make for a comfortable seating area by the room’s windows.

The Presidential Suite’s most remarkable feature is undoubtedly its immaculate oversized bathroom. Spanning the length of the bathroom is a double vanity, complemented by a luxurious marble whirlpool at the room’s centre.

Concealed behind glass doors, a large double walk-in shower houses not one but two rain shower heads.

In addition to the main bathroom, there’s also a secondary guest powder room.

For added grandeur, the pantry is equipped with a service entrance and can be connected to a Two-Queen Guest Room to create a three-bedroom suite.

Lastly, the Presidential Suite has sweeping vistas of Downtown Montreal and the Saint Lawrence River.

If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury and style, the Four Seasons Montreal Presidential Suite is modern, chic, and breathtaking. In particular, the marble-clad bathroom is nothing short of incredible, with an in-room whirlpool and dual rain shower heads.

Four Seasons Montreal – Breakfast

Nestled on the third floor of the Four Seasons Montreal is its signature restaurant Marcus, which is led by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelson. I had the pleasure of having breakfast here, and in the evening, I hosted a friend for dinner.

For breakfast, my travel companion and I sampled the lobster omelette and the eggs Benedict, respectively, which hit the spot just right to get us started for the day.

Four Seasons Montreal – Dining

Marcus is a sprawling restaurant with a terrace, bar, and lounge area. These four spaces are collectively referred to as the “Social Square.”

The interiors are an opulent mix of light tones, melding together marble, brass, white oak, and velvet. Herringbone wood floors and delicate lighting fixtures add to an alluring backdrop.

The seating options are as varied as they are plush, with dark legless benches wrapping around columns, light upholstered benches, and regular dining tables arranged throughout the space.

The main dining room has a more classic brasserie vibe, complete with curving wood and leather banquets, rattan seating, and monolithic marble partitions.

The restaurant features an open kitchen, and you can observe the chefs working their magic. 

My friend and I were fortunate enough to sample several dishes at Marcus, and each one was truly top-notch, bursting with flavour and innovation. The uni toast, in particular, was a dish to remember. 

In addition to the main dining area, Marcus also boasts a terrasse, which becomes an open-air patio in the summertime.

The terrace teeming with lush foliage and bespoke furniture, and you can take in breathtaking views of the city while admiring the Leonard Cohen mural.

Lastly, there’s a hidden speakeasy-style area tucked away behind the bar itself, complete with a dark green and charcoal palette that evokes the flora found on Montreal’s Mount Royal.

The design impresses with its artful composition, making it feel as if trees are climbing up and over the space. Plush booth and sofa-style seating options provide ample opportunities to indulge in a carefully crafted cocktail.

Four Seasons Montreal – Other Facilities

The Four Seasons Montreal is home to a Guerlain Spa, which is open daily from 9am–7pm.

The Guerlain Spa had a unique relaxation room that caught my attention, including a path of jagged stones thoughtfully designed to stimulate circulation. Further inside, tranquil pools of water with more of these textured stones awaited.

Although I might’ve hoped to indulge in a hot tub or jacuzzi in the spa instead, I decided to give the stone path a try, and it proved to be an intriguing and novel experience.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s indoor pool looked like a pleasant spot for lounging or swimming laps, and there’s also a sauna and steam room available for use.

Lastly, the fitness centre was undoubtedly a standout, boasting a wide variety of modern equipment. There is an ample supply of treadmills, weight machines, and free weights, which offer an excellent opportunity for a comprehensive workout.

Conclusion

The Four Seasons Montreal has been widely considered the best luxury hotel in Montreal since its opening in 2019, and on this showing, I’d say that’s a reputation well earned. 

The property is truly a visual masterpiece, featuring arguably the most impressive interior décor that I’ve encountered at any Canadian hotel, thanks to its softly illuminated surfaces and elegant blend of marbled and mirrored surfaces.

I was also thoroughly impressed by the dining options, and if you’re in the city and looking to experience some fine dining, consider adding Marcus to your list of restaurants to visit.

If you’re looking for a sophisticated and memorable stay in the heart of Montreal, the Four Seasons is a destination that surpasses all expectations.