InterContinental Montreal Hotel: Hotel Review
Located exactly where you need to be, the InterContinental Montreal hotel exudes grace and comfort, elegantly seducing you with tranquil decor and hints of Provence, but it is the local flair that really makes you feel welcome from the moment you step on the escalator to the main lobby on the second floor. I am told the decor reflects the seasons…and you can see the InterContinental Montreal has embraced the Quebec winter in colour scheme and accents. This is no wonder as they are also the partner hotel for the Snow Village – a unique experience that needs to be experienced to be appreciated!
Located in the heart of the International Quarter above Montreal’s World Trade Centre, the InterContinental Montreal is ideal for business or pleasure. The hotel leads out to the popular tourist district of Old Montreal with chic boutiques, amazing restaurants and the historic Old Port (Vieux Port de Montreal). With everything so accessible, you can check your car at the door…you won’t be needing it during your stay! Connected to Montreal’s Underground City and shopping district (officially known as Le RÉSO or La Ville Souterraine), blustery winter days won’t slow you down.
The comforts of the room were exactly as you would expect in a 4 diamond boutique hotel. Waking up in the morning, I couldn’t help but linger a little longer before getting my day started…I was just that comfortable. Breakfast continued the decadence with a flair of Provence in the French style brasserie. The hotel prides itself on the use of locally sourced ingredients and it was clearly represented in the flavours (hint: try the maple syrup crêpes - you are in for a treat!) All the staff I spoke with made me feel like I had come home rather than checked into an international hotel. I was given the “insider tips” to Montreal on a number of occasions, including where to go for a drink, and where to shop while in town. The attention to detail was incredible. It is no wonder the InterContinental Montreal won the Ulysse Trophy for best hotel in Montreal in 2010/2011.
The Sarah B (Absinthe) Bar
Every night of my stay, the Sarah B Bar was packed for the cinq à sept. Clearly, this was the place to be. Named after none other than the Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923), this atmospheric bar will enchant you. With an intermingling of past and present rituals, you will become enveloped in this cozy bar with “sexytude” where the spirit of the divine Sarah B lives on! For a special occasion or a gathering of friends, reserve the “Green Fairy” alcove for a more intimate night. Experience the specially crafted absinthe cocktails or partake in the Absinthe ritual - it’s part of the fascination of absinthe. No other drink is consumed in such a traditional manner with such carefully calibrated and executed ceremony. The Green Fairy host will walk you through the traditions of Absinthe and the special fountain used to recreate the perfect sample of Belle Epoque Absinthe.
InterContinental Montreal – Hotel Features
- 357 rooms including 23 suites
- Club InterContinental Lounge
- Concierge with business centre
- Valet parking underground
- The Nordheimer and The Vaults meeting and banquet centre
- Current Snow Village partner offering unique adventure opportunities and packages
- Unique hotel features include 23 points of interest (see the porcelain plate wall display outside the Sara B Bar among other features. Ask at front desk for more information.)
- Salt water lap pool and gym facility
InterContinental Montreal near Old Montreal’s Tourist and Business District
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport – 20Km (20 – 30 minutes)
- Bota Bota spa sur l’eau – 1Km (10 minutes walking)
- Clock Tower Quay (including marina, Peche Blanche Vieux Montreal, urban beach) – 1.5K (20 minutes walking)
- Walking distance to many restaurants, shops and Montreal’s Artist Alley
- Across the street from the Palais de Congres (Montreal Convention Centre)
- Pointe-a-Calliere: Museum of Archaeology and History – 0.7Km (8 minutes walking)
- Montreal Museum of Fine Arts – 2.2Km (30 minutes walking)
- Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art – 0.8Km (10 minutes walking)
- Notre Dame Basilica – 0.6Km (10 minutes walking)
- Marche Bonsecours – 1.3Km (15 minutes walking)
- Biodome – 8Km (16 minutes by car)
- Mount Royal Park – 6K (15 minutes by car)
Related Links:
- InterContinental Montreal Hotel
- InterContinental Montreal Concierge Video…this is my Montreal
- Montreal Bucket List: Unique winter experiences you have to try
- Montreal Tourism Board
I enjoyed a discounted rate on my room at the InterContinental Montreal Hotel, however all opinions remain my own.
it truly was a lovely hotel. my absolute favorite part was the staff. they could not have been MORE welcoming, friendly & helpful. i was in such good hands while stranded in Montreal due to the NEMO snow storm. InterContinental Montreal’s service is the number one reason i will go back to stay with them!
Posted by lola | February 13, 2013, 9:18 amCouldn’t agree more Lola! A special thank you to all the staff at the hotel…they really went above and beyond. So glad that you stayed the extra night – the roads were not fit!
Special mention for the staff going above and beyond – I was marvelling about the art in the hotel by one of the local artists (check out Lisabel.ca) and next thing you knew, introductions were made as the artist was in the Sara B Bar at the time.
With such great personal service, I will be coming back to the InterContinental for sure!
Posted by Anita Mac | February 13, 2013, 10:54 amAwesome review! Just down the road of where I work..definitely a convenient location and very elegant
Posted by Kim @ Tranquil Dreams | February 13, 2013, 9:20 amSo true…amazing location. The elegance and comfort only made it better.
Posted by Anita Mac | February 13, 2013, 10:54 amIt looks like a fabulous place. I can’t get over how deep that mattress is , I guess it guaranteed a wonderful night’s sleep.
Posted by The Guy | February 13, 2013, 9:26 amThe mattress was so comfortable…I really wanted to take it home. Love when I feel that way at a hotel.
Posted by Anita Mac | February 13, 2013, 10:55 amVery nice! I’m making plans to visit the east coast sometime this year, Maybe I will make plans to dine or even stay here. Love the presentation and decor
Posted by andy1076 | February 13, 2013, 10:36 amYou really should Andy! I didn’t even get a chance to talk about the Executive Chef at the hotel….his attention to detail and the dishes coming out of the kitchen are truly mouthwatering. He has been written up in a number of major publications…he has a stellar future ahead of him. The executive chef is Matthieu Saunier. He brings the influences of the South of France to his creations…I am sure you will enjoy!
Posted by Anita Mac | February 13, 2013, 11:00 amLooks like a place that Mrs. O would like!
Posted by Ana Silva O'Reilly (@mrsoaroundworld) | April 9, 2013, 12:05 pmI can easily say that yes, you would approve of the InterContinental in Montreal!
Posted by Anita Mac | April 9, 2013, 12:18 pmGreat review! I will have to stay here next time I make it to Montreal, as it seems like it’s in the ideal location. Plus, I really want to visit the absinthe bar!
Posted by The World Wanderer (@TheWrldWanderer) | April 9, 2013, 3:32 pmIt is a great location. You will love it. The hotel has a great atmosphere too! You will have to try the absinthe bar. It has become a new fascination for me – so much behind the drink!
Posted by Anita Mac | April 10, 2013, 10:36 pmIntercontinental hotels are always some of the first ones I look for when it’s time to choose a place to stay. This one looks like it’d be a good choice when I come to Montreal this summer.
Posted by Leah Travels (@L_e_a_h) | April 10, 2013, 7:28 pmYou’ll love it Leah. I am sure of it. Will be perfect for getting out in the summer and exploring all that Montreal has to offer!
Posted by Anita Mac | April 10, 2013, 10:37 pmOMG! Montreal is high on our list. LOVE the decor and room layout in the first pics – my kind of room.
Posted by Kieu ~ GQ trippin | April 10, 2013, 10:24 pmIt was pretty sweet! One could quite easily be very comfy here. The rooms are beautiful and the beds super comfy.
Posted by Anita Mac | April 10, 2013, 10:38 pmAny chance they could move this hotel to Toronto for my stay during TBEX? Love the sound of the vibe at the cool bar. It is probably a good thing it is not in Toronto as I would not leave the bar.
Posted by Traveling Ted (@travelingted) | April 10, 2013, 11:35 pmThis hotel junkie is impressed! Intercontinental is one of the most consistent brands out there, at least in my opinion. Looks like the version in Montreal is doing the group proud. And an absinthe bar? Now I’m intrigued….
Posted by D.J. - The World of Deej | April 11, 2013, 9:10 amTripAdvisor, eat your heart out!! Great review.
Posted by ilivetotravel | April 12, 2013, 7:08 pmYou stop it right now! Maple syrup crêpes AND absinthe?! You just named two of our favorite things. I’m with Ted. Can we have this hotel moved for TBEX?
Posted by Chris & Tawny (@CaptainandClark) | April 13, 2013, 7:57 pman absynthe ritual seems veerrrry risky. but hey, when in rome…
Posted by the lazy travelers | April 17, 2013, 11:52 am