InterContinental Montreal

Just as it bridges the physical gap between Vieux Montréal and the busy financial district, the InterContinental Montreal bridges the stylistic gap between the boutiques of the old town and the luxury hotels of the city center. Of course in its fundamentals, in its size and its comprehensive services, it’s much closer to the latter; but in stylistic matters it’s clear that its redesign took its cues from some of its small-but-chic neighbors.

The result is subtle. With high-rise views and floor-to-ceiling windows, these plush, oversized rooms and suites are anything but edgy. But neither are they bland, by any means — the furnishings are modernist classics, and the palette is rich and full of contrasts. In the end, though, you’re here because the visual charms are only multiplied by the tactile ones, from the lavish bathrooms to the plush robes and L’Occitane bath products (in Club rooms and above).

Osco! — exclamation point and all — is the InterContinental’s Provençal restaurant, which comes complete with a pair of private dining rooms for special events. And Montréal being what it is, the bar would have to be a somewhat decadent affair: Sarah B. is named for Sarah Bernhardt, and the specialty is absinthe, both behind the bar and in the emerald-green décor.

How to get there:
Intercontinental Montreal is 5 km (10 min) from Como, 20 km (20 min) from Montreal International Airport. Transfers can be arranged for USD38 by taxi and USD50 for a limousine.