InterContinental Montreal

Fronting a busy street, the InterContinental is a modern 26-story building with a corner column of tourelles that give a nod to the 19th century. The contemporary and traditional also intersect inside the plush lobby, where dark wood paneling and an elegant coffered ceiling are offset by curvaceous couches and arty abstract carpets. Because the hotel is connected to the Montreal Convention Center and part of the Montreal World Trade Centre, it understandably attracts corporate types; however, garden-variety tourists and vacationing families are warmly welcomed as well. Family Suites are available for the latter, as are adjoining rooms, and all kids receive a gift bag on arrival. 

Located in the so-called "Quartier International," between the bustling downtown and beautifully preserved Old Montreal, this hotel makes a convenient base for both business and leisure travelers. Top destinations for either are within an easy walk. For instance, the Montreal Convention Centre (aka Palais des Congrès), Notre-Dame Basilica, several top museums plus plenty of popular dining and shopping spots are less than 10 minutes away on foot. Two metro stations (Place d’Arme and Square-Victoria, a four- and six-minute walk respectively) allow access to other areas of the city via public transit. Guests who prefer to drive can grab a cab at the hotel entrance or bring their own car -- paid valet and self-parking are available on-site. - Three-minute walk to the Montreal Convention Centre

• Eight-minute walk to Notre-Dame Basilica
• Eight-minute walk to the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History
• Nine-minute walk to the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art
• Nine-minute walk to Sainte-Catherine Street’s shops and restaurants
• 11-minute walk to Central Station
• 12-minute walk to Place Jacques Cartier
• 14-minute walk to the Montreal Science Centre
• 15-minute walk to Bell Centre Area 
• 30-minute drive to Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (44 minutes by public transport)

With the exception of the creamy Presidential Suite, all of the carpeted, air-conditioned accommodations here have a dusky rose palette, mahogany-toned furnishings, and beds with leather-and-suede headboards and quality linens. The resulting look is moody modern or just plain dark, depending on your taste. Though they may be showing some wear and tear, all rooms also have the desired modern perks: minibars, Keurig coffeemakers, 40-inch LCD TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi among them. Certain options offer fine city views through their floor-to-ceiling windows, too. In all but the smallest choices, the marble bathrooms have tubs along with glassed-in showers; bathrobes, hairdryers and Agraria toiletries are standard issue as well. Suites add separate living areas (many of which contain a sofa bed) and top category ones boast bonuses like fireplaces, dining rooms, and kitchens or kitchenettes. It's worth noting that guests staying in Club InterContinental rooms and suites (as well as any IHG Platinum members) also receive free breakfasts and happy-hour hors-d'œuvres in a private lounge.

As a boon to business travelers, the InterContinental has its own function rooms and, as part of the World Trade Centre, offers more in the Nordheimer Building (an atmospheric Victorian annex). This in addition to being connected to Montreal’s largest convention center. There’s also a 24-hour business center in the lobby with computers and copying/printing equipment. Guests with Club InterContinental privileges can access other computers (plus reading materials, a bar, and more) in the club lounge. This space also serves free breakfasts and happy-hour hors-d'œuvres to guests staying in higher-category rooms or IHG Platinum members.All guests can enjoy the hotel’s elegant brasserie, Osco! -- even the little ones, who may order from a kid-centric menu. Osco! focuses on Provencal-style fare (picture a foie gras terrine, followed by sea bass bouillabaisse or calamari risotto) and offers an impressive selection of wines. You can start the day there with a buffet breakfast and end it at the intimate Sarah B.: a vintage-look bar, inspired by French actress Sarah Bernhardt, that specializes in old-school absinthe and creative cocktails. Health-minded travelers may prefer to unwind at the InterContinental’s top-notch fitness center, which includes a 49-foot saltwater lap pool, a well-equipped exercise room, saunas, a steam bath and a tempting outdoor terrace. Appointments with personal trainers and massage therapists can be arranged. Other hotel features include a 24-hour front desk; concierge services; event planning services; dry cleaning/laundry service; free Wi-Fi; room service; and babysitting on request. Families receive gift bags for their kids, and cots and cribs can be requested.  Pet owners should note that animals may also stay for a nightly surcharge, and they're given special goodies, too.