LHotel

Living up to its motto, "Dare to be different," the LHotel Montreal makes an artsy statement right away, with Robert Indiana’s "LOVE" sculpture sitting next to this 1870-built hotel's front door. The property is owned by Georges Marciano, co-creator of Guess Jeans, and his art collection is this hotel's pride and joy -- including pieces by Andy Warhol, Fernando Botero, and Marc Chagall. Much of the original 19th century designs in this former Montreal City and District Savings Bank have been preserved. Montreal lawyer Jean Drapeau’s former office and a former vault have both been converted into suites, and there are plenty of period furnishing and fabrics throughout. Blue-and-gold patterned carpeting, flat-screen TVs, and furniture sits about the lobby, where glowing blue designs illuminate from the lobby bar -- it's a lively place to hang out with a drink. Movie posters signed by stars hang in the stairwells and classic furnishings mix with pop artwork in the hotel's corridors -- a combination that’s isn’t always attractive. Business travelers wanting to be close to the Montreal Convention Center and couples who are drawn by the hotel's Old Montreal location choose to stay here.

Near the border of Chinatown, this hotel sits within scenic Old Montreal, a tourist-heavy area that's lined with quaint cafes and cobblestone streets. Notre-Dame Basilica is a five-minute walk from the hotel, while the Old Port and summer shopping on the Place Jacques Cartier are a 10-minute walk. The Montreal Convention Center is within three minutes on foot, which is convenient trip for business travelers, while the Place D'Armes Metro station is a five-minute walk from the hotel for farther destinations. It takes 25 minutes by metro to reach the Montreal Museum of Fine Art, and the Musee d'Art Contemporain is a 15-minute walk from the hotel in the Quartier des Spectacles. The trendy Mile End neighborhood is a 30-minute metro trip that includes a bit of walking, while Marche Jean-Talon is a 20-minute journey. Downtown Montreal is a 10-minute train ride. Valet parking is available on-site and three nearby garages offer more parking options. Canadiens hockey games at Bell Centre are 15 minutes away by metro and the drive to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport takes 25 minutes.

This hotel has 56 rooms that feature monogramed pillows, floral textiles, hardwood furniture with classic and antique lines, and walls in hues like yellow, green, and blue. The atmosphere is comfortable, but the mixture of pop artwork and classic furniture doesn’t always blend well, and some of the furniture isn't in the best shape or simply looks dated. All rooms are spacious, though, which isn't always a given in central Montreal, and the lowest category room, Superior Rooms, have 300 to 440 square feet of space (28 to 41 square meters). Suites are a step above the other room categories, and some feature 12-foot ceilings and electric fireplaces. Executive Suites and one-bedroom Queen Suites have sofa beds in the living rooms. The swankiest of all is Jean Drapeau’s Office (also known as the King Suite). This room features chandeliers, handsome wooden paneling, and a sauna, and decor is a more seamless blend of new and old. All rooms have coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and safes. With attractive black-and-white checkered floors, attractive bathrooms offer hairdryers and shower/tub combos and/or showers. Some suites have whirlpool tubs. 

The Winter Garden Dining Room -- decorated in zebra chairs with chandeliers dangling from a skylight -- offers a nice continental spread in the mornings that includes bagels, Starbucks coffee, croissants, and gluten-free options. There is no lunch or dinner service on site. Botero Wine Bar in the lobby has lovely 19th century decor mixed with trendy blue lighting and decor. The bar occasionally has live entertainment, and there's a computer and printer by the bar. Two meeting spaces -- the Conference and Verriere rooms -- respectively fit 40 and 50 people. In-room massages can be arranged, but the hotel doesn’t have a spa. The Sam Francis Gym is a small space, offering modern cardio machines and free weights. City information, tickets, and restaurants reservations can be provided by the front desk. Wi-Fi is free throughout.