Chateau Versailles

Chateau Versailles comprises four early 20th-century town houses that occupy land formerly owned by the Gentlemen of St. Sulpice, a 17th-century aristocratic French religious order. The elegant property, with ornate carved detailing on its pale stone facade, fits in among the historic mansions and town houses that line Sherbrooke Street east of downtown. Inside, historic details such as ceiling friezes and 13 original fireplaces impart a swanky look and a sense of the past. Hallways and the Salon Le Boudoir (the hotel's sole public space, a living-room-like area where breakfast is served) are classically decorated with navy-blue and forest-green carpeting, handsome wood furnishings, and richly upholstered chairs and couches. Throughout the hotel are original artwork and antiques, such as an Art Deco lamp and a sewing machine that once belonged to Montreal fashion designer Gabrielle Bernier, who lived in one of the town houses. Fruit-infused ice water in the lobby is a nice touch, and although there's no elevator, staff will carry guests' bags up to their rooms. The property is quiet and mellow, and tends to attract older tourists and couples. 

The hotel is on Sherbrooke Street, just beyond the border of Montreal's Golden Mile, an area with antique shops, designer boutiques, patisseries, and art galleries. It's a five minute walk to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and a 15- to 20-minute walk to the heart of downtown. For those who prefer not to walk, a bus stops right outside the hotel (it's about a 15-minute ride to downtown), and the Guy-Concordia metro station is within a five-minute walk. Mont Royal Park is about a 10-minute walk. Old Montreal is a 10-minute drive or a 25-minute trip on public transportation. Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is around a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic, or 35 minutes via public transportation.

Guest rooms continue the hotel's traditional aesthetic, which can look a bit dowdy in rooms that are beginning to show wear and tear. Framed artwork, however, adds a pleasant touch to each room, and the combination of striped and floral bedding and brightly painted walls feels cozy and warm. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, minibars, safes, ironing facilities, and robes. Bathrooms, with white tile and small shower/tub combos, are cramped; wall-mounted hairdryers and Canadian Crabtree and Evelyn brand toiletries are provided. Some rooms have electric fireplaces and desks, and the open-plan, high-ceilinged Versailles Suite has a whirlpool tub, and is decorated with Matisse reproductions. 

The free daily breakfast buffet includes (much raved about) croissants, along with fresh and dried fruit, an assortment of pastries and breads, yogurt, cereal, cold cuts, and the requisite coffee, tea, and juices. Room service is available from Branzino, the Mediterranean restaurant at the sister property Le Meridien across the street from Chateau Versailles. Afternoon tea and cookies are served in the Boudoir dining room. Guests can use the small 24-hour gym that has a handful of cardio machines, as well as the sauna. The hotel has a small business center with copy and fax services, and a flexible event space for up to 30 people. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. For families, the hotel loans out free playpens, and babysitting can be arranged. Valet parking is available for a fee.