Hotel Gault

In the late 1800s, the five-story building that's now home to Hotel Gault housed the headquarters of a textile import-export company. Some industrial features have been preserved in the interiors, and influenced the hotel's trendy, industrial-chic design approach. Details such as cast-iron columns in the lobby (painted white), exposed brick or stone walls, concrete floors, and reproduction tin ceilings create a hip, urban feel that wouldn't be out of place in New York City's SoHo neighborhood. Furniture is high-design and streamlined; much of it feels mid-century modern. Art is a major focus here, and work by Canadian artists is displayed throughout, including in the guest rooms, giving some of them the feel of the lofts of successful artists. (In fact, entry-level rooms are appropriately called Lofts -- though some rooms have no artwork displayed and feel a touch bare.) Though the hotel mostly draws couples in town for leisure, families may appreciate the adjoining rooms or the kitchen-equipped Apartments. 

Hotel Gault has an excellent location in Old Montreal, one of the city's most popular tourist neighborhoods, thanks to its many restaurants, shops, museums, and beautiful historic architecture (to which Hotel Gault's facade contributes). It's a bit south of some of the main sights, but still within walking distance; the Palais de Justice de Montréal, which marks the neighborhood's center, is a nine-minute walk north. It's a three-minute walk to Square Victoria (and its Orange Line metro station), a three-minute walk to the World Trade Center (right at the neighborhood's border with downtown, the city's business district), a 12-minute walk to Place Jacques Cartier, a square of shops, and a 13-minute walk to the Old Port. The Montreal Trudeau International is a 25-minute drive away.

With a history dating back to 1642, Old Montreal is, well, old. This well-preserved neighborhood might be one of the prettiest and most fascinating quarters of the city. While summers give way to lively street festivals and restaurant terraces brimming with energy, winters offer a much more mellow and relaxed pace.

The Hotel Gault's modern rooms have streamlined decor mostly in shades of gray and white, as well as oak cabinetry; some have local artwork on display while others have little adornment and can feel a touch bare. All of the Junior Suites have exposed brick or stone walls, which adds interest. The space and amenities impress at every level; the standard Lofts start at a spacious 350 square feet (32.5 square meters), and all rooms have flat-screen TVs starting at 40 inches (some have Blu-Ray and 3D functionality); free Wi-Fi, free local calls, loaner iPads (upon request), and comfortable FLOU beds (queen- or king-size). Bathrooms have heated floors, robes, Molton Brown toiletries, and walk-in showers; upgrading to a Suite also gets you a standalone soaking tub. Minibars are stocked with beers, mini liquor bottles, juices, and a few snacks. Suites with big terraces are available, as are kitchen-equipped Apartments. Housekeeping is provided twice a day, indicative of the hotel's high level of service. Turndown service includes chocolates, Gault water bottles, and the weather forecast. 

The restaurant at the Gault serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch, but not dinner, though room service is available around the clock. Breakfast options typically include fruit, pastries, omelets, crepes, and bagels, among other items. Food can be served in the lounge, by the fireplace, or in-room. The bar also serves coffee, teas, wine, and cocktails daily until midnight. There is a 24-hour gym (which is tiny in size, essentially housing two machines) accessed by elevator -- no need to foray into the lobby. Towels and water bottles are provided. There is not a spa on the property but the hotel has a relationship with the nearby Spa By Valmont. Valet parking is offered for a fee, and pets are allowed for a fee.