The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal

When it opened on New Year's Eve 1912, The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal set the standard for luxury in Canada. Swiss hotelier César Ritz lent his name under specific conditions: each room would have a private bathroom, kitchens on every floor, 24-hour valet service, a skilled concierge, and a grand staircase for guests to make a spectacular entrance. The hotel quickly became a hub for stars, royalties, and influential figures. In 1919, Edward, Prince of Wales, began staying in the Vice-Royal Suite, establishing a tradition of royal visits.

Over the decades, the Ritz-Carlton expanded and evolved. A 10-story wing, now known as the Annex, was added in 1956, matching the style of the original building. The hotel has hosted historic moments, like the 1964 wedding of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in the Royal Suite.

As the only AAA Five Diamond Hotel in Quebec, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal is celebrated as one of the city's most prestigious 5-star luxury hotels. Today, after more than 110 years and over $200 million in renovations, the hotel honors its history while embracing modern luxury, offering guests a European-inspired retreat in Montreal

Opened in 1912, the Ritz-Carlton, Montreal is the only grand luxury hotel in the city that has continued operating in its original role without changing purpose over the years. The building is especially recognized for its elegant facades and refined Adam-style interiors, which have made it one of the notable architectural landmarks in Montreal. These classical design elements give the property a timeless look that still defines much of its character today.

A major renovation and expansion later refreshed the hotel while carefully respecting its historic identity. Original guest rooms and public spaces were restored, and a contemporary residential wing was added. The new structure uses glass and steel, designed to echo the rhythm of the historic facade without imitating it directly. Additional floors were set back from the roofline so the building's original architectural profile remains intact.

The expansion also added private luxury residences that connect to the hotel, with a separate entrance and their own elevators. Within the hotel itself, dedicated accessible rooms are designed for travelers with mobility needs, helping make the historic property more welcoming and practical for a wide range of visitors.

Maison Boulud

Maison Boulud is a French restaurant located within the Ritz-Carlton, Montreal. The kitchen, led by two-Michelin-star Chef Daniel Boulud, focuses on French culinary traditions while using local and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant layout includes a main dining room with a fireplace and views of the open kitchen, a greenhouse that is open year-round overlooking the hotel garden, a bar, private dining spaces, and two summer terraces. Visitors can expect dishes that reflect classic French techniques with modern touches.

Opening hours: 7:00 am - 10:00 am (Monday - Tuesday); 7:00 am - 10:00 am, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (Wednesday - Sunday)

Dress Code: Smart casual

The Palm Court

The Palm Court has been part of the Ritz-Carlton, Montreal since 1912 and is well-known for its classic afternoon tea. Guests can enjoy a variety of teas, along with freshly made sandwiches, scones, and pastries from the hotel's pastry chef. The space also offers a lounge experience in collaboration with Dom Pérignon, where visitors can relax with drinks in the historic atmosphere.

Opening hours: 11:30 am - 11:00 pm (daily)

Dress Code: Casual

For more than a century, The Ritz-Carlton Montreal has served as a setting for weddings and celebrations. The hotel offers over 12,000 square feet (1,115 square meters) of event space across 12 venues. allowing couples to host both intimate ceremonies and larger receptions. Celebrations can take place indoors or outdoors, including spaces such as the Oval Room with access to a terrace and garden. Catering is overseen by Executive Chef Romain Valico, whose menus draw inspiration from French cuisine while highlighting seasonal and local ingredients. Pastry Chef Claude Guérin creates custom wedding cakes and desserts. The hotel also provides a full kosher kitchen for traditional ceremonies.

A dedicated wedding planning team assists couples with details such as menu selections, floor plans, and event coordination. Floral arrangements can be designed through the hotel's Alain Simon Floral Studio, which creates custom bouquets and centerpieces inspired by natural elements.

Some of the wedding venues at the hotel include:

Gold and Grey Room
Venue type and style: Overlooking the gardens, these connected spaces can be arranged for larger receptions and celebrations
Capacity: Up to 250 guests

Ritz and Carlton Rooms
Venue type and style: These spaces are designed for smaller ceremonies or receptions, offering a more intimate setting.
Capacity: Up to 60 guests

Blue Room
Venue type and style: A blue-toned event space often used for smaller ceremonies or gatherings at the start of a wedding celebration.
Capacity: Up to 60 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Travelers staying at the Ritz-Carlton, Montreal can begin by exploring the amenities available within the hotel itself. The property's Spa St. James offers a calm retreat with waterfalls, fireplaces, and an indoor saltwater pool overlooking the city skyline. The spa features a range of treatments that incorporate natural ingredients, including regional elements such as the Canadian maple sugar.

Signature offerings include aromatherapy treatments and advanced facials. The spa area also includes a relaxation lounge, steam room, sauna, salon, and nail suite. For those who prefer to stay active during their trip, the hotel provides a fitness center. Some treatments draw inspiration from local traditions, including massages that incorporate techniques such as reflexology and hot stone therapy.

Beyond the hotel, Montreal offers a wide variety of cultural landmarks and attractions. One of the city's most recognizable sites is the Notre-Dame Basilica, known for its architecture that depicts scenes from the city's history. Music enthusiasts may also attend performances by the Montreal Symphony Orchestra at the nearby Maison Symphonique de Montréal. Other well-known places to visit include the Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, one of the largest shrines dedicated to Saint Joseph in the world.

Museums such as the McCord Museum showcase historical collections related to Canadian culture, while the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts houses thousands of works ranging from antiquity to contemporary art. Travelers visiting with family or those interested in outdoor activities will also find several options nearby. A zipline runs across Old Montreal and the Old Port, while the amusement park La Ronde offers rides and seasonal attractions. Outdoor spaces such as Parc-Jean-Drapeau provide beach areas and recreational activities, and golfers can visit the historic Country Club of Montreal, located a short distance from the hotel.

The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal, also hosts a range of corporate events and private celebrations. The hotel offers several meeting and event spaces that can accommodate everything from small boardroom discussions to larger private celebrations. Many of these rooms include built-in presentation technology such as screens, projectors, and audiovisual systems, along with technical assistance and 24-hour business center access. The hotel also hosts private celebrations such as cocktail nights, graduations, fundraising events, kosher events, and other social gatherings. Some venues open onto a garden and terrace connected to the main ballroom, offering a lovely outdoor setup. Event planning staff assist with coordinating details, allowing the spaces to adapt easily to both formal occasions and relaxed celebrations.