The prestigious Ritz-Carlton Montreal reopens after $200 million transformation

“The Ritz-Carlton’s founders wanted to give Montreal a haven of comfort that is every bit as outstanding as the world’s iconic hotels. Today, Montreal is rediscovering this unique treasure, which will continue to attract discerning, high-profile guests from around the world.”
Andrew Torriani, CEO

MONTREAL, May 28, 2012 — Today marks the official reopening of the Ritz-Carlton Montreal, following an extensive $200 million restoration, where no effort was spared in combining the latest amenities with the splendour of the past and the distinction of a leading hotel. The Grande Dame of Sherbrooke Street is back — in all her glory.

“We get few such opportunities in life. We are extremely proud to reopen this emblem of the very best Montreal has to offer. Montrealers and past guests will still recognize their hotel, but we believe they’ll be simply delighted by the improvements they see,” said Andrew Torriani, president and general manager of the Ritz-Carlton Montreal. “The Ritz-Carlton Montreal is a showcase of modern luxury, but has not lost the discreet charm of the past or the aura of its rich history. Along with the hotel’s reopening, Montreal is also welcoming two global icons of sophistication: the distinguished Maison Boulud restaurant by acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud and the legendary Tiffany & Co.’s jewellery boutique.”

For Montreal’s mayor, Gérald Tremblay, “the Ritz-Carlton has always been one of our treasured establishments. We are very pleased to know that this prestigious institution is reclaiming its place in a part of the city that is currently transforming itself for the benefit of Montrealers and visitors from around the world. It represents an important advantage for a metropolis determined to distinguish itself.”

A first-class transformation

Under the direction of Quebec architectural firm Provencher Roy + Associés, the iconic Montreal hotel underwent an exhaustive transformation. The building’s façade was preserved and restored, public spaces were renovated and upgraded, and the guestrooms were redesigned to feature the very best in luxury and comfort. The Ritz-Carlton Montreal now has 98 rooms and 31 suites. The 4,700-square-foot Royal Suite is the largest hotel suite in Montreal.
“The restoration of the hotel and its reconfiguration posed a challenge: that of adopting a contemporary design while maintaining a harmonious dialogue with the original building. We therefore integrated the principles of the celebrated Venice Charter into our concept, as well as recommendations made in the heritage study of the Ritz-Carlton Montreal under the supervision of Jean-Claude Marsan,” said Claude Provencher, the project’s architect.
The building’s façade was preserved and restored, as were the Lobby, the Palm Court, the Oval Room and the hotel’s famed garden. Many decorative details from 1912, such as marble fireplaces in some of the suites, reflect this masterful blend of old and new.
While the guestrooms are comfortable and welcoming, they also feature high-tech amenities, such as thermostats that intuitively remember a guest’s temperature preferences upon check-in, and motion sensors that activate lights when guests enter a dark room.

Environmental responsibility was a key principle in the renovation and numerous energy-saving features were integrated in the design and construction of the hotel. A sophisticated building management system adjusts lighting, heating and air conditioning of each hotel room according to weather conditions and room occupancy. All excess energy is being recouped and reused in heating and air conditioning. Other areas of the property that have been designed to reduce the environmental impact are the salt-water swimming pool, which is entirely heated with excess heat from the hotel’s kitchen, and the herb garden terrace which will furnish fresh produce with zero transportation footprint to the kitchens of Maison Boulud and the hotel.
Sophisticated contemporary amenities

The Ritz-Carlton Montreal offers guests a wealth of amenities at their fingertips. The more than 10,000 square feet of meeting space are flexible and offer event planners the possibility of accommodating up to 300 people. The rooms are suitable for both board meetings and gala events. One-of-a-kind touches abound, such as the ability to fully open windows in all the function spaces and the latest in audiovisual technology.

Guests can dine at acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant, Maison Boulud, in the 130-seat dining room, the 46-seat year-round greenhouse, or on the new terrace on Sherbrooke Street. They can enjoy afternoon tea in the hotel’s impeccable garden, work out at the gym or take a dip in the new indoor salt-water pool with panoramic views over the city.

“Those who were familiar with the Ritz-Carlton Montreal before the transformation will find the same attentive service and stately atmosphere, along with the new high-end amenities found in contemporary luxury hotels. Those who are discovering the hotel for the first time will enjoy a unique experience featuring impeccable service in a stunning setting and outstanding comfort,” concluded Mr. Torriani.