The Place d'Armes Hotel & Suites is located a few steps away from the Notre-Dame Basilica in the old city (Vieux-Montréal) of Montreal, Quebec. Montreal's historic sites such as the Old Port and the Palais des Congrès are a short walk away from this hotel. The nearest airport, the Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is just 12 miles away. Built in the late 19th century, this European style structure was opened as a hotel in 2000.

The Place d'Armes Hotel & Suites is housed in three adjoining commercial buildings from the Victorian era. The hotel offers 83 guestrooms and 52 suites. These include six balcony studios with private terrace and five penthouses. All rooms feature high ceilings, large, arched windows fitted with slatted blinds and ornate crown moldings and are done up in rosewood-finished furniture. All the rooms have been decorated in a simple, contemporary style with period colors. Many of the rooms have original brick walls, fireplaces and even slate floors in bathrooms.

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First Impression/Lobby: As soon as we pulled up in front of the Place d'Armes, we were warmly welcomed and quickly attended to. Our bags were unloaded and car valeted away within a minute. The lobby's stately columns feature carved capitals. The numerous plants added a dash of color to the modern, minimalist and dark furniture. The lobby of Place d'Armes was simple, elegant, gorgeous and lavish, all at the same time.

Reception: Our check-in was quick and easy with the paperwork over in a jiffy. Moreover, our welcome was true and sincere. It was nice to be treated in such a special way.

The Suite: Our penthouse suite was simply gorgeous and featured high ceilings, a large living room and a separate bedroom. The living room was well laid out with a pull-out sofa, television, working desk, ergonomic chair, reading armchair, dining table and chandeliers. An electric fireplace, original brick walls, and chic design added a special touch to this room. The work space was fitted with multi line and cordless telephones with voice mail and complementary internet access.

The large bedroom of our penthouse suite at Place D’Armes featured a 32" flat-screen LCD television, lots of closet space and a king-size bed with 200-thread count sheets, down comforters and pillows, bathrobes, slippers and plush towels. An in-room electronic safe, mini bar, stereo system with electronic alarm clock and a CD player were the other amenities present in the bedroom.

The luxurious bathroom was tiled in black granite and white marble and well stocked with their own Rainspa bath products. The bathroom was fitted with a therapeutic soaker tub and a rain shower head. However there didn’t seem to be enough water pressure for the rain shower to work properly, so instead of a heavy rain, it was more of a light sprinkle. Nonetheless, the bathroom , as well as every inch of our Place D’Armes penthouse suite was stunning beyond compare.

Room Service: Though the in-room dining was priced reasonably, the selection of dishes was rather limited. There was a $3.00 delivery charge, again very reasonable. However, when the room service attendant brought our breakfast up, he simply put the whole tray on the table and left, rather than set up our food on the table. At a small boutique hotel like this, I would expect the hotel to go one step ahead and actually set the table. Also, our order came up incomplete and it took a good 20 minutes to get the remainder of our order.

Housekeeping: The housekeeping was, in one word, stellar. The nightly turn down service was flawless with the beds turned down, lights dimmed and music playing. In addition, chocolates, a bottle of water and the next day’s weather forecast was laid out beside our bed. A thoughtful and warm touch indeed.

Concierge: We did not use the 24-hour concierge for anything other than re-booking our dinner reservations and for directions. However, each time we called them, our call was answered within just a ring or two and when we had to leave a message they called us back without delay.

Restaurant: The acclaimed Aix Cuisine du Terroir is located on the promenade level of the hotel and offers exotic local Quebec dishes. Decorated in cream leather banquettes, flickering gas lamps and dark wood, this restaurant has a contemporary décor. Soft music plays in the background. Wines are selected by the house sommelier.

The Suite-701-Lounge housed in the former Great Scottish Life Building serves cocktails and modern cuisine. The main lounge features floor-to-ceiling arched windows. The dining area is appointed with banquettes, tables and an extra-long bar. This gourmet bar/lounge has an urban chic décor. A complimentary wine-and-cheese cocktail is held here for houseguests in the afternoon. Terrasse 701, the rooftop terrace is open during summer months and offers splendid views of Old Montreal, Notre Dame Basilica and the Mont-Royal. Decorated with white leather couches and low tables, the terrace is also fitted with retractable awnings. This place is divided into two sections, one for drinks alone and the other offers dining options from the lounge menu.

Pool/Spa/Activities: The 2,000-square-foot Rain Spa at Place d'Armes offers a range of treatments, a Vichy shower room and a Hammam, a traditional Middle-Eastern steam bath. The complimentary fitness center is equipped with state-of-the-art machines and amenities.

The Place d'Armes also offers a banquet hall, five meeting rooms and a 24-hour business center with wireless high speed internet.

Check-Out: The check-our process went pretty much the way we thought it would go, quick and easy. One billing issue was promptly addressed and we were on our way before we knew it.

Overall Impression: Every aspect of the Place d'Armes was gorgeously designed and decorated, well thought out and perfectly executed. The staff we dealt with were very professional and in most cases, service oriented. This hotel combines classic urban chic with 19th-century architecture and is definitely a place I would love to visit again and again. The Place d'Armes Hotel & Suites is a boutique hotel in Montreal that I highly recommend. You would have nothing but pleasant memories if you stayed here. Bombastic!

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