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Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Category: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels [Edit]
900 Rene-Levesque Blvd. W.Montreal, QC H3B 1X8
(514) 861-3511
- Price Range:
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$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
21 reviews for Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Review Highlights
"access to the underground and a fantastic breakfast buffet."
(in 6 reviews)
"...plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance."
(in 3 reviews)
"Home of the John Lennon suite."
(in 2 reviews)
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20 reviews in English
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Review from Andrea Z.
Hamilton, ON
8/2/2011
I've stayed at the Fairmount in Montreal twice now, and both times I had a pleasant experience.
The hotel is located directly above the Montreal VIA Rail station, and is in walking distance of the Bonaventure metro (subway) stop. However, it's never labelled as The Queen Elizabeth Fairmount throughout the city, and instead is labelled as "Le Reine Elizabeth".
The staff at the hotel are attentive, quick and courteous. They pay attention to details you've placed in your online booking, and take the time to help you out. For instance, after noticing I booked a single room for four adults, they provided us with four room keys without hesitation.
At the same time, I found that the people working the concierge desk were extremely helpful when finding local restaurants, and when saving me money. For instance, telling me about the free coach services that ran out of the hotel to Montreal's casino.
The rooms are quite dated, having older televisions and phones, but since I didn't spend too much time in the room, I have no real complaints about them. Also, air conditioning does work in the rooms, providing a good nights rest on a hot summer night.
My only real complaints about the rooms are that, the duvets are way too heavy during the summer months, the bathrooms are extremely tight (you have no room to move around), if your placed near an elevator, you can hear the elevator all day, and you have to pay extra for additional features, such as: wifi, a mini fridge and a cot.
Despite the negative aspects, Le Reine Elizabeth is a great place to stay in Montreal even with the hefty price tag.
Though, I suggest eating outside the hotel as the restaurants inside are extremely expensive. -
Review from Sarah F.
9/16/2011
I recently traveled to Montreal, staying in this hotel as I was attending a conference there. This being my first trip outside of the United States, I had high hopes for a fun and restful trip. I had booked the rooms 3 months prior... so thought that everything was in order
We arrived at the hotel at 2:30pm along with many other attendees of the conference. When I got up to the desk, I was advised that my room was not ready yet, and that they could not provide me with a time of availability since "they have no control over housekeeping, but can put on a rush". We did arrive prior to the check in time of 4pm (which seems VERY late to me)-- but all other attendees that came in with us were accommodated into rooms immediately. We were offered a downgrade to a smaller room which was available immediately (not really the solution I was looking for).
After traveling since 3am, all me and my boyfriend really wanted was a place to drop our bags and refresh ourselves before the conference activities that evening. 2.5 hours later... after several trips up to the desk to check on our room-- all fruitless.... we were finally placed in a room-- 1 hour after check in time. Needless to say, not the way I wanted to start the trip-- and not much of an apology or "we're sorry for your wait" from the staff. We had contemplated finding another hotel to stay in, but I did not really want to have to walk to the conference each morning if I didn't have to.
Mattresses were EXTREMELY hard-- both my boyfriend and I woke most days with sore backs.
Staff in the hotel's bar and restaurants were superb, and definitely a highlight. I have a dairy allergy, and I was taken care of and accommodated well throughout the stay, which is much appreciated. -
Review from D'Arcy L.
Terrebonne, QC
12/15/2011
Stayed here this week for work for a conference. Was here 4 years ago as well! Rooms are small and bathrooms even smaller ( I was in a standard King room). We had food catered all week and the breakfasts were horrible (cold very few fresh selections), lunches were good and our gala evening dinner was excellent. Today I asked for a late checkout as I had to present at 2 PM and was denied anything later. I understand that this is the norm but no flexibility provided whatsoever. I'm a member of many other hotel points programs and have status at other hotels and with my status I can get late checkouts. Alas with Fairmont I'm a nobody so that's how I was treated when asked! Location is great but there is lots of selection for downtown hotels in this price range and area! Benefit of this hotel is it is connected to underground mall and train station with Place Ville-Marie. Downside is it makes a good warm home for some homeless people in the underground as I saw last night! Hotel was very busy with lots of different functions going on this week. Experience was okay, nothing wow great, nothing extremely bad!
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Review from Chloe P.
Ottawa, ON
8/14/2011
Great location, but I probably will not be back.
Everything left an "okay" taste in my mouth, it wasn't horrible, it wasn't amazing. -
Review from Richie S.
Standard Fairmont hotel experience and stay.
Luxurious reception area with multiple places to sit and rest. Fantastic location, as VIA runs and stops right underneath. Loads of places within walking distance, including old Montreal.
Rooms are not too small, but I recommend NOT getting the king-sized bed as it takes up the entire room.
Staff are top notch. Les Voyageurs / Montrealais Bistro are suprisingly good places to grab a meal.
If you can find a price break somewhere, take it. I find Fairmont hotels cost a little more than they should.Listed in: Everybody go Hotel, Motel,…
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Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
4/26/2009
Over the years I've enjoyed many a stay at this property starting back when it was still a Canadian Pacific property and more recently as a Fairmont. Over the years they have regularly kept the property updated but still with a sense of the history it holds.
I remember the funniest thing that ever happened to me while staying at the hotel though. I woke up one morning and went into the hall to see a whole bunch of secret service looking type guys - but bigger and more European looking.
I couldn't figure out what was going on, and wandered around the floor a bit and noticed some more sitting in front of one of the large suites on the floor. They were speaking Russian. Hm.....I was intrigued!
I asked who was in there, and they said, "You. Leave now." (put on your best Russian accent to get the full effect) Ok, ok, I left peacefully. But if it was someone cool I wanted to drink vodka with them!
Downstairs I couldn't help but ask around a bit and a bellhop was kind enough to let me know Boris Yeltsin was in residence. Go figure! Guess no vodka nights with him for me.
Fast forward to current year....On my latest stay they were kind enough to upgrade me to a complimentary junior suite (thank you Presidents Club - and no, not Russia's Presidents Club - Fairmont Presidents Club!). This worked out nicely with a small living room separated from the bedroom by French doors. It wasn't a huge suite, but nice and comfortable. I bet Boris had bigger - but not better!
They also included complimentary breakfast in the restaurant each morning, which was a nice spread for a hotel breakfast. I particularly liked their selection of yogurt toppings, the maple crepes, and the selection of cheeses. And yes, I indulged in a treat of pain au chocolat on some of the mornings. How could I resist?
I still have yet to drink vodka with a Russian President there. But at least I slept near one? -
Review from Julie K.
Updated - 6/13/2009 5 photos
This update is for the reservations process only. See my other post below for a review of my actual stay.
My experience with the Fairmont conference reservations manager almost made me change my mind about wanting to stay here. After speaking to a helpful person at the 1-800 number, I was transferred to the hotel since I was requesting a conference rate. After waiting several minutes for someone to answer, the conference specialist came on the line. Even though this hotel wasn't listed in my conference literature as participating, she assured me that she could offer me a conference rate. Interestingly enough, the rate she quoted me was higher than the rack rate on the website--and I told her so. She basically told me I was wrong, but I decided to book a room anyway, knowing that I could always cancel it up to 24-hours before check-in.
A few weeks later, I received a notification from http://Hotels.com that some hotels in Montreal were having a summer sale. Upon checking the Fairmont's website I discovered that the Queen Elizabeth was included. Daily rates were 20% off with every third night free. I immediately called the 1-800 number again and asked if I could change my reservation to take advantage of the sale. I was told that I couldn't change an existing reservation, so then I said I wanted to book a new reservation and I'd cancel the original one.
The reservationist said this was fine and calculated my cost under the new rates. I'd be saving at least $350. The catch was that I'd have to prepay for the room, and changes or cancellations were not allowed. I decided to check a few of the other hotels participating in the sale first before booking. When I did call back to make a reservation, the agent I got wasn't nearly as helpful as the first one.
I explained that I had an existing reservation but wanted to make an additional one for the discounted rate I'd been quoted, then cancel the original reservation. This reservationist told me I'd have to cancel my first reservation by calling the conference manager at the hotel; she couldn't do it for me. I said this was fine. Then she told me that even though I was creating a new reservation, I might be charged the original conference rate anyway. WTF?
When I asked why, she said that if I was attending a conference while in town, an agreement between the conference organizers and the Fairmont might result in my being charged a higher rate regardless. To this, I responded that it sounded like a highly illegal practice to me. And then I asked who exactly would be enforcing this? The Fairmont? And she said no, the conference organizers. Huh? I told her I was booking independently, not through the conference organizers, so how would they know where I was staying and for what rate? She's lucky I didn't just choose another hotel, but I really wanted to stay at the Fairmont.
In the end I told her to book my second reservation using the same dates and room type as my original one. All seemed ok. The total she quoted was correct. But when I checked the reservation online later, she'd put me in a smaller room than I'd originally booked. Argh!
By the time I noticed this, the sale dates had passed, but I called the 1-800 number anyway. The reservationist I spoke to this time told me he couldn't make any changes to my reservation, as per the sale restrictions. I explained to him that I shouldn't have to be inconvenienced because the reservations agent had a made a mistake. He said he'd have to put me through to the hotel itself to speak to the reservations manager, so I said fine. Again I had to wait several minutes for someone to answer, and when I explained why I'd been transferred, she read me the details of my reservation, which mysteriously had been switched to a king from a queen during the time I'd been on hold. Still, I don't know why I had to waste my time on the phone with the hotel if they'd already corrected their error.
So, after such a horrendous experience with the Fairmont's reservations people, I was starting to think I'd made a bad choice in hotels. But once I arrived at the Fairmont in Montreal, I had a 4-star experience. (Please see the review of my stay at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth below.)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/11/2009
When I was searching for a hotel for my business trip to Montreal, I came across the Fairmont Queen… Read more »
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Review from Andy H.
8/6/2008
Home of the John Lennon suite...yes this is the place where John and Yoko had their infamous bed in back in 1969.
So I got to stay here, no not in THAT room, but an equally nice one. The windows are big and give you a great view of Montreal. It made for a romantic weekend, with my wife and I ordering room service and looking out the window as the sun set over a frigid (minus 30 degree) day.
We had great food, two nights in a row, from the hotel. Which included a delicious burger, a great pasta dinner and one of the best creme brule desserts we had ever tasted.
It is a snooty hotel, and with our free weekend (due to points on my credit card) it made for some laughs between the two of us, at these stuck up people that were paying upwards of $300 a night.
They have afternoon tea, with finger foods and sweets. The restaurant also has a pretty decent breakfast. But remember, even if you get a good deal, the place is 4 stars and has 4 star prices for the food.
The lobby is beautiful and has a door that leads to an escalator that brings you right downstairs to the Montreal train station. So you never have to leave your hotel without getting the train.Listed in: Oh Yelp Canada!
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Review from T B.
8/10/2008
Another hotel that is connected to the Underground. It's right on top of a Via Rail stop if you want to take a train to Toronto. The Metro is a block away underground.
Went here for a romantic birthday stay a couple of years ago. Everything is very romantic here. I have some very amusing memories of my girlfriend encountering her first bidet. She cranked it up full blast and ran screaming from the bathroom when the little fountain meant for delicate bits reached the ceiling. -
Review from Heather S.
12/30/2008
Under other circumstances, they probably would have gotten 5 stars. However, all the service people (maids, food service, valet) were all on strike. That meant that the restaurant and tea lounge were not open at all. The pool was not open. The breakfast buffet was ok, but again, because it was understaffed, lots of containers of food were empty (especially the fruit bowls and bread, croissants etc). They also did not refresh towels or soaps etc. They had a table by the elevator where you had to get your own towels. They did make the bed and take the trash, but that was it.
I think they should have given some sort of discount during this time because when you go to a hotel, especially a really nice one, you expect certain things.
Despite the strike and limited services, it was ok. -
Review from Vanessa W.
2/16/2009
I'm from Pennsylvania and this was my first trip to Montreal.
I went in February for Valentine's Day and my hubby's b-day so I got a great deal - buy two nights, get one free, otherwise I could not have swung the price tag.
That said you truly do get what you pay for. Although I thought the room was a bit small (we were in a Euro-type city after all) there were nice touches everywhere including free chocolates, water and granola bar in our room. : O )
The concierge in the lobby was very friendly and helpful. I found other staff to be just as friendly and willing to please. Nice work-out facility and inddor pool and hot tub.
Hooray for the free bag check - we were able to drop our stuff off and enjoy the last day without having to do a late (and expensive) check out.
But the big plus staying here in the winter is that we were hooked directly into the metro, central station and the HUGE underground city (read very large mall underground). This allowed us to stay out of the freezing cold and wind, and enjoy ourselves.
Located right in the heart of downtown this would also be a great choice for business travelers. -
Review from Jef S.
Updated - 7/23/2009
The Queen Elizabeth still rules. Once again, manager Jesse and the Gold "Or" level staff totally have it together; they made our anniversary stay incredible.
The lobby at this hotel is busy as hell and there was a Tauck tour in, so lobby staff seemed a little more harried than usual. I'm telling you, go for the Gold and you can avoid all that! Still nasty expensive and the Canadian/US $ exchange seems to be losing ground every day, but we'll definitely be here again!Listed in: Canada!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/26/2008
Fairmont, while one of a dozen supposedly-high-end-but-n ot-quite-making-AAA five diamonds hotel… Read more »
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Review from Ato Z.
12/31/2010 1 Check-in Here
I am a little torn on this one.
Location--5 stars. The bus to/from the airport stops right across the street, and the hotel is on top of the metro. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance.
Room-3 stars. Bathroom is very small and the door can't be opened all the way because it knocks into the towel rack on the wall and would knock into your legs if you were on the toilet. Few outlets in the room and in inconvient places; I expect a hotel in modern times to have available outlights at the desk, on the side tables, etc.
I originally booked a moderate large room and purposely did not avail myself of deals on many websites because that type of room was not offered. When I got there, they gave me the standard room, and when I asked, they said I could move, but the furniture in those was not renovated and they do not suggest it for their President's Club members. I wish I had known that, because I then felt like I had overpaid and should have acted on the internet deals. Plus they never even mentioned the switch--I had to call downstairs the next morning when I realized I did not get the room I was supposed to get.
Housekeeping--okay, but one evening I found hair in the tub (I think it was mine, but still). Also, I had to tell the front desk one evening that no one had ever come to take away room service plates in front of the neighboring room.
I might stay there again because of the location, but now I would definitely just hunt for the best rate and take any room, and lower my expectations accordingly. -
Review from mirz b.
Toronto, ON
1/6/2011
i'd give it 4.5 but i rounded down.
really good hotel, clean, good service, very friendly.
however, did not really like the location.
location is close to the metro so it's okay in that sense.
but feels far from everything else (aka, at night you have to travel out to go to places since this hotel is located more in the "financial district").
plus side, you get free internet if you subscribe to be a member. cool stuff! -
Review from zehr s.
8/30/2010
le reine elizabeth
a magnificent hotel, very well decorated room, with good amenities chosen, the towels were very nice/clean/fresh
front desk super helpful, good restaurant, free local calls & internet etc...excellent location
vallet parking is good too
really what a good hotel should be
P.S. John Lenon and Yoko did their 1969 bed-in here on the 17th floor -
Review from Theo S.
3/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
average to below average for a fairmont.
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Review from Rowena M.
6/21/2009
perfect! downtown location was super convenient (direct underground connection to the central train station and subway). service was excellent, concierge was friendly and useful and the view from the room was amazing!
minus one star for oddly inconvenient pool/hot tub hours and a bed that was a little too soft. -
Review from Jay T.
7/21/2009
We were in town for the Jazz festival. QE is a central location for McGill University or other events for downtown area. Walking distance to Old Montreal but subway accessible as well. It is connected to the underground shopping area, but I wasn't able to explore the underground mall.
We sprung for the Gold upgrade and it was worth it for the breakfast, canapes and unlimited perriers, bottled water, or sodas. The other food presentations were light desserts or fresh fruits (apples, oranges, pears). The extra benefit with Gold is during Sunday checkout. The Gold concierge can check you out and no need to wait in line with the others in the main lobby.
The bathrooms are on the smaller side, but clean and modern. The king bed was on a very high wooden frame. If you're not mindful, you could hurt yourself on the frame and it's not ideal for the vertically challenged.
Parking is valet with in and out privileges $26/day, worth it for the convenience. But checking out on a Sunday, the line can get quite long but we didn't wait for more than 20 min all in all. Meters are in effect until 9pm. -
Review from katherine H.
8/11/2008
i went there numerous times with family and its a fantastic place. dont know the cost bc they paid but im pretty sure its really expensive. they have a cool elevator that is outside as well as in so you can see the whole city. access to the underground and a fantastic breakfast buffet. the dinner is great as well becuase there is a salad buffet as well and a dessert buffet. the rooms were always clean and the staff able to help and serve with ease. one time we had booked two beds in a room and they were out of that style room so they upgraded us to a PRESIDENTAL suite for the same price. we were rolling in style and it made us go back every year, 1. becuase it was so fantastic and 2. becuase we always thought well maybe one time we will get that awesome suite again
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Review from Gina C.
8/17/2009
Maybe it's because I've heard so many grand things about this hotel, that my expectations were raised a tad bit too high. I would say it's above average 3 and 1/2 stars, but not blow your socks off fantastic. The exterior looks like a big grey block, not too exciting. When you walk in, the hotel lobby is fairly modest, once again, nice...but nothing to rave about. When we checked into the room, it's a nicely done average room. The bathroom was pretty small, but then again very clean, so no complaints there. Indoor pool was pretty small as well, but sufficient. All in all, hotel and it's amenities were pleasant but blah. Now the one thing that makes this hotel all worth it? Location, location, location. It's right above the train station, with easy access to the Metro down below, as well as straight access to the Underground City. If you want to ride topside, there's a bus stop right at the corner of the church outside the hotel. You could go anywhere you want, the public transportation is very very good. It's also walkable distance to Old Montreal, it's a bit far but not too bad either. If you get a good rate, I would recommend staying here. Hotel personnel were also very attentive. All in all - a pretty solid experience, but definitely NOT a top of the line luxury hotel.
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