The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel has history. It is the largest hotel in Quebec, and has hosted royalty and dignitaries, served as command centre for the government, hosted NHL drafts and a makeshift recording studio for John Lennon’s ant-war anthem, Give Peace a Chance, during his famed Bed-In. It has also been given a makeover.
Situated right on top of a train station and 32 km of Montreal’s underground city, one never needs to step outside. A complete transformation in 2016, from top to bottom, has made the hotel more modern and even more accessible. The historic John Lennon and Yoko Ono Suite is now a museum-type suite with interactive elements including videos, interviews, photos, and even VR elements. And at lobby level, there are more entrances to the hotel, the restaurant and the bar, with the aim of attracting more Montrealers day-to-day.
The lobby has been refurbished to look like a boulevard in which there is something happening on either side. A multi-functional banquet space extends from the lobby with projections on the wall that tell the story of the hotel and of Montreal. There are art pieces to admire (over 100 throughout). At one end, Bar Nacarat is a liquid kitchen that fuses 70’s glam rock with 21st Century modernity for a hip new vibe. Mixologists create alchemy with innovative cocktails, while the accompanying menu infuses spirits, like Absinthe-grilled Octopus and the Grilled Lamp Chops with Spiced Rum.
At the other end of the corridor is Marché Artisans with over 8000 sq feet of culinary discoveries. Retail elements of Marché are handpicked from local artisans in Quebec. Chock full of epicurean stations like an artisanal bakery of organic products made with local and sustainable flours; a pizza counter with a pizzaiolo tossing made to order pies; and a sandwich counter, all of which are made in house. The charcuterie and cheese station sells local Quebec cheese and meats. The crepe station whips up sweet and savory crepes and waffles, as well as ice creams, sorbets, thick smoothies and shakes.
Adjacent to Marché is Rosélys, In addition to its classic afternoon tea service, Rosélys has fast become THE go-to brunch spot for all you can eat dining in a lavish and hip atmosphere. Floor to ceiling windows invite the sun to shine off the crystals that hang above the long bar.
The location of the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel is as central as it gets. This has always been the hub of activity, but now it is even more accessible, and the concerted focus on gastronomy and showcasing local Quebec product, has made it not only the place to meet, it’s the place to be.