This redesigned flagship property showcases French-style luxury

The hotel

Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile

Check-in

Sofitel’s flagship Canadian property has undergone an extensive redesign of guestrooms, its signature restaurant, fitness centre and communal areas. The spruce-up is immediately noticeable in the light-filled lobby, with furniture and design elements that wouldn’t look out of place in a well-curated French home. Turquoise and white sculptural light fixtures hang from the ceiling above the check-in desks, while ample cosy seating invites guests to linger.

The look

Chic and comfortable, Quebec-style. The first of Sofitel’s North American hotels to undergo a major redesign as part of the brand’s global revitalisation, the hotel has been given a sleek glow-up by Canadian consultancy 2pi rDesign.Their brief? To showcase French luxury and lifestyle with a modern touch. The result is classic rather than trendy: sophisticated art on the walls, rich colours (deep blues and golds), intimate dining spaces, a greenhouse-inspired sunroom and plenty of opulent materials including velvet, marble and silk.

The room

There are 256 beautifully renovated rooms, including 17 suites. I’m staying in a Golden Mile King Bed Suite, a generously proportioned 53-square-metre space that resembles an elegant apartment with separate living room (including a sofa bed) and floor-to-ceiling views of Mount Royal. The Sofitel My Beds are some of the softest you’ll ever sleep on. In the bathroom there’s a big, round bathtub, separate shower, double-sink vanity and luxe Balmain toiletries.

Food + drink

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Renoir, serves some of the best French food this side of the Atlantic. Executive chef Olivier Perret is at the helm; his inventive use of local ingredients delivers some truly memorable dishes, including Quebec rack of lamb with Jerusalem artichokes and winter truffles, and local bluefin tuna with maple soy vinaigrette, avocado, watermelon radish and Montreal’s Locavore Farm sprouts.

A curated selection of the restaurant’s greatest hits is available for in-room dining. Book in advance for the popular Sunday brunch buffet, where pastry chef Paul Peyrat’s desserts shine.

The addition of a sophisticated new cocktail lounge, Nini, just off the lobby, is a magnet for locals and city visitors as much as for hotel guests. Named in tribute to one of painter Auguste Renoir’s favourite muses, Nini Lopez, the bar features live music, delicious bites (Parmesan-truffle fries, salmon tartare, charcuterie) and a cocktail menu that goes well beyond the standard offerings. The Nini Star Martini tastes of passionfruit syrup and lime juice, while the Sgroppino’s lemon sorbet, vodka and champagne is boozy fun in a glass.

Out + about

The hotel is on Sherbrooke Street in Montreal’s downtown area, close to Mount Royal, the acclaimed Museum of Fine Arts and boutique shopping. Stroll to Old Montreal (about a 20-minute walk) for the most European part of the city: cobblestone streets, cosy wine bars and the Notre-Dame Basilica where Celine Dion got hitched.

When planning a visit to Montreal, check the annual festival calendar for dates of citywide celebrations, including the world’s largest jazz fest.

The verdict

C’est tres bon, as the French say. A stylish renovation, a terrific French restaurant and the introduction of a cool new cocktail bar are good reasons to book this hotel for a Montreal stay. The reasonable rates are a great excuse to stay longer.

Essentials

Superior Rooms from $350 a night. The hotel has 256 rooms, including 17 suites. There are four accessible rooms. Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile, 1155 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Canada. See sofitel.com.

Our score out of five

★★★★

Highlight

The property’s signature restaurant, Renoir, and new cocktail lounge, Nini, are must-visits, even if you’re not staying at the hotel.

Lowlight

The addition of an in-house spa for massages and facials (or at least a hot tub) would be nice, especially when it’s snowing outside.

The writer was a guest of Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile.