Sofitel, Montreal
by Barbara Kingstone
Once the grande dame of Sherbrooke Street, the Van Horne Estate (owned by the
railway magnate Sir William Cornelius Van Horne) stood among other great manors
in a time when some of the wealthiest of Canada lived in this part of Montreal.
However, when the property finally came up for sale, there were no takers for
this awesome but very large, out of date home and then it went on the block
As often happens, bylaws allowed this beautiful heritage home to be razed. In
complete opposite design, a glass office tower was built in the 60s.
However, Montreal was going through an economical downturn and the empty suites
were difficult to lease. So once again, the site had a face lift and became
the Sofitel Hotel, the prestige brand hotel of the Accor Group. The surgery
proved most successful. Under the tutelage of a perfectionist, owner David Azrieli,
a Jewish philanthropist who just happens to be an architect, he made sure that
every inch of this hotel would have the very best.
AMBIENCE
From the moment you arrive under the oval glass canopy hanging over the curved
drive, any guest would surely gasp at the theatrical, black stone dramatic reception
area. Certainly, attention would be paid immediately on the custom made, custom
designed, hand woven carpet with it’s primary colours. It’s in the
style of French artist, Fernand Leger, depicting many themes of Montreal and
placed on contrasting pure white stone flooring. The rug would look fabulous
as a wall hanging however, the 6 metre high ceilings are perfect for the original
stained glass window, again representing Montreal and a chandelier which once
was lit in the Van Horne’s home. And one can’t miss the floral arrangments..ah
the flowers, they are so unique that they’re postcard worthy. Although
they’re changed twice weekly, each arrangement is a triumph. This theme
was with large bamboo tied horizontally featuring vertically place huge red
flowers. The only regret is not being there for the next creation.
Along the sides of the lobby wall is another remnant of the Van Horne Estate,
one of the few remaining memorabilia, a small but stunning copper lined fireplace.
The history of Montreal is also represented in a selection of books carefully
stacked in the nearby cherry wood book shelves. Minimalist black and glass tables
near a suspended modern stair case that leads to the first floor, are highlighted
by the vast windowed surface which overlook the Golden Square Mile, a downtown
area filled with art galleries, boutiques, cafes,McGill University and the Montreal
Museum of Fine Arts.
How can you not be impressed with a hotel’s staff that immediately recognizes
and uses the guest’s name? Even their uniforms are a class-act- pinstriped
with large same fabric label corsage by French designer, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac.
The Restaurant Renoir, with an easel holding a reproduction of Still Life with
Melon and Peaches, by Auguste Renoir at the entrance, is a copy of the original
which Azrieli donated to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Of course the design
is contemporary and the décolleté waitress outfits, are mandated
to be just that bit risqué. It’s so tres Francais.
Minimal but comfortable, the restaurant has integrated original Van Horne friezes
now encased in plastic, along the wall, never quite letting you forget the former
grandeur in today’s wood and metal world.
Never one to leave out any detail, Azrieli outfitted the elevators with original
designed rugs with touches of lurex, sycamore wood paneling and encased tapestries
with more sights of Montreal. This is a pure pleasure ride to the room.
At each floor, there are large welcoming reproductions by Monet, more Renoir
etc. And who could quibble about a room that has the finest linens, fluffy goose
down duvets, a view of either Mount Royal Park or downtown Montreal, Roger &
Gallet amenities, set in a white marble with black granite counter top bathroom
and frosted glass and wood doors.
The use of South American teak (Anegre) as the large headboard cum wall unit
features original painting by Stephanie, Azrieli’s wife.
And you can always rate a hotel by it’s room service and food sent up.
Like the rest of this establishment, it passed with honours. And to work off
the calories, the gym, as expected is perfect.
So if Montreal is your destination, and if the name Sofitel doesn’t yet
ring a bell of recognition, try it and you won’t forget it.
WHO COMES
The design would appeal to the trendy, cool set, however, since it’s location
is so great, there are several tailored looking women and “suits”
who may be there for business or pleasure. The biological age is all in the
mind at Sofitel Montreal.
THINGS TO DO
If you can’t find anything do entertain yourself in this area of downtown
Montreal, then you might as well be on the moon. Up and down the streets off
Sherbrooke Street., are some of the most popular outdoor cafes, restaurants
and bars. It’s also an art walk with several noted galleries and the Montreal
Museum of Fine Arts. Between Holt Renfrew to Ogilvy’s small indoor boutiques,
there are some of the most noted international designer stores and those chic
shops that give Montrealers top rating as some of the smartest dressers this
side of Milan. McGill University’s walkways and architecturally superb
buildings make a nice way to spend a few hours.
---------------------------------
Sofitel Montreal has 258 rooms on 16 floors including 13 deluxe suites, 3 3xecutive
suites and one Presidential suite.
1115 Sherbrooke Street West
Tel; 514 285 9000 Reservation 1 877 285 9001
Email; h3646@accor-hotels.com
Rates - Superior Room $440, Luxury Room $490, Luxury Suite $700, Executive
Suite $950 and Presidential Suite $1,800
|
