Montreal’s largest convention hotel in Montreal is turning 50 years old tomorrow. The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, with its 1039 rooms and suites, has the best location in town on Rene Levesque Blvd and is situated right above the train station.
The George Drummond-designed hotel was named after Queen Elizabeth II who took the throne in 1952. In 1955, a petition was signed by 250 000 French-Canadians to call the hotel ”Chateau Maisonneuve” but the CN President, Donald Gordon, insisted to name the new asset for CN The Queen Elizabeth Hotel.
Back in 1958, a guestroom was $20 and a Deluxe $26. Nowadays, we are looking at $189-$279 depending on the time of the year.
The latest renovations were in 2003 when 40 million dollars were injected mainly for the lobby and the legendary Beaver Club, a 5 diamond restaurant. The hotel is currently renovating guestrooms (soft goods) a few floors at the time.
The Fairmont Gold at the ”Queeny” is Montreal’s best boutique hotel experience and I had the chance to try it a few years ago. The staff is fabulous and the food at The Montrealais or The Beaver Club, exquisite.
Happy 50th anniversary!
1 response so far ↓
1 Chris // Apr 15, 2008 at 5:20 am
Distinctly Montreal’s “best address”. It’s like a world unto its own. The dedicated staff (some of which have been there for over 40 years!) pamper and spoil everyone. One must stay at the Queen E. when in Montreal! Great article, Isa!
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