Located in the heart of the historic Golden Square Mile in Montreal, Quebec, Le Méridien Versailles has recently completed a luxurious reconstruction of their lobby. Renovations expanded the area to more than twice the original size, as well as opened the interior of the hotel to directly connect with the neighboring restaurant Branzino. The updated lobby, now named the Hub, features a new bar and seating area, designated to open up opportunities for guests to mingle.
The Hub showcases a contemporary cove lighting design in the ceiling, modern, French-inspired furniture, and urban artwork. Street map designs and other urban inspirations can be found in the art in the lobby, elevator, and on room keys: all pointing to the grandeur of the historic city of Montreal. “The transformation of our hotel has been an exhilarating journey,” said Massimo Urzillo, General Manager of Le Méridien Versailles. “We are thrilled to unveil our new look and offerings to our guests. The enhancements to the hotel will provide a new perspective to the city of Montréal.”
The rooms feature linens with a very French-esque white, silver and blue color theme consistent with the spirit of the neighborhood. Unique to the brand are the white throws on the end of each bed. Rooms include plug-and-play docking stations, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The newer features include all water reducing installments such as low-flow toilets and enhanced shower heads and faucets in the bathrooms.
A part of all Le Méridien’s is their Unlock Art program, designed to connect guests with local historical attractions. The Canadian Center for Architecture (CCA) is within walking distance of the hotel, and offers complimentary admittance to hotel guests with a room key. Each key is a piece of art itself, featuring a work that is locally designed, and constructed to highlight Montreal culture and style. And if you were hoping to bring home a little Montreal flavor, keep your key because they are only temporarily available, making them somewhat of a collector’s item.
Around the corner, also within walking distance of Le Méridien Versailles, is the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Just beyond that are a number of fine dining locations along Crescent Street, a fun area filled with shopping, nightlife, great restaurants and more. If you’re in more of an explorative and historic mood, many surrounding locations such as Old Montreal are accessible via bike, which is convenient due to Le Méridien’s partnership with Priority Bicycles, a line of custom-designed bikes specially built for hotel guests. Bikes are available for rent from the front desk, or are complimentary to Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) members.
The hotel's onsite restaurant Branzino is connected to the new Hub and offers a fantastic smattering of local cuisine. A couple items to try here are a Montreal twist on the classic French-Canadian poutine, served with fresh shavings of foie gras. Also on the menu is the classic French breakfast frittata with Montreal seasoning and vegetables.
On the sweeter side, you might sample the Montreal Eclair. Designed by award-winning pastry chef, television celebrity and cookbook author Johnny Iuzzini (that’s a capital I in his last name, not an L, as he likes to remind people), the Montreal Eclair is hotel’s signature dessert. Each Le Méridien location has a special eclair related to its location and environment, such as the Maple Bacon Eclair at Le Méridien Dallas, and the coconut-infused Dulce de Leche Eclair at Le Méridien Panama. Derived from Montreal elements and ingredients, Iuzzini’s twist on the classic maple eclair includes Montreal Spice, maple comb, malt meringues, and smoky flavor in the glaze.
The renovations have elevated Le Méridien's open connection with the destination of Montreal. Currently, 25 more Le Méridien locations are undergoing similar Hub and room renovations, all expected to be completed within the next 12 months.
