Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

The location was very convenient, but due to the strike there were no available amenities to justify the cost of the stay. No room service or cleaning, no restaurants, no pool or hot tub, and striking workers that made the exterior look unpleasant for the duration of the trip. Our business convention of 700 realtors probably took up many of the rooms during the event at which we were given the lousiest breakfast I’ve had even when compared to the free breakfasts given by many of the low end major hotel chains in the USA. What really made things worse was not being given a measly 2 hrs late checkout with a late flight even with useless ALL platinum status with the chain when it was obvious that they would unlikely even get to my room by 2pm with the lack of staff and most of my associates checking out the same day. To make matters worse, the hotel front desk told my co-worker that the hotel warned our brokerage that there was a strike and so negotiated a lower rate. Knowing that my brokerage has already set the hotel for next years Canadian convention a year in advance, I find it highly unlikely that the hotel was able to warn that a strike would be going on a year earlier and as such offer a discount because of it. With top tier status at a number of other hotel chains, the lack of disclosure and service was truly a disappointment for a hotel that could have avoided this honest review just by offering late checkout until 2pm.

Despite the ongoing strike at the Queen E the management staff are doing a fabulous job, and frankly we liked how quiet it was given they are only booking to 40% capacity. We were given an upgrade on arrival, as I think most people were, and they have included a hot buffet-style breakfast in the price while the strike is ongoing, which is a nice touch. There are no other food or beverage amenities open in the hotel right now, but with Place Ville Marie and the train station restaurants and amenities (including an SAQ) available without even going outside we did not feel the need for an on-site option. The pool is also not currently open, but the gym is and we had it to ourselves each day! Bravo, QE, to the management staff who are working very hard to keep the hotel going.

We chose to stay despite a labor dispute with some workers, even after our booking agency advised us to cancel. The arrival process was smooth, with the valet handling the vehicle. During check-in, the attendant informed us that we had been upgraded to a one-bedroom suite, which was a pleasant surprise, especially since we were traveling with our 4-year-old, who enjoys having his own space. They also gave my son a Fairmont stuffed animal, which he later named “Rocky the Racoon.” He adored it and carried it everywhere, even to bed. The room was spacious and comfortable and allowed us to rest after busysnowy days exploring the city. The staff did their best under the circumstances. They were friendly, informative, and apologized for the situation, even though it wasn’t their fault. They also set up a complimentary breakfast, which was a wonderful gesture, offering everything we needed to start our day. One day, while walking to our room, I casually mentioned needing to buy some water, and the front desk called us over and gave us free bottles, which was greatly appreciated. The location was perfect, connected to the underground and close to all the activities we needed to reach in and around Montreal. My son loved the snow so much that he’s already asking to go back. We’ll definitely return the next time we’re in Montreal!

The spouse was attending a conference at the fairmont and as usual I enjoyed this beautiful hotel from the steam room to the fantastic breakfast and great pizza. The rooms are lovely and the location is perfect. Lots of great restaurants around if you want something different.

To be fair, I have reviewed this hotel before. It is famous, well located, and luxurious. But this time it was different...because the staff are currently locked out by management. So, no food services, the pool is closed, two of the four doors are closed, there is no room service, no room cleaning. To be clear, I have no views regarding unions, strikes or employee demands. But....the hotel was so peaceful, such a quiet stay, amazing sleep !! The few staff I met were so helpful, so wanting to make everything good. I dont need daily room cleaning, I missed room service.....but I still had a great stay.