We are trying to decide between this and the Ritz carlton. Thank you?

The Ritz Carlton is not as nice as it may sound. The St. James was fully booked this week by the Rolling Stones for their performances in Montreal. Need I say more?

We are staying at the St James on Sunday and it has been highly recommended to me. The R-C is supposedly in need of updating. The St James has been rented out to the Stones before so if it's good enough for them?! Feel free to email me after the 20th and I'll let you know how our visit was.

I would definitely pick the St James ( new and fresh) over the Ritz, ( old and tired)..

Don't even think twice about it...it's the St James!!! WE've stayed there 2 times and you can't even compare it to the R-C. The Montreal R-C is tired and not to the standards of say the NYC Ritz etc..Just give some thought to what part of the city you want to stay in. The St. James is in 'Old Montreal' or the port area. Very old, amazing architecture, small european style narrow streets, quaint bistros. However it is a cab ride to the main shopping/gallery areas of St Laurent/Sherbrooke. Other great Old Montreal hotels that are less European and less 'over the top' opulent are the Nelligan and the St Paul...a lot of younger/hip stars stay at these two. Closer to Crescent st and mid town is the St Germain which is terrific as well....good luck and enjoy!! You can't go wrong with any of the above!!

We loved the St James and practically had it to ourselves-only 15 rooms occupied out of 61. Our room and bathroom was quite small however so make sure you negotiate that ahead of time! Staff and spa was wonderful.