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Fodor's Expert Review Château Versailles

Name: Château Versailles
Address: 1659 rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H3H 1E3, Canada
Telephone: 514-933–3611;888-933–8111
Price range: $

1659 rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, Québec H3H 1E3, Canada See on Map

Joanne Latimer

A grand residential experience in the heart of downtown. History buffs and romantics appreciate the luxury within the Versailles' elegant beaux art mansions, with high ceilings, plaster moldings, antique furnishings, and a twinkling chandelier in the entry way.

Present your room key at the Canadian Centre for Architecture for free admittance.

room

The Italian-carved marble and ornate Dutch fireplaces in many of the enormous guest rooms and public spaces still work—a treat on chilly evenings. Rooms have big flat screens, Keurig coffee makers and more. All bedding is modern and plush.

bathroom

Simple and timeless, the white marble floor and shower/tubs get the job done. There’s vanity lighting over the sink and the spa products are from Crabtree & Evelyne.

lobby

The lobby is intimate and quiet, befitting its roots as a family home. Vintage deco lighting brings some “wow” factor--but this property is generally pretty low key in nature.

YOU SHOULD KNOW It’s hard to imagine kids having a good time here. The lobby isn’t built for running around and they can expect choruses of, “Don’t touch that” from mom and dad.

dining

The deluxe continental breakfast almost qualifies as a full breakfast. The only thing missing is individually-ordered eggs. There are plenty of fresh croissants, coffee, yogurt, muffins, grain bread, granola, cheese, fruit, preserves and more.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Sitting on a major east-west axis of downtown, the Château Versailles is well known to taxi drivers and car services. With never-ending construction and the lack of parking, don’t even think about driving. For getting around town, metro Guy Concordia is a 5-minute walk away.

Restaurants

Tuck into a steak and baked potato at the famous Gibby’s? (15-minute drive away). Or, try the Italian delicacies at Beatrice, formerly known at Bice, where politicians, Academy Award-winners and professors mingle on one of the city’s most posh terraces.

Bars

Sample the bubbly at the Dom Pérignon bar (5-minute walk) in the Ritz-Carlton hotel lobby, or order single malt scotch in the lounge. For a different kind of night, plant yourself at Upstairs Jazz Bar and Grill (10-minute walk) for the gin martinis and live music.

WHY WE LIKE IT

The four townhomes (circa 1911) that merged to create this B&B offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous patrons who could afford to build these properties. We love the opulence of the fireplaces and ceiling freizes, as well as the high ceilings and spacious living quarters. Plus, there are interesting photographs of past residents, and an antique sewing machine that once belonged to Gabrielle Bernier, a well-known Montreal fashion designer who resided here once. This might not be a wise choice for boisterous children, but couples love it.