Fodor's Expert Review Fairmont Le Reine Elizabeth

Transformed after an interior teardown, The Queen Elizabeth is now reborn again. Witness the urban market in the lobby (think Eatily in Manhattan), the creative meeting hub, and the swanky new rooms. The aesthetic is “updated 1960s," with sleek furniture and retro accents.

room

Standard rooms are spacious, with zig-zag carpet, bigger TVs than before, fun wallpaper, built-ins edged with black trim and comfortable Queen or King beds.

It's worth the upgrade to get a Gold Room, with access to the new Gold Lounge—an entire wing of extra perks, services, and amenities.

bathroom

Entirely more comfortable, with soaker tubs, sleek vanities and flattering lighting (thanks for that!).

lobby

Once as drab as an airport, the lobby is now a multi-purpose venue with pop-up shops, hip lighting, dynamic programming and sexy seating. The lobby even has its own name, for some reason: The Agora.

The urban market in the lobby, a first for Montreal, features local ag-products, designer goods, and the chef’s proprietary chocolate. Mmmm.

pool

Yes, there’s a pool and it was renovated along with the rest of the hotel. It’s a lap pool, with rounded edges and a Gatsby vibe.

dining

Chef Baptiste Peupion’s new upscale bistro, accessible from the street now, focuses on market-fresh cuisine and local products. The bar threatens to elevate the Montreal mixology scene with Nader Chabaane’s creative approach and edgy décor.