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Fodor's Expert Review Hôtel Le St-James

Name: Hôtel Le St-James
Address: 355 rue St-Jacques, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 1N9, Canada
Telephone: 514-841–3111;866-841–3111
Price range: $$$$

355 rue St-Jacques, Montréal, Québec H2Y 1N9, Canada See on Map Fodor's Choice

Joanne Latimer

Civility reigns at this undisputed queen of the Grande Dame hotels. Stately and calm, the Saint James is where world leaders, moguls, and family dynasties meet to relax in dignified luxury.

YOU SHOULD KNOW This is one of the most expensive hotels in town, geared toward the 1%. Either high or low season, it makes little difference.

Photo: Deluxe Junior Suite

room

Elegance is the order of the day, with no trendy bling to date the rooms. Polished wood furniture grounds the design, which is softened by gas fireplaces, original artwork, goose down comforters, and Frette linens. Kids can get a stuffed lion to cuddle.

Treat yourself to a specialty suite for maximum exposure to original flooring, marble columns, silk wall coverings, and tasteful antiques.

Photo: Deluxe Junior Suite

bathroom

Large marble bathrooms with separate tubs and showers, with exceptional water pressure. The body products are from Acca Katta, a prestigious Italian line founded in 1869.

lobby

Gilded frames, leather-bound books, Persian rugs, dark wood, portrait busts—think “old money” and Ivey league library.

YOU SHOULD KNOW You won’t actually get hushed by the concierge, but this is no place to squeal at the sight of your best friend or yell into your phone--because if you do, chances are you'll be hushed by someone.

Photo: XO Restaurant

dining

Located in the building’s original banking hall, XO is a dramatic dining room with a menu that matches. There’s Wagyu Japanese beef, along with low-gluten timilia pasta and poached lobster.

Despite the hotel’s adult vibe, the lounge menu has kid-friendly grilled cheese sandwiches with caramelized onions and fries (but that's about it).

Photo: XO Restaurant

LOCATION

Getting Around

Don’t rent a car—just don’t. There’s very little parking in Old Montreal, where the streets are narrow and confusing. However, taxis and Ubers know the area well. Also, the Square Victoria Metro is a 7-minute walk from the hotel. You can walk everywhere in Old Montreal with ease.

Restaurants

You can satisfy every craving at the on-site restaurant, but there are walkable options nearby. For a globally-lauded gastronomical treat, there’s Toqué! (10-minute walk), with their famous fois gras. Or, try the pirogues and borscht at Stash Cafe (10-minute walk). If you want a staple from the UK, try Brit and Chip (7-minute walk).

Bars

Sample the live jazz, seven nights a week, at Modavie (10-minute walk) or savor some bubbly at La Champagnerie (10-minute walk). You can indulge by the glass or the bottle and the selection changes monthly.

WHY WE LIKE IT

If you want to feel like a shipping heiress with piles of old money, this is where to stay. It's dripping with dignity--above trends and decor fads--yet modern enough to attract A-list celebrities and those who demand their creature comforts. The location is convenient and the staff is discrete. Plus, there's always a chance of an encounter with rock royalty in the lobby.