Fodor's Expert Review Hôtel St. Paul

Inside a stunning Beaux-Arts building, the St Paul opened in 2001 as Canada’s first ever boutique hotel. With high ceilings and architectural authenticity, it's a chic spot for canoodling in the Old Port.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There's a much-anticipated renovation underway, in mid-phase. The lobby is finished, so any inconvenience is experiences as a shortage of vacancies while they renovate three floors at a time.

room

The rooms are currently being re-decorated and renovated, so the previous "minimal, neutral" style rooms no longer match the bold lobby decor. Fine. The rooms are pleasingly sparse, tasteful and calm, with (mostly) monotone decor and subtle accents.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Some guests may not appreciate the sparse decor. There's also a hefty $75 fee for pets. Ouch.

bathroom

Like the bedroom, the bathrooms are being renovated and re-decorated, so the previous style still reigns. For now, expect soaker tubs, white tiles, glass showers and plush towels.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Currently, the floor aren't heated, but that may change with the completion of the renovation.

lobby

Think jewel tones, in velvet. The re-decorated lobby is an explosion of fushia, purple and green upholstery. The modern fireplace remains, separating the lobby in two. For more lounging space, head up to the mezzanine for the gold metallic tub chairs and even more velvet.

YOU SHOULD KNOW While refreshingly colourful, the lobby veers dangerously close to gaudy.

dining

Turn right through the hotel's front door and you'll see Hambar, the in-house restaurant. You can't miss the hanging flanks of ham on display. Everyone starts their night with the house charcuterie platter. For groups of four to six people, get the maple glazed ham dish ($120).

YOU SHOULD KNOW Breakfast isn't automatically included, however a continental buffet is served upstairs in the mezzanine, for $21. Considering all the French patisseries in the neighbourhood, save your money and get a coffee and croissant elsewhere.