Le Saint-Sulpice

May 2011 Hideaway Report

 

Just a short walk from the Place d'Armes and the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica, Le Saint-Sulpice is a pleasing hotel in an ideal location. For a property of just 108 suites, it has an unusually spacious lobby, with impressive columns that help to delineate the seating areas, vaulted ceilings, stone walls and a blazing fire. This all creates an agreeable ambience, the prevailing feel being one of clubby congeniality. (The lobby has recently been revamped as part of a comprehensive renovation of the hotel that is scheduled for completion by the end of next year.) At the front desk, the greeting was warm and check-in efficient; service throughout our stay was excellent. 

 

The suites range from 500 to 1,500 square feet, but all have separate living rooms with pullout sofas. (The hotel is explicitly child-friendly, with those under age 12 staying free, and this is one of the foremost reasons the property may appeal to some Harper members.) In the main, the design displays a soft palette of grays and creams augmented by warm-hued woods, and generates a soothing, homey feel. Because the hotel is housed by an old building, the suites vary in configuration and character. Wi-Fi is free. Kitchenettes come with coffeemakers, microwaves, small refrigerators and a reasonable complement of utensils, china and glassware. 

 

I recommend booking a Deluxe or Executive Suite, which have fireplaces and/or balconies. (If you do have a balcony room, make sure it faces the courtyard garden, otherwise, you might have a less-than-inspiring city view.) As some of the baths have combined shower/tubs, be sure to request a suite with a separate shower. The terraces and balconies of Executive Suites tend to be larger.

 

The courtyard is absolutely delightful. Shady trees, lilacs and herb beds surround a gurgling fountain and a terrace with comfortably spaced chairs and tables. There, we enjoyed breakfast every morning. Indeed, the experience was so pleasant that we often lingered far longer than we intended to and indulged in a croissant or two more than was prudent. In inclement weather, the terrace can be covered, and even then, it is still wonderful. Usually, lunch and dinner are also served on the terrace from the hotel's S Le Restaurant, but at the time of our stay, it was closed for renovation. The work is scheduled to end in late May. 

Montréal is filled with good restaurants and people who like to eat well, and I found that the hotel's concierges were widely and dependably well-informed about the city's culinary scene. They were also most helpful in providing recommendations for shops, galleries, museums and so forth. Le Saint-Sulpice is not at the pinnacle of luxury, but it is a charming hotel that offers good value and a genuine welcome for those traveling with children.