Le Mount Stephen, Montreal
A historical monument reincarnated.
Located in the heart of Montreal’s downtown Golden Square Mile neighbourhood, 1440 Drummond Street has long been an address associated with luxury. Initially built in the late 19th century as a home for Lord George Stephen, the financier behind the Canadian Pacific Railway, the private mansion was turned into a members-only gentleman’s club in 1926. The building’s elaborate Renaissance-inspired architecture, ornate decor, and prestigious nature attracted both locals and dignitaries for more than a century, including the likes of Princess Margaret, Pierre-Elliot Trudeau, and Alec Baldwin.
Obtained by Tidan Hospitality & Real Estate in 2011, the property recently underwent another transformation—an extensive $20-million renovation. This May, it has reopened as Le Mount Stephen, an opulent hotel attracting a new set of high-end customers, as well as international acknowledgment. As one of the three hotels in Canada to be recognized by the Leading Hotels of the World, Le Mount Stephen lives up to its expectations.
Harmonizing the old with the new, the historical building maintains its elegant exterior, while offering a polished city retreat for guests inside. The restored foyer, with its nostalgic accents, pays tribute to the lusty cultural heritage from which the hotel was born and is also home to the bustling resto-bar, fittingly named Bar George. With tall ceilings, gold fixtures, and authentic Victorian furniture, the foyer doubles as a gallery of vintage aristocratic treasures. Designed to appeal to a modern crowd, the new addition of a contemporary tower adjoining the heritage building features a large terrace overlooking downtown Montreal—the view is a treat exclusive to guests of the 90 sharply decorated rooms.
While the hotel is characterized by its cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art comfort (each room is equipped with digitally-controlled curtains and chronotherapy rain shower heads), subtle historical details adorn Le Mount Stephen as reminders of the hotel’s past (Lord George Stephen’s original desk is on display in the Royal Suite). “The legacy lives on,” says hotel sales coordinator Loutfia El Mouffoq. “This legacy still exists and continues existing through Lord George Stephen’s Mansion; a preserved museum today open to all public”.
Le Mount Stephen, 1440 Rue Drummond, Montréal QC H3G 1V9.
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