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10/9-14/03;
10/10-15/02 |
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Hotel St. Paul |
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355 McGill,
Montreal, Qc, H2Y
2E8, Canada |
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Telephone (514) 380 2222 |
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www.hotelstpaul.com |
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ROOMS
While the look has been somewhat cannibalized by the rapid rise of
West Elm and its ilk, the Hotel St. Paul was there first. Think rich
dark floors and faux fur throws, with gauzy white curtains and pony
skin chaises—and a bed dressed in European linens with a full-length
bolster. The mixture of materials such as chrome and silk and stone
highlight the hotel’s thematic elements of fire, ice, earth and sky.
Clean and spare, the rooms radiate relaxation: the clutter of
quotidian life has no place here. Instead, one sinks into a kind of
ascetic aesthetic—whereby you realize, quickly, what’s important and
unnecessary—and how simple, and rewarding, life can be when reduced
to its most essential elements.
PUBLIC SPACES
The winner of numerous design awards for its incredibly considerate
renovation of a beautiful Beaux-Arts structure, the St. Paul
radiates the calm and strength associated with its former occupant,
Canadian Express. Stepping through its massive portals into a serene
sanctuary outfitted with long low seating covered casually with pony
skins, one has the sense of entering William Randolph Hearst’s
private den. Clean and minimal with dark floors and full-length
curtains, an alabaster fireplace and candlelight, the reception
area/lobby feels as comfortable as a private living room where one
might easily while away a morning reading the newspaper—and then,
once it’s afternoon, an entire book—while sipping cocktails served
from the bar at the room’s far end.
What a gorgeous building—with proportions so generous as to make
Stanford White sigh with bliss.
BREAKFAST
Quite frankly, we missed it—every single morning—but we can attest
to the fact that Cube, the in-house restaurant was as chic as it was
popular with a youthful and fashionable crowd. (Currently, Cube is
undergoing a conceptual renovation, whereupon it will be known as
Vauvert (named after a diabolic castle near Paris) which looks to be
co-designed by Tim Burton and Charles Addams. Very Gothic opium
den—in shades of purple and black. C’est parfait!)
PERSONNEL
Adorable, delicious, energetic and personable. The sort of people
who won’t hesitate to make phone calls to trace the source of the
soap’s fragrance. The kind of front desk manager who counsels us
when to take the Metro and when to cab it. And the sort of bellman
who’s so stunning that he simply must be photographed. As for
housekeeping, they are as considerate, and thorough, as the rest of
the staff.
LOCATION
In Vieux Montreal, right near the river, in a neighborhood that has
been re-discovered and yet a nabe that still retains a quiet
demeanor. It’s off the tourist track—yet still close enough to
everything you might wish to visit if you’re visiting Montreal for
the first time—as we were when we first arrived at the St. Paul.
OVERVIEW
Our love affair with Montreal started at the St. Paul—and therefore,
the St. Paul shall always have a place in our hearts. And in this
case, you can go home again—back to the Hotel St. Paul with its very
many real virtues. |
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