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"The façades of the two 18th-century greystone buildings that form Hotel William Gray have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Step inside, though, and the 127-room property stands out as one of Montréal’s best modern refits of a historic monument. A three-story glass atrium links the original merchant’s home to an eight-floor contemporary tower crowned by a rooftop terrace. On your doorstep is pedestrian-friendly Place Jacques-Cartier—one of Old Montréal’s liveliest stretches, with buskers and food vendors—but there’s just as much buzz inside the property, from a stylish boutique stocking Canadian fashion labels like local favorite Le Cartel to an outpost of Café Olimpico, the Montréal institution known for its strong espresso, cannoli, and European soccer paraphernalia. Browse books, play pool, and spin records in the Living Room before retreating to the 5,600-square-foot spa, complete with a Himalayan salt room, Finnish sauna, seasonal outdoor pool, and treatments by sustainable Italian brand Comfort Zone, among others." - Siobhan Reid