Stylish hotel blends historic bones with fresh design, great rooftop










































"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

"Tucked down a narrow cobblestone street in Old Montreal, this stylish hotel blends historic bones with fresh design—an irregular lobby with exposed concrete beams, twinkling lights, barn-wood tables, and laptop‑tapping guests gives it a lived-in feel, while the decadent deluxe suite (must-see mustard wingback, French doors to a balcony, bathtub plus multi‑jet rain shower) makes it a comfortable mix of playground and workplace with a dedication to local artisans." - Todd Plummer

"Housed in a pair of historic buildings in the heart of Old Montreal, this centrally located hotel appeals to a creative crowd with amenities like a communal library, vinyl collection and year-round pop-up events, plus an on-site outpost of a beloved local coffee-and-pastry spot." - Julia Eskins Julia Eskins Julia Eskins is a writer and editor covering travel, design, and culture. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, National Geographic, and more. She’s traveled to more than 50 countries, lived in five, and currently calls Toronto home. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Hotel William Gray blends modern decor with historical elements in its 18th-century buildings. It features a central library bar, a luxurious spa, and rooms adorned with local art. The hotel offers a lively atmosphere and great views from the rooftop terrace." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"A locally owned boutique that fuses two restored 18th-century buildings with a contemporary glass tower, offering sleek yet comfortable rooms that mirror Old Montreal’s blend of history and modernity. The 127-room property, run by a long-established Montreal hospitality family, features a lively rooftop resto-bar with views of the Great Wheel and relaxed public spaces where guests can linger with drinks, billiards, and board games." - Catherine Maisonneuve, Nicholas DeRenzo