L’hôtel Le Mount Stephen: stay at a place steeped in history
Originally constructed and inhabited by George Stephen, 1st Baron Mount Stephen, then transformed into a prestigious private club, the George Stephen House is now reborn as a luxurious modern hotel. This new hotel, owned by the Tidan Hospitality and Real Estate Group, is located at 1440 Drummond Street in the heart of the Golden Square Mile. It attracts a sophisticated clientele, attesting to this neighbourhood’s strategic position in Montréal’s luxury market.
The history of this little Victorian manor is tied to that of Baron George Stephen, who built the George Stephen House in 1880. This accomplished businessman was cofounder and first president of the Canadian Pacific Railway. He was one of the most influential people of the 19th century, particularly due to his part in the creation of Canada’s first transcontinental railway. He was one of the richest men in North America. Thus, the George Stephen House has hosted Montréal’s high society throughout the last century.
A building designated as a historic monument
The space was transformed into a prestigious private business club for men in 1927. For many years, the exceptional space has played host to elites from Montréal and around the world, including several dignitaries.
Designated a heritage building in the ‘70s, the Mount Stephen Club was bought in 2006 by the Tidan Hospitality and Real Estate Group. Wanting to preserve its historical integrity, Tidan undertook extensive and complex renovations to find the building a new vocation. Last May, Le Mount Stephen Hotel was finally unveiled.
A harmonious marriage of old and new
The project was entrusted to architecture and design firms Lemay and Provencher_Roy. The result is spectacular. The outside of the heritage building has remained intact. The new part—an 11 storey building—is barely distinguishable from the street. Such is the success of the building’s integration into its urban surroundings.
The George Stephen House serves as the entrance to the hotel and houses its restaurant and event spaces (1,800 sq. ft.) in a decor full of character. The modern wing holds the lounge and welcome desk, the rooms and suites, the fitness centre, a spa and a 5,000 sq. ft. ballroom.
Here and there, furniture from the era of the George Stephen House adorns a corridor or a suite, a reminder of the spirit of the space. Antoine Naoum, the hotel’s general manager, says, “Le Mount Stephen is a magnificent mix of heritage and the modern art of living.” By staying at this hotel, you not only benefit from outstanding customer service (Clef d’Or concierge), but you also have the chance to travel back through time while retaining the comforts of modern life.
Luxurious rooms and suites
The 90 rooms and suites are furnished with fl oor-toceiling windows, and in some cases, private terraces. All are equipped with the fi nest modern technology: digitally controlled lights and curtains, fl at screen TVs, heated toilet seats, mattresses made to measure, bathrooms with chromotherapy shower heads, etc.
Regardless of which room you choose, the hotel is designed so that each visitor can enjoy a view of the city from the comfort of an intimate and peaceful environment. The four lofts, spanning two fl oors, boast spectacular glass ceilings offering a view of the starry night sky. On the top fl oor, the 5,000 sq. ft. Royal Suite offers the largest surface area for this type of space in Montréal. This practical (single storey with elevator) yet elegant suite offers a bright and comfortable living space with an immense glass ceiling, enchanting decor and multiple terraces.
Loft features
- 69 ROOMS, 16 SUITES 4 SKY LOFTS (LOFTS UNDER THE STARS) AND ONE 5,000 SQ. FT. ROYAL SUITE
- ENTIRELY AUTOMATED SMART ROOMS
- CHROMOTHERAPY SHOWER
- SMART TOILETS
Sky loft features
- FOYER
- ANGLED PANORAMIC GLASS CEILINGS
- ILLUMINATED STAIRCASES
- SIGNATURE FREE-STANDING BATH
- PRIVATE TERRACES
Services and amenities
- CONCIERGE SERVICE
- LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANING
- VALET SERVICE
- FITNESS CENTRE
- LUXURIOUS SPA
- ELIZABETH BALLROOM (5,000 SQ. FT.)
- EVENT SPACES IN THE GEORGE STEPHEN HOUSE (1,800 SQ.FT.)
The Bar George
The period ambiance of the Bar George Restaurant contributes to the hotel’s celebration of the historical legacy of Mount Stephen while offering a modern menu. Superb Cuban mahogany panelling, stained glass, a spectacular staircase and a circular marble bar: if it weren’t for the visitors’ modern clothing, you might truly believe yourself to be transported back to the great age of the Golden Square Mile. Once reserved for members of the private club, the Bar George is now open to the public. It’s your chance to taste the excellent British cuisine from chefs Anthony Walsh of Oliver & Bonacini and Kevin Ramasawmy (formerly of Maison Boulud and Daniel) for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch.
Redefi ning standards of excellence, Le Mount Stephen Hotel is one of the three Canadian hotels that is part of the Leading Hotels of the World Consortium. “Montréal is becoming a luxury destination. We are proud to contribute to this transformation. Le Mount Stephen Hotel is the jewel of the Tidan Group,” concludes Mr. Naoum.
Text: Diane Stehle
