Renaissance Montreal Downtown Hotel

The place

A beige corner building on one of downtown Montreal's busiest streets. Step into the lobby and the noise gives way to play — industrial-inspired furnishing, curated objects, artwork at every turn.

The 142 rooms and suites carry the same streak. Large hand-painted faces watch from the walls; colour arrives in measured pops. Marble bathrooms, a proper work desk, Netflix on the TV.

In summer, the rooftop pool is the reason to linger. There is also a 24-hour gym. EAST, the in-house restaurant, cooks vibrant Pan-Asian; AIR, the rooftop bar, handles drinks and light dishes above the street.