Fairmont President's Club - Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

I am going to Montreal next month for 3 nights. I will be staying at the FQE, any experiences form past guests??
Never been in MOntreal and any help would be appreciated
Thanks

I will be staying at this hotel and any information will help
Thanks

I stayed there in October 2004 at a very economical rate...around $150 US.

The location is fantastic for people arriving by train...right upstairs from the train station (New York, Quebec City, Toronto).

The rooms seemed to have thin walls....I could hear the next room's alarm and phone at 5am. The neighbors left early and I had to call the front desk to have the constantly buzzing alarm turned off.

The property is not historic (1958) like some of the other CP Rail properties now managed by Fairmont.

Otherwise, OK.

To follow up on the FQE query, I've stayed here a number of times and can give you some info.

It's a large hotel, over 1000 rooms I think, so the lobby/ elevators can get VERY busy. Having said that, check in is reasonably efficient and I've found the staff pleasant and responsive. The Fairmont rooms are pleasantly decorated and perfectly comfortable, but are pretty small/ cozy, and the bathrooms are tiny (like most of the 'historic' properties, even though this one isn't that old). I've sometimes been upgraded to a corner room, which is considerably more spacious. Some have pretty good views, others are not much to speak of. Beware rooms facing 'the mountain'/ Rene Levesque Blvd if traffic noise bothers you. Nice view of the mountain, but NOISY from the road! I stayed on the Gold Floor once, not much difference in the room that I noticed - higher bed, fancier bedspread, etc - but the hors d'ouevres and the breakfast offerings were fantastic, and the lounge view is wonderful.

The pool/ gym here is terrific - one of the best hotel gyms I've come across anywhere. Large and very well equipped. I've not eaten in the Beaver Club, I've had Sun brunch in the Montrealais, and it's good, perhaps even very good, but not quite...spectacular like say the Sun brunch at the Banff Springs, or Chateau Laurier - it also doesn't get underway till 1130! (Montreal stays up & gets up late!).

Parking is a total hassle & complete disaster here. It's not run by the hotel but by some other company I believe. Disorganized, cramped, they ALWAYS mess up the billing, and it's expensive, too. If you can do without a car, do! (Not to mention if you're not a Montreal native, driving can be an...experience - there's a REASON they love F1 there!). The train station is directly beneath the hotel, great access. Or if you're flying there's an airport bus I believe. Also, you can access the underground shopping, metro, etc, without going outside, a big plus in the winter!

If you're a Starbucks addict...shameful, I know :) - the nearest is Chapters on St Catherine (going outside), or down through the train station towards Bonaventure hotel (underground, ask the hotel staff for more detailed directions.)

Hope this helps, and you enjoy your stay in Montreal - I realize in re-reading this may not sound like a great review, but this is one of my favourite Montreal hotels and I keep returning!

I will be staying at this hotel and any information will help
Thanks

The hotel completed a major renovation last year. About 75% of the rooms and most common areas (including the lobby) were updated. Avoid Moderate Rooms and Mini-suites, they're a little tired. Fairmont Rooms, Junior Suites, 1 Bedroom Suites and the Fairmont Gold concierge floor have all been tastefully updated.

Not sure when you're planning to go. The Fairmont.com site has some attractive offers in their "Hotel Packages" section. The Internet Only offers include attractive discounts but are non-refundable. There's a Fairmont Gold special offer if that's of interest - the Gold Lounge offers complimentary breakfast and an extensive selection of hors d'oeuvres in the evening.

The hotel is in a great location - close to shops on Sherbrooke and St Catherines but not too far from Old Montreal. There are some great boutique hotels in Old Montreal but there a bit of a hike from everything else.

The hotel completed a major renovation last year. About 75% of the rooms and most common areas (including the lobby) were updated. Avoid Moderate Rooms and Mini-suites, they're a little tired. Fairmont Rooms, Junior Suites, 1 Bedroom Suites and the Fairmont Gold concierge floor have all been tastefully updated.

Not sure when you're planning to go. The Fairmont.com site has some attractive offers in their "Hotel Packages" section. The Internet Only offers include attractive discounts but are non-refundable. There's a Fairmont Gold special offer if that's of interest - the Gold Lounge offers complimentary breakfast and an extensive selection of hors d'oeuvres in the evening.

The hotel is in a great location - close to shops on Sherbrooke and St Catherines but not too far from Old Montreal. There are some great boutique hotels in Old Montreal but there a bit of a hike from everything else.
gREAT INFORMATION! i will try to ask for a gold room. Hopefully i can get it.
I am going to Montreal late August.
I will be taking a cruise from that city.

Just so you don't miss it, I also posted some info on the FQE in the 'sticky' thread for you.

To follow up on the FQE query, I've stayed here a number of times and can give you some info.

It's a large hotel, over 1000 rooms I think, so the lobby/ elevators can get VERY busy. Having said that, check in is reasonably efficient and I've found the staff pleasant and responsive. The Fairmont rooms are pleasantly decorated and perfectly comfortable, but are pretty small/ cozy, and the bathrooms are tiny (like most of the 'historic' properties, even though this one isn't that old). I've sometimes been upgraded to a corner room, which is considerably more spacious. Some have pretty good views, others are not much to speak of. Beware rooms facing 'the mountain'/ Rene Levesque Blvd if traffic noise bothers you. Nice view of the mountain, but NOISY from the road! I stayed on the Gold Floor once, not much difference in the room that I noticed - higher bed, fancier bedspread, etc - but the hors d'ouevres and the breakfast offerings were fantastic, and the lounge view is wonderful.

The pool/ gym here is terrific - one of the best hotel gyms I've come across anywhere. Large and very well equipped. I've not eaten in the Beaver Club, I've had Sun brunch in the Montrealais, and it's good, perhaps even very good, but not quite...spectacular like say the Sun brunch at the Banff Springs, or Chateau Laurier - it also doesn't get underway till 1130! (Montreal stays up & gets up late!).

Parking is a total hassle & complete disaster here. It's not run by the hotel but by some other company I believe. Disorganized, cramped, they ALWAYS mess up the billing, and it's expensive, too. If you can do without a car, do! (Not to mention if you're not a Montreal native, driving can be an...experience - there's a REASON they love F1 there!). The train station is directly beneath the hotel, great access. Or if you're flying there's an airport bus I believe. Also, you can access the underground shopping, metro, etc, without going outside, a big plus in the winter!

If you're a Starbucks addict...shameful, I know :) - the nearest is Chapters on St Catherine (going outside), or down through the train station towards Bonaventure hotel (underground, ask the hotel staff for more detailed directions.)

Hope this helps, and you enjoy your stay in Montreal - I realize in re-reading this may not sound like a great review, but this is one of my favourite Montreal hotels and I keep returning!
Thanks very much for your help.

Just booked a "Moderate Large Queen Nonsmoking" room at the Fairmont for 3 weeks from now. Wondering if anyone here has stayed in these rooms, if there's any specific number to ask for, etc. We actually have 2 rooms booked, and it appears that these rooms are all on the 20th and 21st floors.

Rate is CN$123, including breakfasts. Promo code PRGRE1. I was honestly rather shocked at the price - I would have otherwise dropped $150-175 on a Spring Hill Suites or a Le Meridien.

Just booked a "Moderate Large Queen Nonsmoking" room at the Fairmont for 3 weeks from now. Wondering if anyone here has stayed in these rooms, if there's any specific number to ask for, etc. We actually have 2 rooms booked, and it appears that these rooms are all on the 20th and 21st floors.

Rate is CN$123, including breakfasts. Promo code PRGRE1. I was honestly rather shocked at the price - I would have otherwise dropped $150-175 on a Spring Hill Suites or a Le Meridien.

If you are not already, join the FPC. At the basic level, you get free internet access.
http://www.fairmont.com/FA/en/CDA/Home/PresidentsClub/CDPresidentClubMemberBenefits/0,1867,brand%25255Fcode%253DFA%2526loyalty%25255Fc ode%253DPRES,00.html

If you are not already, join the FPC. At the basic level, you get free internet access.
http://www.fairmont.com/FA/en/CDA/Home/PresidentsClub/CDPresidentClubMemberBenefits/0,1867,brand%25255Fcode%253DFA%2526loyalty%25255Fc ode%253DPRES,00.html

Thanks for that heads-up! I've been FPC forever, maybe doing 1 Fairmont stay a year - the basic level essentially gets me an email about once a quarter, and I didn't know about 'Net access. That makes this rate look even better. :)

Fairmont are running VERY cheap rates all over. Hopefully this is due to lack of loyal guests who have moved to greener pastures. $88 in Jasper is pretty much unheard of. $125 at YVR! Almost like a desperation sale.

Just booked a "Moderate Large Queen Nonsmoking" room at the Fairmont for 3 weeks from now. Wondering if anyone here has stayed in these rooms, if there's any specific number to ask for, etc. We actually have 2 rooms booked, and it appears that these rooms are all on the 20th and 21st floors.

Rate is CN$123, including breakfasts. Promo code PRGRE1. I was honestly rather shocked at the price - I would have otherwise dropped $150-175 on a Spring Hill Suites or a Le Meridien.

For the same price you can stay at a Fairmont room. The moderate rooms are very tired. The larger size and the top floor is not worth it.
Go for a Fairmont room and request a high floor. Since they are offering that promo for those dates they should have plenty of space to grant you that request at no extra cost.
I got one of those rooms in the past . I was not happy at all!!

For the same price you can stay at a Fairmont room. The moderate rooms are very tired. The larger size and the top floor is not worth it.
Go for a Fairmont room and request a high floor. Since they are offering that promo for those dates they should have plenty of space to grant you that request at no extra cost.
I got one of those rooms in the past . I was not happy at all!!

I saw the original posts here about Moderate rooms being worn out. But when I was booking this, I noticed that the Fairmont rooms were 275 sq. ft and these "Moderate Large" rooms were 100 sq. ft bigger. We're setting up a portable crib in the room, so we took the extra space. Since we're just there one night, we're fine with worn-out decor. As long as stuff isn't broken, etc.

But I definitely will take note of room condition when we get there. (I'll also add comments here after the stay.) I figure if there are serious issues, it won't be too hard to call back down to the front desk and say ask for a fresher room, accepting the downgrade if necessary. Looks like all room-types are on sale, and it's a Sunday night stay, so I'm guessing they'd be pretty flexible.

Fairmont are running VERY cheap rates all over. Hopefully this is due to lack of loyal guests who have moved to greener pastures. $88 in Jasper is pretty much unheard of. $125 at YVR! Almost like a desperation sale.

Thanks for pointing this out. Banff Springs is going for $136CD!!! In June!!!

(Note for those looking for these rates in vain on the Web site: You have to log in and then click the "Great Rates-GreatDates" tab.)

Any info on what the gold rooms are like on the 18th and 19th floors ? Is C$226/ night a good price for these rooms.

Fairmont are running VERY cheap rates all over.

Just booked a one night stay at the Queen Elizabeth for the end of June at a government rate of $155 CAD and am getting an upgrade to a junior suite (using an upgrade certificate). I was told that these suites have recently been renovated.

I booked via telephone with a President's Club Concierge and this was a cheaper rate than appeared on the Fairmont website.

Thanks for pointing this out. Banff Springs is going for $136CD!!! In June!!!

(Note for those looking for these rates in vain on the Web site: You have to log in and then click the "Great Rates-GreatDates" tab.)

The Manoir Richelieu is running a $129 "wake up to nature rate".

[QUOTE=lost*in*cyberspace]Just booked a one night stay at the Queen Elizabeth for the end of June at a government rate of $155 CAD and am getting an upgrade to a junior suite (using an upgrade certificate). I was told that these suites have recently been renovated.

I booked via telephone with a President's Club Concierge and this was a cheaper rate than appeared on the Fairmont website.[/QUOTS

Save the certificate!! The Jr suite is not worht it.
If you book a moderate or Fairmont room through any travel agency memebr of ensemble travel the hotel will upgrade you to a Jr suite for no extra cost.
Is one of the amenities that you get from Ensemble travel.
With your certificate i would expect an upgrade to a one bedroom suite at least!!

Just finished 1-night stay at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth - known simply as "Le Reine" or "the "Queenie" by cab drivers. :)

We went to check in with our reservation for a "moderate large room" on Floor 20 or 21. The clerk handed us keys to room 1000. When I asked her about it, she was very straightforward: a corner room on the renovated floors is better than a "moderate large" room on the top floors. She assured us that the square footage was similar and that we'd like the room.

She was right: it was a nice, bright corner room that had been recently renovated. It wasn't huge by the standards of newer hotels, but it was roomy enough for us. The 00 rooms are at the very end of the hall, far from the elevators, and are behind a separate set of doors that make them bookable with the 03 room as a suite. (But both 00 and 03 have their own real doors and are their own real rooms separated by a short hallway.) If you book in the regular room class, you might ask for these room numbers. I'm not sure about the configuration at the other end of the floor: there appeared to be three rooms bookable together as a suite there.

We had a restaurant breakfast included in our rate, so we didn't even ask about upgrading to 18-19. Not sure what they would have charged us: doubt they would have given it to non-elites for free. The restaurant buffet was pretty good as buffets go.

In the US, I'm used to Fairmonts being smaller, more high-end properties. Not quite five-star but close. (Seattle, for example.) This is a very nice hotel, but it definitely doesn't have that feel: it's a major 1000+ room convention hotel in Montreal. Worthy of its four stars for sure, but...to put it in American terms, it's more Hilton Chicago and less the Drake. More Wardman Park Marriott and less Ritz-Carlton. (You get the drift... :))

So unfortunately, after all of that, I didn't get a chance to review and comment here on unrenovated rooms. But the fact that clerks automatically "upgrade" a base PC member off of those floors when lower corner rooms are available tells me that they don't consider them too desirable.

Just finished 1-night stay at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth - known simply as "Le Reine" or "the "Queenie" by cab drivers. :)

We went to check in with our reservation for a "moderate large room" on Floor 20 or 21. The clerk handed us keys to room 1000. When I asked her about it, she was very straightforward: a corner room on the renovated floors is better than a "moderate large" room on the top floors. She assured us that the square footage was similar and that we'd like the room.

She was right: it was a nice, bright corner room that had been recently renovated. It wasn't huge by the standards of newer hotels, but it was roomy enough for us. The 00 rooms are at the very end of the hall, far from the elevators, and are behind a separate set of doors that make them bookable with the 03 room as a suite. (But both 00 and 03 have their own real doors and are their own real rooms separated by a short hallway.) If you book in the regular room class, you might ask for these room numbers. I'm not sure about the configuration at the other end of the floor: there appeared to be three rooms bookable together as a suite there.

We had a restaurant breakfast included in our rate, so we didn't even ask about upgrading to 18-19. Not sure what they would have charged us: doubt they would have given it to non-elites for free. The restaurant buffet was pretty good as buffets go.

In the US, I'm used to Fairmonts being smaller, more high-end properties. Not quite five-star but close. (Seattle, for example.) This is a very nice hotel, but it definitely doesn't have that feel: it's a major 1000+ room convention hotel in Montreal. Worthy of its four stars for sure, but...to put it in American terms, it's more Hilton Chicago and less the Drake. More Wardman Park Marriott and less Ritz-Carlton. (You get the drift... :))

So unfortunately, after all of that, I didn't get a chance to review and comment here on unrenovated rooms. But the fact that clerks automatically "upgrade" a base PC member off of those floors when lower corner rooms are available tells me that they don't consider them too desirable.
Did you notice the construction work in front of the hotel? One of my coworkes just came back from the hotel ans said that it was a quite a mess.
Every time i go there i book a suite at the end of the hallway. They are nice and with huge room for work.

Did you notice the construction work in front of the hotel? One of my coworkes just came back from the hotel ans said that it was a quite a mess.
Every time i go there i book a suite at the end of the hallway. They are nice and with huge room for work.

I didn't notice any construction in front of the hotel (either in the hotel or on the street in front). Traffic was open both directions in front of the hotel - at least on the main street where the cabs line up and the bellmen hang out. (I know it's a big train station with other entrances.)

Maybe it was a short-term thing...

The only oddity when we arrived was a motorcycle rally throughout downtown Montreal that had cops at every streetcorner. We never were able to reach the train station's parking garage. We just used a 24-hour garage about a block away...

Save the certificate!! The Jr suite is not worht it.

Thanks for the advice!

How bad is the Suite ? I booked a corp rate at C$126 and would like to use either the room UG or Suite UG cert. Any suggestions ? Do I call the concierge and give them the infor immeadiately ? The rate is booked through my corp TA. Any feedback on the parking costs ? Thanks

Had a wonderful stay at the Fairmont QE. We were upgraded to a Jr. Suite on the 4th floor. No problems and great service. The room is one of the renovated ones. Overall, have no complaints the stay was uneventful. ^ ^ ^

I have had many an upgrade to a junior suite at the Queen Elizabeth, always complimentary. Admittedly this happened more often when the chain was called Canadian Pacific than since they changed their name to Fairmont. Unlike most hotels whose junior suites are just big rooms, these have always had a small bedroom and parlour separated by a wall and doors. Some have had only one bathroom, but most have had a second room with toilet and sink and occasionally we have had one with two full bathrooms.

By the way, an unadvertised saving can be had by requesting a "parlour" room. These are just that: the parlour section of a suite. Most of them are twice the size of a a basic Fairmont room, although I once had a small parlour. The only disadvantage is the bed, which is a bed chesterfield. When we are travelling between trains and checking in late at night and out fairly early in the morning we always book one of these rooms. The last rate I paid was $109. Sometimes they will not book it too long in advance as it breaks up a suite, but a week or two in advance should be all right.

Stayed at the QE from 12/29-1/1. A pleasant, if generic hotel located atop Gare Centrale. Was especially good for our New Year's Day train ride to Toronto. Check-in was efficient using the President's Club line, though the check-in agent wasn't aware of the winter promotion...interesting considering it's been plastered over the Fairmont website for weeks.

Booked and received a Fairmont Queen room. Normal size, slightly nicer than avg decor, but nothing special. Small, but functional bathroom. For ~100CAD/night, I was certainly satisfied.

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/international-hotels/522509

Montreal, QC


Travel dates: Jan. 28 - April 13


By Travelzoo Staff

Live like a queen, or a king, for a fraction of the price. Having hosted countless dignitaries and celebrities, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is ready to welcome you through its doors for only $87 (CAD$109) per night. You will save up to 45% OFF regular rates.

On weekends, you can opt for the added comfort of a Fairmont Gold Room or Junior Suite for an additional CAD$50 per night.

Blackout Dates: Feb. 8-11, 27-28; March 1-2

Book by Jan. 28: Click here to book directly with Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth. By phone, dial 888-490--6363 and quote PRTVZ1.

Why so famous? Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary. In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged their 'bed-in' from Suite 1742, where "Give Peace A Chance" was recorded. Some famous political figures who have stayed at the hotel include the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, General Charles de Gaulle, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India, Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama and Mikhail Gorbachev.

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
900 Rene Levesque Blvd. W Montreal, Quebec H3B 4A5
phone: 1-800-635-4440
Like this deal? E-mail it to a friend. »



* Terms/Conditions:
Prices listed are in Canadian dollars. Prices based on double occupancy and availability. Rates are non-refundable and must be fully prepaid. See Fairmont.com for details.



* Some taxes, fees additional. Learn more

Hah, I was just looking for a good rate for this hotel... of course, I need it for the 27th-28th. Classic

Completed a three-nighter at the QEH. Been coming here once or twice each summer for the last four.

Did the NFAF rate, and what a wonderful deal (let's say I paid what amounted to a Hampton Inn price), and was able to use a suite upgrade coupon to get a suite. The suite was a two room affair, with a separate master bedroom (marble bathroom with separate shower and tub) and a living room and half bath. It was XX79, and was located at the end of the building -- no other room next to ours AT ALL. About the quietest one can get, I assume.

Suite was spacious, I'd say about 500 sq ft or a bit more. Very nicely furnished and everything in good condition. In room safe was large enough for a 15inch laptop. Sofabed in living room is also a bed.

Customer service was very good, from valet parking (it's C$26 a day, with in and out, btw) to check in to the porter, dinner (Beaver Club, yummy!), check out, parking garage valet. Mrs chop and I were very pleased with the stay (we'd have been pleased even if not for the NFAF rate but a more "regular" rate).

Emailed a request for early check-in a few days before arrival, since I expected to arrive around 2 or so. (Check-in time at QEH is 4). They actually emailed back a confirmation that the room was ready at about 9 am that morning.

Platinum amenity was waiting in the suite already, though it was a bit underwhelming (two granola bars and a bottle of water) after the nice platter of chocolate goodies I received at the Chateau Laurier. But fine. The Fairmont Fit stuff arrived 10 minutes after I checked in. Also fine.

Bought my younger kid a Vancouver Olympics mascot at the Fairmont Store. After the FPC 15% discount, it actually was cheaper than if I had bought it at the "official Vancouver Olympics retailer" the Bay. Good deal.

It was a very good stay and we can't wait to go back. ^

Chop nice report, great job getting the 2 bedroom suite, you must have reserved that one early! I stayed for two weeks on the gold floor but that was in 2001 and recall I had a fantastic time... staff were very professional.

Any other option, besides the C$ 26 a night valet ?

Overnight: $26.00 + Tax (includes in and out privileges)
20 minutes: $3.25 + Tax
One hour: $9.75 + Tax
Up to 12 hours: $20.00 + Tax

Outdoor Self Parking is located behind the hotel on Belmont Street and is operated by a private company. DAY Rates are $13.00 per day (arriving at 6:00 a.m. and departing at 6:00 p.m.). Overnight rates are negotiated with Parking attendant. The hotel does not recommend this parking to guests that are staying overnight, as the lot is located offsite and outdoors.

... The hotel does not recommend this parking to guests that are staying overnight, as the lot is located offsite and outdoors.

Thanks for the info, but does it mean the hotel is in a bad neighbourhood ?!

Thanks for the info, but does it mean the hotel is in a bad neighbourhood ?!

The hotel is a fine neighbourhood, right downtown in the business district.
I guess the precaution, though, it's a large city, and an unguarded outdoor parking lot, that sort of thing.

I have always used their valet service. For a large city, C$26 is not that bad a deal, I think. And they are pretty good service, too. When you get your car, it's right underneath the hotel, so you don't need to get out....

What is a proper amount to tip the valet each time? Do people tip on the way and on the way out? Sorry, don't often use valet parking, and therefore I am not up on how this is done... Thanks.

I have no clue what the rules are. I usually tip the person a couple dollars when I leave the car -- this is usually a Fairmont doorman, who often helps with luggage. If the person is particularly welcoming and stuff, maybe a bit more. And similar when I leave. But it all depends on the service and service attitude, at least for me. The valet parking folks at QEH are very nice (actually, come to think of it, at every Fairmont I've been), so I generally feel good about tipping them a bit more. As for "rules," I really don't know... I figure, it's my money, so I'll use my own rules :)

http://ca.deals.travelzoo.com/canada-hotels/696413?utm_source=top20_ca&utm_medium=email_top20

Feast your eyes on this offer from the CAA/AAA 4-Diamond Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth. From now until April 5, you can stay at this historic hotel for just $109 per night. Save as much as $70 OFF the cost of regular rates this winter.

This offer is valid Fridays and Saturdays through April 5 and seven days a week from Dec. 19 to Jan. 3 and from Feb. 19 to March 7. It's even valid over New Year's Eve!

For $50 more per night the Junior Suite is a great option for families, outfitted with a separate living area and sofa bed.

Blackout Dates: Jan. 15-16, 29-30; Feb. 5-6
Book by Dec. 2: Click here to book with Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth. By phone, dial 1-888-450-4141 and quote Promotional Code PRTVZ1.

About the hotel: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth has played host to countless dignitaries. In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono staged their "bed-in" from Suite 1742, where "Give Peace A Chance" was recorded. Some famous political guests include the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, General Charles de Gaulle, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of India, Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama and Mikhail Gorbachev.

I'm staying at the Queen Elizabeth for 4 nights in a few weeks. I'm thinking about using a suite u/g...what's the best I can hope for? What have others been able to get using a suite u/g cert?

Thanks!

I'm staying at the Queen Elizabeth for 4 nights in a few weeks. I'm thinking about using a suite u/g...what's the best I can hope for? What have others been able to get using a suite u/g cert?

Thanks!

For the last couple years, this is what I've experienced:

Room Level Upgrade:
Std. Room -> Mini (Jr.) Suite
or
Mini (Jr.) Suite -> One Bedroom Suite


Suite Upgrade:
Std. Room -> One Bedroom Suite

For the last couple years, this is what I've experienced:

Room Level Upgrade:
Std. Room -> Mini (Jr.) Suite
or
Mini (Jr.) Suite -> One Bedroom Suite


Suite Upgrade:
Std. Room -> One Bedroom Suite

The last couple of times I've tried using a suite ug cert, was told it would be to a junior suite only. They didn't seem to want to give the one-bedroom suite anymore... :(

The last couple of times I've tried using a suite ug cert, was told it would be to a junior suite only. They didn't seem to want to give the one-bedroom suite anymore... :(

Who did you call? You need to talk to Fairmont concierge @ the Queenie.

Who did you call? You need to talk to Fairmont concierge @ the Queenie.

I was talking to the PLT customer service folks. Should I have contacted the hotel directly instead? Is there an email for right people to contact at the QEH?

Hi,

so I booked this hotel today by phone for 4 nights in Sept.

I booked one Fairmont King Smocking room for my mom (using the Visa Signature promo with the third night free) for 299$ a night (*3).

Then I booked for me a Fairmont King NSK with Visa signature too and ask for a room upgrade with my last room upgrade cert, and she upgraded me to a Jr Suite (because they dont have a lot of room categories).

Just one issue, is the Junior Suite is with Queen bed only :(

For the Valet parking, I'm not good at that too! But I think 2$ is good (or need more?) When I go to Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, I NEVER give money, because I think is "swiss attitude" and was not problem. But I know I have to tip, so I will tip when I leave the car. Just hope 2$ is good and 5$ for luggages in the room.

Hi,

so I booked this hotel today by phone for 4 nights in Sept.

I booked one Fairmont King Smocking room for my mom (using the Visa Signature promo with the third night free) for 299$ a night (*3).

Then I booked for me a Fairmont King NSK with Visa signature too and ask for a room upgrade with my last room upgrade cert, and she upgraded me to a Jr Suite (because they dont have a lot of room categories).

Just one issue, is the Junior Suite is with Queen bed only :(

For the Valet parking, I'm not good at that too! But I think 2$ is good (or need more?) When I go to Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, I NEVER give money, because I think is "swiss attitude" and was not problem. But I know I have to tip, so I will tip when I leave the car. Just hope 2$ is good and 5$ for luggages in the room.

Sounds like you´ll have a nice stay!

Many (junior) suites only have a Queen bed (about 1.60m x 2.00m), if you´re the only person staying in the room, a Queen bed is very comfortable, if there are two people in the room a queen bed can be a little small.

Regarding tipping: Tipping is not madatory, but it is expected:

$2 for valet parking is acceptable though some people would say $5 is more appropiate (some would argue the service is better/faster if you tip more); i fyou plan to leave the hotel several times per day I´d tip no more than $10/day

bell staff: generally $1-$2 per piece of luggage; $5 is fine (unless you´re travelling with ten suit cases;))

I seem to recall that if you want to valet park your car, when you first arrive at the hotel, you can go to the side entrance and the doorman there will take care of the valet parking for you.
When you retrieve it, you'd go to the basement level where the parking people are, and they will get the car for you.
So if you tip when you leave the car, you are tipping the doorman.
When you tip when retrieving the car, you are tipping a different group of people.
So in the past I've tipped both of them. I figure, after a few hundred dollars spent there, what's a few extra loonies.

I guess you can also drive the car into the garage area and have the people there park it for you, but I've not done that and I don't know the procedure. Can someone shed some light on this?

Sounds like you´ll have a nice stay!

Many (junior) suites only have a Queen bed (about 1.60m x 2.00m), if you´re the only person staying in the room, a Queen bed is very comfortable, if there are two people in the room a queen bed can be a little small.

Regarding tipping: Tipping is not madatory, but it is expected:

$2 for valet parking is acceptable though some people would say $5 is more appropiate (some would argue the service is better/faster if you tip more); i fyou plan to leave the hotel several times per day I´d tip no more than $10/day

bell staff: generally $1-$2 per piece of luggage; $5 is fine (unless you´re travelling with ten suit cases;))

And unfortunately we will be 2 in the room!

For the tip, i will do 2$! Because I think I can ask for my car from my room (so if ask 5-10 min before leaving) so dont need better/faster service!

For luggage, only 1-2 so 5$ will be good!

Thanks for the tips!

And unfortunately we will be 2 in the room!



I've done 2 in the room in their queen bed. They are big enough (and I'm a pretty big fella). Unless you really super-sized, I think you'll find the queen adequate.

So all will be good!

Just got back from a weekend at the Queen Elizabeth. Used a suite upgrade from a regular room, and I'm not sure why, but we were double-upgraded to the Maisonneuve Suite (2016) on the Executive Suites floor. Unbelievable amount of space for the two of us. Full kitchen, dining room, library, living room, hallway, two bathrooms, and an awesome bedroom. Bigger than the main floor for most people's houses.

A few strange things about this room though (I'd love to hear thoughts from others who may have stayed there):
- no safe in room (we found this very odd)
- the bedroom in this suite connects to another room, if you had a bigger group. However, at night, we could hear the guests in the other room. It seemed a little odd given how nice this room was, but it didn't bother us since we both just wore earplugs and slept very soundly.
- fit and finish were great for the most part, but a little run down in some areas (like the closets). I gather that's how many people describe this hotel.

A great stay, all in all.

What does Guaranteed early check-in as Platinum mean? I had requested 1pm but then changed flights so I arrived at 3pm, yes 2 hours later, yet here I sit waiting for my Suite to be "verified" it's ready. Was told at check-in it shows it us ready but not yet verified. I've been waiting for over 45 minutes as still no call to tell me it us ready :((

What good is this privilege if it is not take seriously?

What does Guaranteed early check-in as Platinum mean? I had requested 1pm but then changed flights so I arrived at 3pm, yes 2 hours later, yet here I sit waiting for my Suite to be "verified" it's ready. Was told at check-in it shows it us ready but not yet verified. I've been waiting for over 45 minutes as still no call to tell me it us ready :((

What good is this privilege if it is not take seriously?

I don´t think there´s a set "early check-in time" in the T&C, but I fully agree with you that 3p.m. is pretty unacceptable if you informed the hotel about the early check-in in advance.

Generally speaking I think it´s not unreasonable to expect a 12p.m./1p.m. early check-in (which is in line with early check-in offered with some packages, as a Virtuoso benefit etc.)

Still waiting 1 hour later:((( Wonder what I should be receiving as "apology" gift?

Totally unacceptable.

Still waiting 1 hour later:((( Wonder what I should be receiving as "apology" gift?

Totally unacceptable.

It´s 4p.m. now in YUL and your suite still isn´t ready yet? Have you checked with the front desk? Very unimpressive indeed...

(I have often been told they´d call me on my cell phone once the room is ready but it only works 50% of the time, so I usually follow up at the front desk)

Not sure what kind of "apology" you can expect. I once received a comp. drink at the bar and a comp. lunch another time when my room wasn´t ready, but that was more of an exception than the rule.

On a recent stay the hotel had all my info (early check-in request for 1.00p.m., flight number, exact arrival time) and I was still sent away twice until I finally received my suite at 3.30p.m. I did send the GM a note that I was less than impressed, received a pleasant/apologetic reply, but that was it.

Got into my room at about 4:10pm. My one bedroom suite is nice but my view is of scaffolding and I hear hammering almost constantly :((( Takes up 1/2 the window. I just have to laugh at this experience. Should have stayed at the conf hotel but instead I choose to be loyal...

Got into my room at about 4:10pm. My one bedroom suite is nice but my view is of scaffolding and I hear hammering almost constantly :((( Takes up 1/2 the window. I just have to laugh at this experience. Should have stayed at the conf hotel but instead I choose to be loyal...

Sorry to hear about your check in experience, and today the weather here is quite awful as well.

I live in Montreal but would not consider the QE as a preferred hotel, regardless of loyalty. For some strange reason though, I like The Royal York in Toronto.

If it continues raining, you can explore the undeground shopping malls without getting wet, starting right at the QE.

Enjoy Montreal as much as you can.

Got into my room at about 4:10pm. My one bedroom suite is nice but my view is of scaffolding and I hear hammering almost constantly :((( Takes up 1/2 the window. I just have to laugh at this experience. Should have stayed at the conf hotel but instead I choose to be loyal...


Thought I would update the situation. I was offered a chance to move to the Gold Floor but regular room...declined. Then was offered complimentary buffett breakfast for 2 for 4 days! Offer accepted!

I must say when Fairmont messes up they know how to fix it. Once again a happy customer!

Thanks Fairmont!

I've got 2 weeks stay at this hotel coming up - for work. ^

Any tips or tricks for enjoying it? (I'm out of certs for this year).

I understand hotel is connected to Montreal underground, definately plan on exploring it. Hotel does not look as grand some of the other, stately Fairmonts in Canada.

Is it rennovated, or old and dusty?

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (BlackBerry; U; BlackBerry 9700; en-US) AppleWebKit/534.8+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/6.0.0.461 Mobile Safari/534.8+)

There are some renovated rooms but it is a very old hotel. I've had great success being upgraded without certs

It is connected to the underground but make sure you go north, south would be into office buildings with few options for returning. Place ville marie is the direction you should take

The gym is quite good as well

The cheese plate at check in usually has 3-4 cheeses and some nice fruit

I've always enjoyed the service of the hotel very much but some of the rooms seriously need a reno

I stay at this hotel 5-6 times a year

I stayed at this hotel a couple of times this year, and was extremely disappointed. The rooms are extremely tiny, there is an old mouldy smell throughout the hotel, the TV is an old-school CRT, and the room is just dated in general. I tried calling room service, but the elderly man on the other end was hearing-impaired. I kept ordering "poutine", and he kept responding, "vegetables?" After four times, I politely hung up, and just went down to the lobby to place my order... they apologized and asked if we wanted chocolate sweets due to the issues, we said yes, but then noticed that they had charged us for them!

All-in-all... stay at the Hilton just down the street - you are also connected to the underground city, and it's a far nicer hotel... plus the Exec Lounge staff are excellent there!

My wife is Fairmont Platinum, but we didn't get any upgrades (despite trying to apply either Room OR Suite certs) since the hotel was "full"...

I stayed at this hotel a couple of times this year, and was extremely disappointed. The rooms are extremely tiny, there is an old mouldy smell throughout the hotel, the TV is an old-school CRT, and the room is just dated in general. I tried calling room service, but the elderly man on the other end was hearing-impaired. I kept ordering "poutine", and he kept responding, "vegetables?" After four times, I politely hung up, and just went down to the lobby to place my order... they apologized and asked if we wanted chocolate sweets due to the issues, we said yes, but then noticed that they had charged us for them!

All-in-all... stay at the Hilton just down the street - you are also connected to the underground city, and it's a far nicer hotel... plus the Exec Lounge staff are excellent there!

My wife is Fairmont Platinum, but we didn't get any upgrades (despite trying to apply either Room OR Suite certs) since the hotel was "full"...


All the older Fairmonts smell musty, man - it's a part of the charm. ;)
Hallway ventilation is a modern invention I guess.

In a Fairmont room, and I do notice the wear & tear and marks on carpet, doors, trim, wallpaper, furniture. If I owned a hotel I'd hire a part time handyman to touch up these parts.
A bit of glue, a rub or two, a light sand with a few licks of paint or varnish, and there you go.

Service in Les Voyagers and Montrealis is top notch. Desert buffet for only $12 is well worth it.

Just checked out of the QE today and was very disappointed in the state of the hotel. I don't expect my room upgrade when part of a corporate rate, so it was nice that they gave me a quiet room on a higher floor in the corner. However, this room was missing a few lamps and was quite dark. The tub was also clogged and never got fixed during my stay :td: The alternate room change also never materialized :(

I was constantly in and out of meetings so really didn't have the time to personally and repeatedly go to the front desk.

From looking at the recent threads, appears we had a lot of Flyertalkers here on the same weekend. We could have had a get together ^

This was my first stay at the Queen Elizabeth. I was given a room on the 15th floor facing south. Views were limited to the roofs of the buildings behind as taller buildings obstructed pretty much anything else. You have to get a pretty high floor to expect much of a view anywhere in downtown Montreal though.

The hotel web site mentions self park ($$) being available nearby, but the check in e-mail only mentions valet. I didn't bother looking and dropped my car off at the front door on Rene Levesque. You pick it up one floor down from the main level. $28 a day for valet parking.

The room was clean, no musty smell here. But its the traditional Fairmont decor, so you have to expect it to look "older". Its more the style then the furnishings as everything was in great shape.

The room was close to elevators, but I never heard a sound.

The room (click photos for larger image):

Room reserved: Fairmont King $167.44 a night with taxes.

http://s13.postimage.org/sc7p23ow3/IMG_20111210_00215.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/sc7p23ow3/)

http://s13.postimage.org/mcojc6thf/IMG_20111210_00216.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/mcojc6thf/)

Perhaps the only disappointment was the bathroom. It was a dark marble, and looked more old in terms of age than style. The sink dripped constantly (not audible mind you), the toilet was one of those commercial types like you had in high school. Both the toilet and the sink had chips in the porcelain that gave them the appearance of constantly being dirty as the chips stain.

http://s13.postimage.org/pyucotzur/IMG_20111210_00218.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/pyucotzur/)

http://s13.postimage.org/3ye087h6r/IMG_20111210_00217.jpg (http://postimage.org/image/3ye087h6r/)

The Sunday brunch in the restaurant is amazing. From cheese, to cold soups, to meet, to a crepe station. It has about everything you could expect but at 50$ a person -- arrive hungry and arrive early. Reservations are strongly suggested. Once the place fills up it can be impossible to get around the buffet stations.

Other than needing a little TLC in the bathroom, I'd try it again.

Yes the King suites seem in better repair than the larger queen suites. Likely due to 1 maybe 2 people using king, vs. 2-4 people (and hyper kids!) in queens

The staff at Les Montrealis are great I got to know most of them. Service at Voyageurs bar is also very good - they bring bowls of crisps, nut mix and olives each time, and the bread basket includes their famous chocolate banana loaf (I think this is it?). Everyone seems like true professionals, old fashioned service (instead of part time teenagers running the show).

I had a North view of the park once. Let me see if I can find a picture...

Click for larger sized view:

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/1613/hotel1copy.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/12/hotel1copy.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/2460/hotel2copy.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/851/hotel2copy.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

I found that the service at the Montrealis varied according to whether you were in a corporate group or not. When we were seated away from our group we received exceptional service. However, when with the group I had to go searching for our waiter more than a few times for coffee refills :td: However, I suspect that was because we had some cheapskates in our group that didn't tip bc breakfast was "included" in the room rate :td:

The quality of the food was good and during this visit, I felt that they replenished the breakfast buffet regularly so that the food was relatively fresh and at the correct temperature and consistency. My one food complaint would be the quality of their Afternoon Tea service. The scones were not scones at all but southern-style biscuits. :(

In retrospect, we could've had a Mini-do/meetup ;) and possibly traded room-toiletries so we could at least smell consistently like Le Labo or Citron or whatever. ;) :p

We just checked into the Queen Elizabeth and have to say the room is a major disappointment. Used a suite upgrade cert and have to say I've rarely seen a smaller area with so much large, worn out furniture stuffed into it. Jr. Suite on the 4th floor with a view of the heating and cooling ducts and the roof at eye level out the window. Not at all what I'd call an upgrade. We have pretty much abandoned Fairmont for this kind of issue. We were Platinum, dropped down to Premier and after this will stop trying to maintain status. I love certain Fairmont properties and will continue to give them my business but won't try to be loyal to a hotel chain that rewards my loyalty so poorly.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn121/newnomads/5c404e4c-0a70-45f0-9487-2b882846dc34.jpg
I just had to post a photo of our "view".... is that the view you'd expect with an upgrade certificate? I didn't take room pictures because my battery was dying but rest assured it was pretty awful.
Interesting also that it seems a room upgrade cert was used rather than a suite upgrade (which I had requested). Not sure why. The suite upgrade and 3rd night free will expire while I spent this week at the Hilton a block away - because my non-upgraded room here is 10x better than what I got with my "upgrade". Pathetic.