What to Expect at Opus Montreal:
A sexy, modern hotel ideal for singles and couples, Opus Montreal straddles old and new Montreal both geographically and historically. It is located downtown, on the corner of Sherbrooke and St. Laurent streets, walking distance to the entertainment district and minutes from the lively Old Port area.
The exterior is a 1914 Art Nouveau structure that was the first poured concrete building in North America. Previously known as the Hotel Godin, under new owners Opus Montreal's 136 guest rooms were renovated in 2004 and now feature chic, modern decor and furnishings.
Guest Rooms at Opus Montreal:
Generously sized rooms painted bold shades of orange, brown, fuschia, purple, or chartreuse (the staff tries to match your personality with the color and theme of the room) give Opus Montreal a unique edge over cookie-cutter hotels. Ceilings are varnished concrete, a nod to the building's provenance.
From the long, wide mirror across from the bed to the leather seat that splits into "male" and "female" halves to the minibar's intimacy kit (condoms, lube gel, wet naps) to the shower big enough for two, Frette robes, and l'Occitane sundries, this is a place designed to stoke passion.
Amenities at Opus Montreal:
Well-equipped rooms provide some items a couple planning a romantic getaway may appreciate: Web-enabled TV (confession: I could never figure out how to access the Internet from it), Keurig coffee machine (okay, I couldn't operate that one, either), Philips CD clock radio (what I really wanted was an iPod dock), and a stocked fridge with 375 ml bottles of Absolut, Bombay Gin, and red wine along with airplane-sized samples of other intoxicants.
An aesthetically pleasing, complimentary snack presentation of cubed white chocolate, currants, and smoked almonds was provided in-room with bottled water.
Dining at Opus Montreal:
The stylish Suco Resto - Lounge on the hotel's lower level features an extensive bar with an inventive cocktail menu and tasty tapas to try. Patrons who come for dinner can be seated in the loge overlooking the bar area.
Suco is a chic gathering place, and Montreal's many excellent restaurants are a short cab ride away after cocktails. A new addition to Opus Montreal, Koko restaurant and bar offers revelers another space in the hotel to drink and dine. It features a large outdoor terrace that invites warm-weather revelry.
Destination Weddings at Opus Montreal:
Koko Montreal can be closed for a private party that accommodates up to 125 guests inside and as many as 700 for cocktails on its 4,500 square-foot terrace. The cuisine is Asian-fusion. Opus Montreal also has a separate indoor area that can be customized for a wedding. There's a hair and beauty salon in the building and the
Valmont Spa is nearby to help wedding parties relax and groom themselves for the big day.
Only at Opus Montreal:
For those who can afford it, Opus Montreal features a "penthouse in the sky." Located on the top floor of the hotel, its bedroom is surrounded by glass on three sides, which gives occupants the feeling of floating among the clouds. (Blinds can be automatically raised, lowered, opened, and closed.) The bi-level penthouse, which can act as a venue for a small wedding, also features dining and relaxation areas, a work space, a slightly oversize bathtub, and for good measure a fainting couch. The penthouse, as well as larger suites, includes a mini oxygen tank for guests to use for a boost of energy (fee).
Nearby Opus Montreal:
Opus Montreal is a good choice for visitors who want to experience both the old and new in Montreal. The hotel is a short cab ride to the city's Old Port and the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica. In the other direction are Montreal’s shopping and business centers. The concierge can help active guests find yoga classes and can assist in sourcing bike rentals. The ship-shaped Casino de Montréal is reachable by an inexpensive taxi ride.
What Could be Improved at Opus Montreal?:
Wi-fi is only available in the lobby; it needs to be extended to serve all guest rooms. On a recent visit, there was no evening turndown. Given how distinctive Opus Montreal is, one expects a small pillow-top surprise to send guests off to dreamland.
Is Opus Montreal Right for You?:
If you prefer hip and happening hotels to traditionally elegant ones like
The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal or Fairmont's large, historic city center
Queen Elizabeth, Opus Montreal will cater to your desires — and most likely arouse a few new ones while you're here.
Where to Find More Information About Opus Montreal:
Opus Montreal
10 Sherbrooke Ouest
Montreal, Canada
514-843-6000
Search for a Flight to Montreal (one hour from New York City)
Opus Montreal Web Site
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation and meals for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not
influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
