GRABBING THE SPOTLIGHT IN MONTREAL

FALL 2021

Montreal is one of Canada’ most vibrant cities, deep in tradition and rich in history. From the Old Port to Griffintown, up to Mount Royal Park and back into the downtown core, this bilingual metropolis is a must-visit any time of year.

In 2018, one of his now-budding hotel properties underwent an 11-month facelift. Opened in 1999, Le Germain Hotel Montreal has a growing history in the city. But it truly wasn’t until its major renovation that it began to grab the focus of both locals and visitors, alike.

“It was a project of $34 million. It was a big project,” said Jacques-Alexandre Paquet, General Manager of the hotel. “We used to have 101 rooms. We added a structure on the top of the building and increased the number of rooms by 35.”

The building itself was built in 1967, the same year Expo 67 opened. According to Paquet, that “was the main inspiration of our designer and architect” for their remodel.

“There’s a lot of texture, a lot of curves,” he said. “We curve some of our walls. The lamp and bubble chair. There’s a lot of elements that are inspired by the 1960s and 70s. It was done with taste.”

After renovations wraps up in March 2020, North America was punched in the gut by the Covid-19 pandemic. Le Germain hadn’t been properly reintroduced until this spring, right when the Montreal Canadiens began their unexpected march to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.

Having stayed at the property during the Habs’ Cinderella-run that fell short in five games to the Tampa Bay Lightning, I had the privilege of experiencing Le Germain Hotel Montreal firsthand. A short walk to the Bell Centre made getting to and from the rink a lot easier, and the comfort and style of the rooms made being away from home for several weeks much more bearable. Their vibrant lobby bar and aesthetically pleasing restaurant didn’t hurt, either.

Shortly after the Stanley Cup Final ended in early-July, the MURAL Festival got underway, and Le Germain Hotel Montreal jumped at the chance to get involved.

“It was an idea we had a few years back,” Paquet said. “To brighten up the city a little bit and invite people to come back to downtown (after the pandemic) was kind of the idea behind that, as well.”

Designed and painted by Canadian contemporary artist Michelle Hoogveld, the 171-foot mural, called “Dazzle My Heart,” features 80 different colours and multiple geometric shapes, and was completed in two weeks.

“It was shortly after my move to Montreal where I was commissioned by MURAL Festival to bring Le Germain’s dream of a having mural painted on its facade to life,” Hoogveld explained. “Working on a swing stage platform, the artwork took two weeks to install, immediately changing the downtown landscape from grey and beige buildings to a beautiful opportunity for people to participate and experience colour in a way that is unique to its environment.”

The mural will stand tall for at least five years, with the city responsible for its maintenance and keeping its colours intact.

“Immersed in a love larger than life, the artwork explores the emotional resonance we have to colour and the ability to evoke feelings of happiness, joy and genuine connection,” Hoogveld affirmed.

Located just steps away from boutiques and shops, and exquisite restaurants, museums and historic landmarks, Le Germain Hotel Montreal needs to be a part of your itinerary the next, or first, time to make your way to this gorgeous city.

Le Germain Hotel Montreal
Address: 2050 Mansfield St, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1Y9
Phone Number: (514) 849-2050
Social Media: @legermainhotels