Hotel William Gray, part of the esteemed Gray Collection, offers a truly unforgettable escape in the heart of Old Montreal.
Tucked away in the heart of Old Montreal, where history meets modern luxury, I was captivated by how Hotel William Gray provides a truly unique escape.
In light of the current emphasis on exploring destinations within Canada, I was inspired to visit the hotel, and from the moment I arrived, it was clear to me that this is more than just a place to stay—it’s an elevated sanctuary designed to promote relaxation, indulgence, and rejuvenation. Guests are invited to indulge in exquisite dining options, unwind in the rejuvenating spa, and experience a top-tier level of service that ensures every moment is an effortless blend of elegance and tranquility. Additionally, its prime location in Old Montreal offers the perfect setting for guests to explore the rich culture and history of the city, making it a must-visit for those seeking a refined escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Let me take you back in time to reminisce on my experience at the ever-lovely Hotel William Gray—a property that has truly captured my heart and made my time in Montreal one to remember.
Travelling To Montreal
I travelled with Porter Airlines from Toronto to Montreal, which offered an overall seamless and comfortable experience. Having flown with the airline in the past—and loved it!—I was familiar with the quick and efficient service, which includes in-flight amenities such free WiFi and complimentary premium snacks, free beer, wine, and soft drinks.
This ensured a smooth journey from takeoff to landing, which- luckily for us- was just about an hour in length. All in all, the spacious seats and attentive service make it a relaxing way to reach Montreal in style, ultimately setting the tone for an amazing stay in the city.
If you’re traveling from Toronto, there are also train or car rental options if you prefer a more scenic or flexible journey.
Checking Into The Hotel William Gray
Following an early morning flight, arriving at Hotel William Gray later that day was an absolute treat. I first became aware of the property’s iconic presence during a visit to Old Montreal years ago. More recently, it was remarkable to experience the property in person and see how the building’s stone walls are complemented by expansive windows and stylish details. This allows it to stand among the city’s iconic heritage structures while still feeling fresh and inviting.
As soon as we stepped out of the cab, we were introduced to various members of the Hotel William Gray’s team who made our stay extra special and were committed to delivering an exceptional guest experience from check-in to check-out.
As I reveled in the mix of contemporary style and historic charm, I noticed that the Hotel William Gray offers an inviting, airy space highlighting clean lines, luxury finishes, and warm light. The design seems to be a fusion of modern elegance and classic elements, where guests can relax in plush seating areas in the lobby surrounded by exceptional minimalist decor.
The Stay
Be prepared to get your beauty sleep at Hotel William Gray.
Stepping into my room was like stepping into a cloud. This is because the accommodations at the Hotel William Gray are thoughtfully curated, featuring sleek furnishings, soft linens, and stylish accents. However, one of my favorite things about the room is how classic charm oozed from every corner—from the exposed brick walls to the views of Old Montreal, which allowed natural light to flood the room and enhance its airy feel.
If you’re a beauty enthusiast like me, you will also appreciate some of the luxe amenities, such as the plush bedding and LE LABO toiletries.
Prime Location
Located in Old Montreal, Hotel William Gray offers an exquisite blend of contemporary design and timeless elegance. If you’re after a getaway that prioritizes location, one of my favorite things about the property is how walkable it is to iconic destinations. For instance, we explored the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Place Jacques-Cartier, and the picturesque Old Port, which is one of my favorite spots. It is also important to note how there are numerous restaurants, cafés, quaint boutiques, and art galleries nearby.
I had the best time moseying around all of the nearby shops and walking the charming cobblestone streets. For those seeking cultural enrichment, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Pointe-à-Callière Museum are also conveniently close by. As well, Hotel William Gray is located near Mont Royal.
The Spa
Described as a “Montreal haven for relaxation and renewal located in Montreal’s Old Port,” Spa William Gray is an absolute must next time you’re in town.
The space is extremely serene and inviting, where I was greeted with footwear, a locker, water, and a robe upon my arrival to help me feel more comfortable during my appointment. I opted to enjoy the Thermal Circuit, which features a Himalayan salt room, a traditional Finnish sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, experiential showers, a cold room, and a herbal sauna. Spa William Gray claims that this exclusive combination of hot and cold therapies helps to enhance relaxation, boost the immune system, and promote overall wellness. Although I did not have the chance to experience it this time around, the Spa William Gray’s seasonal outdoor pool is also available at an additional charge.
I was genuinely excited for the Thermal Circuit because I appreciate the benefits of hot and cold therapies, so I made sure to try every aspect of it. The eucalyptus steam room was extremely invigorating, and my fiancé found the Finnish sauna to be quite impressive. The cold room helped balance the hot therapies, while the herbal sauna felt more soothing. We rounded out the hot and cold therapies with a session in the Himalayan salt room, which is designed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and aid in detoxification thanks to the salt’s ability to absorb toxins and bacteria. I left the Thermal Circuit feeling deeply relaxed, with my body and mind fully restored. This was the perfect way to start our stay at Hotel William Gray because the combination of each of these unique experiences left me feeling refreshed, rebalanced, and ready to take on the day. It was truly a transformative experience that I highly recommend the next time you find yourself at the Hotel William Gray.
If you want to indulge in additional experiences, the Spa William Gray also offers Massotherapy, Beauty, and Body Treatments to discover.
Where To Eat
A standout restaurant experience at Hotel William Gray’s Maggie Oakes became one of the highlights of our trip.
Located at the ground level of the hotel, we strolled downstairs for dinner and were ushered into the space’s luxurious ambiance, which exudes a sense of understated elegance. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, the restaurant’s menu is thoughtfully inspired by local flavors and global influences.
Before indulging, we had the pleasure of meeting the restaurant’s sommelier, who expertly paired our top menu picks with a selection of Maggie Oakes’ wine. This was a true dream for wine enthusiasts such as myself. However, we also decided to try some of the restaurant’s exclusive cocktail offerings. My fiancé opted for the Morning Old Fashion, which perfectly accompanied his main (stay tuned!). Did I mention it featured Woodford Bourbon and came with bacon and maple syrup? On the other hand, I discovered my new favorite craft cocktail: whiskey sour with notes of blueberry.
To start, we asked our server for the most popular appetizers on the menu, which included the French Onion Soup, Beef Tartare, and Beluga Lentil Salad. Looking to mix it up a little, we went with the Oysters, Beef Tartare, and Seared Tuna Tataki. Overall, we thought that the Seared Tuna Tataki was a must-try with its stellar combination of Caramel, Enoki pickles, Croûtons, Chipd de nori, and Mayo Panzu. However, the oysters were delectable, and the Beef Tartare was an exquisite addition.
As one of the best steakhouses in Montreal, I knew Maggie Oakes was renowned for its exceptional dry-aged meats, as their cuts are aged on average for an impressive 45 days. This creates a depth of flavor that truly sets them apart.
This also made it an easy choice for my fiancé’s main dish.
Since he was after a well-marbled cut, our amazing server suggested we try the 16 oz Côte de boeuf vieilli 45 jours, which came with market vegetables. There is also a selection of sauces you can try, in which we went with all three, naturally. I enjoyed the Peppercorn sauce, Bordelaise, and butter Maître d’Hôtel equally, but my fiancé especially appreciated the Bordelaise. Overall, the cut was perfectly cooked (he asked for medium rare), rich in flavor, and tender to the bite, leaving us in awe of its quality.
I’m sorry, but you simply can’t visit Maggie Oakes without trying one of the cuts of homemade dry-aged beef, as this unique aging process elevates the flavor and tenderness to a whole new level. It’s an unforgettable culinary experience you can’t miss out on.
In terms of sides, my fiancé paired his main with the Half Lobster served with lime-infused garlic butter, which was exceptional. You also can’t go wrong with a side of Truffle Mashed Potatoes. This elevated our meal to the next level.
For my main, I went with the Lobster Pappardelle, which featured Lemon Cream, Espuma Lobster Oil, Parmesan tuiles, and Tobiko Eggs. Creamy, delicious, and perfectly balanced, this dish offered a rich, indulgent flavor with a delightful burst of freshness.
For dessert, the cheesecake and crème brûlée are to die for and the perfect way to end the meal.
Just *chef’s kiss!*
We cannot stress enough just how memorable this meal was. From the impeccable service to the delicious courses, we were consistently impressed by every detail. Whether you’re enjoying a beautifully crafted cocktail at the bar or savoring a gourmet meal, Maggie Oakes delivers an exceptional culinary experience every time, making it an integral part of our stay at Hotel William Gray.
During our stay, we also tried the nearby Café Olimpico one morning, which offers an authentic Italian cafe culture in a warm and welcoming family setting. Famous for its expertly crafted espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes, this foodie spot turned social hub was a go-to on my bucket list.
So, what do I recommend?
You can’t go wrong with any of the offerings, but I absolutely adored the social media-viral Remix, which is a layered mix of Café Olimpico’s homemade caffe freddo cold espresso, caffe crema soft-serve, topped off with hot frothed milk and chocolate.
This stunning seasonal rooftop bistro at Hotel William Gray offers panoramic views of Old Montreal and the surrounding cityscape. Its menu also features a refined take on comfort food, seamlessly blending indulgence with casual elegance.
Since my trip took place in late March, the weather wasn’t ideal for enjoying the rooftop during our stay. However, I can’t wait to come back one day to experience the rooftop in full swing!
What To Do In Montreal
During our short but sweet stay in Montreal, we went on a self-proclaimed foodie tour that saw us trying some of Montreal’s most well-known spots. We recommend St-Viateaur Bagel for traditional Montreal bagels to eat-in or takeout (think sweet, dense, and with a caramelized crust!). If you’re looking for one of the best Montreal smoked meat sandwich spots in the city, Schwartz’s Deli is another crowd-favorite. We also loved Modavie, located in Old Montreal, which is a charming wine bar featuring live music and a nostalgic jazz ambiance. This is complemented by an eclectic menu highlighting lamb specialties (don’t skip the Lamb Chops!).
When it comes to places to go, we visited ROYALMOUNT one afternoon, which is a premier shopping destination. Light, bright, and spacious, this shopping center brings together exclusive concepts, brands, and experiences to create a go-to for visitors and locals alike. I stopped by the Dynamite store to check out the latest spring offerings, in which the space features a fresh, airy, and modern shopping experience highlighting a sleek design that emphasizes openness and comfort. The store spotlights curvy, contemporary furniture and spacious fitting rooms, providing a relaxed environment for customers to browse. While I was there, I picked up this Eloise Poplin Mini Dress and Ribbed Contrast Tank Top to celebrate the season ahead.
Overall Thoughts
All in all, my stay at Hotel William Gray was truly unforgettable, offering the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and service. From the exquisite dining opportunities to the rejuvenating spa experience, every moment was designed to make me feel pampered and relaxed.
I truly can’t wait to return and immerse myself in the unparalleled charm of Old Montreal once again.
All About Gray Collection
Hotel William Gray is part of Gray Collection, which is an award-winning group of locally inspired hotels and restaurants that deliver friendly luxury to travelers. Beyond exceptional buildings and experiences, it is a community of dedicated people. As well, each property in the collection offers a unique reflection of its neighborhood, creating memorable experiences for visiting guests.
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Published by HOLR Magazine