![\"Sofitel-Montr\u00e9al-Golden-Mile----Lobby\"](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Sofitel-Montreal-Golden-Mile-Lobby.jpg\")
Photo : Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Waiting for Mr. Pichot in the hotel lobby, I notice how quiet the whole space is, it is really an area where you feel wonderful, where you can relax, there is a nice division between the reception desk and the lobby with its beautiful sofas as well as its bookcases that make us visit the area, in short, a hotel anchored in its environment, but with a touch of French luxury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Discovering the history of the Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile with Mr. Marc Pichot<\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhy a Sofitel Hotel in Montr\u00e9al?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Sofitel-Montr\u00e9al-Golden-Mile---Marc-Pichot\"](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Sofitel-Montreal-Golden-Mile-Marc-Pichot.jpg\")
Mr. Marc Pichot, Genral manager of the Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThere are, of course, several reasons for the arrival of this French-style luxury chain in the Qu\u00e9bec metropolis in 2002. \u201cThe owner of the building, the architect, philanthropist and promoter, Mr. David J. Azrieli (now deceased), was very charmed to French culture and luxury, as was his wife who was fascinated by art (which is why there are so many works of art in the Sherbrooke Street hotel), and the Accor group was slowly developing in North America (the organization did not yet operate the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts), and since it was an easy gateway for the company\u2019s values, the decision to set up the banner in Montr\u00e9al was a natural one,\u201d confides Mr. Pichot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the demolition of the \u201cVan Horne House\u201d in 1973, an office building was erected in 1973 and converted into what has been known since October 14, 2002, as Le Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile. Mr. Pichot specifies that it is not a hotel with the flag of France, but rather a mixture of French and Quebec cultures, to bring out the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Culture, not only on the plate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Sofitel-Montr\u00e9al-Golden-Mile----Restaurant-Renoir---Olivier-Perret\"](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Sofitel-Montreal-Golden-Mile-Restaurant-Renoir-Olivier-Perret.jpg\")
Mr. Olivier Perret, executive chef of Le Renoir restaurant of The Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAt Renoir (discover the updated restaurant here<\/a>), the hotel\u2019s flagship restaurant, the team, under the leadership of chef Olivier Perret, works mainly with local producers. \u201cOur chef goes to the markets, especially the Jean-Talon Market, to meet the producers, to learn more about the products, and this is what we find on our menu. You will find simplicity on your plate, but with a taste of Quebec and the terroir. I believe that there are still many products here that are not well known, people do not realize what Quebec has to offer in terms of gastronomy and Mr.\u00a0Perret is able to put it all together,\u201d says the general manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Sofitel-Montr\u00e9al-Golden-Mile----Restaurant-Renoir\"](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Sofitel-Montreal-Golden-Mile-Restaurant-Renoir.jpg\")
The interior of Le Renoir restaurant of The Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nCulture, while the hotel is only a few steps away from two museums, is present everywhere. As well as in the lobby with huge paintings (which change from three to six months) as in the restaurant (named after the painter Auguste Renoir as we said at the beginning of the section) the Sofitel is proud to exhibit various artists and organizations in rotation. But it is also a partner in several festivals such as Cin\u00e9mania, the Orchestre Classique de Montr\u00e9al<\/a> and Montr\u00e9al en Lumi\u00e8re which promote culture in the broadest sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Sofitel-Montr\u00e9al-Golden-Mile----Lounge\"](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Sofitel-Montreal-Golden-Mile-Lounge.jpg\")
The Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile lounge
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis involvement brings us back to the values of the Sofitel brand, which are excellence, generosity, open-mindedness and joie de vivre. And if we add passion, which can be found in each of the French giant\u2019s properties, we are talking about the art and culture already well listed above, authentic and lively gastronomy, thoughtful well-being and chic design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Golden Keys concierge, a benefit?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhile many of you may not know what Golden Keys concierges (Clefs d\u2019Or)<\/a> are, they are a great asset to hotels that have one (StoneHaven Le Manoir<\/a> for example). These concierges have the keys to the city, they can find you a place in almost any event or restaurant at the snap of their fingers. They know the city they are in very well and they are a network that shares information. \u201cFor the customers, they know that they have a contact person in front of them who can direct them in a concrete way and who will meet their needs. And in a hotel of our category, having Golden Keys concierges is essential,\u201d continues the manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAfter the restaurant, there is the Hotel Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Sofitel-Montr\u00e9al-Golden-Mile----Prestige-suite---Living-room\"](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Sofitel-Montreal-Golden-Mile-Prestige-suite-Living-room.jpg\")
The living room of the Prestige Suite of The Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWith 256 rooms and 17 suites, the Sofitel may not be the largest hotel in the city, but it has everything: meeting rooms, an exercise room that will be completely renovated in 2024, an exceptional Golden Keys concierge service and more. Mr. Pichot reminds us that at the time of its construction (he was not yet there), luxury establishments were not the norm in Montr\u00e9al. There was the Ritz-Carlton, the Four Seasons had just left (it\u2019s back since 2019) and boutique hotels were taking up a bit more space than the big luxury hotels. Sofitel was there to help Montr\u00e9al shine and for the past 20 years, they have continued to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Sofitel-Montr\u00e9al-Golden-Mile----Opera-Suite---Room\"](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Sofitel-Montreal-Golden-Mile-Opera-Suite-Room.jpg\")
The Master Bedroom of the Opera Suite at The Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nA new path?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Sofitel-Montr\u00e9al-Golden-Mile----Junior-Suite---Bathroom\"](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Sofitel-Montreal-Golden-Mile-Junior-Suite-Bathroom.jpg\")
The bathroom of the Prestige Suite at The Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhile Mr. Pichot has been at the Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile since 2015, I can\u2019t pass up the opportunity to ask him what has changed since he\u2019s been there. Of course, there was the pandemic, but he strives to do his best to make people who come to Montr\u00e9al to discover the museums, the city, the gastronomy feel welcome. The clientele of the Sofitel, surprisingly, comes mostly from our neighbouring province, Ontario, even though we are talking about a French banner. In the summer, however, it is Europe that inbound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And with the end of the pandemic, Mr. Pichot sees a lot of what he calls \u201crevenge travel,\u201d and he points out that travellers want their own little luxury cocoon. \u201cAt Sofitel, we work a lot on the service element, the attention to the customer. We are a small hotel so we can take the time to get to know the people who visit us, to know their preferences, to spoil them so that when they leave our hotel, the first thing they will think about is coming back,\u201d adds the director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many new guests discovered the hotel following the pandemic as they appreciated the location of the hotel: close to subways, downtown, department stores, festivals and of course, the Golden Square Mile, Montreal’s luxury destination with Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, MontBlanc, Tiffany, Ch\u00e2teau d’Ivoire and many others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upcoming renovations in 2024 for Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mr. Pichot tells me that in 2024, the hotel will undergo a complete renovation. The aim, he tells me, is to keep that Sofitel authenticity. \u201cThe aesthetics of a hotel are important, the customer must feel good, and we must always keep in mind when renovating a hotel, the human factor, which is often underestimated, because people buy people and not a place, that is what makes them come back to an establishment, the quality of our service. And the fact that there is a development in the luxury sector in Montreal is important, it\u2019s a good thing, all competition is healthy, it also allows us to challenge ourselves, to raise our standards in terms of quality of service, quality of the product. While we are the only hotel brand offering French-style luxury, we offer a unique experience which really makes a difference,\u201d tell the France-born gentleman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you look at the different hotel brands, there are not many that stand out, but there is a lot of similarity whether you talk about the rooms, the lobby, etc. We\u2019re lucky to have a unique product with a lobby that\u2019s not too big or too small, and we want to keep it that way, and that\u2019s one of the things people like to come to us for,\u201d adds the manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The exercise room will be tripled in size and will be complemented by a relaxation area perfect for yoga or other relaxing activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Settle before all<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Sofitel-Montr\u00e9al-Golden-Mile----Opera-Suite---Living-room\"](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Sofitel-Montreal-Golden-Mile-Opera-Suite-Living-room.jpg\")
The living room of the Opera Suite of The Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMr. Pichot firmly believes that the well-being aspect has become essential for travellers \u201cIn today\u2019s society, people are looking for this well-being side, we see that flying is often complicated, stressful, and when you arrive in a hotel, the last thing you want is to be stressed. When you arrive and you can feel the pressure coming down and all of a sudden you feel good, I don\u2019t want to say that you feel at home, because obviously that\u2019s different, and it must be. We have to find a home, but somewhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One thing you notice when you arrive at the Sofitel is the politeness of the staff, always a \u201cbonjour\u201d or a \u201cbonsoir\u201d from the staff, and in French, no \u201cbonjour-hi\u201d here, only a \u201cbonjour\u201d. Afterwards, if the customer is English-speaking, of course, they will change the language, the manager confirms to me. \u201cWe are in Quebec, it\u2019s important. Our terroir is not only our food, but also in our language,\u201d adds the native Frenchman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Civic-mindedness, a founding principle of Sofitel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The manager of the Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile is an ambassador for this theme, so to speak. Whether it is the respect of sanitary rules with regard to viruses, but also for his employees. \u201cIn most cases, our guests remain polite. With inflation, we notice that people are more demanding, because they anticipate the service they pay for and we have to live up to expectations,\u201d the hotelier tells me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting back on track<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The pandemic, as you may know, has greatly affected the travel industry, both in terms of staff and foreign customers. But like everything else, the return to normal is slow, but it is returning to its previous level, the director confirms. He is quite optimistic, even if he keeps a close eye on the various economic forecasts that may affect his industry. On the other hand, he confirms that companies are still making their employees travel, conventions are coming back, it\u2019s getting back on track. \u201cPeople need to exchange physically in business contexts, but on the other hand, there are people who are worried too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why settle down at Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Sofitel-Montr\u00e9al-Le-Carr\u00e9-Dor\u00e9---Terrasse-Renoir\"](\"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Sofitel-Montreal-Le-Carre-Dore-Terrasse-Renoir.jpg\")
La terrasse du restaurant Renoir du Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Le Carr\u00e9 Dor\u00e9
Photo : Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nA France-born general manager in Montr\u00e9al, one might wonder why. So I ask him directly, and he jokingly answers, \u201cThe two months of sunshine a year! In fact, Montr\u00e9al is a good compromise. It\u2019s a city full of cultural history, the food scene is phenomenal, everyone is nice, it\u2019s a city where you feel safe and I\u2019m lucky enough to work in an establishment where we do great things with an owner who supports us and helps us evolve. On a more personal note, I have two children who went to school here, they love the city and we are Canadian as well as being French which gives us a sentimental attachment to the city. I don\u2019t mind winter too much as we are a family of skiers, both alpine and cross-country, so we like our adopted city. It\u2019s good to live here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And finally, notice that Sofitel is a member of the Accor group<\/a>, as are Fairmont Hotels, and we may see more and more collaboration between the various properties in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
There are, of course, several reasons for the arrival of this French-style luxury chain in the Qu\u00e9bec metropolis in 2002. \u201cThe owner of the building, the architect, philanthropist and promoter, Mr. David J. Azrieli (now deceased), was very charmed to French culture and luxury, as was his wife who was fascinated by art (which is why there are so many works of art in the Sherbrooke Street hotel), and the Accor group was slowly developing in North America (the organization did not yet operate the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts), and since it was an easy gateway for the company\u2019s values, the decision to set up the banner in Montr\u00e9al was a natural one,\u201d confides Mr. Pichot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the demolition of the \u201cVan Horne House\u201d in 1973, an office building was erected in 1973 and converted into what has been known since October 14, 2002, as Le Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile. Mr. Pichot specifies that it is not a hotel with the flag of France, but rather a mixture of French and Quebec cultures, to bring out the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Culture, not only on the plate<\/h3>\n\n\n\nMr. Olivier Perret, executive chef of Le Renoir restaurant of The Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAt Renoir (discover the updated restaurant here<\/a>), the hotel\u2019s flagship restaurant, the team, under the leadership of chef Olivier Perret, works mainly with local producers. \u201cOur chef goes to the markets, especially the Jean-Talon Market, to meet the producers, to learn more about the products, and this is what we find on our menu. You will find simplicity on your plate, but with a taste of Quebec and the terroir. I believe that there are still many products here that are not well known, people do not realize what Quebec has to offer in terms of gastronomy and Mr.\u00a0Perret is able to put it all together,\u201d says the general manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe interior of Le Renoir restaurant of The Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nCulture, while the hotel is only a few steps away from two museums, is present everywhere. As well as in the lobby with huge paintings (which change from three to six months) as in the restaurant (named after the painter Auguste Renoir as we said at the beginning of the section) the Sofitel is proud to exhibit various artists and organizations in rotation. But it is also a partner in several festivals such as Cin\u00e9mania, the Orchestre Classique de Montr\u00e9al<\/a> and Montr\u00e9al en Lumi\u00e8re which promote culture in the broadest sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile lounge
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThis involvement brings us back to the values of the Sofitel brand, which are excellence, generosity, open-mindedness and joie de vivre. And if we add passion, which can be found in each of the French giant\u2019s properties, we are talking about the art and culture already well listed above, authentic and lively gastronomy, thoughtful well-being and chic design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Golden Keys concierge, a benefit?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhile many of you may not know what Golden Keys concierges (Clefs d\u2019Or)<\/a> are, they are a great asset to hotels that have one (StoneHaven Le Manoir<\/a> for example). These concierges have the keys to the city, they can find you a place in almost any event or restaurant at the snap of their fingers. They know the city they are in very well and they are a network that shares information. \u201cFor the customers, they know that they have a contact person in front of them who can direct them in a concrete way and who will meet their needs. And in a hotel of our category, having Golden Keys concierges is essential,\u201d continues the manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAfter the restaurant, there is the Hotel Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile<\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe living room of the Prestige Suite of The Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWith 256 rooms and 17 suites, the Sofitel may not be the largest hotel in the city, but it has everything: meeting rooms, an exercise room that will be completely renovated in 2024, an exceptional Golden Keys concierge service and more. Mr. Pichot reminds us that at the time of its construction (he was not yet there), luxury establishments were not the norm in Montr\u00e9al. There was the Ritz-Carlton, the Four Seasons had just left (it\u2019s back since 2019) and boutique hotels were taking up a bit more space than the big luxury hotels. Sofitel was there to help Montr\u00e9al shine and for the past 20 years, they have continued to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nThe Master Bedroom of the Opera Suite at The Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nA new path?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe bathroom of the Prestige Suite at The Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhile Mr. Pichot has been at the Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile since 2015, I can\u2019t pass up the opportunity to ask him what has changed since he\u2019s been there. Of course, there was the pandemic, but he strives to do his best to make people who come to Montr\u00e9al to discover the museums, the city, the gastronomy feel welcome. The clientele of the Sofitel, surprisingly, comes mostly from our neighbouring province, Ontario, even though we are talking about a French banner. In the summer, however, it is Europe that inbound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And with the end of the pandemic, Mr. Pichot sees a lot of what he calls \u201crevenge travel,\u201d and he points out that travellers want their own little luxury cocoon. \u201cAt Sofitel, we work a lot on the service element, the attention to the customer. We are a small hotel so we can take the time to get to know the people who visit us, to know their preferences, to spoil them so that when they leave our hotel, the first thing they will think about is coming back,\u201d adds the director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many new guests discovered the hotel following the pandemic as they appreciated the location of the hotel: close to subways, downtown, department stores, festivals and of course, the Golden Square Mile, Montreal’s luxury destination with Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, MontBlanc, Tiffany, Ch\u00e2teau d’Ivoire and many others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upcoming renovations in 2024 for Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mr. Pichot tells me that in 2024, the hotel will undergo a complete renovation. The aim, he tells me, is to keep that Sofitel authenticity. \u201cThe aesthetics of a hotel are important, the customer must feel good, and we must always keep in mind when renovating a hotel, the human factor, which is often underestimated, because people buy people and not a place, that is what makes them come back to an establishment, the quality of our service. And the fact that there is a development in the luxury sector in Montreal is important, it\u2019s a good thing, all competition is healthy, it also allows us to challenge ourselves, to raise our standards in terms of quality of service, quality of the product. While we are the only hotel brand offering French-style luxury, we offer a unique experience which really makes a difference,\u201d tell the France-born gentleman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you look at the different hotel brands, there are not many that stand out, but there is a lot of similarity whether you talk about the rooms, the lobby, etc. We\u2019re lucky to have a unique product with a lobby that\u2019s not too big or too small, and we want to keep it that way, and that\u2019s one of the things people like to come to us for,\u201d adds the manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The exercise room will be tripled in size and will be complemented by a relaxation area perfect for yoga or other relaxing activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Settle before all<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe living room of the Opera Suite of The Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMr. Pichot firmly believes that the well-being aspect has become essential for travellers \u201cIn today\u2019s society, people are looking for this well-being side, we see that flying is often complicated, stressful, and when you arrive in a hotel, the last thing you want is to be stressed. When you arrive and you can feel the pressure coming down and all of a sudden you feel good, I don\u2019t want to say that you feel at home, because obviously that\u2019s different, and it must be. We have to find a home, but somewhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One thing you notice when you arrive at the Sofitel is the politeness of the staff, always a \u201cbonjour\u201d or a \u201cbonsoir\u201d from the staff, and in French, no \u201cbonjour-hi\u201d here, only a \u201cbonjour\u201d. Afterwards, if the customer is English-speaking, of course, they will change the language, the manager confirms to me. \u201cWe are in Quebec, it\u2019s important. Our terroir is not only our food, but also in our language,\u201d adds the native Frenchman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Civic-mindedness, a founding principle of Sofitel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The manager of the Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile is an ambassador for this theme, so to speak. Whether it is the respect of sanitary rules with regard to viruses, but also for his employees. \u201cIn most cases, our guests remain polite. With inflation, we notice that people are more demanding, because they anticipate the service they pay for and we have to live up to expectations,\u201d the hotelier tells me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting back on track<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The pandemic, as you may know, has greatly affected the travel industry, both in terms of staff and foreign customers. But like everything else, the return to normal is slow, but it is returning to its previous level, the director confirms. He is quite optimistic, even if he keeps a close eye on the various economic forecasts that may affect his industry. On the other hand, he confirms that companies are still making their employees travel, conventions are coming back, it\u2019s getting back on track. \u201cPeople need to exchange physically in business contexts, but on the other hand, there are people who are worried too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why settle down at Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile?<\/h3>\n\n\n\nLa terrasse du restaurant Renoir du Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Le Carr\u00e9 Dor\u00e9
Photo : Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nA France-born general manager in Montr\u00e9al, one might wonder why. So I ask him directly, and he jokingly answers, \u201cThe two months of sunshine a year! In fact, Montr\u00e9al is a good compromise. It\u2019s a city full of cultural history, the food scene is phenomenal, everyone is nice, it\u2019s a city where you feel safe and I\u2019m lucky enough to work in an establishment where we do great things with an owner who supports us and helps us evolve. On a more personal note, I have two children who went to school here, they love the city and we are Canadian as well as being French which gives us a sentimental attachment to the city. I don\u2019t mind winter too much as we are a family of skiers, both alpine and cross-country, so we like our adopted city. It\u2019s good to live here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And finally, notice that Sofitel is a member of the Accor group<\/a>, as are Fairmont Hotels, and we may see more and more collaboration between the various properties in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
At Renoir (discover the updated restaurant here<\/a>), the hotel\u2019s flagship restaurant, the team, under the leadership of chef Olivier Perret, works mainly with local producers. \u201cOur chef goes to the markets, especially the Jean-Talon Market, to meet the producers, to learn more about the products, and this is what we find on our menu. You will find simplicity on your plate, but with a taste of Quebec and the terroir. I believe that there are still many products here that are not well known, people do not realize what Quebec has to offer in terms of gastronomy and Mr.\u00a0Perret is able to put it all together,\u201d says the general manager.<\/p>\n\n\n Culture, while the hotel is only a few steps away from two museums, is present everywhere. As well as in the lobby with huge paintings (which change from three to six months) as in the restaurant (named after the painter Auguste Renoir as we said at the beginning of the section) the Sofitel is proud to exhibit various artists and organizations in rotation. But it is also a partner in several festivals such as Cin\u00e9mania, the Orchestre Classique de Montr\u00e9al<\/a> and Montr\u00e9al en Lumi\u00e8re which promote culture in the broadest sense.<\/p>\n\n\n This involvement brings us back to the values of the Sofitel brand, which are excellence, generosity, open-mindedness and joie de vivre. And if we add passion, which can be found in each of the French giant\u2019s properties, we are talking about the art and culture already well listed above, authentic and lively gastronomy, thoughtful well-being and chic design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While many of you may not know what Golden Keys concierges (Clefs d\u2019Or)<\/a> are, they are a great asset to hotels that have one (StoneHaven Le Manoir<\/a> for example). These concierges have the keys to the city, they can find you a place in almost any event or restaurant at the snap of their fingers. They know the city they are in very well and they are a network that shares information. \u201cFor the customers, they know that they have a contact person in front of them who can direct them in a concrete way and who will meet their needs. And in a hotel of our category, having Golden Keys concierges is essential,\u201d continues the manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With 256 rooms and 17 suites, the Sofitel may not be the largest hotel in the city, but it has everything: meeting rooms, an exercise room that will be completely renovated in 2024, an exceptional Golden Keys concierge service and more. Mr. Pichot reminds us that at the time of its construction (he was not yet there), luxury establishments were not the norm in Montr\u00e9al. There was the Ritz-Carlton, the Four Seasons had just left (it\u2019s back since 2019) and boutique hotels were taking up a bit more space than the big luxury hotels. Sofitel was there to help Montr\u00e9al shine and for the past 20 years, they have continued to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n While Mr. Pichot has been at the Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile since 2015, I can\u2019t pass up the opportunity to ask him what has changed since he\u2019s been there. Of course, there was the pandemic, but he strives to do his best to make people who come to Montr\u00e9al to discover the museums, the city, the gastronomy feel welcome. The clientele of the Sofitel, surprisingly, comes mostly from our neighbouring province, Ontario, even though we are talking about a French banner. In the summer, however, it is Europe that inbound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And with the end of the pandemic, Mr. Pichot sees a lot of what he calls \u201crevenge travel,\u201d and he points out that travellers want their own little luxury cocoon. \u201cAt Sofitel, we work a lot on the service element, the attention to the customer. We are a small hotel so we can take the time to get to know the people who visit us, to know their preferences, to spoil them so that when they leave our hotel, the first thing they will think about is coming back,\u201d adds the director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many new guests discovered the hotel following the pandemic as they appreciated the location of the hotel: close to subways, downtown, department stores, festivals and of course, the Golden Square Mile, Montreal’s luxury destination with Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, MontBlanc, Tiffany, Ch\u00e2teau d’Ivoire and many others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Pichot tells me that in 2024, the hotel will undergo a complete renovation. The aim, he tells me, is to keep that Sofitel authenticity. \u201cThe aesthetics of a hotel are important, the customer must feel good, and we must always keep in mind when renovating a hotel, the human factor, which is often underestimated, because people buy people and not a place, that is what makes them come back to an establishment, the quality of our service. And the fact that there is a development in the luxury sector in Montreal is important, it\u2019s a good thing, all competition is healthy, it also allows us to challenge ourselves, to raise our standards in terms of quality of service, quality of the product. While we are the only hotel brand offering French-style luxury, we offer a unique experience which really makes a difference,\u201d tell the France-born gentleman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you look at the different hotel brands, there are not many that stand out, but there is a lot of similarity whether you talk about the rooms, the lobby, etc. We\u2019re lucky to have a unique product with a lobby that\u2019s not too big or too small, and we want to keep it that way, and that\u2019s one of the things people like to come to us for,\u201d adds the manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exercise room will be tripled in size and will be complemented by a relaxation area perfect for yoga or other relaxing activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Pichot firmly believes that the well-being aspect has become essential for travellers \u201cIn today\u2019s society, people are looking for this well-being side, we see that flying is often complicated, stressful, and when you arrive in a hotel, the last thing you want is to be stressed. When you arrive and you can feel the pressure coming down and all of a sudden you feel good, I don\u2019t want to say that you feel at home, because obviously that\u2019s different, and it must be. We have to find a home, but somewhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n One thing you notice when you arrive at the Sofitel is the politeness of the staff, always a \u201cbonjour\u201d or a \u201cbonsoir\u201d from the staff, and in French, no \u201cbonjour-hi\u201d here, only a \u201cbonjour\u201d. Afterwards, if the customer is English-speaking, of course, they will change the language, the manager confirms to me. \u201cWe are in Quebec, it\u2019s important. Our terroir is not only our food, but also in our language,\u201d adds the native Frenchman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The manager of the Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile is an ambassador for this theme, so to speak. Whether it is the respect of sanitary rules with regard to viruses, but also for his employees. \u201cIn most cases, our guests remain polite. With inflation, we notice that people are more demanding, because they anticipate the service they pay for and we have to live up to expectations,\u201d the hotelier tells me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The pandemic, as you may know, has greatly affected the travel industry, both in terms of staff and foreign customers. But like everything else, the return to normal is slow, but it is returning to its previous level, the director confirms. He is quite optimistic, even if he keeps a close eye on the various economic forecasts that may affect his industry. On the other hand, he confirms that companies are still making their employees travel, conventions are coming back, it\u2019s getting back on track. \u201cPeople need to exchange physically in business contexts, but on the other hand, there are people who are worried too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n A France-born general manager in Montr\u00e9al, one might wonder why. So I ask him directly, and he jokingly answers, \u201cThe two months of sunshine a year! In fact, Montr\u00e9al is a good compromise. It\u2019s a city full of cultural history, the food scene is phenomenal, everyone is nice, it\u2019s a city where you feel safe and I\u2019m lucky enough to work in an establishment where we do great things with an owner who supports us and helps us evolve. On a more personal note, I have two children who went to school here, they love the city and we are Canadian as well as being French which gives us a sentimental attachment to the city. I don\u2019t mind winter too much as we are a family of skiers, both alpine and cross-country, so we like our adopted city. It\u2019s good to live here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n And finally, notice that Sofitel is a member of the Accor group<\/a>, as are Fairmont Hotels, and we may see more and more collaboration between the various properties in the years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe Golden Keys concierge, a benefit?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
After the restaurant, there is the Hotel Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile<\/h3>\n\n\n
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nA new path?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nUpcoming renovations in 2024 for Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Settle before all<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
Photo: Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nCivic-mindedness, a founding principle of Sofitel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Getting back on track<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why settle down at Sofitel Montr\u00e9al Golden Mile?<\/h3>\n\n\n
Photo : Sofitel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n