Travetta

"Creating a stir as the first downtown luxury hotel in many years, this representative of the French chain transformed a bland 1970s office tower into an instantly coveted destination for visiting celebrities and the power elite. It wows from the moment of arrival, from the light-filled stone-and-wood lobby to the universally warm welcome of the staff. The 100 standard rooms (called ""Superior"") make full use of current technology, and beds have Canadian goose-down duvets. Walls are painted a soothing oatmeal-cream and decorated with black-and-white photos of Montréal by local photographers and original paintings. Furnishings are made from Québec-grown cherrywood. Although chairs with right angled backs are a bit too over-designed for comfort, the thrust-desks attached to the wall are easy to use from either side. Bathrooms have an Asian-touch (bamboo spear in a vase, dimmer lights). Some floors are nonsmoking. The ambitious Renoir restaurant features a bar and outdoor terrace. Catering to international and business guests whose bodies are on different time zones, the exercise room is open 24 hours. In the early morning, towels and chilled water are put out in the lobby for joggers."