Historic Art Hotel in Montreal
Learn about our exciting past
In the center of Old Montreal, LHotel Montreal resides in an area that was at one time considered the heart and soul of Canada. Saint-Jacques Street, also known as St. James Street for historical reasons, was once dubbed the Canadian Wall Street.
One of the oldest neighbourhoods on the continent, Old Montreal carefully blends architecture from the Old French Regime and the British Empire. The best way to explore Old Montreal is by foot; you can admire the Notre-Dame Basilica, which was built in 1829 and is one of the finest examples of the Gothic Revival style. Countless museums, monuments, art galleries, cafes, and shops are all within walking distance of LHotel Montreal. LHotel Montreal is proud to be a part of a glorious Victorian past.
Built in 1870
Built in 1870 and designed by Michel Laurent, our building originally served as the head office of the Montreal City and District Savings Bank, while other tenants included the first bank note company in Canada (British American Bank Note Company) as well as some of the city’s first telephone exchanges (Canadian Telegraph Company and the Bell Telephone Company of Canada).
In 1945, the bank began renting office space and attracted many law firms, including that of Jean Drapeau, who would go on to become Montreal's best-known mayor. During his tenure of three decades, he was responsible for building the Metro system and Place des Arts, as well was bringing the 1967 World Exposition and 1976 Olympic Games to Montreal.
