MajorRevitalizationoftheHotelSectorinOldMontreal
In recent years, Old Montreal has become a thriving hub for hotel investment, stimulating a key sector of economic activity in the district. The proliferation of renovation projects, as well as openings – which include the Sonder and Hyatt Centric hotels since 2022 – have considerably increased visitor capacity, while generating dozens of new jobs and fuelling local business growth.
A wave of major renovations to upgrade quality accommodations
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a milestone thanks to the modernization of several emblematic neighbourhood establishments:
Hotel Saint-Sulpice
Beneficiary of a $6 million investment, Hotel Saint-Sulpice has completely renovated its 108 suites and boasts the distinction of having earned GreenStep certification – a first in the province of Quebec. This project is part of a strategy aimed at combining high-end comfort and energy efficiency, with work recently finalized this past March.
AC Hotel Old Montreal
Formerly known as Springhill Suites, this establishment has undergone a complete transformation to be reborn under the AC Hotels by Marriott banner. Featuring 124 fully renovated rooms and a European-design bar and restaurant area, the hotel intends to redefine the hospitality experience, with its much-anticipated reopening scheduled for April.
Hotel Gault
The redesign and renovation of its entrance, lobby and library – all of which have been open to the public since March 7 – illustrate Hotel Gault’s determination to offer its guests a most refined and welcoming environment for their stay.
Westin Montreal
With a $1.3 million investment in the Saint-Antoine Tower and the GaZette Restaurant, this establishment successfully managed to maintain optimal occupancy rates in 2024, a clear confirmation of the effectiveness of its upgrades.
Hotel Nelligan
Undergoing continuous renovation since 2023, Hotel Nelligan is host to an ambitious project aimed at revitalizing its legendary terrasse, the rolling out of new spaces – such as Mama C Restaurant, opened in 2024 – and the modernization of all rooms, to be completed by summer 2026. Carried out in partnership with Zébulon Perron Design Studio, the overall investment in this transformation amounts to several million dollars. It should be noted that the hotel will remain open for the duration of its makeover.
Strategic openings and promising economic benefits
In addition to these major renovations, the 2024-2026 period is marked by the emergence of new projects that reinforce the sterling reputation of the historic district, already renowned for its wide range of luxurious boutique hotels. For example, the completion of work on Saint-Sacrement Street enabled the opening of Sonder in 2024, further enhancing the neighbourhood's hotel offerings. Added to this are three new projects:
Le Petit Hôtel Notre-Dame - 2025
Opened on January 1, this 17-room Gray Collection project is distinguished by a concept that combines a café and wine bar, catering to couples and professionals traveling for work. Its launch has already resulted in the creation of 10 jobs, underlining its direct impact on the local economy.
SonoLux - 2025
A pioneer of its kind, this 36-room hotel, which aims to be the first immersive art hotel in Quebec, plans to host two exhibitions on the premises per year. The very first exhibition will be curated by Cheryl Sim of the PHI Foundation. With its dedicated dining spaces – LUMI Restaurant and the clandestine Subterra Lounge – this large-scale project involves a $20 million investment by Épik Collection Group and is expected to generate over 30 jobs. Opening is scheduled for June 2025.
Project under embargo - 2026
The next significant venture in Old Montreal will lead to the addition of approximately 100 rooms and 2 restaurants, with the promise of creating around 100 jobs, demonstrating investors’ continued confidence in the historic district.
Hotel development in Old Montreal is more than simply the expansion of tourist accommodation capacity. It is an economic lever that strengthens the entire urban fabric, creating direct and indirect jobs, stimulating investment in the restaurant and retail sectors, and enhancing architectural heritage through high-end renovations. These initiatives contribute to the district’s economic diversification while solidifying its position as a destination of choice and innovation leader in hospitality.
It’s worth noting that the sources of these investments are considerably varied, from global hotel groups such as Marriott or IHG to proudly Montreal-based groups like Épik Collection, Gray Collection and Corner Collection.
Old Montreal’s hotel revival illustrates a robust trend where modernization, sustainability and job creation converge to offer a promising future for investors, the business community, residents and visitors to this iconic district.
