David J. Azrieli, architect and owner and the agency �Michelange Panzini Architectes� (creator of the Faubourg Saint-Laurent - 1,000 apartment project) has achieved the radical transformation of a 1970�s office block into a contemporary refined hotel, perfectly integrated into Montréal�s architecture.

This 16-story tower will enchant guests with the  magnificent light reflections of the steel and glass over Sherbrooke West Street.

The interior design, created by GSM Design, is based on the principal of true �art de vivre a la française,� as portrayed in every Sofitel hotel across the world. This company has forged a reputation as a pioneer in multidisciplinary integrated solutions, as shown by recent projects including the Olympic Museum of Lausanne and the National Library of Quebec.

GSM Design has created a minimalist construction, based on light. This is evident in the lobby, for example, where guests are welcomed by a softened light as they begin their journey over the natural stones and soil. A single ray of light then leads them towards the reception, which is distinguished by a luminous wall. The adjoining library has a large collection of books and novels on the history of Montréal.

The restaurant, accessible from either Sherbrooke Street or from the hotel direct, was conceived by the interior architects Andrés Escobar & Associates. A modern design is complemented by an inspired use of the exceptional floor to ceiling space of 23 feet.  The new restaurant with 120 covers is overseen by Executive Chef Eric Fraudeau, and will be serving a Provencal-inspired cuisine. During the summer, meals can be taken outside on the spacious terrace, which accommodates up to 60 people.

Each of the 258 rooms, which include 13 deluxe suites, 3 executive suites and one Presidential suite, benefit from a floor to ceiling height of 9.8 feet. This helps create a pleasant, relaxing environment with considerable natural light. Every detail of the rooms has been taken care of to create a haven of relaxation and comfort. All rooms are also equipped with the latest advances in technology, to cater to all the requirements of business travelers. 

This prestigious address is close to the business district, the green park of Mont-Royal, the prestigious Musée des Beaux Arts and famous luxury boutiques.  The area is renowned for its French influence. As Jean-Francois Maljean, President of Accor Business and Leisure Hotels, North America, explained, �The energy and vibrancy that emanate from the city of Montréal attract both a business and a leisure clientele, making it the ideal location to fly the first ever Sofitel flag in Canada.� 

Sofitel Montréal completes the existing portfolio of 10 Sofitel hotels in North America, including New York, Philadelphia, Chicago (Airport), Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, Houston and Minneapolis, and two other inaugurations in North America � Sofitel Chicago Water Tower and Sofitel Lafayette Square Washington DC, which both opened in June 2002. 

Over the past two years, Sofitel has become a benchmark for brand expansion with prestigious openings in key international cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Paris and Tokyo.  The brand�s strategic development this year includes the opening of over 10 flagship properties � Sofitel Silom Bangkok, Sofitel Buenos Aires, Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, Sofitel Cologne Am Dom, Sofitel St James London, Sofitel Royal Lyon, Sofitel Montréal, Sofitel Marrakech, Sofitel Palm Beach Marseille and Sofitel Lafayette Square Washington D.C

Sofitel is the prestige brand of Accor hotels, with 160 properties that bring a unique « art de vivre à la française » to prime locations around the world.

With 147,000 associates in 140 countries, Accor is the European leader and one of the world�s largest groups in travel, tourism and corporate services, with two major international activities:
hotels: more than 3,700 hotels (415,000 rooms) in 90 countries, casinos, travel agencies, and restaurants; services to corporate clients and public institutions: each day, 13 million people in 31 countries use a broad range of services (food vouchers, people care and services, incentive, loyalty programmes, events) engineered and managed by Accor.