Ever since its opening in 1967 the Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain has been a landmark. It was built by CP Hotels to handle the massive influx of visitors for Expo 67. At the time it was Canada’s tallest hotel. The Chateau Champlain’s name honors Samuel de Champlain the explorer and founder of Quebec City.
The hotel’s design is truly unique. Quebec architects Roger D’Astous and Jean-Paul Pothier created it. They designed the distinctive arch-shaped windows. These were meant to complement Windsor Station’s Romanesque Revival arches. D’Astous was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Some say the Chateau Champlain’s arches resemble those on Wright’s Marin County Civic Center. Others have given the building the nickname “cheese grater” because of the windows.
The Chateau Champlain has seen many changes. CP Hotels sold it in 1991 after buying CN Hotels and its Queen Elizabeth Hotel. Marriott took over management in 1995 renaming it the Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain. In 2018 the Tidan Hospitality and Real Estate Group bought the hotel for $65 million.
Today the Chateau Champlain stands tall. It has 596 guest rooms and 19 suites. It also boasts a health and fitness center. It remains a prominent feature of Montreal’s skyline. The hotel is still a popular destination for visitors from around the globe. Its history is woven into the fabric of Montreal’s story. Each stay promises a glimpse into the past and a comfortable experience in a modern marvel. The Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain stands as a testament to its rich history and continues to be a symbol of Montreal’s vibrant hospitality industry.