Montreal is one of those cities that simply cannot be fully explored in a single family holiday. No matter how much we squeezed into each day, it always felt as though another neighbourhood, restaurant or hidden corner was calling our name.
There was something about Montreal’s energy that made me want to jump out of bed every morning and start exploring immediately. And trust me, I am not always a jump-out-of-bed kind of person.
That enthusiasm was quite a contrast to one of the most famous events in modern music history, which happened inside our hotel, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth.
In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono held their legendary Bed-In for Peace at the hotel. The pair stayed in Suite 1742 for one week, using their time in bed to promote world peace. During their stay, the instantly recognisable song “Give Peace a Chance” was recorded inside the suite.
After spending two nights at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth with kids in a Junior Suite, I understood exactly how difficult it must have been to leave the hotel’s wonderfully comfortable beds.
However, I had a feeling that if I stayed in bed all day, I would not attract quite the same crowd as John and Yoko. It probably would not have made for a particularly interesting travel article either.
So, eventually, I got up.
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth With Kids: Quick Overview
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is a luxury family hotel in downtown Montreal, directly above Montreal Central Station and connected to the city’s famous Underground City.
The hotel currently offers 950 rooms and suites, an indoor swimming pool, several dining options, a wellness centre and easy access to many of downtown Montreal’s most popular attractions.
For families, its central location is one of its biggest advantages. You can reach restaurants, shops, public transport and many Montreal attractions without needing to bundle everyone back into the car.
And when you are travelling with children, avoiding one more round of “Where are my shoes?” is a luxury in itself.
Our Junior Suite at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Our Junior Suite was every bit as luxurious and comfortable as the photographs suggested.
From the plush king-size bed and separate lounge room to the city views and rose-scented shampoo and shower gel, every element of the suite made us feel as though we had been upgraded to royalty.
Or at least royalty travelling with two children and an impressive amount of luggage.
My favourite feature, however, was the freshly baked banana bread.
Mmmmmm!
The hotel even included a take-home recipe card, allowing that delicious moment to continue long after checkout. While I happily worked my way through the banana bread, Mia and Caius quickly devoured the complimentary cookies and chocolate milk.
Clearly, everyone had their priorities in order.
The foldout sofa was prepared each evening by housekeeping, giving Mia and Caius their own sleeping space. However, what truly made the suite perfect for our family was the simple door separating the main bedroom from the children’s sleeping area.
Only another parent will fully understand why that door felt like one of the suite’s most luxurious features.
It gave us enough separation to enjoy a little quiet time after the children went to bed, without needing to book two completely separate rooms.
Are the Rooms at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Good for Families?
Families considering Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth should look carefully at the different room configurations before booking.
The hotel offers standard rooms, suites and Fairmont Gold accommodation. Depending on the room category, connecting rooms, cribs, mini-refrigerators and microwaves may be available on request. These should always be confirmed directly with the hotel before arrival, particularly when travelling with younger children.
For our family, the Junior Suite worked beautifully because the separate lounge area gave Mia and Caius room to sleep without turning the entire suite into one giant family bedroom.
Families who need more space can also check the hotel’s current Fairmont Family Offer. At the time of updating this article, the offer includes 50% off a second room for children under 18 and is listed as available for bookings through December 31, 2026. Offers and conditions can change, so check the current terms before booking.
Visiting the John Lennon and Yoko Ono Suite
Following the famous events of 1969, the presidential suite was renovated while retaining connections to the Bed-In for Peace.
Today, it is officially known as the John Lennon and Yoko Ono Suite, or Suite 1742. The space has been transformed into an immersive experience celebrating the historic Bed-In, with design elements, artwork and hidden details connected to the event.
During our visit, Mia and Caius lay on the floor in the same room where John Lennon and Yoko Ono had held their Bed-In 46 years earlier.
It was ever so cute.
They may not have fully understood the cultural significance of the room at the time, but watching them stretch out on the floor in such a famous space was one of those wonderfully unexpected family travel moments I will always remember.
When we stayed, guests could ask guest services whether it was possible to peek inside the suite when it was unoccupied.
Today, Suite 1742 is a premium bookable accommodation experience, so casual access cannot be guaranteed. It is still worth asking the concierge whether tours, viewings or other opportunities are available during your visit.
Just remember that someone may already be enjoying their own luxurious Bed-In, with significantly less international media attention.
Exploring the Rooftop Garden
During our stay, hotel guests could ask guest services about visiting the rooftop garden.
From the rooftop, we enjoyed a gorgeous view of Montreal spreading out in every direction.
Mia helped water the garden while Caius took a few sneaky nibbles from the blueberry bush. The hotel kitchen used herbs and seasonal fruit and vegetables grown in the garden during the warmer months.
It was such a simple experience, but it became one of the most memorable parts of our stay.
A rooftop garden may not sound as exciting to children as a swimming pool or a room filled with complimentary cookies, but giving Mia and Caius the opportunity to water plants and taste berries high above Montreal made the city feel surprisingly personal.
Rooftop access is not a standard public hotel amenity and may depend on current operations, events, weather and staff availability. Ask the concierge after checking in rather than assuming access will be available.
The hotel now also has Espace 21, a glass event space and terrace on the 21st floor with expansive views over Montreal. However, access may be limited when the space is being used for private functions.
Does Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Have an Indoor Pool?
Yes, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth has an indoor swimming pool within its wellness centre.
Although the pool was not the main focus of our original stay, it is an important feature for families comparing luxury hotels in Montreal with indoor pools.
An indoor pool can be especially valuable during Montreal’s colder months or when the weather refuses to cooperate with your carefully planned family itinerary.
After a full day exploring downtown Montreal with kids, a swim also gives children somewhere to burn off that mysterious final burst of energy they discover just before bedtime.
Check current pool hours, family access times and any supervision requirements with the hotel before your stay.
Breakfast and Dining at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth With Kids
When we visited, the hotel offered a restaurant, bar, gourmet food counter and room service. Because our room package did not include breakfast, we chose to eat elsewhere.
Being in the centre of Montreal meant we had dozens of eateries within a few minutes’ walk.
We enjoyed breakfast at Zesto Resto and a hearty dinner at Reuben’s, both of which I could easily recommend based on our experience.
Dining at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth has changed since our original stay. Current hotel options include Rosélys, Marché Artisans, Nacarat, seasonal terrace dining, and in-room dining.
Marché Artisans can be particularly convenient for families looking for something faster and less formal than a full restaurant meal. It gives parents more flexibility when the children are hungry now, not in 20 minutes, and certainly not after browsing a menu.
Breakfast is not automatically included with every room rate. However, the hotel currently promotes selected bed-and-breakfast packages, while Fairmont Gold rooms may include breakfast through access to the Gold Lounge. Always compare the complete package price rather than assuming the lowest room rate will include breakfast.
Where Is Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth in Montreal?
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is located at 900 René-Lévesque Boulevard West in the heart of downtown Montreal.
Its location is one of the strongest reasons to choose this hotel for a Montreal family holiday.
Just one block east of the hotel, and connected underground, is Montreal Central Station, also known as Gare Centrale.
This connection played an important role in the development of Montreal’s Underground City, an enormous pedestrian network connecting shopping centres, office buildings, transport stations, hotels and restaurants beneath downtown Montreal.
Being connected to the Underground City makes it much easier to explore during cold, wet or snowy weather. You can reach transport, food and shopping without repeatedly dressing the entire family for the elements.
Anyone who has attempted to locate two missing gloves, one hat, and a child who suddenly refuses to wear a coat will understand the value of this.
Things to Do Near Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth With Kids
There is so much to do in downtown Montreal that I wrote an entire separate post about it – 13 Fun Things to Do in Montreal With Kids This Summer.
From Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, families can easily reach Sainte-Catherine Street, Place Ville Marie, the Underground City and Montreal Central Station. Old Montreal, museums, shops, restaurants and major downtown attractions are also accessible on foot or by public transport.
Finding somewhere to eat will not be a problem either.
From quick burgers and casual family meals to fine dining, everything is within easy reach. This flexibility made the location particularly useful for us because we could choose food based on everyone’s mood, appetite and remaining level of patience.
Staying in downtown Montreal with kids also meant we spent less time commuting and more time actually experiencing the city.
That is important in Montreal because there is always something else you want to see.
Parking at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Arriving by train would probably have been the easiest option, particularly because the hotel is positioned directly above Montreal Central Station.
However, we were travelling through Canada on a family road trip, so we arrived by car.
During our original stay, we found parking behind the hotel for CA$25 per day.
Parking arrangements and prices have changed since then. Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth does not currently own or operate its parking facilities, but 24-hour valet parking is available. The hotel presently lists the overnight valet rate as CA$40, including taxes, although parking charges can change.
The hotel’s official location information also notes that indoor valet parking is available for an additional fee.
Confirm the current rate, vehicle height restrictions and in-and-out privileges before arriving, especially when travelling with a larger family vehicle.
Is Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Kid Friendly?
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is not a resort filled with waterslides, children’s clubs and costumed characters.
Instead, it is a sophisticated luxury hotel that can still work extremely well for families.
The separate living area in our Junior Suite, the foldout sofa, the thoughtful treats for Mia and Caius, the central location and the warm service all made our stay feel comfortable rather than overly formal.
Its indoor pool, connecting-room options, available cribs and central position add to its appeal as a family-friendly hotel in Montreal.
The hotel’s size and luxurious atmosphere may make it best suited to families who want to explore the city rather than spend their entire holiday inside the property.
For us, that was exactly what we wanted.
What Parents Should Know Before Booking
Room size and layout can vary considerably, so do not choose a room based only on the lowest available price. A suite or connecting rooms may make the stay far more comfortable for a family of four.
Breakfast may not be included in the standard rate, so compare room-only, bed-and-breakfast and Fairmont Gold options carefully.
Parking is an additional expense, and current rates are considerably higher than they were during our original road trip.
Access to areas such as the rooftop garden and Suite 1742 should not be assumed. Ask about any available experiences when you arrive.
Finally, the hotel is large, with 950 rooms and suites. It can become busy during major events, holidays and popular travel periods, so allow extra time for check-in and lifts.
How Much Does Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Cost for a Family?
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is a luxury hotel, so this is not going to be the cheapest family night in Montreal. However, the separate living space, central location and direct connection to Montreal Central Station can make the higher price easier to justify.
Hotel rates change according to the season, day of the week, room availability and events happening in Montreal. A concert, festival or major sporting event can send prices climbing faster than Mia and Caius could make the complimentary cookies disappear.
Estimated Family Cost for One Night
The following sample budget is based on a one-night family stay for two adults and two children on Sunday, August 30, 2026. It is intended as a realistic planning guide rather than a guaranteed quote.
| Expense | Estimated family cost |
|---|---|
| Junior Suite for one night | CA$650 to CA$850 |
| Breakfast for two adults and two children | CA$120 to CA$176 |
| Overnight valet parking | CA$40 |
| Estimated total before accommodation taxes | CA$810 to CA$1,066 |
| Approximate total after hotel taxes | CA$970 to CA$1,275 |
At the time I checked, current accommodation listings for August 30, 2026 showed rates starting from approximately US$559, including taxes and fees, for the separate Fairmont Gold experience. A Junior Suite at the main hotel can be higher or lower depending on availability and the booking conditions attached to the room.
The hotel has also published promotional Fairmont room rates from CA$419 per night for selected dates between July 18 and August 13, 2026. That rate applies to an entry-level Fairmont room rather than a Junior Suite, but it provides a useful comparison when estimating the cost of upgrading to a larger family-friendly suite.
A full breakfast is currently listed at approximately CA$44 per person through major accommodation listings. Families ordering smaller children’s meals, pastries or a quick breakfast from Kréma or Marché Artisans may spend less than the maximum estimate above.
Fairmont currently lists overnight valet parking at CA$40. The parking facility is available 24 hours, although prices and conditions may change before your visit.
Accommodation taxes in Quebec can add a noticeable amount to the final bill. Depending on how the booking platform displays its rates and fees, taxes may already be included or may appear later during checkout.
This is why I always recommend clicking through to the final payment screen before comparing hotel prices. That innocent-looking nightly rate can suddenly develop several expensive friends.
Families should also compare the standard room-only rate with the hotel’s Bed and Breakfast package. The package is currently advertised for stays through December 31, 2026 and includes an à la carte breakfast. Depending on the rate difference, it could offer better value than paying for four breakfasts separately.
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent downtown Montreal location: The hotel is directly connected to Montreal Central Station and the Underground City, making it convenient for sightseeing and arriving by train.
- Spacious suite options for families: Our Junior Suite gave Mia and Caius their own sleeping area while I still had a separate bedroom.
- An indoor swimming pool: This is a valuable bonus when visiting Montreal with kids, especially during cold, rainy or snowy weather.
- Plenty of food nearby: Families can choose between the hotel’s restaurants, quick options at Marché Artisans and the many eateries around downtown Montreal.
- A fascinating history: Staying inside the hotel where John Lennon and Yoko Ono held their Bed-In for Peace made our visit more memorable.
- Helpful family features: Connecting rooms, cribs and selected in-room appliances may be available when requested in advance.
- You may not need a car: The central location and direct transport connections can save families money on parking and reduce the amount of time spent travelling across the city.
Cons
- It is expensive: A Junior Suite, breakfast and parking can turn one night into a significant family expense.
- Breakfast is not always included: Families need to check the exact room package rather than assuming breakfast comes with the accommodation.
- Standard rooms may feel small: Families of four should examine the room layout carefully before choosing the cheapest available option.
- Parking costs extra: Overnight valet parking adds to an already premium hotel bill.
- The hotel can be busy: With 950 rooms and suites, check-in areas and lifts may become crowded during major events and peak travel periods.
- It is not a children’s resort: There is an indoor pool, but families should not expect a kids’ club, waterslides or a large program of organised children’s activities.
- Special access is not guaranteed: Visits to the rooftop garden or Suite 1742 depend on availability and current hotel operations.
For us, the advantages outweighed the drawbacks. The location, history and space in our Junior Suite made the hotel memorable, while the door between our room and the children’s sleeping area made it wonderfully practical.
That door still deserves its own five-star review.
Is Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Worth It for Families?
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is a beautiful and historic hotel that has welcomed royalty, rock stars and almost everyone in between.
Since our stay, the hotel has completed the substantial renovation that was originally planned between 2016 and 2017. Today, it combines its remarkable history with refreshed rooms, contemporary dining, wellness facilities and family-friendly accommodation options.
What has not changed is its extraordinary position in the centre of Montreal.
For families who value location, history, comfort and enough space to separate sleeping children from awake parents, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is a compelling place to stay.
Our Junior Suite gave us the space we needed, the children were made to feel welcome, and the banana bread alone still occupies a very special place in my travel memories.
So, when looking for a luxury family hotel in downtown Montreal, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth deserves a place near the top of your list.
And should you feel like spending the entire day in bed, that is perfectly acceptable.
You will be in very good company.
More Fairmont Family Stays in Canada
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth was not our only memorable Fairmont stay in Canada. We also stayed at the fairytale-like Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, a grand castle-style hotel overlooking the Rideau Canal and just steps from Parliament Hill.
While Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth delivers big-city energy, music history and unbeatable transport connections, Fairmont Château Laurier feels like stepping into a Canadian fairytale. Both hotels make an unforgettable base for exploring their cities with kids, although Mia and Caius were particularly impressed by the idea of sleeping inside a castle.
Read my Fairmont Château Laurier with kids review here.
Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth With Kids FAQs
Is Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth good for families?
Yes. The hotel offers suites, connecting rooms on request, cribs, an indoor pool and a highly convenient downtown location. It is particularly well suited to families who want a comfortable base for exploring Montreal.
Does Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth have family rooms?
The hotel offers several room and suite configurations that can accommodate families. Connecting rooms, cribs and selected in-room appliances may be available on request, depending on the accommodation category.
Does Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth have an indoor pool?
Yes. Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth has an indoor swimming pool located within its wellness centre. Check current opening hours and family access arrangements before visiting.
Is breakfast included at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth?
Breakfast is not included with every room rate. Bed-and-breakfast packages and Fairmont Gold accommodation with lounge benefits may include breakfast, depending on the package booked.
Is Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth connected to Montreal Central Station?
Yes. The hotel is positioned above Montreal Central Station and is connected to Montreal’s Underground City, making it convenient for families arriving by train.
What is the best room at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth for a family?
Our Junior Suite worked beautifully because it included a separate lounge area with a foldout sofa and a door between the children’s sleeping space and the main bedroom. Larger families should also consider connecting rooms or other suite categories.
Is Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth close to Old Montreal?
The hotel is in downtown Montreal rather than Old Montreal itself. Families can reach Old Montreal by public transport, taxi or a longer walk, depending on the specific attraction they are visiting.
Is Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth worth the price?
For families who value a central location, luxurious accommodation, hotel history and easy transport access, it can be worth the higher price. Choosing the right room category is important because additional space can significantly improve a family stay.
