International clientele have never stopped frequenting the property, including F1 driver Lewis Hamilton who was seen playing his guitar in the Bélvedère bistro bar last June during his last Grand Prix visit – which he won. I can’t confirm the presence of his lady friend, Nicole, but I would guess she wasn’t too far from the action, if not singing next to him. Leonardo Di Caprio, who was here during his filming of The Aviator, was also a guest with his mom. I bet they had one of the seven suites, which are now equipped with ultra-modern, James Bond-ish peephole/screens. As well, there is as a regular rotation of overseas flight attendants who are known to lounge around the pool – the pool (which is a four-season, heated, rooftop oasis) being the real star of the property.

What will strike you first about the Bonaventure is the fact that its lobby is on the 17^th floor – or the rooftop of the Place Bonaventure building. So, yes, expect amazing views. Sometimes referred to as a three-story “penthouse hotel,” all the rooms surround a huge 2.5-acre, Japanese-inspired garden, complete with mini-river, 40-year-old trees, and six ducks – the bleach blond one is nicknamed Paris. Come spring, don’t be surprised to see baby ducklings wobbling around the Zen pathways. The cosy, award-winning Le Castillon restaurant also takes centre stage. With it’s tall garden view windows, stonewalls, and fireplaces, it’s a fine place for brunch or a high-end business lunch. Just the other day I enjoyed (read: inhaled) a starter of foie gras prepared three ways, a tasty wapiti (deer) main served with asparagus, and a chocolate mousse dessert that looked a little like an igloo. Yum.

The hotel has just finished the final stage of its multi-million dollar renovation. The central location is a popular spot for out-of-towners heading to a concert or event at the Bell Centre, or any one of the many business conventions or wedding receptions held just one floor down by escalator. If you have a lot of friends and family, theirs is the biggest ballroom around, accommodating up to 2,000 people in 14,400 sq. ft. of “unobstructed space.”

Chinatown is just a couple blocks east, as well as the International Quarter. Main drag Sainte-Catherine Street is also a short walk north, but also accessible through Montreal’s famous subterranean tunnels called the Underground City. The Metro (the city’s subway train system) and the VIA trains Station are also connected, allowing you to stay indoors, a popular option on a cold day.

Finally, I leave you on an extraterrestrial note – because since I’ve heard about this, I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. Apparently, on Nov. 7, 1990, a UFO hovered directly over the hotel. That’s right, UFO, as in Unidentified Flying Object. Its huge round metallic body and bright lights commanded the city’s attention, as well as that of the RCMP, military and NASA, until it eventually took off and left without saying goodbye. Were they interested in a little swim? Looking for poutine? Bagels? I don’t know. If you think I’m crazy for taking this seriously, maybe you’ll reconsider when you see this little news clip by the CBC. You can bet that when I went for my own dip in this landmark pool, I searched the sky for any flashing lights, just in case.

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THE DETAILS

Hilton Montreal Bonaventure Hotel

900 de la Gauchetière Street West

(514) 878-2332

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THE SWEET DEAL PACKAGE

While you plan your stay in Montreal, take advantage of our Sweet Deal package on a short getaway and get 50% off your second night. A pleasant holiday, including a two-night stay at a hotel, a Fruits and Passion product, discount coupons and many more exclusive privileges that vary according to the hotel, awaits you. To learn more about the sweet deal package and other offers, visit our website!

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July’s Wet Dreams from Philtre Films on Vimeo.

For a full week I’ve been going off the deep end – and I mean that literally. It’s been so hot in Montreal I’m going crazy with one thought, and one thought only: Pools. Since weather reports predict more sizzle than drizzle in the coming weeks, here are some of Montreal’s coolest pools and best fountains for frolicking!

There are plenty of rooftop pools in Montreal, but only the Hotel de la Montagne has a swim-up bar to take care of your poolside “needs”. There’s also plenty of bikini-clad carousing on deck (1430 de la Montagne St., 514-288-5656). The Hilton-Bonaventure also has a prettily appointed outdoor pool & garden (900 de La Gauchetiere W., 514-878-2332).

Public pools can be found in every neighbourhood and aren’t just for the plebes. La Piscine du Parc Baldwin, or “The Fullum Pool,” is widely known as a gay hot-spot (Sherbrooke/Rachel; Free weekdays, $5 Saturday&Sunday), while the Sir Wilfred-Laurier Pool, nestled in a lovely park, is where the Plateau’s young and restless sun and soak (5200 Brebeuf Street, 514-872-4050). If you’re looking for a quiet escape, try the Royal Victoria Hospital Pool, tucked away in the foliage of the Mountain ($5, 514-934-1934 ext. 34141).

In Square St. Louis, the fountain takes pride of place in an oasis just off St. Denis that’s surrounded on all sides by colourful, post-card perfect Victorian walk-ups. In the “cool runnings” fountain category, there’s the playful and highly diverting jet parks in Square Victoria and at Jean Drapeau Park (where our video, filmmaker Kara Blake’s July’s Wet Dream, was shot). The frolicsome jets at Place des Festivals dance along to the pulse of a sparkly light show too. My favourite fountain is in Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle in the Quartier International. It features an infamous sculpture by vanguard artist  Jean-Paul Riopelle that spits fire, water and steam… A perfect synthesis of the extreme elements that shape us locals!

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