The Top 10 City Hotels in Canada in 2021

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Published on September 8, 2021

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite city hotels in Canada.

This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

With their centuries-old cobblestoned neighborhoods and cozy bistros, Canada's Montreal and Quebec City often draw comparisons to European capitals. In contrast, the country's western cities, including Vancouver, are typically praised for their thriving, multicultural food scenes and proximity to outdoor adventures. What destinations on both sides of the country have in common are world-class hotels that impress visitors whether they're visiting for the first time or the tenth.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

Ritz-Carlton, Montreal — Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton

In choosing the best city hotels in Canada, readers gave high marks to well-known luxury brands, such as Ritz-Carlton (which earned two spots), Fairmont (with three), and Auberge Resorts Collection (with two). No. 10 Fairmont Palliser in Calgary, Alberta, was representative of the trend, as readers praised its service and location.

Independents, though, were also among the top-ranked properties. For example, No. 3 Auberge Saint-Antoine, in Quebec City, earned rave reviews all around. A number of readers commented that thanks to both its spa and outstanding restaurant, the family-owned Saint-Antoine was an ideal hotel for a romantic getaway.

As far as locations go, the hotels on this year's list are heavily concentrated in the western province of British Columbia and the eastern province of Quebec: each had four hotels in the top 10. But in the end, voters chose the storied Ritz-Carlton, Montréal as the best city hotel in Canada. Read on to find out what sets it apart.

1. The Ritz-Carlton Montreal

Readers noted that the Ritz-Carlton Montreal had "tremendous views" of the city (and some rooms overlooked the peaceful inner garden.) Guests also appreciated one of the property's helpful features that keep guests warm in the colder months: "In winter," recalled one reader, "you can access the underground walkways to get around the city, away from the snow and traffic." The roaring fireplaces are also a cozy touch, voters noted. The hotel's dining is anchored by Daniel Boulud's elevated take on Mediterranean food, Maison Bouloud, while the full-service spa includes special treatments like a maple sugar massage. All in all, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal earns readers' loyalty as the most elegant stay in the city.

Score: 93.87
More information: ritzcarlton.com