Montreal’s Iconic Vogue Hotel Breathes New Life

Sid Lee Architecture unveils the redesign of the communal areas of the welcoming Vogue Hotel Montréal. This ambitious project breathes new life into the esteemed downtown five-star establishment, encompassing a comprehensive renovation of the lobby, lounge, and dining areas. While this restored version allows the hotel to embrace a new ambiance, Vogue's iconic address and essence remain the same, reaffirming its presence on Rue de la Montagne in the heart of the Golden Square Mile.

Paying homage to the cultural heritage of the previous owners, the new iteration of Vogue Hotel brings a Montreal experience inspired by the grand hotel tradition of Asia and the Middle East. Sid Lee Architecture proposed opening up the hotel's ground floor by creating a direct connection between the dining spaces and the entrance lobby to bring this fusion of two worlds to life. This openness provides a seamless physical and visual flow between the different functions of the rooms. In addition to being reflected in the spaces' layout, this openness is further enhanced by the newly redesigned glass façade of the building by LemayMichaud, allowing natural light to infiltrate the interiors and adding to the contrast of the poetic chiaroscuro created by the materiality.

"To strengthen the connection between the hotel and its neighborhood, we focused on creating a harmonious transition between the interior and exterior. A human-centered design combined with the integration of artwork by local artists makes the place equally attractive to residents of the city as well as visitors. The strategic placement of the dining offerings along the glass façade promotes a connection with the surrounding area and creates multiple opportunities for interaction. In this regard, Vogue Hotel becomes an exceptional destination offering a unique experience in Montreal," explains Martin Leblanc, architect and principal partner.

Reflecting the upscale character of the establishment, the Sid Lee Architecture team compares the redesigned interiors of the Vogue Hotel to a perfectly tailored suit. From the majestic main colonnade to the details of the fabric upholstery, each component has been meticulously considered to create a harmonious whole. The finishes of the plaster walls, ceiling, and floors, which alternate between Turkish travertine and Quebec white oak, were chosen for their noble and artisanal qualities. The wall-mounted tubular luminaires add dynamism to the textures and natural subtleties of the space, emphasizing the curved and organic nature of the partitions and different design elements.

Lobby

Featuring high ceilings, an impressive classical colonnade, and warm lighting, the central area creates an airy sensation with its spacious yet enveloping character. While the original axis of the lobby was once perpendicular to the street, Sid Lee Architecture instead opted for a parallel route to provide guests with a three-tiered experience that is better connected to the outside world. The living spaces of the café, restaurant, bar, and lounge offer a direct connection to the vibrant downtown of the metropolis. At the same time, the corridor housing the reception serves as a liminal zone leading to the serene cabinet of curiosities, meeting rooms, and bathrooms. Emerging from the floor, the reception desk, made of the same stone as the floors, rises like a monolithic block in front of an elegantly textured walnut backdrop.

Café Bazin

Located just steps from the reception, Café Bazin offers a miniature version of the homonymous bistro in Westmount by Chef Antonio Park. Situated in front of a large bay window, the service counter provides an intimate and friendly space for passersby and hotel guests. Even outside of opening hours, the glass doors of Café Bazin transform the area into a mysterious lightbox, emitting a soft glow in the entrance lobby.

Lounge

With its warm lighting, walnut burl coffee table, cinnamon suede banquettes, and open layout, the lounge provides multiple opportunities for gathering and sharing. The fireplace and its impressive floating bronze mirror-covered chimney are at the center of these interventions. A double installation of sculptural luminaires designed by Lambert et Fils Studio hangs above the seating area, adding an aerial effect with their unexpected proportions. The light reflects on it, emphasizing the continuity of the space.

"We designed the interiors using light as a medium. By softening the edges of the partitions to embrace the infinity of curved lines, light spreads over the texture of surfaces like oil paint on a blank canvas. During the day, this effect gives the space an airy feeling, while at night, the warmth of the light enhances the sensuality of its curves," adds Kyle Adams Goforth, Director of Interior Design.

Cabinet of Curiosities

Tucked away from the hotel's lobby is the Cabinet of Curiosities, where one can enjoy a moment of serenity. Nestled under a large oculus that replicates a skylight effect, this library space curated by Image Motion's Artistic Director, Priyanka Jhamb, includes a selection of books and art objects. Among them are a series of blown glass vases created by Montreal-based studio Verre D'Onge.

A bit further, there are the bathrooms of the entrance lobby, featuring a simple yet refined design. Their tiled walls of Spanish porcelain and Italian Verde Saint Denis marble vanities offer an enveloping and intimate ambiance. The details of Italian black walnut also create an aesthetic link between these rooms and the rest of the communal areas.

YAMA

Led by renowned Montreal chef Antonio Park, the YAMA restaurant and its adjacent bar enhance Montreal's culinary scene with a refined gastronomic experience. At the entrance of the restaurant, close to the action of the rest of the hotel, sits an impressive oval-shaped Turkish travertine bar. With seating for up to 26 people, it acts as a central focal point at the heart of the establishment and enhances interactions between locals and hotel guests.

YAMA, which means "mountain" in Japanese, takes its name from the famous Rue de la Montagne where it stands. In resonance with its name, biophilic-inspired references inhabit the entire décor. Curved lines intertwine, inviting the gaze to wander and take pleasure in discovering the expansive details of the space. The layout of the areas offers many different culinary experiences centered around Nikkei cuisine.

Facing the lobby reception, YAMA's custom wine cellar serves as a luminous focal point that directs the gaze toward the restaurant spaces. Surrounding it, the custom-designed white oak furniture by Sid Lee Architecture provides a social and animated experience. During the summer, this experience extends to the metallic terrace on Rue de La Montagne, connecting the hotel's life to its community in the heart of downtown Montreal.

Photography by Alex Lesage