Montreal has no shortage of historic charm, but one hotel in Old Montreal is taking heritage to a whole new level. Hôtel Place d’Armes, once a grand bank and federal building, has been named one of Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotels of the Year for its role in the “Salvaged Stays” trend, a global movement spotlighting stunning restorations that blend old-world architecture with modern luxury.

According to Expedia Group’s Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel™ report, travellers in 2026 are embracing hotels with history.

From former train stations and prisons to repurposed breweries and banks, these “Salvaged Stays” are where design meets storytelling, and Hôtel Place d’Armes is one of the best examples in Canada.

a heritage & heart meet-cute

Set in the heart of Old Montreal, Hôtel Place d’Armes occupies four interconnected 19th-century buildings, each with its own storied past. Once home to institutions like the Great Scottish Life Insurance Company and the People’s Bank, the property now exudes a timeless romance.

Ornate stone façades, original detailing, and a warm, moody interior design come together to create a stay that feels both intimate and grand.

Inside, guests can indulge in modern comforts that feel worlds away from the building’s industrial past.

Rainspa, the hotel’s on-site wellness space, offers everything from aromatherapy to Turkish baths, while the hotel’s rooftop terrace delivers postcard-worthy views of the city skyline. It’s the perfect place to toast to history, or to each other, with a glass of wine as the sun sets over the basilica.

date night destinations with a story

For couples looking to weave a little culture into their getaway, Hôtel Place d’Armes sits steps from Notre-Dame Basilica, The Underground City, and some of Montreal’s most romantic restaurants.

Start the evening with dinner at Brasserie 701 for modern French fare, then wander hand-in-hand through the cobblestone streets that glow under the city’s vintage lamplight.

The hotel’s layered history adds a sense of soul to every stay, a reminder that travel can be about connection not just to a place, but to the stories it holds.

the global ‘salvaged stays’ movement

Hôtel Place d’Armes joins a list of extraordinary global properties celebrating their architectural pasts, from The Union Station Nashville Yards (a former train station) to Bodmin Jail Hotel in the U.K. (a restored prison).

These hotels aren’t just repurposed spaces, they’re reborn experiences that let travellers sleep inside living history.

As the Salvaged Stays trend gains momentum, it’s clear that travellers are craving authenticity over excess. They want texture, storytelling, and timeless design.

See more trends and recommendations that follow them here!