Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sleep in an artist’s studio, surrounded by boundless creativity? Welcome to Hotel Chez Swann, Montréal’s daring hotel concept with a spark of spontaneity. Let’s start with the name which calls to mind a graceful and serene creature, a great analogy for the property. Swann is far from the ugly duckling Tudor House from 1929, its’ former life tossed aside and a new spirit reborn on rue Drummond in the heart of Montréal’s bustling downtown. It’s a place that breaks the rules and that makes for a good time.
First, how about the entrance? You can blink and miss the front doors but once through them a mirrored catwalk, skylit by day and bathed in purple neon at night, is perfect for making an exit. How about the lobby? An unusual snakelike bench invites you to sit and get to know the other guests, but be selective as there are just 23 rooms. Now, go to reception. A tiny suspended front desk of rough hewn wood seems to be floating in mid-air, anchored only by the 2 wood pillars at its sides. It’s tactile and that’s an important sense to cultivate here in the touchy, feely environment orchestrated by Mary Moegenburg. Her accent lighting decorating the space is all one of a kind and her design throughout the hotel is subtly sensuous. Your eyes will thrill to the play of light, color, texture and materials. The bohemian and edgy vision I learned was to provide an environment that would allow guests to connect socially. It’s a bit like being in a lab experiment, one where you’re happy to be the litmus test. Don’t miss the abstract film playing on the far wall behind you before heading upstairs. It may be symbolic.
The elevator glides to a white hallway, the walls up lit by brilliant white beams and a giant sculptural tree trunk guarding the way to your room. The language of Swann is one that constantly transcends boundaries and soon you’ll be expanding yours. You find your room and enter a pure white environment with polished jet black floors, furniture and a lone ebony armoire. The anchor is a quirky sitting area with a big black baroque chair lit by a tripod floor lamp dressed with a gauzy skirt shade. Crank up some sounds from the armoire, add the TV. for visual and sink your feet into the 60’s era green shag rug. You’re starting to channel your inner bohemian and feeling good about it. The whole scene is enough to make you giddy and when you part the gauzy, floating white drapes you notice the lobby below is abuzz. Chez Swann has made a name for its art installations dramatically featured in unexpected ways and tonight is one of their infamous vernisages. Is that a knock on the door? Ahhh, your martini is here … party mode!
It’s time for a night on the town so start with a shower, Swann style. You won’t want to hurry after a glance at the sexy, green bath. The spacious room is furnished with a huge, black lacquer vanity and hung with a large oval mirror. Playful black curlicues stencilled on the single white wall add a whimsical flourish, again, the Swann aesthetic. An enormous black tiled spa shower big enough for 4 people and equipped with 2 full body showers beckons you. Pick up your curvy slice of strawberry soap and prepare for a full on water confrontation. Once inside you just may not want to come out. But don’t worry, you won’t get bored. You can peek through a glass wall to your room and watch some TV. while you steam away.
Once out of that shower you’ll be ready to let down your hair and socialize, so grab your D&G duds and head downstairs. The vibe at Hotel Chez Swann challenges the expected and with Crescent Street practically around the corner, who knows where the night will take you.
Hotel Chez Swann
1444 rue Drummond
Montréal, Québec
514-842-7070
www.hotelchezswann.com