The Ritz with Kids

When you think of children and Ritz, you might be thinking crackers. Think again.

On a recent layover in Montreal, we chose the Ritz Carlton to regroup and refresh before the next big leg of the journey. The cold towel and bottled water at check in were nice touches, but the children’s treasure hunt the staff prepared in the room was such a huge hit that it became a theme of the trip.

The gorgeous, historic hotel (where the very first transcontinental phone call was made, in fact) was completely renovated a few years ago. It now features a stunning restaurant and bar from Daniel Boulud, plus all the mod cons one could wish for.

We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast while our kids played with the raft of snow-white ducks that live in the garden’s pond. I even managed to sneak in a business meeting while the rest of the family explored downtown.

In their pint-sized robes, our girls loved the swimming pool with open-air patio and loungers (not to mention the guys in tuxedos delivering miniature fudgesicles at precisely the right moment). Their tortoiseshell Ritz Carlton combs became instant souvenirs. Afternoon tea in the glamorous Palm Court (beneath a 100-year-old chandelier next to the Dom Perignon bar, no less) was a perfect segue to our flight to Europe that night.

Now that’s a bon voyage. —Sarah Bancroft

Ritz Carlton Montreal, 1228 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, 514-842-4212,  www.ritzmontreal.com