Ritz-Carlton Montreal General Manager and CEO Andrew Torriani invites Montrealers to celebrate Christmas and the holidays

In the Montreal hotel and business sector, there are probably not too many individuals whose ambition and drive can compare to Andrew Torriani. The Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of the prestigious and historic Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a true success story. Andrew became fascinated with the industry at a young age and ended up running the entire operation of a place he once served as a dishwasher and busboy.

During a recent interview, Andrew Torriani said; “When I come to work every morning, I get a warm feeling about this place, because my brothers and I worked here during the summers while we were attending university. We shared an apartment on Lincoln Street. Being close by, we took on double shifts and still had enough energy to head off to Crescent Street when we finished up. It was a special time in our lives and this hotel was central to that experience”

Maison Boulud for Christmas and New Year’s celebration

“It was and still is a great place to work. I worked here as a teenager, starting as a dishwasher when I was 16. There are about ten employees who are still working here today.”

Continuing, Andrew notes; “This hotel has an important history in the life of Montreal, and it continues to play a role as a meeting place for Montreal’s business and social community. We have a saying that describes our staff eloquently; ‘ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.’ We respect our guests and expect our clientele to in turn respect our staff members.”

The Ritz-Carlton Montreal opened its doors on December 31, 1912 – the very first hotel of this glamorous chain in the world. Since then, it has been the address of choice for discerning travelers and public figures, hosting everyone from Elizabeth Taylor and Queen Elizabeth II to Winston Churchill and the Rolling Stones. The recent restoration brought cutting-edge technology to the facility, yet guests can still find historic charm throughout the five-star hotel, from the luxurious accommodations to the lobby, where the curved front desk has stood since the opening.

Today, well-versed palates come to this AAA Five Diamond hotel, the only spot in Quebec for Maison Boulud, an upscale restaurant offering a twist on traditional French cuisine. Meanwhile, the indoor heated saltwater pool overlooks the city from the rooftop, with a welcoming outdoor deck complete with lounge chairs and umbrellas. The place also remains a gathering place, and offers elegant event spaces for meetings and weddings. The 10,000 square feet of meeting space are flexible and offer event planners the possibility of accommodating up to 300 people.

The one-bedroom suites are spacious and beautiful

The Ritz-Carlton Montreal now has 98 rooms and 31 suites. The 4,700-square-foot Royal Suite is the largest hotel suite in Montreal. There are also 45 private residences, which helped finance the restoration.

Torriani, his four brothers and their sister were first exposed to the world of fine hotels and luxury travel at a young age by virtue of the fact their father Marco was a renowned hotelier in South Africa.

As a teenager Torriani held a number of positions in the industry. When his father served as assistant manager at the Four Seasons Hotel in Montreal (now the Omni), he studied at the Petit Séminaire de Québec and worked weekends at the Caf’Conc’ in the Château Champlain hotel. At the Ritz he accepted any task that came his way.

While his family would relocate to Chicago and then Dusseldorf, he chose Canada for his future and graduated from Queens and McGill universities with degrees in mathematics and business respectively. He landed at Air Canada and served as director of Human Resources for 18 years. He returned to the Ritz in 2006. A year later a consortium comprising Mirelis Financial Group and Torriani Group assumed ownership.

It is managed by Torriani Luxury Hotel Management Canada, a subsidiary of Monaco Luxury Hotels and Resorts.

“It was my dad who was originally offered the opportunity to run this hotel,” says Torriani, who resides in Kirkland with his wife and three children. “He recommended me. The hotel was on the downswing and I saw a huge opportunity to put it back where it was. We have done that. My dad comes here often. He remains a great sounding board.”

The pool complex is a new edition
as a result of the restoration

The hotel has 300 employees and we must note that all of those we came into contact with, from the doorman, front desk personnel, dining management and the attendants at the pool, were all so impeccably polite and helpful. “I interview as many of our staff as possible before they are hired,” he says. “Once a month I invite 10 of them for lunch where they can tell me anything on their mind. And in order for them to get a feel for the hotel, each one of them is entitled to stay over for one night.”

The remake of the hotel is not surprisingly, Torriani’s proudest achievement. He made sure to have the building’s façade preserved and restored, as were the lobby, the Palm Court, the Oval Room and the hotel’s famed garden. Many decorative details from 1912, such as marble fireplaces in some of the suites, reflect this masterful blend of old and new.

The guestrooms also feature high-tech amenities, such as thermostats that intuitively remember a guest’s temperature preferences upon check-in, and motion sensors that activate lights when guests enter a dark room. There is a spacious marble bathroom with heated flooring, a deep lounging tub, a separate rain power steam shower, double sink and a toto multifunctional toilet/bidet featuring a heated seat, automatic sensor and remote control. The floors are heated. The toilets are so fascinating that many guests have posted them on YouTube.

Another coup for Torriani was persuading acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud to create a new restaurant at the legendary hotel. “We always wanted to add a new offering that would stand out in Montreal’s already rich restaurant culture, one that would truly enhance our city’s culinary vitality,” Torriani said. “I cold called him. When he got back to me; he said he was coming to Montreal and would give me 15 minutes. That turned out to be close to three hours. A partnership was established. We run the restaurant and it has become one of the most successful dining spots in Montreal.”

Supplement your Tea Time with a glass of champagne

The Ritz opened the new Dom Pérignon Champagne Bar. Exclusive to the Ritz-Carlton Montreal – and the first of its kind in all of Canada – it is located in the Palm Court. The champagne menu features both Rosé & Brut Dom Pérignon available by the glass and bottle; the full service bar also features an exclusive cocktail menu, and offers a variety of spirits and drinks.

When the Ritz-Carlton Montreal opened in 1912 it became known for its legendary style and impeccable service. The hotel also became known as a comfortable spot for Montrealers to enjoy “Afternoon Tea” and socialize.  A century later, the Ritz has revived the tradition of ‘Afternoon Tea,’ a flashback to the Edwardian era when Tea Time was a social ritual. Set amidst the comfort and elegance of the Palm Court, a selection of fine teas, homemade canapés, scones and pastries are on offer. Gentle music wafts through the Palm Court providing the perfect ambiance for a moment spent in lavish repose. “It does really well,” said Torriani. “This is something that goes back to our history.”

The Ritz was named the “number one city hotel in Canada” by Travel + Leisure, as part of the magazine’s World’s Best Awards Readers’ Survey. “It is an honour to be recognized by such a well-regarded travel publication,” Torriani said. “We take great pride in maintaining high standards of quality in all areas from design, to service and amenities, and are grateful for the recognition by all the readers who took the time to vote.”

For complete information log on to www.ritzcarlton.com/Montreal

Tea Time at The Ritz is even more memorable with Gospel Music performances

Christmas at The Ritz

For over 100 years, The Ritz has been a favourite location for Montrealers and out-of-town visitors to celebrate special occasions; from graduations, to weddings and for many – Christmas and New Year’s. Here’s an overview of what General Manager Andrew Torriani and his staff have available to make your build up to the Christmas Holidays memorable for your family.

10 Days of Ritz Moments begins on December 1 through to December 10. Each day a special pop-up promotion will be announced on the hotel’s social media platforms at 9am. The offers ranges from special rates for rooms, suites and dining at Maison Boulud. The offers are valid for just 24 hours. It’s a great opportunity to purchase a memorable Ritz experience at a favourable rate.

Gospel Singer in The Palm Court: Afternoon Tea in the Palm Court is a popular occasion at any time of the year, but its even more special in December with Gospel Music performances on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in December. Faye Cummings will perform on December 7, 8, 14, 21 and 22 from 12:30 – 1pm, 2:00 – 2:30pm and 3:30 – 4pm. Vocalist Tobin Yearwood Gordon will perform at the same times on Sunday, Dec. 15. Reservations are recommended.

Enjoy a staycation at one of the
world’s leading luxury hotels

Holiday Photo Portraits until December 22: If you’re already dressed up for Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Brunch or Dinner, how about a family portrait. Christina Esteban Photography (CEP Studio) has a pop-up studio on the second floor, and sessions are 20 minutes. The rate is $320.78. Please book your time online at:  WWW.CEPSTUDIO.COM/EN/CALENDAR/ 

Oval Room Holiday Brunch: Arguably the most elegant reception/dining room in Montreal, The Oval Room is a fitting location for a special occasion. An earlier Family Time of 9:30  to 11:30am is new for this year. Santa will be present along with a magician. Rates are $115 per person, $75 for children under 12, and free for kids under 7.

Make New Year’s 2024 a special
champagne occasion

Later times from 12:00 to 2pm and 2:30 to 4:30pm are available at $155 per person, $95 for children under 12 and free for Children under 7. Reservations at: [email protected]

Maison Boulud Christmas Eve and Christmas Diner: A four course menu dinner at $175 per person, with seating times at 5:30 and 9pm.

Maison Boulud Holiday Brunch: December 25 and January 1. A three-course menu at #120 per person.

Maison Boulud New Year’s Eve Dinner: First Seating, four-course menu at #175 per person. Seating time, 5:30 to 6:30 pm.  Second seating, tasting menu at $450 per person starting at 8:30pm. Six-course tasting menu at $450 per person (fixed menu only, wine pairings available) – live music, dance floor, countdown to midnight.

Whatever your special family event this holiday season, you can make it even more memorable at The Ritz-Carlton Montreal.