In the historic quarter of Vieux Montréal, behind the 18th-century stone facade of a former carpet factory, you’ll find one of the most modern hotels in North America. Hotel Gault has no time for the French country style of many of its neighbors—the look here is industrial contemporary, with open-plan loft-style rooms, floors of polished concrete, and 1950s Eames chairs that look as futuristic today as they did when they first came off the drafting table.

No two of the vast, airy rooms are alike, but all fit the fashion-forward minimalist mold, with a minimum of ornamentation; here the pleasures are in the creature comforts, like the heated bathroom floors, the plush robes, and the café au lait delivered to your doorstep. Some have private terraces with views of the scenic neighborhood, others exposed red brick walls, and some come with vast California king beds—though the standard queens are nothing to be disappointed at. Plasma-screen TVs look perfectly at home in these chic environs, and bathrooms are like something from a design magazine, with egg-shaped freestanding tubs and low-profile washbasins.

Pretty, to be sure, but functional as well—high-speed internet connections are standard, as are generously sized work desks with chairs you’ll want to take home. Room service is available round the clock, and business and conference facilities are available, as well as a well-equipped fitness room. But if you’re lucky you’re just here for pleasure, and can afford to spend some time around the fireplace in the lounge.