I've long been smitten with the Ritz-Carlton in Montreal. It's figured in a few of my favourite books, including the popular "Barney's Version," which was made into a movie a couple years ago. In fact, the "Ritz" was the favourite local watering hole of famous Canadian writer Mordecai Richler, who made a career of incorporating Montreal landmarks into many of his fictional works. And the who's who list of famous politicians,  actors and members of the Royal Family who've spent the night at the iconic hotel is impressive. I also like the Ritz-Carlton because it's one of those beautiful hotels which welcomes visitors who wish to drop by for a drink, whether you're booked into the hotel or not. I've done the same at the Ritz-Carlton here in Toronto, and the Shangri-La, and the King Edward. Not long ago we were saluting the Ritz-Carlton for opening the first Dom Pérignon Champagne bar in Canada. And just this week the U.S. News & World Report, in their annual survey of hotels around the world, named the Ritz-Carlton Montreal as the "Best in Canada." And that's in the same month that the hotel received the highly-respected (and much-valued) AAA Five Diamond status. Only five other hotels in Canada have been granted this rating. A picture is worth a thousand words – so here are five photos of the Ritz-Carlton to enjoy – and entice you, whether it's to drop by for a drink at the bar or make a reservation for a special occasion in Montreal.

(Photos courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Montreal)

Check out 9 reasons to visit Montreal. I invite you to follow me on Twitter @dougoneill.