The Amex special event series landed in Canada for the first time last year, with the Maison Amex event in Montreal in June, during the Formula 1 weekend. I was there, and since the event is back for 2025 (starting tomorrow), I want to share my experience from last year.
Our ultimate guide on the Maison Amex event has all the details. Here I solely tell you about my experience. I obviously recommend going if you’re in town.
(I unfortunately won’t be able to go this year, but I would certainly have gone if I weren’t in Europe and Washington!)
Here’s what it was like at the Maison Amex event during the F1 weekend in Montreal.
My experience at the Maison Amex
The Maison Amex took place directly on Crescent Street (not the same location as this year). It was in the building that was formerly the restaurant of F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, which is fitting.
It was across from the main stage of the Grand Prix Festival and at the foot of the famous Leonard Cohen mural.
I went with one of my friends right at opening on the first day, and there was already a small lineup because we were early.
The line moved very quickly once the doors opened. The employee looked at my card and ID and welcomed us.
The Amex cards that gave access to the event were clearly displayed on signs outside, so that passersby who see the Amex branding don’t think they can enter with their $120 Amex card.
(Like for example, the only Canadian card that’s essential for all types of travelers without exceptions; it has its only increased offer of the year right now!!!)
Banks love legal terms, so there was the typical disclaimer posted in the entrance hallway.
I’ll give you a tour of the place.
You had to go up a first staircase to reach the main level.
The iconic Amex blue color was quite omnipresent.
The decor was very pretty, as it always is at the many Amex events I’ve attended in Miami.
The first level was where the free food was served, so it was mostly small tables with comfortable chairs.
But there were also sofas.
All around, along the windows, there was a series of higher tables.
There was the main bar at the back (unfortunately, there weren’t free drinks, unlike in Miami).
There was another floor next, and the highlight was definitely the superb outdoor terrace.
It rained very briefly, but after that, we went to settle there for the view.
There were quite comfortable booths.
The terrace looked directly onto all the excitement of Crescent Street and onto the main stage, as mentioned.
The space was still limited outside, but it’s quite normal that it’s the most popular spot.
There was a counter with a limited choice of beverages directly outside.
This second floor also had an indoor part, including another real bar.
Across from it, there were small tables with very comfortable booths on one side and chairs on the other.
At one end, there were a few “U”-shaped booths for larger groups.
On the opposite side, there was a counter with free salty snacks (chips, pretzels, popcorn).
In terms of food, we each received a token at the entrance to get a portion of food.
The menu was prepared by celebrity chef Antonio Park (I mentioned that I’ve used my annual $200 Amex Platinum dining credit at his very good restaurant, Park).
It was a plate with 4 small bites and truffle fries.
Everything was very delicious.
I had one of the specialty cocktails, the one with rum. It was very good, but I’m far from being expert enough to really tell the difference, honestly.
The drink prices were quite standard for this type of event.
Amex clearly puts a lot of budget into making the event high-quality, so I recommend it if you want to spend a few pleasant hours in a beautiful setting.
They even have beautiful branded shoes for some employees on location.
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Summary
The Maison Amex event during the F1 weekend in Montreal is a nice way to spend a few hours if you’re in town. I unfortunately won’t be able to be there for the 2025 edition, so if you go, take photos to share with us so we can show our other readers if you’re interested!
What would you like to know about my experience at the Maison Amex event in Montreal? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: Maison Amex event (photo credit: Andrew D’Amours/Flytrippers)
