f heat waves are emanating up from the scorching pavement of downtown’s concrete jungle, duck into L’Hotel de la Montagne and head straight to the roof for some very cool relief. On the 20th floor you’ll be met by a blast of fresh air, a spectacular panoramic view of the city, all part of the rooftop pool bar. So what’s so cool about a rooftop pool bar in the middle of downtown? How about the fact that ANYONE can use the pool? For the price of a libation, even a soft drink, you need not be a hotel guest, or even a friend of one, to enjoy the pool! (But bring your own towels)

This is La Terrasse Magnétic which constantly attracts jet-setters and celebs (Sly Stallone swam here) from around the globe, especially during Grand Prix season. In fact, this visit I am told that 80 of the 130 rooms in the hotel were booked for the Renault F1 team and Jacques Villeneuve's F1 car was on display in the hotel lobby. Postcard perfect city view aside, there is usually an additional eye catching distraction of French Riviera type bikini clad goddesses and golden, muscled Adonis types casually sun tanning, drinking, or dining in the two levels of patios and bars. There is only one small coveted gazebo that shields from the ever present breeze which can suddenly turn into a gale force wind. Hang onto to your plastic cups! And don’t count on snagging a lounge, they go fast, but there is an abundance of plastic patio chairs around the pool.

Light fare for lunch is offered and the music is a non-committal mix of taped fare. Note that you can only order nachos at night. Regular cocktails and the usual suspects for beer are on tap, but surprisingly Sangria is their specialty. I figured they would have some sort of signature drink in a cold, white slushy form called maybe a Due North or a Polar Opposite…

Regardless, the barkeeps and staff are competent, fun, and friendly-- snootiness is definitely a stranger here.

Once the sun begins to set, the vibe heats up with a live duo playing Latin music and pop (they sing in three languages) and the lower patio quickly fills up with salsa dancing revelers. (Watch those turns though, you don’t want to end up taking a dive in anything but the pool! The barriers are not very high.) Special events such as Rhythms International often take place up here as well.