Hotel Nelligan Montreal: Old Montreal Charm You Won't Forget!
Hotel Nelligan Montreal: A Love Story (and a Few Minor Gripes)
Alright, folks, buckle up. You're about to get the real deal on the Hotel Nelligan in Old Montreal. Forget those sterile, perfectly polished reviews. This is me, unfiltered, fresh off a whirlwind trip, and ready to spill the tea (or, you know, the complimentary Earl Grey they serve).
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Let's Dive In: The Good, The Great, and the "Hmm…"
First impressions? Yeah, the Hotel Nelligan oozes charm. It's in a prime location, right in the heart of Old Montreal, cobblestone streets practically at your doorstep. You can feel the history, the old-world vibe just seeping from the stone walls. My first reaction was, "Okay, this is pretty impressive." I mean, the exterior? Gorgeous. Think exposed brick, wrought-iron balconies, the whole nine yards. Seriously, Instagram gold.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Okay)
Now, the accessibility thing is something I always pay close attention to. I checked beforehand, and they do have facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge plus. Elevators are a must, obviously, and the Nelligan has 'em. They even have facilities in the lobby, which is a great start. However, and this is a minor point: navigating the common areas wasn't seamless. Some of the hallways are a little tight, and there are a couple of small steps here and there. Nothing undoable, but definitely something to bear in mind if you require comprehensive wheelchair accessibility. So, I'd give 'em a B+ here; good effort, room for improvement.
Rooms: Your Cozy Montreal Nest
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. I got a standard room (not the most extravagant, but hey, budget!), and it was lovely. Really, lovely. It's got that "boutique hotel" feel, all dark wood, comfy furniture, and a ridiculously comfortable bed. I’m talking, sinking-in-and-never-leaving kind of comfortable. Plus, the blackout curtains? Absolute genius. Slept like a log every night.
Specifics on the Room Itself (and some Random Ramblings):
- Air conditioning? Yep, and it worked like a charm, battling the summer humidity. Praise be!
- Free Wi-Fi? YES! And it was fast and reliable. No buffering nightmares while streaming my shows. Major win!
- Coffee/Tea? Coffee machine and a selection of teas. Crucial for a morning pick-me-up, especially after a night exploring the Old Port.
- Minibar? Yes, but… overpriced, like always! I opted for the cheaper wine options outside the hotel.
- Bathroom? Lovely. Clean, well-lit, and decent toiletries.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food!
This is where the Nelligan really shines. They have a bunch of dining options, and honestly, the food was generally fantastic.
- Restaurant/Bar: The main restaurant, Verses, is worth the price of admission. The atmosphere is romantic, the food is amazing, and the service is top-notch. I had one disastrous attempt to order a salad. I will admit, I asked for no onions, no tomatoes, only lettuce. I was brought a plate of leaves. No dressing. So, yeah, they messed up the order.
- Poolside Bar: While the bar is open, you can get a drink at the poolside.
- International Cuisine? Definitely! They have a varied menu—modern takes, French-inspired, etc.
- Breakfast: Buffet or A La Carte? Breakfast is a buffet of epic proportions – think mountains of croissants, fresh fruit, and all the eggs-and-bacon goodness you could ask for.
- Room Service: 24/7! The best thing ever. Because let’s be honest, sometimes, you just don’t want to leave your room.
Ways to Relax: Spa Time (and a Little Gym Action)
I didn’t splurge on a massage, but heard the spa area is excellent. The fitness center is pretty basic, but functional. A Sauna and steamroom are available!
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-Conscious (and Reassuring)
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room (or, more accurately, the virus in the air). I felt very safe at the Nelligan. They're taking COVID precautions seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks, the whole shebang. Rooms are sanitized between stays, and they offer optional room sanitization opt-out. The staff are trained in safety protocols, and there's a general sense of cleanliness and hygiene. I felt very comfortable.
Other Bits and Bobs (Service & Convenience):
- Concierge? Super helpful. They were able to book tours and offer suggestions, all with a smile.
- Luggage Storage? Yep, easy peasy.
- Daily Housekeeping? Impeccable. My room was always spotless.
- Laundry Service? Available.
- Elevator? Absolutely! Crucial for anyone with mobility issues.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Yes, as mentioned above.
The Verdict: Go, But Know What You're Getting
So, overall, would I recommend the Hotel Nelligan? Absolutely, without a doubt. It's got charm, location, and excellent service. It's a great base for exploring Old Montreal. But it's not perfect. The accessibility isn't the greatest, I had a minor food hiccup (my salad), and the minibar pricing is a bit cheeky. But honestly, the good far outweighs the minor gripes. This hotel delivers that quintessential Old Montreal experience, with a stylish and welcoming atmosphere.
Emotional Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ (Four Hearts, with Room for a Fifth!)
I’ll be back!
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into MY Montreal adventure! And let me tell you, it wasn't all poutine and picture-perfect moments. It was… well, it was me. And here's how it all sort of went down, from the plush (supposedly) womb of the Hotel Nelligan.
Hotel Nelligan: You Can Check In, but Can You Ever REALLY Leave? (And is that a good thing?)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Pondering of Balconies (and Bread)
- 14:00: Landed in Montreal, feeling jet-lagged and vaguely resembling a slightly rumpled potato. Taxi journey: a blur of French I think I understood, mainly the word "aéroport" (thank you, Duolingo). Arrive at the Hotel Nelligan. My room? Chic. My balcony? A-MAZING. Seriously, the Old Port from up there? Stunning. I spend a solid half hour just staring, because, well, beauty.
- 14:30: The struggle is real. I desperately attempt to unpack, only to realize I've packed approximately zero functional outfits. Why, past me? Why?
- 15:00: Gotta. Eat. Something. Wander down to the hotel's restaurant (Verses) and order something vaguely French. Like, I think I ordered a Croque Monsieur. Maybe. What arrived? A gloriously overflowing, artery-clogging, utterly delicious Croque Monsieur. I devour it, feeling both incredibly guilty and blissfully happy. Is this the beginning of my Montreal weight gain? Probably. Do I care? Nope.
- 16:00: Balcony time again. Cigarette break even though I'm not a smoker. It's the only way to fully absorb the atmosphere. This is the life.
- 18:00: Attempted cocktail at Verses. Ordered something sophisticated-sounding, "The Nelligan Special." Tasted like sunshine and regret. Too strong, but kept drinking because…well, holiday.
- 19:00: Dinner. Alone. Embracing it. Ordered the steak frites. So good. My inner critic is screaming, "Be more adventurous!" but my stomach is purring with satisfaction. I people-watch. The people are… interesting. More on that later.
- 21:00: Bed. Exhausted. But happy. The city lights twinkle. I feel like I might be falling in love with Montreal. Or maybe just the Nelligan's comfy bed.
Day 2: Wandering and the Mystery of the Missing Metro Card
- 09:00: Wake up. The balcony beckons. Coffee and my journal. Try to write but only manage to sketch a particularly grumpy-looking seagull. Artistry at its finest.
- 10:00: Decide to explore the Old Port. Armed with… a questionable map and a half-formed plan.
- 10:30: The cobblestone streets are beautiful, but my shoes are NOT. Regretting my footwear choices already. Found a cute little art gallery. Spent way too long admiring the abstract paintings I didn't understand but were still somehow captivating.
- 12:00: Metro time! Except… where’s my metro card? Did I lose it? Did it magically vanish into the ether? Panic sets in briefly. This is the first time I’ve ever lost something. My day is ruined. Found it in my bag. So relieved, which I'll blame on jet lag.
- 12:30: Lunch at a tiny bistro in the Latin Quarter. The waiter is incredibly cute and speaks fluent French. My French, sadly, does not. Manage to order something resembling a sandwich while attempting to flirt. FAIL. Spectacularly.
- 14:00: Explore! A beautiful mural. A shop selling vintage hats. A guy playing the saxophone. Montreal is officially charming the pants off me. I get lost on purpose.
- 16:00: Back at the hotel for a break. Refreshed.
- 19:00: Dinner. Tonight it would be up to Schwartz's smoked meat restaurant. I have to order it, I HAVE to.
Day 3: Schwartz's and Melancholy
- 12:00: Finally made it. I've heard so much about this place. The line is long. The anticipation is KILLING me.
- 12:30: It's my turn! Inside, is a blur of energy. The place is packed, the tables are small, the waiters have seen it all (I'm guessing). I order the smoked meat sandwich on rye, medium fat. I see the waiter cut the meat.
- 12:35: The sandwich arrives. HOLY MOTHER OF… it's a mountain of perfectly smoked meat! I take a bite. The flavor explodes in my mouth. The fatty, juicy meat, the perfectly toasted rye bread… Honestly. I am speechless. This is one of those experiences. It's not just lunch. It's an experience. I feel alive like never before. I finish the whole thing, even though I'm reasonably sure I'll need a nap for the rest of the week. I'm already planning my next visit.
- 14:00: I decide to wander.
- 16:00: Back at the Nelligan. I'm actually a little sad. I still have to be here alone. Do I have friends in Montreal? No.
- 17:00: Ordered a glass of wine and sat on the balcony. Just staring out at the city. Watching Montreal go by. Sad, but beautiful.
- 20:00: Dinner. Back to Verses. I've fallen in love with the waiters.
Day 4: Farewell (or, See You Soon, Montreal?)
- 09:00: Another melancholy wake-up. Packing is a disaster. Find some lovely souvenirs.
- 10:00: Last balcony view. The city looks even more beautiful this morning.
- 12:00: Check-out, feeling surprisingly sad. The hotel staff are all so friendly. It feels like I’m leaving a friend.
- 13:00: Taxi to the airport. Montreal is a blur of final impressions. What a great adventure.
- 13:30: Boarding my flight. I already miss the city. Montreal, you were wonderful. I'll be back.
Final Thoughts:
The Hotel Nelligan was… perfect. Maybe a little too perfect. But Montreal, you're a messy, beautiful, utterly captivating city. And I, for one, can't wait to get lost in you again.
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Okay, Spill the Tea: Hotel Nelligan – Is it *Really* as Charming as they Say?
Alright, alright, let's be real. They *do* plaster "Old Montreal Charm" all over the place, don't they? And yes, it's... mostly true. I've stayed there, and honestly? The exposed brick? The windows that *might* have seen a carriage or two pass by? It's gorgeous. But here's the thing: charm is exhausting. Like, you're constantly trying to *appreciate* the charm, you know? You're like, "Oh, *this* exposed beam…how utterly historic!" And then you stub your toe on a wonky cobblestone you didn't see. Charm has a price, people. But yeah, it's pretty.
Location, Location, Location! How’s the Nelligan’s Spot?
Listen, the location is GOLD. Seriously. You're basically *slap bang* in the middle of everything. The Old Port? Done. Notre-Dame Basilica? Walkable. Restaurants that will make your taste buds weep with joy? Right outside the door. My first time there, I stumbled out of the hotel at 2 AM, accidentally tripped over a street performer (sorry, dude!), and then found myself eating poutine at a place that was, and I'm not exaggerating, *heavenly*. I'm still dreaming about that poutine. So, yeah, the location's a win.
What about the Rooms? Are They… Comfortable?
Okay, now we're getting down to the nitty-gritty. Comfortable? Yes, mostly. The beds are comfy. The bathrooms are…well, they're bathrooms. Clean. However, my specific memory is a bit hazy. I was sharing a room with my sister and we were fighting over the window. She wanted to see the street, and I wanted to sleep. So, I closed the curtains and pretended the hotel was a ship, and it was the best! But, overall, they're more on the smaller side, which is pretty standard for Old Montreal. You’re paying for the *vibe*, not a ballroom. Get used to it. Pack light, and embrace the cozy. Or, ya know, pay for the suite. (But honestly, I'm not sure you're going to get a massive difference for the money.)
The Nelligan’s Restaurant/Bar: Worth the Hype?
Oh, the rooftop terrace! The *views*! Okay, yes, it's worth it. The food is good, maybe not mind-blowing. The drinks, however, are dangerous. I mean, in a good way. One night, after one too many cocktails, I swear I convinced myself I was a Viking. I was yelling, "SKOL!" at the top of my lungs. (Luckily, security was cool about it. Probably used to tourists being… enthusiastic.) So, yeah, the bar's great. Just…pace yourself. Seriously. The views are amazing, and you need to be able to appreciate them. Don't wake up with the hangover from hell and miss it.
Okay, Let's Talk Service. Is it Good? Because I'm High-Maintenance. (Kidding… mostly.)
The service is generally pretty good, but…(insert dramatic pause). Look, it’s not the Four Seasons. Sometimes you'll feel like you're getting the royal treatment. Other times, you might feel like you're interrupting someone's important day. It truly depends. I remember one time, my friend requested a specific wine, and the waiter gave us a look that could curdle milk. But the next day the breakfast staff were amazing, so it's a bit up and down. Be polite, be patient, and don’t be afraid to ask (nicely). They’re usually helpful. But don't expect flawless perfection. (Then again, do *you* deliver flawless perfection every day? Didn't think so.)
Deals and Discounts? Can a Budget Traveler Survive Here?
Alright, let’s get real about the money situation. (Because, frankly, who *isn't* thinking about their bank account when they travel?) Nelligan isn't exactly a bargain basement. It's a splurge. But! There are *always* deals. Check their website. Look for packages. Consider booking during the off-season (which, hello, is still a lovely time to visit Montreal). Be flexible with your dates. And, my friend, consider skipping that extra cocktail at the bar. That’ll cover a good chunk of the price difference, right? Right.
Any Pet Peeves? Little Annoyances to Be Aware Of?
Oh, this is where I *really* shine! Okay, first, the elevators. They're slow. And often crowded. Patience, young grasshopper, patience. Secondly: the soundproofing (or lack thereof). You *will* hear your neighbors. You will. Especially if they're… you know… enjoying their vacation *very* enthusiastically. Bring earplugs. Trust me. Finally, the check-in process can sometimes take a hot minute. They're lovely people, but sometimes there are lines. And I would know, I was impatient there! But hey, embrace the chaos, right?
Final Verdict: Would You Stay at Hotel Nelligan Again?
Look, despite the slow elevators, the questionable soundproofing, and the occasional "meh" service, YES. Absolutely. I mean, that location! That rooftop! The *vibe*! It's a good base for exploring Montreal. It's got character. It's memorable. I've had good times and bad, but that's what makes a hotel a story, isn't it? And heck, I'm always up for a good story (even if it involves me possibly annoying a street performer or yelling SKOL!). So yeah, I'd go back. Just… with earplugs and maybe a pre-emptive prayer to the elevator gods. And definitely, *definitely* for the poutine.
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