Montreal's BEST Downtown Hotel? (Residence Inn Review!)

Residence Inn by Marriott Montreal Downtown Montreal (QC) Canada

Residence Inn by Marriott Montreal Downtown Montreal (QC) Canada

Montreal's BEST Downtown Hotel? (Residence Inn Review!)

My Surprisingly Awesome Stay at Montreal's "Best Downtown Hotel" (aka, the Residence Inn) - A Rambling, Honest Review

Okay, so they say the Residence Inn in downtown Montreal is the "best." Big claim, right? But after a week (and a truly wild personal experience) there, I can say… well, let’s just say it definitely contends. And honestly? I'm still processing the experience. So here's the messy, unfiltered truth, overflowing with pros, cons, and a whole lot of feelings:

First Impressions & the Accessibility Gauntlet:

Right off the bat, I gotta say, accessibility seems to be a big deal here, and they clearly try. Wheelchair accessible? Check. Elevator? Yep, and thankfully not a rickety one. Facilities for disabled guests? Seemed well-considered, with ramps and wide doorways. I'm not sure how to really assess every aspect of accessibility, but from what I could observe, it seemed pretty solid, which is a big win in my book.

Getting Around & Parking – Or, "The Great Car Park Crisis"

So, the hotel offers a car park [on-site], which is a lifesaver in a city like Montreal. But the "free of charge" part? Yeah, that's a big, fat, lie. Or at least, a misrepresentation. (This is already heading south, hang in there, it gets better). The parking is, to be frank, a bit of a scramble. You'll see a car park [free of charge] listing but there is a catch! You should confirm it well in advance via telephone so you are not put into a bind. The Airport transfer seems to be very reliable as well, but I did not need it. You can definitely use the Taxi service and Valet parking is available. Bicycle parking is also available, but hey, I didn't bring my bike!

The Room Itself – My Personal Fortress (and Its Quirks)

Okay, time for the actual room. It was… spacious. Like, you could practically live there. Think of it like a mini-apartment with a fantastic view (more on that later). Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, a comfortable desk, a gigantic extra long bed, and a seriously helpful refrigerator. You also get a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.

And here's where things get interesting. Internet access – wireless? Absolutely. Wi-Fi [free]? You got it. But here’s the real bonus: Internet access – LAN! I can almost appreciate the retro vibe of this, even though I didn't use it. I like the feeling of a secure, wired connection, even if it’s purely symbolic these days.

My Room: The Good, The Bad, and the Unexpected…

I got a room on a high floor, which was nice. Non-smoking rooms are a given (thankfully!). The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping off jet lag. Additional toilet was very helpful.

But here’s where things got… real. See, I woke up one morning, and the mirror was… falling off the wall. Like, slowly, dramatically, towards the floor. I mean, seriously. The mirror wasn't in its best shape and it was held by a bolt; I was so shocked I had to sit down. I am unsure of the exact reason, but I think the vibration from the passing trucks caused it. I got help pretty soon and it was fixed. To the hotel’s fairness, they apologized profusely and upgraded me to a bigger room!

Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Beyond the Standard Promises

They boast a whole raft of features. I was mostly there for work, but I did take a peek at the Fitness Center, which looked surprisingly well-equipped. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was closed (it was February, duh!). Apparently, depending on the season, you get a Pool with view.

I can happily skip over the standard Massage, Sauna, Steamroom and Spa. This place does cater to a certain type of traveller and the fact that the Spa and Spa/sauna are listed is a sign that there’s a real focus on relaxation -- I unfortunately did not get to experience these things.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Breakfast Bonanza

Okay, the food. Breakfast was included, and frankly, it was the highlight of my stay. Breakfast [buffet]? Yes, and it was good. Asian breakfast and Western breakfast are on offer, both of which were pretty standard, but tasty nonetheless.

They have a Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop. I did not get to the Bar or the Poolside bar but I'm sure they were of good value. The Snack bar did offer some of the snacks I needed, and the Bottle of water was a plus. There is also Room service [24-hour]. I didn't try the Restaurants but they were there. I can't really comment on the Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, or Soup in restaurant or Vegetarian restaurant.

Cleanliness and Safety – The COVID-19 Angle

Look, we’re all still navigating the pandemic. I was relieved to see they were taking it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and a genuine effort to keep things clean. I only saw a few guest take advantage of the option to Room sanitization opt-out available. Staff trained in safety protocol seemed evident. Physically distancing of at least 1 meter was maintained, although, how can you really enforce it? Professional-grade sanitizing services were used. Individually-wrapped food options were standard.

Services and Conveniences – Beyond the Basics…

Daily housekeeping was great, and the staff were always super friendly. Concierge was helpful. Laundry service was a lifesaver. Luggage storage was efficient.

For the Kids – Family-Friendly, but…

Honestly, I didn't have any kids with me. I saw signs that there are Kids facilities and they are Family/child friendly but this is not my field of expertise.

Things That Annoyed Me (And Things I Loved)

  • The Mirror Incident: Seriously, that was a moment. But the staff handled it incredibly well.
  • The Parking: The "free" part is misleading, which is a bit shady.
  • The Positive: The breakfast! The staff! The spacious room!

Final Verdict:

Would I recommend the Residence Inn? Yes. It’s not perfect. It's a bit rough around the edges. But the location is fantastic, the staff are genuinely nice, the rooms are spacious, and the breakfast is worth it. Overall, it’s a solid choice for a stay in downtown Montreal, and I'd definitely consider it again, if only to make sure that mirror is still hanging on the wall!

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Residence Inn by Marriott Montreal Downtown Montreal (QC) Canada

Residence Inn by Marriott Montreal Downtown Montreal (QC) Canada

Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to embark on a Montreal adventure worthy of a reality show that probably wouldn't get renewed. Here’s the absolute mess I'm planning at the Residence Inn Montreal Downtown, because let's be honest, perfection is boring and I'm aiming for memorable chaos.

Day 1: Arrival and the Great Poutine Quest (AKA, Hunger Games: Montreal Edition)

  • 1:00 PM: Arrive at the ridiculously chic (and slightly intimidating) Residence Inn Montreal Downtown. I've already mentally prepared for the self-check-in, which I'm pretty sure is going to be like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube with my luggage. Pray for me.
  • 1:30 PM: Room reveal! Cross my fingers it’s not a dungeon… or directly across from the ice machine. I’m a light sleeper. And a caffeine fiend. Coffee's a need, not a want.
  • 2:00 PM: The Poutine Hunt Begins! Armed with my trusty (and probably slightly stained) travel guidebook, I'm diving headfirst into the poutine scene. I’m picturing myself: a seasoned poutine-ologist, a connoisseur… probably covered in gravy before the day's end. First stop: La Banquise – supposedly open 24/7. Because, you know, emergency poutine situations can strike at any hour. This MUST happen.
  • 3:30 PM (ish): Poutine Debriefing. Okay, here's where things get messy. I'm going to rate/judge the poutine. This is where I will spill my guts and give you a true review.
  • 4:00 PM (ish): Walk off the carb coma with a stroll through Plateau Mont-Royal. Prepare for cobblestones, brightly-colored houses, and the overwhelming urge to buy a beret. I'm not a hat person. But, Montreal.
  • 5:00 PM (ish): The Mount Royal Park. Because everyone looks up to a hill.

Day 2: Art, Bagels, and Existential Dread (and Maybe Some Good Coffee)

  • 9:00 AM: Wake up. Maybe. The bed is seriously comfortable at the Residence Inn. I’m trying to fight the urge to just stay in bed, but Montreal awaits!
  • 9:30 AM: Coffee procurement! I need to find a decent coffee shop. I am thinking of going to Cafe Myriade or Birchmount for Coffee. I will rate this coffee. This is important.
  • 10:30 AM: The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. I’m not a huge art buff. But I feel like I should be. This is going to be a learning curve, I can feel it. I'll try to appear intelligent, but let's be honest, I will likely gravitate towards the stuff with the shiny bits.
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch somewhere trendy. I'm open to suggestions. But it needs to… you know… be Instagrammable. Priorities.
  • 2:30 PM: Saint-Viateur Bagel time. Okay, I've heard the bagels are legendary. I'm ready for the battle. I'll fight the line, I'll wait patiently (maybe), I'll purchase a dozen… and then probably eat them all in one sitting. No regrets.
  • 4:00 PM: Old Montreal. Walk around, get lost, pretend I'm in a period drama. Look for charming little boutiques and maybe try to find a souvenir that isn't just another fridge magnet.
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner and drinks. This is open. Suggestions appreciated! I was thinking of something French. I will need the bougie-ness.

Day 3: The Plateau, Jean Talon, and a Longing for Home (and Maybe One Last Poutine)

  • 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel (free breakfast - amazing, so I heard!). I'm all about that complimentary waffle situation.
  • 10:00 AM: Return to Plateau Mont-Royal to dive deeper. I've already been to the park, so now I will just stroll around the neighborhood.
  • 12:00 PM: Jean-Talon Market. It's time to buy the goods, get the goods. The market is a feast for the senses. I'm going to try all the cheese. ALL of it.
  • 2:00 PM: Last Poutine Call? Maybe, maybe not. Is it even possible to leave Montreal without one last glorious, artery-clogging, gravy-drenched farewell? The answer is…probably not.
  • 3:00 PM: Packing. Ugh. The dreaded packing ritual. I'm already dreading the task of trying to fit all my newly acquired treasures (and the inevitable food coma bulge) into my suitcase.
  • 4:00 PM: Final walk around the neighborhood. Reliving everything, one last look.
  • 6:00 PM: Depart from Montreal, with a heavy heart and a slightly heavier stomach. Until next time, Montreal, you beautiful, chaotic city.
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Residence Inn by Marriott Montreal Downtown Montreal (QC) Canada

Residence Inn by Marriott Montreal Downtown Montreal (QC) CanadaOkay, buckle up buttercup, because you're about to get the REAL scoop on Montreal's Residence Inn Downtown. Forget the glossy brochures and perfectly posed pictures. This is the messy, heartfelt, and slightly chaotic truth, laid bare in FAQ form. ```html

Is this place REALLY the best downtown hotel? Like, *really* really?

"BEST" is a strong word, my friend. Let's say it's a contender. And a strong one, mind you. You're in the heart of Montreal, steps from everything. That's a huge win right off the bat. But is it THE best? Depends on your priorities. If you're after pure, unadulterated luxury... well, maybe look elsewhere. But if you're after location, space, and a surprisingly decent (and free!) breakfast to fuel your poutine-fueled adventures? Yeah. It’s got a solid claim. I’d give it a solid 8/10, with room for improvement on the hallway lighting (seriously, they need to brighten things up!).

Let's talk rooms. Are they actually spacious? Because "spacious" often means "slightly larger than a shoebox" in hotel speak.

Okay, this is where the Residence Inn shines. I stayed in a suite, and MAN, it was legit spacious. Living room, separate bedroom, kitchenette... I could have lived there! I actually considered it. (Don't judge! Montreal is *amazing*). I mean, I didn't actually *cook*, but the *option* was there, you know? Which is HUGE after a day of scarfing down bagels and smoked meat. The couch was comfy, the bed was decent (no complaints, and honestly, I *am* a bed snob), and the view? Not bad. Nothing spectacular, but hey, I wasn’t paying for a view, I was paying for SPACE. And that, my friends, they DELIVER.

That breakfast... free is good, but is it *good* good? Like, are we talking sad continental or legit satisfying?

Okay, I’ve faced down some truly dreadful hotel breakfasts in my time. Pre-made, sad-looking scrambled eggs. Stale, pre-packaged muffins. The kind of breakfast that makes you consider starving yourself. This? This was… not bad! The scrambled eggs were… well, they were there. No complaints! There was a waffle maker (a HUGE plus!), yogurt, fruit, bagels (duh, Montreal!), and even some hot breakfast items. I went for the waffles *every single day*. And yes, I'm admitting it. They were golden brown and surprisingly delightful. Maybe it was the maple syrup. Maybe it was the sheer joy of not having to hunt for overpriced breakfast. Whatever it was, it worked. I started my day happy and ready to conquer the city. Plus, they had coffee. *Real* coffee. That, my friends, is important.

So, how about the staff? Friendly? Helpful? Or do they just pretend to care until you've given them your credit card?

The staff... bless their hearts. They were mostly lovely. Honestly. They kept me smiling even when I was running super late to something. I needed a printing job and they were on it pronto, a big, big win for me as I tend to arrive in places a hot mess. They're used to tourists, and know the city. Plus, the front desk guy got me a bigger room when I asked. Maybe he took pity on me. Maybe he thought I'd write a good review (he was absolutely right!). It's the details that make the difference, and the hotel staff made my stay a much better experience. Not perfect (nothing is!), but genuinely helpful and friendly. One guy was even *singing* while he was on his shift, which was a nice touch. Not sure what he was singing, but it added to the vibe.

About the location... how convenient is it, really? Is it walkable? Close to public transport?

Okay, location is arguably the BEST thing about this place. You are RIGHT THERE. Seriously. Walkable to everything. Old Montreal? A pleasant stroll. Saint Catherine Street, buzzing with shops and restaurants? Right outside the door. The metro? Practically in the lobby. The hotel is near the Place des Arts metro station. You could stumble out of bed, get on the metro, and be eating a bagel within about fifteen minutes, which, let's be honest, is a perfect start to the day. Getting a UBER was easy, too. I spent almost zero time traveling, and that, my friends, is priceless. I never once thought, "Ugh, I wish I wasn't so far away from..." because everything was right there. It's a HUGE selling point, for sure.

Any downsides? Because nothing’s perfect, and I need the real, unfiltered truth.

Oh, there are ALWAYS downsides. The hallway lighting, which I mentioned. It’s a bit… dim. The internet, sometimes, could be a bit spotty. It wasn't a huge deal, but I’m used to blazing fast internet in this modern age. There was also the laundry room. I’m not going to lie, it does the job, but be prepared to wait when everyone needs to wash their clothes at the end of the day. It could get a bit busy. And occasionally, you'd hear the odd bit of street noise, being in the middle of a city. But seriously? It’s nothing that a pair of earplugs can’t fix. And these are all minor quibbles, really. The positives hugely outweigh the negatives.

Okay, let's get personal. Would you stay there again? And why?

Absolutely. Without a doubt. I mean, I am already planning to! For the location alone it's worth it. The space is great, the breakfast is better than it has any right to be, and the staff were helpful. Honestly, Montreal is an amazing city, and having a comfortable, convenient basecamp like the Residence Inn made the whole experience even better. It's not perfect. It's not the Ritz. But it's comfortable, convenient, and gets the job done. For the price, and the value, I reckon it's a pretty solid choice. Do it. You won't regret it. You'll get a great vacation.

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Residence Inn by Marriott Montreal Downtown Montreal (QC) Canada

Residence Inn by Marriott Montreal Downtown Montreal (QC) Canada

Residence Inn by Marriott Montreal Downtown Montreal (QC) Canada

Residence Inn by Marriott Montreal Downtown Montreal (QC) Canada

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