Montreal Airport Hotel: Unbeatable Rates & Luxury at Residence Inn!
Montreal Airport Hotel: Residence Inn - My Stay, My Brain Dump (Warning: May Contain Rambles)
Okay, deep breaths. Let's do this. This "review" of the Residence Inn by the Montreal Airport? More like a therapeutic brain-dump disguised as a hotel critique. Buckle up, buttercups, because it's gonna get… messy.
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- Keywords: Montreal Airport Hotel, Residence Inn, Accessible Hotel, Free Wi-Fi, Montreal Hotels, Luxury Hotel, Airport Shuttle, Fitness Center, Spa, Restaurant Review, Cleanliness, COVID-19 Safety, Wheelchair Accessible, Family Friendly, Business Travel, Pet Friendly (sort of…)
- Meta Description: Honest and unfiltered review of the Residence Inn Montreal Airport. Accessibility, cleanliness, amenities, and my personal, slightly chaotic, experience. Read at your own risk!
Accessibility: Let's Get This Out of the Way
First things first – Accessibility. (And yes, I'm starting with the boring stuff because it’s important.) They do make an effort. Wheelchair accessible it is, which is a huge plus. There’s an elevator so you're not stuck with the stairs. I noticed some things that made me go "hmm."
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Not that I found.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Saga
Dining… oh boy. This is where things get… interesting.
- Restaurants: Well, they have restaurants. Technically. I think. I mean, there's a restaurant, but if you're looking for a gourmet experience, lower your expectations.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Ah, the breakfast. It’s not bad, per se. It’s… breakfast. Think scrambled eggs that might or might not be real eggs, some sad-looking pastries that have seen better days, and the usual suspects. The Asian breakfast option was fascinating – ramen noodles and a single slice of orange. I thought, "Okay, that's ambitious!"
- Breakfast takeaway service: This was a lifesaver, honestly. Especially after that "Asian breakfast." I grabbed a coffee and a muffin to go to eat in my room.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant/in room: The coffee was pretty decent - good enough to make me feel alive, and they provided a small selection of tea bags.
- Room service [24-hour]: Bless their hearts. 24-hour room service is a godsend when you're jet-lagged and staring at the ceiling at 3 AM. The burger was… well, comfort food at its finest. Don’t expect Michelin star quality. But it hits the spot.
- Poolside bar: No poolside bar. Sad face.
- Snack bar: There's a small convenience store area where I managed to grab some snacks and water.
- Bar: The bar was okay. Standard hotel bar fare. They had some local beers, which was nice. But the bartender looked bored, and I swear my drink took longer than it should have.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Available? Sort of. I got a sandwich instead of the chicken pot pie that came with the meal, but they seemed less than thrilled.
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID-19 Gauntlet
This is super important right now, isn't it?
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Which is comforting, I guess.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: I’m guessing they use something.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I didn't ask, and they didn't offer. Felt like the room was fine.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Hopefully! Everything seemed pretty clean.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They wore masks, which is a start.
- Cashless payment service: YES. Thank goodness.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Saw staff doing it, so that's a good sign.
- Safe dining setup: Tables spaced out, which is good.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Seemed that way. No obvious issues.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly followed, but it’s hard.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Mostly, yes.
- Hygiene certification: Probably. I didn’t ask to see it. I’m lazy.
- Sterilizing equipment: Did not see, but I’m assuming they have.
- First aid kit: Yup.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Nice to know it’s there.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: The "Spa" Experience
This is where things got a little… hazy.
- Fitness center: There is a fitness center! I, uh, didn’t go. I saw it through the glass though, machines looked used, but not overly so.
- Pool with view: No view, but a pool. It looked… adequate.
- Spa/sauna: Didn't find them.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes. Looked pretty inviting.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Same as above.
- Massage: This is where the real drama unfolded. I booked a massage, expecting a relaxing escape. What I got was… something else. The therapist was nice, but the “spa” setup was… underwhelming. Think a small room with a massage table and some dimly lit candles. Not exactly a sanctuary. Did it feel good, sure, it’s a massage. Would I book again? Probably not.
- Body wrap/ scrub: No.
Services and Conveniences:
- Air conditioning: THANK GOD. Montreal gets hotter than you think.
- Airport transfer: Free shuttle. A lifesaver, especially if your flight gets in at 2 AM like mine did.
- Family/child friendly: Seemed like it.
- Internet access [Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!]: Thank heavens. The Wi-Fi worked, which is all I cared about.
- Laundry service: Available, and I used it.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Business facilities: They've got the basics.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes!
- Daily housekeeping: Yup.
- Pets allowed (sort of…): I inquired, and it's not a strict "no," but not welcoming either. I'd call ahead if you want to bring the fur baby.
- Elevator: Yes.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Yes.
- 24-hour front desk: Always a plus.
Rooms: My Personal Fortress
My room… ah, my little haven.
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Blackout curtains: Sweet, sweet sleep.
- Free bottled water: Nice touch.
- Coffee/tea maker: Crucial.
- Hair dryer: Yes.
- Ironing facilities: Needed those.
- Mini bar: Okay-ish.
- Non-smoking: THANK YOU, HOTEL GODS.
- Private bathroom: Obviously.
- Refrigerator: Helpful.
- Safe: Okay.
- Wi-Fi [free]: YESSS!!
- Desk: Nice to sit and work.
- Seating area: Yes.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Needed that tub after my flight.
- Wake-up service: Worked, eventually.
- Window that opens: I like fresh air.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Free shuttle is a HUGE win.
- Taxi service: Also available.
For the Kids:
- Family/child friendly: Seemed that way.
The Verdict (AKA My Rambling Conclusion)
So, overall? The Residence Inn by the Montreal Airport is… fine. It's a solid choice for a layover, especially if you're after convenience. The free airport shuttle is a major plus. The cleanliness seemed decent. The room was comfortable (after the massage, I really needed to rest).
The food wasn’t exactly a highlight. The spa experience… well, let's just say it wasn't what I expected. But hey, you get what you pay for, right?
The Big Question? Would I Stay Again?
Yeah, probably. If I needed a place near the airport, with free Wi-Fi, a decent bed, and a functioning shuttle, this would be it. Just… manage your expectations. And maybe bring your own snacks. And maybe skip the spa. (Just kidding!)
Corydon's Hidden Gem: Super 8 Wyndham Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… my itinerary. Montreal, Residence Inn by Marriott Airport, prepare yourselves. I'm coming. And I'm bringing a whole lotta me with me.
Day 1: The Arrival & The Airport Existential Crisis (aka, Getting There is Half the Headache)
9:00 AM: Wake up. Or, at least, attempt to. Three alarms, two snoozes. I finally drag myself out of bed, feeling like I've been run over by a bus… a bus driven by a particularly grumpy badger. Coffee is ESSENTIAL. Black, strong, the kind that could probably melt steel. (Okay, maybe not that strong).
9:30 AM: Pack. (Shove things into a suitcase in a semi-organized chaos). I'm convinced I've forgotten something vital, like pants or my brain, but too late now.
10:00 AM: Uber to the airport. The driver is listening to something inexplicably loud and upbeat. It's like a sonic assault, but I'm too tired to deal with it. Just staring out the window, watching life go by at a rate of which I can't keep pace.
10:30 AM: Airport check-in. Line. Ugh. The woman in front of me is wearing a hat that's bigger than my carry-on. "Is that, like, a decorative air traffic control tower?" I mumble under my breath, probably loud enough for everyone to hear.
11:00 AM: Security. This is where the existential crisis hits. I'm pretty sure I don't have any weapons on me, but the metal detector always beeps. Every. Single. Time. Am I secretly a cyborg? Maybe the battery in my vibrator is setting it off? No, wait, bad thought.
12:00 PM: Finally on the plane! A window seat! YES! Except…is that a baby? WHY IS IT ALWAYS A BABY? Praying that the kid’s parents have got the snacks and the distractions ready.
2:00 PM: Land in glorious Montreal! The crisp Canadian air hits me like a refreshing slap in the face. (Okay, maybe not a slap, but you get the idea.)
2:30 PM: Finding the taxi. It's always a scavenger hunt, isn't it? “Excuse me, taxi, taxi, taxi, where are you?”
3:00 PM: Check into the Residence Inn. Okay, it's surprisingly… nice. Feels a bit like a soulless chain hotel, but hey, it has all the amenities. Time for a nap, which I desperately need after the airport ordeal.
4:00 PM: Nap is interrupted by the sound of a loud truck outside my window. No sleep for the wicked, I guess.
5:00 PM: Explore the hotel. It's your basic hotel. Gym is small and sad. Pool is… cold? The lobby is bustling with people. I'm already feeling that familiar wave of social anxiety and my introverted nature is screaming, "RUN!"
7:00 PM: Dinner. Trying to find a restaurant that's not too touristy. Ended up in some generic-looking place. My meal turns out to be incredibly bland and overpriced. Regret. Should've ordered room service.
9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Crumpled on the bed, ready for a night of Netflix and an overwhelming sense of "What have I done?"
Day 2: Montreal's Charm…and My Own Personal Brand of Clumsiness
8:00 AM: Wake up. Coffee. Repeat. Determined to have a proper breakfast, even if it's just a sad bagel from the hotel’s complimentary breakfast. The bagel is like cardboard. I swear, they make these specifically for the purpose of being disappointing.
9:00 AM: Venture out. First stop: Old Montreal! "Oooh, cobblestone streets!" I exclaim to no one in particular. "How romantic!" Then I promptly trip over a cobblestone. The locals are very amused.
10:00 AM: Exploring Old Montreal. The architecture is breathtaking, the shops are charming. But I'm distracted. There is SO MUCH to soak in. I'm trying to capture everything, and I realize that I need a photo of this moment. Snap! My camera died. My mental state of being went downhill.
11:00 AM: The Notre-Dame Basilica. Jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Feel a slight sense of wonder and awe. I'm probably the only person there who isn't silently praying.
12:00 PM: Lunch in Old Montreal. Found a cute little bistro. I ordered something French, of course, and I'm trying to act like I know what I'm doing. Spilled half the wine on myself. Now I look like a drunk slob. Oh, the glamour.
1:00 PM: Wandering around the harbor. The water is pretty, the boats are big. I'm feeling more alive and awake, the city is a beautiful sight, and my sense of self is returning.
2:00 PM: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Art! Culture! I pretend to understand what's going on. Pretend to look intellectual. Secretly, I'm thinking about the chocolate croissant I saw earlier.
4:00 PM: Got utterly lost. This is always going to be a challenge. And now I'm trying to navigate public transportation.
6:00 PM: Dinner. Finally found a place that looks decent. The poutine is amazing. Possibly the best thing I've ever eaten. Suddenly, everything is okay.
8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Journaling. Thinking about life. Realizing that I somehow managed to get through a whole day without completely embarrassing myself. That's a win, right?
Day 3: A Montreal Deep Dive (and My Ongoing Struggle with Public Transport)
9:00 AM: Another day, another terrible breakfast. Seriously, the hotel breakfast is an affront to bagels everywhere.
10:00 AM: Mont Royal (Mount Royal Park). Attempting to hike. My legs ache. I'm panting. The view from the top is supposed to be incredible. But the climb is a killer.
11:00 AM: THE VIEW!!! Okay, maybe it is worth it. Montreal sprawled out before you, a vibrant tapestry of buildings and life. Take photos. Try to capture the scale of it all.
12:00 PM: Lunch. Back to the poutine! Gotta get my fill while I'm here and maybe try a smoked meat sandwich!
1:00 PM: Exploring… the Plateau Mont-Royal. The streets are so colorful, and the architecture is so amazing.
2:00 PM: Shopping. Found the best boutique ever! Bought a scarf; I’m already regretting the impulse buy, but it was pretty.
4:00 PM: Public transport… take 2. Still hopelessly confused. Got on the wrong bus. Ended up miles from the hotel. My internal commentary is one long string of frustrated curses.
6:00 PM: Drinks. Found a little bar with a nice patio. People-watching is a sport, and I'm an Olympic medalist.
8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Feeling the post-travel blues. That bittersweet mix of exhaustion and the start of the "now-what?" anxiety. Wondering if I should just stay here forever, eating poutine and people-watching. Probably not, but the thought is tempting.
Day 4: The Departure & The Emotional Fallout
8:00 AM: Last breakfast. Still terrible. But I eat it anyway. Gotta soak up every last drop of this experience.
9:00 AM: Packing. Remembering all the things I forgot to do and the things I didn't want to buy.
10:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. One last look at Montreal. Feel a pang of sadness.
11:00 AM: Airport again. Lines again. Security again. Existential crisis, yet again. This time, I am ready.
1:00 PM: On the plane. Looking out the window, watching Montreal shrink away. Feeling a weird mix of relief and longing.
3:00 PM: Land back home. Everything feels a little… off. The city is grayer, the air feels different.
4:00 PM: Unpacking. Finding things that remind me of Montreal: the scarf, the photos, the faint smell of poutine on my jacket.
5:00 PM: Scrolling through photos. Remembering the good times, the bad times, all the times in between. Realizing that I did it. I survived
Montreal Airport Hotel: Residence Inn - My Honest Thoughts (And Probably Yours)
Is the "Unbeatable Rate" really unbeatable, or is it just marketing fluff? I'm skeptical, ya know?
Alright, let's get this straight. "Unbeatable Rate"... it *sounds* like a cheesy used car commercial, doesn't it? And honestly, I was side-eyeing it hard when I booked. I'm a cheapskate at heart, I'll admit it. Spent like, 20 minutes comparing prices on Kayak, Booking.com, you name it. Here's the thing: it *usually* is. Compared to some of those fancy hotels closer to the terminal? Yeah, pretty darn good. I’ve found some amazing deals there, especially during off-peak seasons. However, be warned! Sometimes, and this is a big "sometimes", you gotta watch out for those hidden fees. Like the airport shuttle...
My Anecdote: I once booked a hotel "with free airport shuttle," right? Sounded amazing. Got there, and the shuttle was this rickety old van that reeked of stale cigarette smoke and desperation. (No offense to the driver, bless his heart.) And the "free" part? Totally misleading. Took forever and was packed tighter than sardines in a can. Made me miss my connecting flight. True story. Residence Inn's shuttle? Actually pretty decent and *truly* free. Small victories, people. Small victories.
Okay, so it's cheap-ish. But is it, like, actually *nice*? I'm not aiming for the Ritz, but I don't want to sleep in a shoebox either.
Nice? Okay, "nice" is a loaded word, isn't it? Let’s be realistic. We're talking about an airport hotel. Not exactly the location for a luxury spa retreat. But, I'd say, yes. It's *definitely* adequate, actually quite good. The rooms are surprisingly spacious. Think, not a shoebox. Think, *slightly* larger than a shoebox...that’s a good thing! They usually have a suite, so you've got a separate living area, a kitchen (that I rarely used... because, well, lazy), and the all-important comfy bed. I've slept worse, WAY worse, in hotels that charged twice as much. The decor is… well, it's functional. Not going to win any design awards, but perfectly clean and comfortable. (And let’s be honest, after a long flight, clean is all that really matters, right?)
Quirky Observation: I always judge a hotel room by the number of power outlets within reach of the bed. Residence Inn Montreal Airport? They passed the test with flying colors. Major points for that. My phone and Kindle can thank them later.
The "Luxury". Is that a joke? Let's be real.
Hmmm, "Luxury" at Residence Inn? Okay, let’s pump the brakes on that. Luxury is probably not the *exact* term. (Unless your definition of luxury involves a complimentary breakfast buffet and a decent gym. More on that later). It's not the Four Seasons, people. Don't expect a butler or a gold-plated toilet seat. It's not *that* kind of luxury. The *real* luxury is in those little things, you know? No stress. No rushing. No fighting baggage claim and then a long taxi ride after a 10 hour flight from Europe. That's where the real *mental* luxury lies. Plus, the feeling of just… *knowing* you're getting a clean, comfortable room with a good bed after a long flight – that's a win. That's a luxury in itself, these days.
Breakfast! Tell me about the breakfast. Is it a sad continental affair or something I can actually eat? I NEED coffee. And food.
Okay, breakfast. The most important meal of the day, especially when you're dealing with jet lag and the soul-crushing realities of early morning flights. The Residence Inn usually offers a *solid* free breakfast. Not gourmet, mind you, but perfectly acceptable. Expect your standard fare: eggs (scrambled, sometimes other variations), bacon or sausage, cereal, pastries, yogurt, fruit, bagels, those little mini-muffins (highly addictive, be warned), and, the holy grail... COFFEE. GOOD coffee. They usually have a coffee machine that you can actually trust. Thank goodness. Seriously, a good airport hotel breakfast can make or break your whole travel experience.
Emotional Reaction: I once stayed at a hotel where the coffee was so weak, it tasted like dishwater. I’ve got the *urge* to scream. Seriously. I was grumpy all day. This is one thing Residence inn doesn't get wrong.
What about the airport shuttle? Does it actually work? And is it free? (Crucial.)
Let’s go back to the shuttle! Ah, the shuttle…It's usually good! Usually. They advertise it as free, and it *is* free, as far as I've experienced. Check the schedule online beforehand though, to double-check times. (I've learned this the hard way, multiple times.) It typically runs frequently, but it's not like every five minutes. It also depends on traffic, and traffic around Montreal airport can be a beast. It’s a good idea to factor in a little extra time, you know, just in case. The shuttle drivers are generally friendly, too. They're dealing with tired, cranky travelers, and they do a pretty good job.
Messy Structure, Rambling Alert: Okay, so the shuttle, right? I remember *one time* the shuttle was late. Really late. I was panicking because I had a tight connection. I started pacing, muttering to myself, which, let's be honest, is never a good look in a hotel lobby. The driver finally showed up, apologized profusely (bless him!), and we made it to the airport just in the nick of time. That was an experience. But it was the *one time* it was late. And it taught me a valuable lesson: always build in extra buffer time.
Anything else I should know? The hidden pitfalls of an airport hotel stay?
Okay, a few more things for your radar. First, noise. Airport hotels can be noisy. You're near airplanes, and they do, occasionally, make noise. Ask for a room away from the elevator or ice machine if you're a light sleeper. The gym is usually functional, not state-of-the-art, but it'World Of Lodging
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