W Montreal is WWonderful!
Written: Nov 05 '06 (Updated Nov 05 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Whatever you want, they can get it for you.
Cons: Limited eating choices, expensive
The Bottom Line: When you want to splurge and have a good time in Montreal, this is the place to stay.
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| BeastieGirl's Full Review: W Montreal |
There is something about the W brand hotels that I really like. Perhaps it’s the little extras in the way they present themselves, their (mostly) can-do attitude. I like the modern decor, the background music, the fun designs of the hotel and their uber comfy guest rooms. Unfortunately, that comes at a premium and the W Montreal is certainly not afraid to help you rack up a rather hefty bill for your stay with them. Is it all worth it? I suppose it depends on how much you value your hotel experience and if the W actually has what you are looking for.
Location
The W Montreal is in a great location if you want to be downtown and well centered. Just on the outskirts of “Le Vieux Port”, the W is within walking distance of many great restaurants, fun bars and activities year round. It is also close to McGill and Concordia universities. If you are in town for a hockey game, the Bell Center is about 15 minutes away on foot. Because of the downtown location, however, parking is limited to valet only and they charge $31 per night with unlimited in and out privileges.
Welcome to the Living Room
You will be greeted immediately and promptly by lots of guys dressed all in black when you arrive at the hotel. Don’t worry, though, they are there to help you park your car, carry your luggage, show you around, get you hot tea, pretty much anything you wish for. They are all super friendly and helpful, but if you aren’t expecting it, you can end up feeling more like you are going into a nightclub with your luggage!!
Having stayed at this hotel several times before, I first thought that the initial greeting and check in was a bit too uppity for me, not relaxed enough. The last time I stayed with them, I found everyone to be much friendlier and smiles weren’t in short supply. Had I written this review several months ago, I would not have felt this way at all. The check in was great and the energy in the Living Room, as the lobby is affectionately called, had a great, warm feel to it.
This way to your room
I usually carry my one small suitcase to my hotel rooms myself, but I was hardly given the choice as they escorted me to my room. I was showed how to adjust the heat in my room and asked if there was anything else I needed, which was really just a good night’s sleep. The rooms are all dark, with a bright, turquoise blue trim. The carpet, desk, doors and armoire are all dark brown but the curtains were a bright blue, all very modern and fun. The bed was low to the ground, but extremely comfortable with a feather bed, down comforter, luxurious sheets and soft pillows, all beckoning me to sleep. The bed was accented with a faux-fur blanket and throw pillow, which I’m not a huge fan of, but in these guest rooms, it works.
The bathrooms are open into the guest room and have a blue privacy curtain. The actual “water closet” has a door, but for all the rest- sink, tub and shower- privacy is an option. The shower and tub were separate, with a deep white rectangular tub is perfect for soaking in after coming in from the wintry cold. The shower has all brick-size white tiles with a shower head located on the high ceiling for a rain-like effect. While this appeared nice, I found it difficult to get used to. The pressure was a little low, since the water was coming from so high above. I certainly wouldn’t complain if this were my bathroom at home, though, I rather liked the modern design of it all. The bath products are all from Bliss Spa, a nice little bonus.
Standard in all rooms is a high speed wired and wireless internet connected (yeah, for $20), coffee maker, iron/board, hair dryer, bathrobes, DVD player and mini bar (stocked with a tiny oxygen tank for those rough mornings after a long night…). All the rooms that I have been in have had adequate work space and comfy chairs to lounge in, but otherwise, there’s not a whole lot of excess furniture.
What else?
If you don’t feel like spending the $20 connect to the Internet, there is a Wired room with two computers for use at no charge, as well as a copier/fax machine and fruit-infused water to quench your thirst while you surf (on-line, that is).
Away is the hotel’s spa that offers a full range of services, though they won’t come cheap. A 90 minute facial will run you just shy of $200. Still, it’s a great option if you are really looking to indulge while staying at the W Montreal.
If you are looking to get a good workout in, the hotel fitness center Detox is fairly decent for a hotel workout room, with the standard cardio equipment and soft towels and fruit infused water as well. It’s kind of small, but clean and well maintained, which is pretty much all you can ask for at a hotel gym.
Hungry and too tired to leave the hotel?
There are options. The hotel’s restaurant, Otto is a funky, trying to be hip restaurant that will probably not attract picky eaters, nor will you be excited to go here if you are cheap. Dinner with drinks will run you a minimum of $70. Too much, as far as I’m concerned for mediocre food and lousy menu options. If you like eclectic food options, don’t care about price and want your food served to you by waitresses in skin tight mini-dresses, then Otto is the place for you.
Room service is also available, but be prepared to shell out just as much, if not more, money. The options are a little more generic on the room service menu if that makes a difference and if you still can’t find anything you like but are unwilling to leave the hotel, remember that W Hotels offer their Whatever/Whenever service so if you’re craving something not on any menu, they can find it for you- but remember, it comes at a price.
Just want to get your drink on?
Don’t worry, you won’t have a problem doing that here. With the Wunderbar located on the Living Room level, there are plenty of comfy seats, cool people and delish drinks available. Just be sure to dress the part. Unless you are a super model, jeans won’t really cut it. Don’t worry about being overdressed, as that probably won’t happen here (unless you are in your prom dress, yeah, that’s a no-no). I’m not saying you should wear a suit and tie, but this is definitely a do your hair and make-up if you’re a girl, and guys- don’t wear sneakers and t-shirts- that won’t cut it here. There is also a bar located on the mezzanine level that is sometimes reserved for private functions. Many locals frequent these bars as well. Both bars are definitely not your typical hotel bars, that’s for sure.
What else…
If I had written this review 4 months ago, I would have given it 3 stars and said to waste your money if you want to, it’s yours, not mine. Now, with the fabulous service I received, smiles galore, I’m inclined to rate just a bit higher. It’s expensive, there’s no doubt there, but so is the Ritz-Carlton. The service options are amazing- they even have room service for your pets! The rack rate for rooms is generally around $300 per night, but booking in advance and keeping an eye out for deals will get you a room for around $150-190 per night. This is a great hotel to stay at if you want to “do it up” and have a really fun time. More of a vacation hotel than all business, it’s one of those places to stay that is more fun the more people you have with you. So go, enjoy, splurge and have a fantastic time- it’s Montreal!
Other W Hotel reviews:
W Atlanta
W French Quarter New Orleans
Recommended:
Yes
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