Dr. Penfield Standard Studio de Luxe

The price and location made this a good deal, especially with Montreal hotel rates being so high. Our host let us in right away, and we got our room quickly. No waiting or reservation trouble, despite a few reviews that had made me expect some. The room was nice, with a window nook facing what I assume was a hospital. The bed was warm and soft, and the bathroom was clean. It has a fun retro-lodging feel, like an old building that’s been renovated. It’s a little off the grid, but we liked the concept and I’d come back.

The room was clean, the bed was comfortable, and I liked the decor. The breakfast was pretty underwhelming, but I only had a coffee before heading out to eat anyway. This is a gorgeous building with a beautifully redone interior, and staying here costs much less than other hotels nearby. I’m planning to return, and would say give it a try.

I liked having some independence and not feeling hovered over, though there could be more staff to welcome guests. The service felt basic, but it was fine. It’s a lovely, very old building that really does feel a bit like a castle. The price is a big plus, since everything in Montreal is so expensive now. You get a distinctive B&B feel without an out-of-reach price, and I prefer it to a standard hotel. It’s also a handy base for exploring, within walking distance of Guy-Concordia subway station, the bars on Bishop and Crescent, and a short walk from Mount Royal. I slept well every night.

The windows don’t open, and the rooms feel small and have hardly any air. It got stuffy, my eyes became itchy and I had allergy symptoms several times, so I had to go outside to get some fresh air. The air conditioning unit also didn’t seem to work.