Hotel Visitel

We had a private bathroom, the AC worked well, and although our suite was on the third floor, the stairs didn’t bother us. Keep in mind this is an older building with rooms on four levels and no elevator. There are also rooms with shared bathrooms on different floors. This is a small, clean, well-organized hotel in central Montreal, and it suited us as a couple for a long weekend. The staff were welcoming and gave useful sightseeing tips, as well as advice on what to watch for regarding safety. It’s not packed with amenities, but I’d definitely recommend it.

The woman at the front desk was lovely and friendly, and the shower had strong, warm water. At $45 a night, that was the good part. The internet was unreliable, and I could hear people walking up and down the hall all night. The bed linens were awful for winter, and the pillows were flat with no fluff or neck support, which left me with a lot of restless nights. The showerhead also leaked.

The manager noticed our little girl and later brought up a cot, saying she thought our daughter would sleep more comfortably in her own bed. I’ve stayed in all kinds of places and never had a manager offer help like that. The room itself was small but nice, with two double beds and a compact bathroom. The shower was great and had excellent pressure. We were in town for the Jazz festival, when rooms across the city were expensive. We could have stayed closer to the old port for twice as much, but after the warm service at Hotel Visitel, I’d probably stay there again. It has the feel of the small european hotels I remember from when I was young, and it’s within walking distance of the old port, the metro, and places to eat at all price points. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first walked in, but the price and location worked out.

The staff were very polite, and the room was clean and tidy, but I wouldn’t return. I’d asked for a quiet room because I’m a light sleeper and was put on the third floor, yet I could hear people outside. The mattress springs squeaked whenever I moved, and the fridge was so loud it woke me several times. Everything felt old, there’s no lift, and breakfast isn’t offered.