Pied-A-Terre Mont-Royal

I had saved for six months for this trip as a single mom of three, but the owner didn't care. I booked five beds, then had to cancel, and first messaged without getting a reply. When I finally called, he said I only had one bed booked. I told him I needed to cancel, and he agreed to cancel it and assured me I wouldn't be charged. He charged me $500 anyway. After that, he wouldn't answer my calls or messages. He lied to me, took my money, and gave the room to someone else. Don't book here. The owner is a terrible person.

The location is the only thing going for this place. In my 12 years of travelling around the world, this was the worst so-called hostel I've stayed in. It should be shut down by Montreal city hall. Anyone from the street could easily access the rooms; there are lockers, but little else for security, and I didn't feel safe at night. The whole place shares one bathroom, with no separation between the toilet and shower, which was disgusting. Check-in was a nightmare and I waited three hours for a bed. They charge for absolutely everything. I wouldn't come here expecting a hostel atmosphere or a chance to meet people if you're travelling solo. It felt like a refugee concentration camp. Also, please don't pay by credit card. They can overcharge whatever amount they want, and the taxes they charged even exceeded the reservation amount. They charged my card twice, and it took months to get the money back. They give no receipt or other proof that you stayed. This place is disgusting, they steal from you, and I can even say it's dangerous. It isn't a hotel or a hostel. You've been warned!

I've stayed at several hostels in Montreal, and every one was cleaner, nicer, and better run than this place. Months ahead of my stay, I called to change the booking, and the owner said everything was fine. When I arrived, he denied ever speaking with me and tried to charge far too much. I cancelled and booked another hotel, but he still charged me. He's confused, lazy, arrogant, and rude.

The place was messy, and I couldn't see a secure spot for luggage. I'd look for another hostel. We ended up scrambling for somewhere to stay at the last minute, even though we'd booked more than a month ahead. I got there before my friend and gave the desk man her name, since she had made the booking. He said she'd booked and paid only for herself. When I asked if there was room for me, he said yes, but wanted $170 for one night, more than double what our booking said. I agreed because I needed a place to sleep, and we waited for my friend to sort things out. When she arrived, we asked why the price was higher and why he said there was one bed when her email showed two. In the end he told us both to get out for «asking too many questions» and said he hadn't expected both of us. The whole thing felt scammy.